Best Budget DVRs

For safe driving, especially on busy roads, it is imperative to have cameras that record what is happening while driving and even parking. Such records in the event of an accident will clarify the situation and find the guilty driver, deflecting suspicions from themselves. Also, these devices are very useful for avoiding speeding penalties, since some models warn about approaching stationary radars. You can eliminate troubles with the help of the best budget DVRs, and there are enough inexpensive options on the market, and our rating is a vivid confirmation of this.

Budget DVR of which company is better to choose

Finding a budget, but high-quality car DVR is quite difficult. Branded models are usually expensive, and products from unknown companies are often not reliable enough and short-lived. But there are several companies that make decent quality, inexpensive devices.

We present the TOP companies for the production of devices for video recording of events on the road:

• SilverStone F1 Is a widely popular brand in Russia that develops various accessories for cars: anti-radar, tires, etc. The general feature of its products is the focus on safe driving. The road tracking cameras of this company are well-equipped: accurate shooting and the necessary network interfaces.
• Artway Is an international company from Singapore specializing in video and sound recording devices. It produces a variety of related products: tripods, converters, lenses, etc. The company uses the developments of technologically advanced countries and sells them in Russia at affordable prices. DVRs have a comfortable resolution and a sufficient set of options, often have a wide viewing angle.
• Dunobil - the brand that makes the best radar detectors, traffic recorders and GPS navigators. The firm manufactures electronics for various price niches, and cheap models are made from Chinese components. In practice, the company's DVRs perform well in the daytime, but in the dark, the clarity of the shooting deteriorates somewhat.
• Xiaomi Is a Chinese electronics giant with products in virtually every niche. Distinctive features of its products are the availability of good technical support, slightly inferior to expensive models, while the cost of the devices is affordable. Proprietary developments allow the company to integrate good sensors into recorders for high-quality video recording in all conditions.
• Navitel - a domestic manufacturer of electronic devices for working with navigation and monitoring. The company's products have intelligent systems of work. Advanced software with frequent updates allows you to plan a route, control the DVR from your phone, upload materials to social networks, etc. A positive feature of this company is the presence in the catalog of models for all operating conditions.
• YI Technology - a popular manufacturer of video surveillance systems, whose goal is to make people's everyday life safer. The company is a partner of Xiaomi, so most of the developments of the Chinese corporation have been transferred to YI products. The brand's DVRs are durable, easy to control via wireless networks and clear day and night footage.
• SHO-ME Is a South Korean company renowned as a high-tech manufacturer of automotive equipment and accessories. The company's video recorders are distinguished by an affordable price, the possibility of flush mounting and high-definition images, so that license plates can be viewed from a distance of more than 10 m.

Best DVR mirrors

Rating of the best budget DVRs

In order to select the best inexpensive DVRs for the rating, the following characteristics had to be taken into account:

• Type - mirror or ordinary;
• Resolution (minimum HD);
• The presence of connectors for connecting drives;
• Possibility of high-quality shooting in the dark;
• Method and ease of fastening;
• Optics quality;
• Viewing angle (from 120 °);
• Display type and dimensions;
• Support for memory cards;
• Maximum roller length;
• Screen resolution;
• Sound recording function;
• Body color;
• Number of cameras.

When selecting DVRs, we additionally took into account driver reviews, expert opinions, balance of price and quality of devices.

The best car dvrs according to customer reviews

Best Budget Mirror DVRs

These are DVRs that simulate a conventional rearview mirror. They are invisible from the outside, which protects against theft of car accessories, and are also easy to attach and do not interfere with the windshield. The rating includes the 3 best models on the domestic market in terms of efficiency and ease of use.

SilverStone F1 NTK-351 Duo

This is a modern recorder in the form of a rear-view mirror, which can not only record accidents or disputable situations, but also show the picture from the rear camera for a safer ride. The main advantage of the device is the possibility of parallel recording from the side of the hood and trunk in order to avoid accidents.

The device has the form of an overlay for the rear-view mirror, fixed with harnesses. Such fixation is quite reliable, the device is not subject to shaking and vibrations. With regard to the quality of the video, we can say that it is very good during the day, in the evening or at night on the road with lighting - acceptable, and in complete darkness - rather weak.

Advantages

• The picture from the rear camera gives a more complete picture of the traffic situation than a mirror;
• FullHD-resolution (from the rear sensor - HD);
• There is a USB0 connector;
• You can choose continuous or loop recording;
• The model is equipped with a motion sensor that turns on in the event of any accidents while parking.

disadvantages

• The rear camera shoots slightly worse than the front one;
• Only 256 MB of memory.

The DVR has one not entirely pleasant feature - a 5-minute video from the front module "weighs" about 900 MB, and from the rear one - 400 MB. To store it, you have to additionally compress the records or use a separate drive.

