We think the BlackVue DR970X-2CH is the best dash cam for truckers and for fleet management, due to crisp 4K resolution and an ultra-wide 155-degree front view.
Commercial truck cabs need a wide-angle lens, high definition recordings, and other industry-specific features.
We’ve rounded up the top six dash cams for commercial trucks, comparing them across six key criteria including price, technology, and trucker-specific features.
Key Takeaways
- The BlackVue DR970X-2CH is the top-rated dash cam for truckers due to its ease of use, 4K resolution, and stacked feature list.
- Dash cams help fleets lower insurance rates and protect against false claims.
- Dash cams from Samsara and Verizon Connect are best for those who need integration with existing fleet management software.
- AI-powered features, like those in the Driveri 360-Degree and Lytx DriveCam, include advanced driver monitoring and risk assessment.
- Dash cam features essential for commercial vehicles include wide-angle lenses and high-definition recording, over standard car models.
| Price | Pros | Cons | Screen size | Resolution | Field of view | Storage | Night vision | GPS tracking | ||
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| Best overall | Best for driver safety | Best for features | Best for long-haul truckers | Best for full visibility | Best for automatic monitoring | |||||
| BlackVue DR970X-2CH | Samsara CM32 Dual-Facing Dash Cam | Lytx DriveCam | Verizon Connect AI Dashcam | Driveri 360-Degree AI Fleet Dash Cam | Vantrue T2 Dash Cam | |||||
| $505 | Get a quote | Get a quote | Get a quote | Get a quote | $120 | |||||
| Fantastic resolution |
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| Right at the top end of the pricing spectrum |
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| 2 inches | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 inches | |||||
| 4K | 1,080p (rear is 720p) | 720p | 720p | 1,080p | 1,080p | |||||
| Front: 155° | Front: 121° | Front: 88° | 150° | 360° | 160° | |||||
| 64GB | Unlimited, via cloud | 4GB | Unlimited, via cloud | Unlimited, via cloud | Up to 256GB | |||||
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Dash Cam Buying Advice
Our top dash cam for commercial vehicles is the BlackVue DR970X-2CH. It offers an impressive 4K resolution and 64GB of local storage, two crucial factors for fleet managers who need to maintain a record of any traffic infractions or collisions for insurance purposes.
The Samsara CM32 is another top pick, but for a different reason: it comes bundled with the stellar Samsara fleet management system, with its maintenance, routing, and fuel tracking tools.
The 6 Best Trucker Dash Cams Reviewed
The five key factors we use to select the best dash cams for truckers are video quality, hardware features, software features, pricing, and storage support.
Best for: Trucking managers who need great picture quality
Top features
- 155 degree front view
- 139 degree rear view
- 4K ultra HD
- Up to 256GB micro SD card
- 8MP image sensor
- Motion sensor
- Wi-Fi capable
The BlackVue DR970X-2CH dual dash cam meets all the requirements for a pro-grade dash cam, offering a wide 155 degree view and 4K ultra HD — that’s 3,840×2,160 pixels at 30fps (frames per second), with an 8MP (megapixel) image sensor.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Wi-Fi equipped
- Embedded GPS data
Cons
- Price is on the high end
What we like
The BlackVue’s built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi G-Sensor lets users view live footage or download recorded video through a free app available on Android and iOS.
Our research team liked the device’s design, which embeds GPS data into the video. This allows a fleet to know the speed, location, and coordinates of any incident they’re reviewing — a major boon for a fleet manager dealing with insurance claims.
The BlackVue’s setup process and the user interface are simple and easy to understand, while a CMOS sensor enables the night vision long-haul drivers need.
What we don’t like
BlackVue cameras aren’t made to integrate with fleet management software, so you won’t be able to benefit from the added insights, trends, and tracking that some of the other top dash cams on this list offer.
Price: $505 (with 64GB storage)
Best for: Trucking managers who need safety alerts
Top features
- 177 degree wide angle view
- Infrared LEDs
- HD video
- Internal accelerometer
- Real-time alerts and AI coaching
- Withstands extreme temperatures
The camera is dual-facing, with two distinct lenses. The front-facing camera is 1,080p and offers a 121 degree angle, while the rear-facing one is 720p with a 177 degree view, and includes infrared LEDs for night driving.
The Samsara CM32 is offered by a top fleet management software service, so it includes extra driver safety features like an internal accelerometer (G-sensor) that tracks crashes and harsh driving, and driver scorecards and trend reports.
Samsara’s built-in AI identifies driving events — including near-misses — and sends in-cab audio alerts in real time to distracted drivers. It’s a proactive driver monitoring system that makes sure everyone stays safe.
Pros
- Records in-cab and road ahead
- Real-time alerts
- Great data collection ability, including GPS tracking
Cons
- The high-end features may cost you more
- Comes bundled with fleet management software
What we like
This cam is not designed for livestreaming, but does automatically upload 10 seconds of video before and after any incidents it detects to cloud storage. The previous 40 hours of driving time are also accessible at any time, if needed.
