11 Best Budget DVRs

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

It is better not to appear on the roads of Russia without the included DVR. However, not every car enthusiast wants to spend a lot of money on such a device. Fortunately, this is completely optional. Budget models also write a quality picture. But not all. If you do not want to make a mistake with the choice, then check out our new review. It considers the most worthy DVRs with a low price tag.

Rating of the best budget DVRs

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best budget DVRs	1	AdvoCam FD Black-II GPS + GLONASS	RUB 4,990
	2	iBOX PRO-1080 DUAL	RUB 4,999
	3	SHO-ME FHD 625	RUB 4,050
	4	Navitel R600	RUB 3,990
	5	Xiaomi 70mai Dash Cam Pro Midrive D02	RUB 3,300
	6	Yi Smart Dash Camera	RUB 2,550
	7	Artway AV-600	RUB 3,030
	8	CARCAM R2	RUB 3,490
	9	Dunobil Spiegel Solo	RUB 2,596
	10	Navitel R200	RUB 2,560
	11	Xiaomi 70mai Dash Cam Midrive D01	RUB 1,939

The material is based on the analysis of the technical equipment of video recorders on the portal https://rankquality.com/dashboard-camera/.

AdvoCam FD Black-II GPS + GLONASS

Rating: 4.9

It might seem to you that our article will focus exclusively on very simple DVRs that are sold for a penny. But no. We will also tell you about devices that combine several functions at once. For example, a model produced by AdvoCam has a navigation chip that understands signals from American and Russian satellites. It allows the traffic police inspector to see at what speed the accident occurred. Also, the device can write in tags the coordinates at which the car is located.

Of course, the most important part of any DVR is the lens. And there are no complaints about him here! Its diagonal viewing angle reaches 170 degrees. How much more? At the same time, high-quality optics are used here, which practically does not distort the picture. This is what allows you to clearly see the license plates of nearby cars. Even at night, if the corresponding mode is activated!

Under the lens is a 1/3-inch CMOS matrix with a resolution of 3 megapixels. It captures a picture at a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, which is quite enough for most motorists. As for the frequency, it is 30 frames / s. This is a standard for DVRs, a high frequency would heavily load the processor, while being essentially redundant.

The device includes a microphone and speaker. The first one writes the sound in the cabin, unless it is disabled in the settings, while the second one is activated when viewing the recorded content. The device is also capable of boasting a shock sensor. Has a device and a motion detector in the frame. This allows you to leave the DVR turned on at the moments of stopping – if a suspicious person approaches your car, it will definitely be captured on video. This function also allows the automation to start recording video.

Basically, the power supply to the DVR is provided by the on-board network of the car. But the device is also endowed with its own battery. Its capacity is not large, but even 130 mAh is enough to normally finish the process of recording a video in an accident, when the mains voltage disappears.

Advantages

• Good display with a resolution of 320×240 pixels;
• There is an HDMI output;
• Convenient attachment to the usual suction cup;
• There is a SpeedCam function;
• Has its own battery;
• A large number of settings;
• Good video quality;
• Can write sound;
• Built-in GPS, motion detector and shock sensor.

disadvantages

• In the heat, it can suddenly turn off;
• It is almost impossible to remove quickly;
• There are defective copies;
• No fast switching between modes;
• Does not support memory cards larger than 32GB.

iBOX PRO-1080 DUAL

Rating: 4.8

Now more and more often, DVRs are built into the rear-view mirror. Indeed, why fence in a vegetable garden in the passenger compartment of a car, if modern technologies allow embedding electronic devices into what should be present here by default? As you already understood, iBOX PRO-1080 DUAL is a rear-view mirror. The picture is displayed in its center. You can also connect an additional camera to it – it is usually located in the cabin.

Like many other budget DVRs in this collection, this one writes an image in resolution Full HD and at a rate of 30 frames / s. The video quality is quite decent. Although it must be admitted that more expensive devices are capable of writing an even sharper picture. It also uses a modest CMOS matrix with a diagonal of 1 / 2.5 inches and a resolution of 5 megapixels. As for the optics, its viewing angle reaches 170 degrees. The lenses are made of glass. At least that's what the manufacturer says.

iBOX PRO-1080 DUAL cannot be called a very cheap DVR. In this regard, one should not be surprised at the presence of a G-sensor here. It is thanks to him that the device automatically starts recording after you start. Also, the device can boast of a motion detector in the frame. There is also a microphone, which many buyers turn off almost immediately in an effort to reduce the weight of the video.

