Dash cams have become an essential accessory for drivers who want to protect themselves and their vehicles from potential accidents, hit-and-runs, or fraudulent claims. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to find the best dash cam that meets your specific needs, especially if you’re looking for one with a parking mode feature.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top dash cams with parking mode, their features, pros, and cons, and help you make an informed decision based on your budget and requirements.
Why Invest in a Dash Cam with Parking Mode?
A dash cam with parking mode is designed to continuously record footage even when your vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off. This feature is particularly useful in the following scenarios:
- Parking Lot Incidents: If someone bumps into your parked car or attempts to break in, the dash cam will capture the entire event, providing valuable evidence for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Hit-and-Run Protection: In case of a hit-and-run incident, the dash cam will record the license plate number and details of the offending vehicle, increasing your chances of identifying the culprit.
- Theft Deterrent: The presence of a dash cam can act as a deterrent for potential thieves, as they’ll be aware that their actions are being recorded.
- Vandalism Prevention: If someone tries to vandalize your parked vehicle, the dash cam will capture the incident, allowing you to take appropriate action.
The Top Dash Cams with Parking Mode
After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best dash cams with parking mode currently available on the market. We’ve considered factors such as video quality, battery life, ease of use, and overall value for money.
Comparison Table
| Dash Cam Model | Video Resolution | Battery Life (Parking Mode) | Additional Features | Price Range |
| Viofo A129 Pro Duo | Front: 4K, Rear: 1080p | Up to 24 hours | GPS, Wi-Fi, Buffered Parking Mode | |
| BlackVue DR900X-2CH | Front: 4K, Rear: 1080p | Up to 48 hours | Cloud Storage, Parking Mode Plus | $ |
| Rexing V1P Pro | Front: 4K, Rear: 1080p | Up to 12 hours | Wi-Fi, Night Vision, G-Sensor | $$$ |
| Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 | 1080p | Up to 24 hours | Voice Control, Compact Design | $$ |
| AUKEY Dash Cam DR02 | Front: 1080p, Rear: 1080p | Up to 12 hours | Wi-Fi, Loop Recording, G-Sensor | $$ |
1. Viofo A129 Pro Duo
The Viofo A129 Pro Duo is a top-of-the-line dash cam with an impressive feature set. It offers 4K resolution for the front camera and 1080p resolution for the rear camera, ensuring you capture high-quality footage from multiple angles.
Key Features:
- 4K front camera and 1080p rear camera
- Up to 24 hours of battery life in parking mode
- GPS tracking
- Wi-Fi connectivity for easy file transfer
- Buffered parking mode for continuous recording
Pros:
- Excellent video quality
- Long battery life in parking mode
- Buffered parking mode ensures you never miss an incident
- Wi-Fi connectivity for convenient file access
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some other options
- Installation can be tricky for some users
User Recommendation:
“The Viofo A129 Pro Duo is an amazing dash cam. The 4K front camera captures every detail, and the rear camera provides excellent coverage as well. The parking mode battery life is fantastic, and the buffered recording ensures I never miss anything. Highly recommended!” – Reddit User
2. BlackVue DR900X-2CH
The BlackVue DR900X-2CH is a premium dash cam with top-notch features and exceptional battery life in parking mode.
Key Features:
- 4K front camera and 1080p rear camera
- Up to 48 hours of battery life in parking mode
- Cloud storage option for easy access to footage
- Parking Mode Plus for enhanced parking monitoring
Pros:
- Incredible battery life in parking mode
- Cloud storage option for convenient access
- Parking Mode Plus for advanced parking monitoring
- Excellent video quality
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
- Cloud storage subscription required for some features
User Recommendation:
“If you’re looking for the best of the best, the BlackVue DR900X-2CH is the way to go. The 48-hour parking mode battery life is simply unbeatable, and the cloud storage option makes it easy to access footage from anywhere. Worth every penny!” – BlackboxMyCar Forum User
3. Rexing V1P Pro
The Rexing V1P Pro is a budget-friendly option that offers excellent value for money, with 4K resolution and a decent battery life in parking mode.
