7 Best Professional Dash Cams for Fleets 2023

Managing a fleet can be expensive, which is why it's crucial to protect your business from costly repairs and legal fees in case of a road accident. One effective way to ensure the safety of your fleet drivers and other road users is to install professional dashcams in your vehicles. According to a study published in the Journal of Safety Research, implementing a fleet dashcam system can reduce incidents by up to 60%.

Yet with so many great options on the market, how do you know which is the best dashcam for your fleet? We've analyzed the best dashcams on the market right now based on a number of criteria. Short on time? Request a callback from product specialists to determine your best-suited dashcam.

As experts in fleet management tech, we carry out our own in-house research to assess the best options for business leaders like you. We compare products based on: quality of features, compatibility, function, installation, and price.

Our top choice is Samsara's CM32 dual-facing camera thanks to its low light recording capabilities, harsh event recording, and emergency panic button.

But we also like Verizon Connect's Integrated Video system for its handy set-up that monitors and improves drivers' safety. Its AI alerts drivers of risks as they occur, with incidents analyzed automatically in the cloud.

Top 7 Dash Cams for Fleet

As the leading source of business fleet advice, we're proud industry experts. Nobody loves dash cams like we do – and we've researched the full scope of gadgets on the market today.

We're well aware of the many pressures you face as a fleet operator. That's why we assess the latest dash cam tech according to:

• Features and functions
• Technology
• Business use
• Cost

Not much gets past us. We wouldn't just recommend you any old GoPro, oh no. If you're dealing with larger vehicles, you may want to check out our research into the best dash cams for truckers.

But for now it's time to compare the top fleet dash cam tech side-by-side:

What Is a Fleet Dash Cam?

A dash cam looks like a webcam and works in much the same way. They are set up near your dashboard to monitor road activity and driver behavior Using the power supply from your vehicle, dash cams record visuals and sometimes audio. Certain models contain a mic for voice commands or hands-free phone calls.

Dash cams often contain AI to detect events that compromise safety, such as falling asleep at the wheel. If the system detects a collision, it will send an automatic alert to the fleet manager and a sound alert within the driver's cab.

Footage is stored on a memory card within the device or in the cloud. That makes a dash cam a useful tool to collect evidence of road incidents that weren't your fault.

Samsara CM32 – Best All-Rounder

More than just a safety companion, the Samsara CM32 records HD 1080p footage at 30 frames per second, using Infrared LED to capture superb night time video. All of these brilliant features can be installed into your fleet’s vehicles in about ten minutes, without any tech experience required. Each model has an individual cost (which varies depending on how many you're buying), plus an annual license fee of around $630.

Unfortunately, with the Samsara CM32 you're unable to retrieve video segments of more than 60 seconds at a time. If you want to be able to access longer footage, a better option might be the Verizon Connect Integrated Video.

Garmin Fleet 780 – Best for Long-Term Use

Aside from the built-in dash cam, the Garmin Fleet 780 can connect with exterior cameras, if you would like to give your drivers a wider view of the road. The dash cam’s smart technology also provides warnings for sharp curves, inclines, and bridge heights, which keeps your drivers safe on the road by minimizing the risk of crashes. This dash cam is part of a fleet management system, and so the prices will vary depending on your needs.

The Garmin Fleet 780 has a fairly low camera resolution of 720p or 1080p, so if you're after much higher video quality, WheelWitness HD Pro Plus may be a better choice.

While Garmin Fleet provides advanced driver assistance features and real-time traffic updates, it lacks a fuel management feature like Verizon Connect. You can use a third-party integration but you may face limits that occur when a feature isn't built in.

Verizon Connect Integrated Video – Best Integrated System

And it gets better – with an incredibly handy (and kind of futuristic) AI function, this smart system can actually analyze and classify footage of incidents so you don’t have to. Within minutes of an unsafe event, the AI will alert you to what went down, and tell you how severe the incident was. You can then review the footage yourself on your cell phone or computer.

Having that footage saved is a true advantage when it comes to providing objective evidence to clear your business' name on the off-chance that someone else accuses your driver of wrongdoing. In a recent survey, 68% of fleet leaders found their dash cam was actively protecting them from false claims.

We believe that makes Verizon Connect's dash cam system worth the investment because it can help to protect you against unfair court fines and damages payments that may arise.

However, Verizon's AI functions aren't as advanced as Samsara CM32, so if this your after a comprehensive AI powered coaching and machine vision tech, Samsara may be a better option.

As it's been designed specifically for business fleets, its features are super handy for fleet managers in order to prevent risky behaviours and get on top of incidents quicker.

Choose an option below to get a free quote to compare up to five dash cam providers, including Verizon, and their prices:

BlackVue DR750X-2CH – Best Footage Replay

The built-in wifi connection means you can connect your smartphone or tablet with the dash cam, while the GPS lets you visualise each vehicle in your fleet, wherever they are. What’s more, the BlackVue uses Sony STARVIS imagery sensors to provide high clarity recordings in low light. Depending on how much memory you need from your dash cam, these devices cost between $399 and $769. 

While this cam provides fluid footage, it does lack the ability to livestream. This feature allows real-time visibility and control, which can be found in cams like the SmartWitness CP2 and could be a better option if you want this feature than the BlackVue cam.