This device writes video in short clips. You can choose their length – 3, 5 and 10 minutes are available among the options. Of course, the recording can be cyclical – this allows you not to waste time formatting the memory card. One of the videos can be protected from being overwritten through an intuitive interface. Also here you can record the event in a separate file.

Like many other cheap DVRs, iBOX PRO-1080 DUAL understands memory cards that do not exceed 32GB. This means that you are unlikely to be able to fit more than five hours of video into memory. And also it should be noted that there is no battery here. Therefore, the device will be powered exclusively by the vehicle's on-board network. If the voltage in it disappears, video recording will be immediately interrupted.

Advantages

• You can record video from two cameras;
• Doesn't actually take up space in the cabin;
• Decent video quality;
• There is a motion detector and a G-sensor;
• There is a microphone;
• Large viewing angle.

disadvantages

• Power supply – only from the on-board network;
• The screen often turns on on its own;
• The G-sensor even reacts when the trunk is closed.

SHO-ME FHD 625

Rating: 4.7

Another budget DVR that records a picture in resolution Full HD. But if the previous model was built into the rearview mirror, then this one should be placed on the torpedo. This location allows you to leave the device in the car all night – the DVR is unlikely to be visible from the outside.

When you go on a trip, you need to raise the device so you can access a large enough display. With its help, you can enter the menu by activating certain functions. For example, SHO-ME FHD 625 is able to start recording on its own when motion is detected in the frame. The device also includes a G-sensor that reacts to shocks. There is also an item in the menu dedicated to the built-in microphone.

Like many other DVRs, this one can write video in a cyclic method, which allows you not to waste time on regular formatting of the memory card. As for the duration of the received videos, it can be 3, 5 or 10 minutes. Video shooting continues even after the voltage has completely disappeared in the vehicle's on-board network. This is due to the presence of a built-in battery, albeit a very modest one.

As for the quality of the resulting video, there are no special complaints about it. Of course, this is not a video shot with an expensive action camera or a flagship smartphone, but the numbers of the nearest cars are visible, and the owner of the DVR usually does not need more. Shooting is carried out using a lens with a viewing angle of 170 degrees and a 3-megapixel matrix. Interestingly, the product has received an electronic image stabilizer, but we recommend turning it off immediately. The picture is recorded in 1080p, the frequency is 30 frames / s.

The device can be easily connected to a computer using the USB interface. Also, the wireless standard Wi-Fi can be used here.

We recommend that you try to run the device offline before buying. The fact is that this is far from the most recent model. Some copies have in their composition a battery that has sat down to zero, which can no longer be charged. You should refuse to buy such a device, unless you are embarrassed by the fact that the DVR will turn off immediately after you muffle the car.

Advantages

• A large number of operating modes;
• Not a bad display with a diagonal of 2.45 inches;
• Built-in Wi-Fi module;
• There is a motion detector and a G-sensor;
• There is a switchable microphone;
• Decent picture quality;
• Wide viewing angle;
• Has its own battery.

disadvantages

• Not the best video quality when shooting at night;
• The body is made of fragile plastic;
• Unshielded wire interferes with radio;
• On sale there are copies with a dead battery.

Navitel R600

Rating: 4.6

One of the smallest budget DVRs in our selection. However, even it has a built-in display. Its diagonal, however, does not exceed two inches, and the resolution is only 960×240 pixels. But this should be enough to prove to the traffic police inspector his own innocence of what happened.

The device is attached to the windshield with an adhesive backing. The weight of the gadget is only 69g, so it will definitely not fall off while driving. With such a mass, you might think that there is absolutely no battery inside the device. But this is not the case. There is a battery, but its capacity is only 180 mAh. Therefore, it is used only for the DVR to continue its work for several minutes after the voltage in the on-board network has completely disappeared.