Key Features:
- 4K front camera and 1080p rear camera
- Up to 12 hours of battery life in parking mode
- Wi-Fi connectivity for easy file transfer
- Night vision mode for improved visibility in low-light conditions
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Good video quality with 4K front camera
- Wi-Fi connectivity for convenient file access
- Night vision mode for better visibility at night
Cons:
- Shorter battery life in parking mode compared to premium options
- Some users report issues with heat dissipation
User Recommendation:
“For the price, the Rexing V1P Pro is an absolute steal. The video quality is great, and the night vision mode really helps capture clear footage even in low-light conditions. The parking mode battery life is decent, and the Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easy to transfer files.” – Amazon Customer Review
4. Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is a compact and user-friendly dash cam with a 1080p resolution and decent battery life in parking mode.
Key Features:
- 1080p resolution
- Up to 24 hours of battery life in parking mode
- Voice control for hands-free operation
- Compact and discreet design
Pros:
- Long battery life in parking mode
- Voice control for added convenience
- Compact and discreet design
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- 1080p resolution may not be enough for some users
- No rear camera option
User Recommendation:
“The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is the perfect dash cam for those who want a simple and user-friendly experience. The voice control feature is incredibly convenient, and the compact design means it doesn’t obstruct your view while driving. The battery life in parking mode is also impressive for such a small device.” – Best Buy Customer Review
5. AUKEY Dash Cam DR02
The AUKEY Dash Cam DR02 is an affordable option that offers dual 1080p cameras and decent battery life in parking mode.
Key Features:
- Front and rear 1080p cameras
- Up to 12 hours of battery life in parking mode
- Wi-Fi connectivity for easy file transfer
- Loop recording to ensure continuous
Detailed Reviews and Comparisons
Now that we’ve covered the key features and highlights of each dash cam, let’s dive deeper into a more detailed review and comparison of these top options.
Viofo A129 Pro Duo
The Viofo A129 Pro Duo is a top contender in the dash cam market, offering exceptional video quality and a robust feature set. With its 4K front camera and 1080p rear camera, you can capture crystal-clear footage from multiple angles, ensuring you have comprehensive coverage in the event of an incident.
One of the standout features of the A129 Pro Duo is its buffered parking mode. This mode continuously records footage in a loop, overwriting older footage when the memory is full. However, if an impact or motion is detected while in parking mode, the camera will automatically save the footage before and after the event, ensuring you never miss a crucial moment.
The A129 Pro Duo also boasts impressive battery life, with the ability to record for up to 24 hours in parking mode on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that your vehicle is protected even during long periods of being parked.
In terms of connectivity, the A129 Pro Duo offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer and manage footage from your smartphone or tablet using the dedicated app. The camera also supports GPS tracking, which can be useful for tracking your vehicle’s location and speed.
While the A129 Pro Duo is more expensive than some other options on the market, its impressive feature set and excellent video quality make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best possible protection for their vehicle.
BlackVue DR900X-2CH
The BlackVue DR900X-2CH is a premium dash cam that offers top-of-the-line features and performance. With its 4K front camera and 1080p rear camera, you can expect exceptional video quality, capturing even the smallest details with clarity.
One of the standout features of the DR900X-2CH is its incredible battery life in parking mode. With up to 48 hours of continuous recording, this dash cam offers unparalleled protection for your vehicle while parked.
The DR900X-2CH also comes with a unique feature called Parking Mode Plus, which uses advanced algorithms to distinguish between normal parking movements and potential impacts or threats. This feature helps to minimize false alerts and ensures that you’re only notified of significant events.
Another notable feature of the DR900X-2CH is its cloud storage option. By subscribing to the BlackVue Cloud service, you can easily access and manage your footage from anywhere, providing added convenience and peace of mind.
While the DR900X-2CH is undoubtedly one of the most expensive dash cams on the market, its exceptional performance, advanced features, and unbeatable battery life make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize the utmost protection for their vehicle.
Rexing V1P Pro
The Rexing V1P Pro is a budget-friendly option that offers excellent value for money. With its 4K front camera and 1080p rear camera, you can expect high-quality footage that captures important details, even in challenging lighting conditions.