Artway MD-165 Combo 5 in 1

This is the best cheap mirror dash cam with a waterproof rear view camera to help you park safely in reverse. In addition to the accident prevention system, the device successfully captures all controversial points, which will help to prove your innocence in the event of an accident. A screen with a rich IPS-matrix, realistic color reproduction and high contrast is responsible for displaying the picture. A distinctive feature of this model is a 170 ° viewing angle, which allows you to capture images from all lanes. Shoots the device without distortion around the edges.

This video recorder is equipped with a GPS-module, which warns about the approach of the car to the radars, which avoids fines - the screen shows the exact distance to them. Thanks to the built-in filter, the device correctly distinguishes interference and real signals from such devices. If you exceed the speed limit on the current section of traffic, a corresponding notification appears. It is also possible to specify the permissible deviation of the driving mode by 5-20 km.

Advantages

• Loop recording for 1-5 minutes on a memory card;
• The video is time and date stamped;
• The Artway camera base covers almost all of Russia;
• Voice notification about approaching radars;
• The recording is made in FullHD-resolution with 30 fps.

disadvantages

• Rear camera quality at VGA or HD level, stretched to FHD by software;
• When doors are closed and opened, a motion sensor is triggered.

In terms of functionality, this model significantly bypasses analogues. It simultaneously replaces the radar detector, the DVR and the rear-view mirror, while performing all functions at an acceptable level.

Dunobil Spiegel Solo

This model from a Chinese manufacturer costs about 3 thousand rubles. has the form of a mirror cover and is equipped with a camera with a viewing angle of 120 °. The video recorder has a 4.3 ”screen with a resolution of 480x272 pixels, which broadcasts an image in FHD 30 fps from the main camera. Recording in maximum quality takes up a lot of space - 700 MB in 3 minutes. The image detail is at an average level here, there is interference, but insignificant, allowing to distinguish license plates and study the traffic situation. At night, the range of license plate recognition is reduced to 2 m. The noise of this model is a natural situation for the budget segment.

Advantages

• Convenient location;
• Reliable fastening;
• It removes well during the day;
• High-quality plastic case, odorless;
• Glare resistant;
• Invisible to thieves.

disadvantages

• Not intended for night photography;
• Defective devices are sometimes found.

If the question arises, what is a good inexpensive DVR to buy for a car that is parked at night, then Dunobil Spiegel Solo is the right choice. It features comfortable night shooting quality, convenient location and intuitive software interface.

Best Budget Monoblock DVRs

Classic monoblock DVRs are more common and popular in the domestic market than mirrors. Their main advantage is the best technical equipment for the same amount, which has a positive effect on image clarity, color accuracy and capture angles. There are many such decent models on sale now, but our experts have selected the 4 best options.

Xiaomi 70mai Dash Cam Midrive D01

This device has an unusual appearance, its unique feature is its cylindrical shape and no screen. This model is manufactured in a matte black casing, under which the speaker and microphone are located. On the back there is a slot for a microSD card and a USB stick.

The video recorder has a Sony IMX 323 sensor with a 130-degree image capture angle, which makes it possible to recognize a car license plate at a distance of up to 70 m. A multifunctional button on the body is used for control. To avoid confusion in the number of clicks and not accidentally delete all data from the memory card, it is better to use a smartphone app.

The dash cam from Xiaomi piqued my curiosity and I decided to test it. I liked the ability to broadcast pictures to a smartphone in real time, as well as view recordings, delete and save them. The intelligent emergency detection system works great, such videos are transferred to a special department. The recording quality is acceptable here - FullHD, and all the elements of the videos can be seen in detail.

Advantages

• There is a Wi-Fi module;
• Compact dimensions that do not interfere with the view;
• Sound notifications about switching between operating modes;
• It shoots video well during the day, the quality is also acceptable at night;
• It is cheaper than analogs of comparable characteristics (about 2,000 rubles).

disadvantages

• The recorder is so tightly fixed that it is rather difficult to remove it;
• Sometimes it comes with a Chinese shell and you have to reflash it.

The only difficulty when handling this device is to understand the control method. One press activates Wi-Fi, a long hold of the button turns off the device, 3 clicks will format the flash drive, and 5 clicks will reset the data to the factory state.

Navitel R1000

If you need to buy a good and inexpensive DVR, an interesting solution would be the R1000 model from the manufacturer Navitel. A characteristic feature of this device is the shape of a sphere and a round screen on the inside. For quick installation of the device, a magnetic mount is provided, which allows you to easily install and remove the recorder. With regard to the detailing of the camera shooting, it should be noted that the numbers of oncoming, passing and parked cars are clearly visible throughout the capture range. A positive feature of this model is the ability to sync with a smartphone via Wi-Fi.