The lens installed here consists of glass lenses. Its viewing angle reaches 170 degrees. There is a CMOS matrix under the optics. It does not differ from other sensors built into DVRs with a similar price tag. This means that on your computer you will see a picture recorded in 1080p resolution and at 30 frames / s. The license plates of the nearest cars are readable without difficulty, unless this is the case at night, and even on a suburban highway.

As for the functionality of the device, there are some limitations. For example, the device did not receive a motion detector in the frame. But the manufacturer did not forget about the shock sensor, which is often more useful. If it worked, then the recorded video segment receives a special mark – in the future the system will not overwrite it, unless the user wants it. And the video recorder can record sound, for which the built-in microphone is used. If such a desire arises, it can be turned off.

Navitel R600 is the case when the buyer does not get any frills. The manufacturer of this device is known for its navigation system, but there is neither it nor the GPS chip. Also, this instance does not have support for connecting a second camera. And you won't be able to instantly display the picture on any monitor either, since the HDMI interface is simply absent here.

Unfortunately, there are defective copies of this model on sale. They have to be rebooted periodically during the trip. If you find that the picture on the screen is frozen, then this is exactly the case. Such a DVR must be returned to the store immediately after receiving a replacement or a refund.

Advantages

• Good video quality;
• Wide viewing angle;
• There is a shock sensor;
• Supplied with its own battery;
• There is a microphone;
• Very large memory cards are supported;
• There is image stabilization.

disadvantages

• There are defective copies;
• No motion detector;
• Fastening is practically not regulated in any way;
• A very simple display.

Xiaomi 70mai Dash Cam Pro Midrive D02

Rating: 4.5

The company Xiaomi could not help but enter the market of budget DVRs. In its assortment there are very advanced models, but they cost a lot of money. As for the copy that got into our selection, they ask for 4-5 thousand rubles, depending on the chosen online store. It is clear that such a model could not but receive a number of restrictions. For example, not everyone will be satisfied with a viewing angle of 140 degrees here. But on the other hand, the device writes video at a resolution of 2592×1944 pixels, doing it at a rate of 30 frames / s. The increased clarity allows you to see all license plates, even on cars that are not close at all!

In terms of its design, the DVR does not offer the user anything unusual. A 5-megapixel CMOS sensor with a diagonal of 1 / 2.8 inches is hidden under the lens available here. You can evaluate the frame on the small display. Its resolution is 320×240 pixels. In this regard, it can be compared to the screens built into the late push-button Nokia smartphones. From them, the device received a Wi-Fi module, thanks to which you can connect to the device wirelessly.

This model received at its disposal not only the G-sensor, but also a motion detector in the frame. The microphone can be called a nice bonus. It will be left on by those who like to write conversations with the passenger. The only pity is that there is no way to connect a second camera that would record what is happening in the cabin.

Xiaomi got a good dashcam. However, it must be admitted that in terms of functionality, it is inferior to some competitors. For example, the device does not know how to determine the current speed, since there simply is no GPS chip. Also, the device does not offer much choice of the length of the recorded videos. I am glad that at least the possibility of continuing shooting after turning off the power has not gone anywhere. Moreover, this low-cost DVR is capable of operating without voltage in the on-board network for quite a long time. This is due to the fact that a 500 mAh battery is built in here. Measurements show that with a full charge, you can count on 40-50 minutes of video recording!

The picture is saved to the memory card. The maximum product supports 64-gigabyte copies. At the moment this is quite enough, since more capacious memory cards cost prohibitive money.

Advantages

• Very high video resolution;
• There is a shock sensor and a motion detector;
• Built-in capacious battery;
• Have a microphone;
• Easily rotates 180 degrees;
• There is Wi-Fi.

disadvantages

• The viewing angle cannot be called maximum;
• Not very wide functionality and regular 'glitches';
• GPS module sold separately;
• You cannot change the length of recorded videos.

Yi Smart Dash Camera

Rating: 4.4

An excellent budget device from an action camera manufacturer. Here, a simpler lens is used, but with a much wider angle of view. If measured diagonally, this is 165 degrees! At the same time, the manufacturer claims that it has built glass instead of plastic lenses here. As for the matrix, its size is 1 / 2.7 inches, and the resolution is 3 megapixels. Modestly, but this is quite enough to write a very high-quality picture in 1080p resolution. Well, the powerful processor provided a frequency of 60 frames / s. This is not to say that this is very important, but smooth video is always more pleasant to watch than recorded with a lower frequency.

