The 8 Best Dash Cams for Truckers

The best dash cam for truckers is the BlackVue DR900X-2CH, thanks to its ease of use, quality, fair price, and software features. Dash cameras from two of the best fleet management software providers, Samsara and Verizon Connect, clocked in at second and fourth place, respectively. However, they will likely be at the top of most fleet managers’ lists, thanks to the added benefits offered by the integrated fleet data each dash cam collects.

A semi-truck dash cam is by far the best way to protect your drivers from unfair claims and penalties, as well as reduce insurance rates, speed up claims, and incentivize safe driving, especially when combined with fleet software.

Simple dash cams made for non-commercial passenger vehicles won’t cut it for truckers, as truck cabs need a wide angle lens, high definition recordings, and other industry-specific features. Fortunately, there are a number of good value truck dash cams available, as we outline below.

In this guide:

• Top 8 Truck Dash Cam Reviews
• Compare Dash Cam Prices
• How to Choose a Dash Cam: Buyer’s Guide
• How to Combine Dash Cam Clips
• About Our Research
• How We Test Dash Cams

The trucking industry has been trying to save money where it can, so if you’re in the market for dash cams, it makes total sense to try to secure the best dash cam deal out there.

We’ve combed through the top truck dash cam vendors’ products to uncover the top 8 dash cams for truckers. They include products from big industry names such as Samsara, Verizon, and Blackvue.

We also highlight specific recommendations for different types of dash cam users, so whether you’re a long-haul trucker or looking to put safety first, we can help you find the right solution for your cab.

To compare price quotes for your fleet quickly and easily, try our dash cam comparison tool.

The 8 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. You can read our buyer’s guide below to figure out your own dash cam needs, or simply read on to see all our dash cam reviews and advice.

1. Blackvue DR900X-2CH
2. Samsara CM32 Dual-facing Dash Cam
3. Lytx Drivecam
4. Verizon Connect Dash Cam
5. Driveri 360 Degree AI Fleet Dash Cam
6. Old Shark Dash Cam
7. Z-Edge Dual Dash Cam
8. Vantrue T2 Dash Cam

Best for: Trucking managers who need great picture quality

Overview: The Blackvue DR970X-2CH dual dash cam is a well-loved camera, and for good reason. It meets all the requirements for a pro-grade dash cam, offering a wide 155 degree view, and more than impressive 4K Ultra HD – that’s 3840×2160 pixels at 30fps (frames per second), with an 8MP (megapixel) image sensor. It’s the highest quality video footage you’ll get from a dash cam.

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

What we like

Thanks to a built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi G-Sensor, the Blackvue is Wi-Fi equipped, so if your mobile phone is within reach of the dash cam unit, you’ll be able to view live footage or download recorded video through a free app available on Android and iOS. Our team of researchers also 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 setup process and the user interface are simple and easy to understand, so drivers will be happy with the device as well. Plus, it has a key functionality: A CMOS Sensor that enables the night vision any long-haul driver needs.

What we don’t like

Overall, our research team couldn’t find any specific fault with this trucker dash cam. The price is high, but not unreasonable given the features and quality offered. The company’s older S series offers many similar specs but starts at $295, so some fleets may be interested in seeking out the Blackvue DR900S-2CH. But if you’re looking for a modern dual dash cam, the Blackvue DR970X-2CH nets you the highest-possible quality of video. It also has up to 256GB storage with the right micro SD card, and many 4K cams cost even more.

Granted, Blackvue cameras aren’t made to integrate with fleet management software, so users 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: $389 (with 64GB storage)

Best for: Trucking managers who need safety alerts

Overview: The Samsara M32 is offered by a top fleet management software service. This means it also includes capabilities designed to help fleets gather the data they need to further streamline their operations, such as internal accelerometer (G-sensor) that tracks crashes and harsh driving, and driver scorecards and trend reports: This is great for driver safety measures.