Advantages

• Convenient shape and compact dimensions (48x48x87 mm);
• High-quality video recording;
• Viewing angle 165 °;
• The ability to quickly download and upload videos;
• Bright and beautiful screen.

disadvantages

• Slight heating of the device, especially in charging mode, but this does not affect the quality of shooting;
• Sometimes it is difficult to horizontally adjust the camera.

In general, this is a good DVR with minor "shoals" of the developer, suitable for any purpose, which is facilitated by a wide capture angle - 165 ° and excellent detail.

YI Smart Dash Camera

This model is a progressive DVR with a set of useful functions and sensors. The sensor from 3M is characterized by increased sensitivity to light, providing high-quality shooting in places with limited lighting. The f1.8 camera aperture improves the quality of night shooting, and the 165 ° capture allows everything that matters to fit into the frame. The 6-axis sensor automatically starts recording in moments of suspicious vehicle movements, such as accidents or damage to a car in a parking lot.

This car recorder has an ADAS system that warns the driver when moving between lanes. This option is especially useful when driving at night when there is a risk of falling asleep. During dangerous maneuvers, the screen flashes, and voice alerts appear. Another sensor monitors the distance to surrounding vehicles, which is useful in traffic jams, and issues an appropriate warning. When a smartphone is connected, access to GPS appears: route planning, displaying speed and distance to the final point.

Advantages

• Control via Wi-Fi;
• High-quality body assembly;
• The shell is constantly updated, the developers remove known bugs and add settings;
• Excellent light sensitivity;
• The picture is legible in almost all conditions.

disadvantages

• It often comes with Chinese firmware.

This is a multifunctional DVR in a classic case, shooting high quality and with a wide viewing angle, and has advanced applications for Android and iOS devices.

SHO-ME A7-GPS / GLONASS

It is one of the best budget DVRs, capable of capturing Super HD video with high sharpness. 2k sensor with 170 ° capture allows you to capture in detail the traffic situation, including on adjacent lanes. For accurate positioning, Glonass technology is used, which also reduces the time to search for stations after starting the device. The model has a bright display from which it is convenient to read any information, and has a voice control function. The device works stably and without interruptions, displaying warnings about speeding, etc. on the main screen.

Advantages

• Good microphone quality, sound is recorded clearly and legibly;
• Availability of a GPS module and a database on the location of stationary radars;
• High 2k resolution;
• Records clear video both day and night;
• Catches satellites quickly.

disadvantages

• Not the most reliable suction cup mount;
• Average frost resistance - up to -20 ° С.

The DVR must be protected from severe frost and heat. The owners write that unstable operation is observed when the temperature drops to -14 ° C, and it has to be turned on only after warming up. To protect from the sun, it is enough to install the device deep into the cabin so that the rays do not fall on the body.

Which budget DVR is better to buy

It is better for people who leave cars near the house to take a closer look at the DVR-mirrors. They are virtually invisible, which reduces the risk of breaking and theft of the accessory. It is also appropriate to use them for those who get in the way of additional devices on the glass. For frequent trips at night, it is better to use monoblock devices, which have more advanced camera modules that provide a wide viewing angle and high light sensitivity.

Here's the best budget DVR for different situations:

• When looking for a FullHD-resolution DVR for the lowest price, you should buy the SilverStone F1 NTK-351 Duo. The device shoots videos well, at least for 2300 rubles. nothing to complain about.
• If you need a rear-view camera, a video recorder and a radar scanner in one bottle, then the Artway MD-165 Combo 5 in 1 would be an excellent option. This model can create videos with a wide angle of capture (170 °) and records from two cameras simultaneously, allowing assess the traffic situation while watching.
• For those who appreciate ease of use and want to get only a DVR with a good camera module for affordable money, it is appropriate to recommend the Dunobil Spiegel Solo.
• As an elementary video recorder with high-quality filming, which allows you to see the numbers from a distance of up to 70 m, it would be appropriate to take the Xiaomi 70mai Dash Cam Midrive D01. Its only drawback is the lack of a screen, but the drawback is compensated by an advanced smartphone application.
• People who like compact devices that do not obstruct the view will suit the compact Navitel R1000 DVR, which also shoots in decent quality with high details.
• For high quality day and night shooting, it is better to use YI Smart Dash Camera. With a price of about 3 thousand rubles, this is the only model in the rating that can shoot videos in FullHD at 60 fps.
• Drivers who live in regions with a temperate continental climate and often travel at different times of the day should purchase SHO-ME A7-GPS / GLONASS. The abundance of functionality and high-quality shooting at different lighting levels allow you to comfortably use the DVR at any time of the day.

Our rating of budget DVRs includes models for any purpose and task, proving that the car owner does not have to overpay for expensive devices. Among the best options are discreet, original and fairly high-quality devices. All of them adequately film the environment on the road, but the final choice will be appropriate to make only on the basis of the goals set.