Like many other DVRs, Yi Smart Dash Camera has a built-in microphone. The device also received a 2.7-inch display. Huge by the standards of some competitors! The picture on it is displayed in a resolution of 960×240 pixels. The product also received a battery with a capacity of 240 mAh. A little, but for a couple of minutes of video recording after turning off the power in the on-board network, this is quite enough.

Interestingly, there is an increased video resolution in the device settings. It is not recommended to activate this item. The point is that these are not natural 2304×1296 dots. It's just interpolation – banal stretching of the video. When you select this option, the frame rate also decreases, which is not good at all.

The material is written here on a memory card up to 64 GB. If you insert such a drive, then it will store up to ten hours of video recording! Card formatting will not be required as the product supports loop recording. It should also be noted that there is a Wi-Fi module here.

Advantages

• Increased frame rate;
• Have a microphone;
• Wi-Fi available;
• There is a battery;
• Decent viewing angle;
• Large enough screen
• Capacious memory cards are supported.

disadvantages

• GPS and some other useful little things are missing;
• Not the best sharpness;
• There is no Russian language.

Artway AV-600

Rating: 4.3

In this review, we have already discussed the DVR built into the rearview mirror. Well, it's the turn of another such device. It displays the picture already in the right side of the mirror, and not in the middle. Its diagonal image size is 4.3 inches – not bad, about the same as in early smartphones based on Android.

Unlike most other low-cost DVRs, this one comes with an additional camera. It is waterproof, so it can be placed anywhere on the trunk. All that remains is to think about how to hide the wire from sight. As for the main camera, it has a viewing angle of 120 degrees. A modest result, one of the worst in our collection. But on the other hand, the picture is not distorted at all, which has a positive effect on the clarity of the license plates. The image is captured here using a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor. Its resolution is only 1.3 megapixels, but even that is enough to write Full HD. The processor here is also not the most powerful, so the frame rate is only 30 FPS. Someone will be pleased that the video can contain an audio track, because there is a microphone. The device also received a motion detector and a G-sensor.

As for the functionality, it can be called standard. The user has the ability to change the duration of the recorded videos – the maximum available is 5 minutes. Also, here you can record the event into a separate file, which will not be erased during cyclic shooting. You can also note the presence of a battery. Its capacity is 220 mAh. This allows the device not to stop filming if the voltage in the on-board network has disappeared. But, of course, you should not count on battery life for more than one and a half minutes.

Someone will be saddened by the fact that this model does not support memory cards larger than 32 GB. However, we must admit that buyers of budget DVRs almost never acquire more capacious drives. The absence of an HDMI interface here does not bother either, with such a display it is not needed. GPS would be great, though.

Advantages

• You can connect a second camera;
• The picture is shifted to the right side of the mirror;
• Have a microphone;
• There is a motion detector and a G-sensor;
• Battery operation possible.

disadvantages

• Not very wide viewing angle;
• Shooting quality is far from ideal;
• The buttons are shaking, which is audible on the video;
• It is almost impossible to see anything at night;
• Poor secondary camera.

CARCAM R2

Rating: 4.2

This budget DVR will seem very tiny to some. However, even on it there was a place for an LCD display. Its diagonal is only 1.5 inches, but this is enough for traveling through the menu. Well, in order to view the resulting video in all details, you will have to transfer it to your computer. This can be done using the USB cable or by removing the memory stick. By the way, a 128-gigabyte drive is supported here, which can accommodate a day of video shooting!

It uses a suction cup mount, you can remove the DVR in just a few seconds. However, there is a more reliable mount in the box with the device – it is fixed with double-sided tape. The device also includes a wide-angle lens. More specifically, its viewing angle is 145 degrees. Not ideal, but less distortion of the picture allows you to clearly see the license plates at a greater distance, it must be admitted. The lenses of this lens are made of glass, so you are unlikely to scratch them while using the DVR.