Best of all, the built-in AI can identify driving events – including near-misses – and send in-cab audio alerts in real time to distracted drivers, to make sure they stay safe. The inclusion of a proactive driver monitoring system here is great news for both fleet managers and drivers.

The camera is dual-facing, with two distinct lenses. The front-facing camera is 1080p 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.

Top features

• 177 degree wide angle view
• Infrared LEDs
• HD video
• Internal accelerometer
• Real-time alerts and AI coaching
• Withstands extreme temperatures

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 for good reason: check out our Samsara review to learn why. This dash cam is likely a no-brainer for anyone already using Samsara’s service, or for a fleet considering an FMS upgrade.

What we don’t like

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 is be displayed alongside a map of the vehicle’s location at the time the footage was shot. Image 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 M32 alone start at a $2,160 one-time fee for a three-year license (about $60 per month). Easily compare quotes from Samsara and other dash cam providers here.

Best for: Truck drivers who value ease of use

Overview: The Lytx Drivecam has a lot of features: It 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. Plus, Machine Vision and AI features are integrated into the 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. On top of this, 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, making it a good option for a fleet of trucks that needs historical data to help streamline its operations.

Top features

• 720p HD video quality
• 131 degree interior; 82 degree exterior
• Night vision: 8 high-lumen infrared LED lights
• Microphone and speaker
• GPS location tracking
• Up to 100 hours of local storage
• AI risk detection

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).

Overall, the dash cam offers exceptional features. The cost for Lytx’s cameras and software varies depending on each fleet’s size, needs, and industry, so you’ll need to get in touch in order to learn how much their dash cams will cost you.

What we don’t like

The video quality isn’t as great as that of many other cams on our list, since it doesn’t record in 1080p resolution.

Price: Lytx offers tailored quotes, so get in touch to find out more. 

Best for: Verizon Connect clients

Overview: Verizon Connect, one of the best fleet management software providers around, sells a dash cam that integrates perfectly with the rest of its services. Fleets that are just getting set up would do well to invest in Verizon Connect’s platform Reveal, as the combined impact of its dash cams, GPS tracking, ELD compliance, fuel management, asset tracking, field service management, and more, can transform business efficiency for a real boost in customer service, and profits.

Verizon Connect’s dash cam video recordings are triggered by incidents such as rapid acceleration, or harsh braking or cornering. These incidents are then automatically uploaded to Verizon’s online platform, and 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.

Top features

• 720p HD
• 150 degree view
• 90-day history

What we like

The camera’s specs — 720p video with a 150 degree angle — are pro-grade, though not the absolute best. Through the Verizon Connect Reveal software, users can add an additional 145° night-vision-capable driver-facing camera, for a view inside the cab as well.

Verizon Connect includes free installation of its dash cams, which are typically located behind the vehicle’s rear view mirror. Managers will need to use the Verizon Connect Reveal platform in order to use this dash cam.

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: Verizon Connect offers tailored quotes, so get in touch to find out more. 

Best for: Trucking managers who need AI features

Overview: The Driveri semi truck dash cam is sold by fleet software company Netradyne, which partners with GPS Insight. This partnership has produced a dash cam with truly impressive AI capabilities and a viewpoint that allows you to see it all: no blind spots.

AI is a hot topic these days, but the Driveri cam has offered its own AI features for years. They can identify 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 – with 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.

Top features

• AI processor
• 360 degree view
• Unlimited video storage
• 1080p HD footage
• 4G LTE support

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. The addition of GreenZone Scorecards can provide visibility into which drivers have above-average performance, and where safety improvements can be made, so you can reward good decisions. Overall, it’s a dash cam that will keep you covered, from all angles.

What we don’t like

The GPS Insight app might crash when users are zooming in on specific vehicles, according to some negative reviews. Plus, the overall learning curve might be difficult, due to the number of features offered and the unusual capabilities, including scorecards and AI features.

Price: GPS Insight offers tailored quotes, so get in touch to find out more.