Samsara is a popular fleet management provider, and we rated it highly for good reason in our Samsara review. This dash cam is likely a no-brainer for anyone already using Samsara’s service, or for a fleet considering a fleet management system (FMS) upgrade.
What we don’t like
We think the price tag is a little high. Granted, our researchers believe most large fleets will recoup the expense through money saved by reducing incidents and improving driver behavior, but that’s true only if your fleet will benefit from the entire Samsara software bundle.
Samsara’s fleet software allows dash cam footage to be displayed alongside a map of the vehicle’s location at the time the footage was shot. Source: Samsara
Price: It depends, as you’ll likely want to include this cam as a bundle with Samsara’s fleet software. Costs for the CM32 alone start at a $2,160 one-time fee for a three-year license (about $60 per month).
Best for: Truck drivers who value ease of use
Top features
- 720p HD video quality
- 131 degree interior, 82 degree exterior
- Night vision: Eight high-lumen infrared LED lights
- Microphone and speaker
- GPS location tracking
- Up to 100 hours of local storage
- AI risk detection
The Lytx DriveCam’s many features includes an omnidirectional microphone, a speaker for audible alerts, night vision, GPS location tracking, a two-year warranty, and the ability to record up to 100 hours of continuous video footage.
Machine vision and AI features are integrated into the Lytx DriveCam device, providing enhanced risk detection not available on most other dash cams.
This is another dual-facing dash cam, capable of filming the exterior and interior of a vehicle with a single unit. It offers a 131 degree interior and 82 degree exterior view. Up to four side and rear cams can be added with the Lytx Hub adapter, for vehicles that need 360 degree coverage.
In tandem with the Lytx vehicle tracking software, the device can log speed, fuel, and vehicle data from your vehicle. Our researchers identified it as a strong option for a fleet of trucks that needs historical data to help streamline its operations.
Pros
- Pairs with Lytx vehicle tracking software
- AI-powered risk assessment
- Easy to use cloud storage dashboard
Cons
- Doesn't record in 1,080p resolution
- Requires additional cams to film a 360 degree view
What we like
The dashboard is easily searchable, making this a great option for a manager who wants to comb through data and footage often and rapidly. It’s cloud-connected, so managers can get videos minutes after they are taken (provided they have the cellular network coverage they need).
What we don’t like
The video quality isn’t as great as that of many other dash cams on our list, since it doesn’t record in 1,080p resolution.
Price: Custom pricing
Best for: Verizon Connect clients
Top features
- 720p HD
- 150 degree view
- 90-day history
Fleets that are just getting set up can invest in Verizon Connect Reveal to gain the combined impact of its dash cams, GPS tracking, ELD compliance, fuel management, asset tracking, field service management, and more.
Verizon Connect dash cam video recordings are triggered by incidents such as rapid acceleration, harsh braking, or cornering. These incidents are then automatically uploaded to Verizon’s online platform and are available to download within a few minutes. Managers can also watch in “street view” mode to see a live feed of each driver’s dash cam.
Our research team was impressed by the service’s recording histories, which remain available for 90 days after recording — well above the expected retention time for dash cam footage.
Pros
- Videos are stored for 90 days
- Powerful insights alongside the Verizon Connect Reveal platform
- HD incident footage available minutes afterwards
Cons
- No night vision capabilities
- Requires Verizon Connect Reveal
What we like
The camera’s specs — 720p video with a 150 degree angle — are pro-grade, though we didn’t find them the absolute best in our testing. Through the Verizon Connect Reveal software, users can add an additional 145 degree night-vision-capable driver-facing camera, for a view inside the cab as well.
Verizon Connect includes free installation of its dash cams, typically located behind the vehicle’s rearview mirror.
What we don’t like
The camera doesn’t offer night vision, which will be a problem for long hauls that inevitably run into dim natural lighting.
The camera also requires a bundle with Verizon Connect Reveal, cutting down on the flexibility that a non-branded dash cam might offer.
Price: Custom pricing
Verizon’s dash cam in action. Source: Verizon
Best for: Trucking managers who need full visibility
Top features
- AI processor
- 360 degree view
- Unlimited video storage
- 1,080p HD footage
- 4G LTE support
The Driveri semi truck dash cam is sold by fleet software company Netradyne, which partners with GPS Insight.
The Driveri dash cam includes AI features capable of identifying driver drowsiness, traffic light violations, unsafe tailgating, and more.
The 360 degree view means you’ll be able to see what’s happening to either side of the vehicle, as well as at the front and inside of the cab — no add-on camera purchases required.
Video footage is stored for an unlimited time period in the cloud or locally for up to 100 hours.
Pros
- Offers more video coverage than any other camera
- Up to 100 hours of local storage
- AI monitors driving safety
Cons
- Learning curve can be tough
- GPS Insight app might crash at times
What we like
Any managers who want to head off false claims will be well prepared with the Driveri dash cam. It can track and verify all kinds of incidents, from harsh braking/accelerating to driver drowsiness, traffic violations, and unbuckled seatbelts.