The picture is written here using a CMOS matrix. Its size is 1 / 2.9 inches, which also cannot be called an outrageous result. You can also use the microphone to record what's happening in the cabin as well. However, many people turn it off in an effort to reduce the weight of the video.

This model is capable of recording video in resolution Full HD. She does this at a rate of 30 frames / s. In short, there were no surprises. For it can only be taken as image stabilization, which on our roads is not superfluous. Video recording can start in automatic mode – the G-sensor is responsible for this. There is also a GPS chip in this device, thanks to which the video contains not only the date and time, but also the speed.

CARCAM R2 supports loop video recording. This means that when the memory card becomes full, the oldest video will be overwritten. The duration of this can be chosen – among the options available 1, 3 and 5 minutes. Of course, some event can be recorded in a separate file. There is also an opportunity to protect a specific video from being overwritten. This will come in handy in cases where you have filmed an accident or some interesting moment.

Many modern low-cost DVRs have their own battery at their disposal. This allows you to continue filming even after the on-board network has been de-energized. CARCAM R2 is no exception to the rule. The manufacturer even claims that the duration of shooting on battery power will be 15 minutes. In practice, it is hardly worth waiting for such figures.

Advantages

• Two different mounts included;
• There is Wi-Fi;
• Capacious memory cards are supported;
• Battery operation possible;
• Decent video quality;
• Have a microphone;
• Built-in GPS chip;
• There is a shock sensor.

disadvantages

• Very tiny display;
• The viewing angle is not ideal;
• No motion detector;
• Both mounts are quite flimsy.

Dunobil Spiegel Solo

Rating: 4.1

Another budget DVR that combines the function of a rear-view mirror. The display here is located on the right side of the device, its diagonal is 4.3 inches. Confused only by the resolution of the picture, 480×272 pixels is not the parameter that allows you to see the video in all its details.

Most often, similar DVRs allow you to connect an additional camera that is included in the kit. This feature is missing here. Well, right, because most often this camera is as mediocre as possible. In this case, you will only see what falls within the field of view of the built-in lens. The angle of view here is 120 degrees, so you won't see too much. This is an undoubted disadvantage of the device, which you will have to put up with. After the lens, light enters the CMOS sensor with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels.

The result of the work of the DVR is material recorded in 1080p resolution and at a frequency of 30 frames / s. The picture can be accompanied by sound. But many owners of Dunobil Spiegel Solo immediately turn off the built-in microphone, since there is usually no point in recording what is happening in the cabin.

It should be noted that this device has a shock sensor. You can also rely on a motion detector in the frame, sometimes it can be very useful. Video recording can be done in a cyclical manner. As for the duration of videos, it can be 1, 3 and 5 minutes. Also in the settings, recording without gaps is available. However, it is difficult to imagine who exactly might need it.

This dvr mirror has no memory of its own. Therefore, when buying a Dunobil Spiegel Solo, you should also get a microSD card at the same time. The maximum firmware installed here defines a 32GB drive. The device is powered by the vehicle's on-board network. But it can work from its own battery, the capacity of which is 250 mAh. As is the case with other cheap DVRs, the battery is usually activated after the driver has muted his car – the device will continue to shoot for a few more minutes just in case.

Advantages

• Combines a rear-view mirror and a video recorder;
• There is a motion detector and a G-sensor;
• There is a microphone;
• A sufficiently long battery life is possible;
• Convenient mount;
• Simple setup.

disadvantages

• Low display resolution;
• Modest viewing angle;
• There is no Wi-Fi and GPS;
• Poor quality of shooting at night.

Navitel R200

Rating: 4.0

This fairly small DVR got a simple but convenient suction cup mount at its disposal. The device itself is capable of boasting a two-inch display with a resolution of 320×240 pixels. This takes us back to the days of push-button smartphones from Nokia and some other companies. It was convenient to use them, no problems will arise with Navitel R200.

To control the device, use the buttons located directly under the screen. If you go into the settings, then you will be given a choice of exactly how long each video should have. You can also activate loop recording here to forever forget about the need to format the memory card. It is also recommended to configure how the device will behave in the event of a power failure in the vehicle's on-board network. The fact is that this model is endowed with its own battery, which allows it to shoot video for a few minutes after you have drowned out the car.