Best For: Trucking operations on a small budget

Overview: Starting at a low $45.99, the Old Shark Dash Cam’s features are a grab-bag of great perks, from the 170 degree view, to collision auto-detection (via G-sensor), night vision, and a Wide Dynamic Range. It’ll start rolling when the engine is turned on, ensuring no driving time goes unrecorded.

Top features

• 1080p HD
• Accident auto-detection
• 170 degree view
• Night vision
• Wide Dynamic Range
• 32GB micro SD card

What we like

This cam will record plenty of footage and context thanks to its wide-angle view, and the price is about as low as you can hope for, which should please budget-conscious managers with an entire fleet to equip. The Old Shark cam is currently one of the cheapest trucker dash cam deals around: It’s just $45.99 from some outlets, down from $50 last time we checked (and the time before that it was $55).

What we don’t like

One potential downside? Our testing found that the windshield mount is less durable than the camera itself, which is a problem as it’s tough to replace if it snaps.

Price: $45.99

Best for: Truck drivers who value portability

Overview: The Z-Edge cam comes with a suction cup mount, and has a quick-release mechanism that allows it to be easily removed or replaced on a windshield, making it a good option for truckers that move between vehicles often. It offers a decent 155 degree view, with Wide Dynamic Range technology to balance out extreme bright or dark exposure, and night vision.

Top features

• 1080p HD
• 155 degree view
• F2.0 aperture
• Night vision
• Wide Dynamic Range
• 256GB micro SD card

What we like

It’s another dual cam, so you’ll get both a 1080p (30FPS) rear view and 2560x1440p front camera (30FPS) as well. It also includes GPS, can handle a 256GB micro SD card, and provides HD video quality – delivering each of the major elements a trucker needs in a dash cam, and offering a great value for its cost.

What we don’t like

The wire for the camera must be plugged into the cigarette lighter port in order to function. Plus, while the 155 degree view is better than some, it’s not as great as a 160 or 170 degree view other cameras might offer.

Price: $99.99

Best for: Trucking managers that need auto recording

Overview: The Vantrue T2’s HD video and night vision sensors can capture crisp images of license plates and traffic signs alike. The 160 degree view could be wider, but can capture all four sides of a traffic stop at once, and should 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. This can help to ensure your unattended vehicle remains secure. Another automated monitoring system is the cam’s “time lapse” function, which takes snapshots at set intervals to create a time lapse video.

Top features

• 1080p HD
• 160 degree view
• Wave guard indicator
• Time lapse function
• 18-month warranty

What we like

The 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, 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: Buyer’s Guide

Dash cams are available in plenty of different types and sizes, but if you don’t know anything about the product, it’s tough to know where to start. This is especially true when weighing the price of dash cams, which can vary dramatically from product to product. Here are a few questions to ask, along with a few details about what to look for.

What video quality do you need?

Dash cams typically film in two different types of HD video- either video with a 1280×720 pixel resolution (also called “720p“), or video with a 1920×1080 pixel resolution (also called “1080p,” or “full HD”). Perhaps unsurprisingly, 1080p offers more detail than 720p, so our research team recommends 1080p in order to better ensure your dash cam captures license plate numbers or street signs when needed. 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 cams, 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. These might be used by a fleet of trucks, if the manager wants to monitor driver behavior (such as checking that a driver’s eyes were on the road during a collision incident).

What storage do you need?

A dash cam’s storage capacity is key: A camera that offers a loop recording feature will record until storage is full, and then begin to record over the oldest existing footage. So, the more storage you have, the farther back you can record. One extra wrinkle is that a higher resolution video will take up more storage.

What display size do you need?

A dash cam’s display size refers to the physical screen of the camera itself, which drivers can watch, or operate if it has touchscreen functionality. If you are mainly using a cam to record footage in case of a collision, your display shouldn’t need to be very large, and our testers find a typical 2 or 3 inch display will work fine.

