Best picksGood Meat Thermometers for Every Kind of Cook
Best picksBest Dash Cams for Cars in 2026
Best picksBest WiFi Extenders: Which Range Extender Should You Buy?
Best picksBest Radar Detectors for Cars: Models Compared
Best picksGood Winter Gloves for Cold Weather: Five Useful Picks
Best picksBest Headlamps: Six Lights Compared for Different Uses
Best picksBest Portable Air Coolers for Patios, Workshops and Small Spaces (2026)
Best picksTop 10 Best Battery-Powered Weed Eaters for Different Yards
Best picksBest Air Purifier for Bedroom in the US: Quiet Models ComparedGearjury may earn a commission when you buy through a retailer link. Placement advice must be checked against your vehicle and local law.
Best picks
For most cars, the best dashcam placement is high on the windshield behind the rearview mirror, usually toward the passenger side. Compact screen-free cameras hide best; screen models need enough access for controls.
Quick answer
Mount a Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 high behind the mirror when discretion matters. The VIOFO VS1 suits a similarly compact app-led setup, while the wedge-shaped VIOFO A119 Mini 2 sits close to the glass. Choose the Garmin X310 when you want an accessible screen and BlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus when front-and-rear coverage is the priority.
Official manufacturer image
Best behind-the-mirror placement
Drawback: App dependence makes on-camera review unavailable.
Official manufacturer image
Best compact voice-controlled mount
Drawback: A phone is needed for a full live-view check.
Official manufacturer image
Best close-to-glass wedge mount
Drawback: The screen makes it more visible than a miniature cylinder camera.
Official manufacturer image
Best placement with an on-camera display
Drawback: It is harder to conceal fully behind a mirror than a screen-free model.
Official manufacturer image
Best front-and-rear placement
Drawback: Routing the rear-camera cable adds installation work.
| Official manufacturer imageGarmin Dash Cam Mini 3 | Official manufacturer imageVIOFO VS1 | Official manufacturer imageVIOFO A119 Mini 2 | Official manufacturer imageGarmin Dash Cam X310 | Official manufacturer imageBlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best mounting area | Behind mirror | Beside mirror | High windshield | High windshield with access | Front and rear glass |
| Display | None | None | Yes | 2.4 inches | None |
| Front resolution | 1080p | 2K | 2K | 4K Ultra HD | 4K UHD |
| Rear camera | No | No | No | No | Included in 2CH kit |
| Framing method | Phone app | Phone app | Screen or app | Screen or app | Phone app |
| Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon |
Common questions
Usually high on the windshield behind the rearview mirror, where it has a centered road view without blocking the driver. The exact legal mounting area varies by state.
The passenger side of the mirror often hides the body from the driver while keeping the lens close to center. Confirm that controls and the memory card remain reachable.
The lens should be near the vehicle centerline when practical, but a small offset normally matters less than keeping a clear, level view and avoiding sensor housings.
Mount it high on the rear glass, within the rear wiper's swept area where possible. Make sure defroster lines, trim and spoilers do not dominate the image.
Keep exploring
Start with the coverage you need: front-only, front and rear, cabin or a wider multi-camera view. Then compare recording detail, storage and power requirements.
A front and rear dash cam records both directions and can provide context a single lens misses. Check the rear-camera cable route and simultaneous recording resolution before buying.
The A329S serves buyers seeking high-detail multichannel recording; A229 models cover more moderate dual-camera needs, while A119 Mini 2 is the compact front-only option.
VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH is our broad recommendation for detailed front and rear coverage. Garmin Mini 3 favors discretion, while Garmin X310 is the sharper single-camera choice.