This DVR looks at the world with a good lens, the lenses of which are made of glass. The viewing angle is 140 degrees, which is sufficient in most cases. Fixation of frames is carried out by means of the already familiar CMOS-matrix. The permission Full HD should also suit almost everyone. But the 30fps frame rate is a compromise that you have to put up with. However, not everyone uses a video recorder to capture interesting moments for uploading them to YouTube. And only in this case, an increased frame rate can be useful.

The material is written on a memory card up to 64 GB. If some important event happened, then the video with it can be protected from being overwritten. Auto start shooting is also available here. In this case, the video recorder can be guided by the readings of a shock sensor or a motion detector. The video can contain an audio track, since there is a microphone. The speaker has not been forgotten either, so the result of the shooting can not only be viewed, but also listened to.

Otherwise, this is a typical budget DVR that does not have anything superfluous in it. The manufacturer did not introduce a GPS chip, a radar detector, or anything else into it. And don't forget to check your device in every possible way after purchasing it! The product has been on sale for several years, so you may stumble upon a copy with a battery that has gone to zero. Also, some buyers complain about incorrect focusing of the lens, when the torpedo is sharp, and not the cars in front (in such instances, one of the lenses is shifted).

Advantages

• There is a motion detector and a shock sensor;
• There is a microphone;
• Low cost;
• Wide viewing angle;
• Battery operation possible;
• Supports memory card up to 64 GB.

disadvantages

• Some specimens have optical problems;
• Autonomous work is very short;
• No Wi-Fi;
• Mediocre shooting at night;
• Fragile mount;
• Does not work with a powerful 2A charger.

Xiaomi 70mai Dash Cam Midrive D01

Rating: 4.0

The assortment of the company Xiaomi contains a variety of devices. Including you can find its video recorders in stores. This model is the most simplified, and therefore it is extremely rarely sold for more than 2 thousand rubles. The main difference from the older model, also included in our collection, is the inability to rotate the lens unit. This means that you will only shoot what is happening behind the windshield, the interior will remain behind the scenes.

Despite the low cost, the product received a Wi-Fi module. It allows you to connect to the DVR using your own smartphone for all kinds of settings. And only in this way you can watch the filmed video. There is no display on the device itself. At all! To some, this will seem like a serious drawback. We will note that the lack of a screen allows the DVR not to distract the driver.

The company Xiaomi built a good lens into their creation. Its diagonal viewing angle is 130 degrees. Somewhere inside the device is hidden a CMOS matrix, the size of which does not exceed 1 / 2.9 inches. Its 2-megapixel resolution is quite enough for recording Full HD video. However, one shouldn't hope for high details. But it's not without reason that this budget DVR closes our rating, and does not open it.

This model has a G-sensor, but does not have a motion detector in the frame. Against this background, one would not be surprised at the lack of a microphone. But he is still here. However, the quality of the recorded sound is such that it is better to turn off the microphone. The dashcam also includes a memory card slot. It would be strange to see a device without it, because there is no own memory here. The maximum supported drives are 64 GB. It is unlikely that at least someone plans to insert an even more capacious card into the DVR.

Like the older model, the Midrive D01 has its own battery. It is not very capacious, therefore, without power in the car's on-board network, the DVR will last only two or three minutes, hardly longer.

If you are reading our review from the very first line, then you have already guessed about the main drawback of this model. She writes videos strictly one minute at a time. You cannot select a different length for movies. However, if you are not going to use such a device to shoot an interesting video to upload it to YouTube, then you will not even notice this flaw in the firmware.

Advantages

• There is Wi-Fi;
• Decent video quality;
• Capacious memory cards are supported;
• There is a battery;
• The microphone is not forgotten;
• There is a shock sensor;
• Not very high cost.

disadvantages

• No screen;
• The duration of the videos is only 1 minute;
• No motion detector;
• The Russian language appears only after a flashing.

Conclusion

This is a list of the best DVRs among those that are sold at a low price. Installing any of the models considered here will allow you to find out who is to blame if an accident suddenly occurs. And such devices also allow you to capture curious moments that may arouse interest among those who love to watch YouTube.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.