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 or $500. Many dash cams include software and driver apps with the one-time cost of buying the hardware unit, but additional licensing fees may apply. If the cams are integrated with other fleet management services, this licensing fee is often included as an add-on to the monthly fleet management software fee.

While you can find a $50 dash cam, few will offer the quality of video you need, and they may need to be replaced sooner. Learn more about all the factors that influence dash cam prices, including installation, warranties, insurance savings, features, and where to find the best cheap dash cams, in our dash cam price guide.

What’s the difference between a car dash cam and a dash cam for truckers?

A dash cam for truckers is set apart from a non-commercial dash cam mainly by the width of the video footage it captures. This width is measured in degrees: the view of a front-facing camera on a typical trucker dash cam might be as wide as 170 degrees, though 165 degree and 150 degree views are also common. Car dash cams offer less, and even a smartphone camera could qualify if paired with one of the best dash cam apps.

Commercial vehicles also handle more extremes than non-commercial automobiles. Truckers need a dash cam that can record continuously for hours on end, handle bumps and jolts, and function despite temperature fluctuations. Many pro-grade dash cams include GPS data embedded in video footage, can be triggered to record and upload a quick clip when they register a collision or a harsh driving incident, and will record HD video that can capture license plate numbers in both dark or bright lighting.

How do I install a dash cam?

A typical dash cam can be mounted inside its vehicle’s windshield, usually behind the rear view mirror in order to leave the windshield itself clear and make sure the camera doesn’t obstruct a driver’s view. If installed anywhere else on a windshield, a trucker might run into legal trouble when visiting some states.

Do you need GPS data?

Some dash cams don’t include GPS location tracking, while others include GPS data logging in the video, allowing viewers to match a timestamp to a specific location (this GPS ability can typically be turned off if needed).

Do you need a small camera?

Some dash cams are slimmer and more compact than others, allowing them to be discreetly mounted in a vehicle, without drawing attention.

Do you need night vision?

Any long-haul trucker will frequently find themselves driving outside of daylight hours, and their dash cam will need to have night vision capabilities. All of the best dash cams for truckers, including all of our research team’s top picks on this page, have night vision included as standard. Cheaper models may not.

Do you need a fleet management system?

A dash cam by itself can record video, but a dash cam offered by a major fleet management software company like Verizon Connect or Samsara can integrate with their main fleet management software to offer additional features like fuel tracking, safety habit tracking, ELD compliance, or routing and dispatch abilities.

How to Combine Dash Cam Clips

You might need to compose a collection of dash cam clips for any reason. Perhaps you’re a fleet manager, and need to round up every time your vehicle was driven over a curb in order to file an insurance claim. Or, maybe you just want a clip of all the times your motion-activated camera caught a racoon in the parking lot for a fun home video.

Whatever the case, combining video clips can be done one of two ways. First, you can check to see if your dash cam allows you to combine clips within the hardware or within a connected software platform. Most standalone dash cams will just allow you to export the files individually, but fleet management software may include video trimming and combining tools.

The second way should work with any dash cam clips: Simply export the clips you need, and then edit them on your desktop computer, using a free software like QuickTime Player, which works on both Mac and Windows. It allows you to trim and combine the clips you need from each of your seperate video files. Adobe Premiere Pro can also accomplish this, and CapCut is another free service that you might find to be a simple solution as well.

About Our Research

Tech.co’s research team tracked each of the above-listed qualities in order to determine the best dash cam on the market today. We ranked each device across categories including storage, features, pricing, and video quality, as well as more granular specifics like whether it has night vision and how big the dash cam actually is.

We found fleet management software bundles are a huge money saver, too: If you’re looking for dash cams for a fleet of five or more vehicles, you can find the right dash cam for your business here.

Additionally, if you want to know how we rate and rank these dash cams and other business tools, check out our research guide for more information about the process.

How We Test Dash Cams for Truckers