One of the standout features of the V1P Pro is its night vision mode, which enhances visibility and clarity in low-light situations. This feature can be particularly useful for capturing incidents that occur during the night or in poorly lit areas.
While the V1P Pro’s battery life in parking mode is not as impressive as some of the premium options, with up to 12 hours of continuous recording, it still offers a decent level of protection for your vehicle while parked.
The V1P Pro also offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer and manage footage from your smartphone or tablet using the dedicated app. This feature can be particularly convenient for quickly accessing and sharing footage when needed.
While the V1P Pro may not have all the advanced features of the more expensive options, its combination of good video quality, night vision mode, and affordable price point make it an excellent choice for those on a budget who still want a reliable dash cam with parking mode.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is a compact and user-friendly dash cam that offers a simple yet effective solution for those seeking basic protection for their vehicle.
One of the standout features of the Mini 2 is its voice control functionality, which allows you to easily start and stop recordings, take snapshots, and access other functions using voice commands. This feature can be particularly useful for drivers who prioritize convenience and hands-free operation.
While the Mini 2 only offers 1080p resolution, its compact and discreet design ensures that it doesn’t obstruct your view while driving. Additionally, the camera’s battery life in parking mode is impressive, with up to 24 hours of continuous recording.
The Mini 2 is also incredibly easy to set up and use, making it a great option for those who may be new to dash cams or prefer a more straightforward user experience.
While the Mini 2 may not offer the advanced features or high resolutions of some of the other options on the market, its combination of convenience, decent battery life in parking mode, and user-friendly design make it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and hassle-free dash cam solution.
AUKEY Dash Cam DR02
The AUKEY Dash Cam DR02 is an affordable dual-camera option that offers decent performance and features at a budget-friendly price point.
With its front and rear 1080p cameras, the DR02 provides comprehensive coverage of your vehicle, capturing important details from multiple angles. Additionally, the camera’s loop recording feature ensures that you never run out of storage space, as older footage is automatically overwritten when the memory is full.
While the DR02’s battery life in parking mode is not as impressive as some of the premium options, with up to 12 hours of continuous recording, it still offers a decent level of protection for your vehicle while parked.
The DR02 also offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer and manage footage from your smartphone or tablet using the dedicated app. This feature can be particularly convenient for quickly accessing and sharing footage when needed.
While the DR02 may not have the advanced features or exceptional video quality of the more expensive options, its combination of dual cameras, loop recording, and affordable price point make it a solid choice for those on a tight budget who still want a reliable dash cam with parking mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between a regular dash cam and one with parking mode?
A regular dash cam is designed to record footage while your vehicle is in motion, typically powered by your car’s electrical system. On the other hand, a dash cam with parking mode has a built-in battery or can be hardwired to your vehicle’s battery, allowing it to continue recording even when the engine is turned off and the vehicle is parked.
2. How long can a dash cam with parking mode record?
The battery life and recording duration in parking mode can vary significantly between different dash cam models. Some high-end models, like the BlackVue DR900X-2CH, can record for up to 48 hours in parking mode, while more budget-friendly options may only offer around 12 hours of recording time.
3. Do dash cams with parking mode drain my vehicle’s battery?
Most modern dash cams with parking mode are designed to be energy-efficient and have built-in mechanisms to prevent excessive battery drain. However, it’s still recommended to regularly start your vehicle and allow the battery to recharge if you plan to use the parking mode feature frequently.
4. Can I use a dash cam with parking mode in a rental car or a vehicle I don’t own?
Using a dash cam with parking mode in a rental car or a vehicle you don’t own may be considered illegal or a violation of the rental agreement in some jurisdictions. It’s always best to check the local laws and rental policies before installing any dash cam in a vehicle you don’t own.
5. How do I choose the best dash cam with parking mode for my needs?
When choosing the best dash cam with parking mode, consider factors such as video resolution, battery life in parking mode, additional features (like GPS, Wi-Fi, cloud storage), and your budget. Higher-priced models typically offer better video quality, longer battery life, and more advanced features, but more affordable options can still provide decent protection for your vehicle.
By considering these factors and comparing the options based on your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision and choose the dash cam with parking mode that best suits your requirements.