GreenZone Scores provide visibility into which drivers have above-average performance and where safety improvements can be made, so you can reward good decisions.
What we don’t like
The GPS Insight app might crash when users are zooming in on specific vehicles, according to some negative reviews.
The learning curve may be difficult due to the number of features offered and the unusual capabilities, including scorecards and AI features.
Price: Custom pricing
Best for: Trucking managers that need auto recording
Top features
- 1,080p HD
- 160 degree view
- Wave guard indicator
- Time lapse function
- 18-month warranty
The Vantrue T2’s HD video and night vision sensors capture crisp images of license plates and traffic signs. The 160 degree view isn’t the widest, but it can capture all four sides of a traffic stop at once and will suit the needs of most drivers.
When parked, a built-in wave guard motion sensor can send out a microwave signal from the front of the vehicle, which triggers the cam to start recording if anything interferes with the beam, so your unattended vehicle remains secure.
The “time lapse” function takes snapshots at set intervals to create a time-lapse video, for automated monitoring.
Pros
- HD video
- Great for auto-monitoring
Cons
- An extra GPS mount is needed to enable GPS functionality
- No night vision
What we like
The dash cam’s automatic features, such as the time lapse and motion sensor settings, make it a great pick for drivers who want to know what’s happening around their vehicle when no one’s there to see it.
What we don’t like
There’s no night vision, even though it’s a common feature for most commercial dash cams. Since many vehicles drive odd hours, it’s often important to have useful video footage during dim lighting conditions.
You’ll also need to install an extra GPS mount in order to enable GPS functionality.
Price: $120
How To Choose a Dash Cam: A Buyer’s Guide
While dash cams play a key role in mitigating potential penalties, our logistics research shows a clear adoption gap: 56% of large fleets (more than 50 vehicles) use them, compared with only 13% of smaller fleets (21-50 vehicles).
Here are a few questions we think you must ask when choosing dash cams for your business.
What video quality do you need?
Dash cams typically film in two different types of HD video: either video with a 1,280×720 pixel resolution (also called “720p”), or video with a 1,920×1,080 pixel resolution (also called “1,080p,” or “full HD”).
We recommend 1,080p, since it offers more detail than 720p. Some cameras film in even higher definitions, like 2K or 4K, but these cost several hundred dollars more.
Which camera angles do you need?
Most dash cams are single-lens, front-facing cameras, which film just the road in front of a vehicle. (Some of these cameras can also be swiveled to film inside the cab when needed during a traffic stop).
Other types of cameras include dual-facing dash cams, with two lenses that allow for simultaneously filming the road in front and the inside of the cab.
How do you access dash cam footage?
If there is a physical SD card in the dash cam, take that out and put it into a compatible device to easily check the footage. An integrated dash cam will typically send the footage directly to a fleet management service, which will allow you to access it within the platform by navigating to the dedicated page.
How much do dash cams for truckers cost?
A high-quality dash cam for truckers typically starts at $150 and can cost as much as $400 to $500. While cheaper cams exist — as low as $50 — they often lack essential features. You can learn more about extra factors like installation, warranties, and insurance savings in our dash cam price guide.
Expert Tip — How to Combine Dash Cam Clips
Check to see if your dash cam allows you to combine clips within the hardware or within a connected software platform. Fleet management software may include video trimming and combining tools.
Alternatively, you can export individual clips and edit them on a desktop computer, using a free software like QuickTime Player, which works on both Mac and Windows. You can trim and combine clips from each of your separate video files.
Adobe Premiere Pro can also accomplish this, while CapCut is a free service that does the same.
Here at Tech.co, we search the dash cam market to find the models that offer the best features to provide you with a reliable and trustworthy device to take on the road.
Among the criteria we use to assess dash cams, we look at:
- Picture quality: Having a dash cam in your cab is a great reassurance but, if the recorded image is blocky or dimly lit, it might not provide you with the proof you need. We only recommend dash cams with excellent image quality, meaning you can get on the road knowing that if the worst happens, you’ll have crystal clear evidence.
- Storage: How much footage you can keep on your dash cam can be very important, especially if you’re recording at a high image quality, which can be more demanding on storage space. We let you know the capacity of a dash cam, and you won’t need to worry about not capturing key moments because there wasn’t any space left.
- GPS: Some dash cams offer GPS, which allows users to pinpoint the exact location of an incident, and can also prove yourself to those not in the truck at the time. We tell you which models have this useful feature.
- Night vision: We know that truckers don’t just work during the day, and that night time driving can be dangerous. In fact, a serious traffic incident is more likely to happen at night than during the day.
If you want to learn more about the process by which we rate and rank business technology providers, take a look at our in-depth research guide for more information.
Verdict: Compare Dash Cam Prices
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