SmartWitness CP2 – Best for Stable Footage

The lack of bespoke pricing from SmartWitness can be limiting, especially for small businesses, if you're after transparent pricing, both Samsara and Verizon are fairly upfront with costs.

The built-in features make for great footage for a fleet manager to review footage to improve safe driving and prevent risky behaviours. Shaky footage isn't super helpful in the aftermath of an event and makes it much harder to maximize a fleets efficiency.

Although, it does have a narrower field of vision compared to Samsara's CM32. SmartWitness's cam has a 90 degree view compared to Samsara's 120 degree view. SmartWitnesses cam may not be able to capture as much of the surrounding area, which can be frustrating following a side collision.

Mobius ActionCam – Best Budget Option

Really, if you want a no-frills, cheap, easy-to-use device that captures high quality video, this is a solid option. But if you want something that’ll help you prevent and evaluate incidents a little more intuitively, you might be better off going another way.

For example, this dash cam does not have any advanced driver assistance features which can be found on cams such as the Garmin Dash Cam 55.

For fleets that make shorter journeys this is a good fit but for longer journeys drivers will need to carry a compatible hardware kit to keep the camera going.

Garmin Dash Cam 55 – Best for Ease of Use

Also, unlike plenty of other dash cams, the Dash Cam 55 can use GPS to alert drivers to all sorts of upcoming hazards – including the presence of nearby red light cameras and speed cameras. At $199.99 each, this camera’s price is reasonable, but certainly not the cheapest out there.

As it's not designed for business vehicles, this may not be the best option for business fleets. If you're after a cam designed for business fleets, you might consider Verizon or Samsara as they come equipped with more advanced and tailored features.

Our Methodology

We know how important it is for fleets to find dash cams that are suited to both drivers and management. That's why our team conducted research in the industry to find the best on the market. The research areas include:

• Price – how much is the dash cam? Are they are any added costs?
• Image quality & quantity – how much footage is recorded? What is the quality of the footage?
• Driver safety – are there any features that will contribute to driver safety such as alerts and sensors?

What To Know About Dash Cam Recording

There are lots of questions that'll come up once you start using this equipment. But don't worry, we're going to fill you in on the basics right now.

How to record videos

Most dash cams automatically record any events that seem dangerous (such as bumping into another vehicle or the driver using their phone). Systems may start to record when the vehicle is parked but sensors detect movement nearby. Others will record all the time a vehicle is driving (and after it's stopped, depending on the settings).

However, rolling footage is saved a little differently depending on the exact dash cam model you're using.

For instance, the Garmin Fleet 780 records continuously and overwrites the oldest video that's not saved. To save the section of footage that's just recorded, select the six dots icon, then Dash Cam, then the SD card icon. You can tap the SD card icon again to extend the duration of the recording.

How to access videos

Video is typically saved onto the dash cam's SD card, which you can pop out of the dash cam and into your computer to upload files. Or you can link the device directly to your device using a USB cable.

Depending on the brand you've purchased, you may also be able to watch footage on your phone. Often they'll be stored in the cloud too, so you can simply log into your product's dashboard to access the video library. Then you simply navigate to the date you want to retrieve a video from, and download your chosen clip.

Avoid accidental “eavesdropping”

Make sure you check the laws in your state about the legality of audio recording. There are laws about eavesdropping, so you've got to ensure everyone whose voice could end up on tape consents to being recorded. That applies to everyone who gets in your cab – and people talking near the vehicle while your mic is set to record. If you're concerned about the legal risks of dash cams, hit the mute button.

Don't destroy the evidence

We've mentioned how footage can protect you in case of a false accusation. But if you get to court and the judge finds out you've deleted video that puts you in an unflattering light… that's a possible felony. So if you're planning to take legal action over an incident, don't try to conceal any relevant evidence you've collected from your dash cam.

The Different Types of Dash Cams for Fleet

There are various types of recording equipment for your fleet, and the benefits of dash cams vary according to type. Here is are the different types so you can decide which one is best suited to your business:

• Front dash cams – these are designed to film collisions that occur at the front of the vehicle.
• Exterior dash cams – these are mounted outside the vehicle, typically on the side. These cams offer a 360 degree view around the vehicle, helpful for overcoming blind spots and capture sideswiping accidents.
• Interior dash cams – these are mounted inside the vehicle and can be used to protect cargo and passenger as well as deter thieves.
• Rear dash cams – these cams record the road behind the vehicle and are helpful for providing drivers with a clearer view when reversing.

How To Find the Right Commercial Dash Cam for My Fleet

Once you've decided what type of dash cam you want, it's time to figure out what features you want. Figuring out these two categories will help you narrow down which dash cam is right for your fleet.

• AI – Inbuilt AI in dash cams can detect safety issues faster than human controllers. AI helps to coach drivers on mistakes and risky driving behavior.
• Resolution – the higher the image quality, the easier it will be to detect any hazards, the road ahead, and see license plates clearly.
• Audio recording/speaker – some cams have built-in speakers that can record audio during an incident, as well as play audio alerts when risky bad behaviour has been detected.
• Night vision – this is useful for fleets operating at night time.
• Internet connection – most footage is stored on a memory card, however, a dash cam with internet connection can instantly upload footage to the cloud, providing much quicker and easier access.