VIOFO A229 Pro 4K HDR Dash Cam, Dual STARVIS 2 IMX678 IMX675, 4K+2K Front and Rear Car Camera, 2 Channel with HDR, Voice Control, 5GHz WiFi GPS, Night Vision 2.0, 24H Parking Mode

I bought this because it was recommended by The Wirecutter. I'm happy with this purchase. First of all: why buy a dashcam? Well, I previously owned a body cam that I used as a makeshift dashcam. I then got into a crash driving behind a van with their warning lights on for a while. When they slowed down to a crawl, I assumed they would stop and double park, but instead they turned into my car. At first, my insurance company told me I would be 70% responsible, and pay my and their repairs accordingly. But after reviewing the footage and determining how long they had their warning lights on while driving and how slow they were driving, suddenly, my responsiblity was more like 20%. That body cam used as a dashcam paid for instead with one crash! However, of course the quality wasn't that great since it wasn't meant to be a dashcam, and I didn't have a rear camera. So I decided that spending money on a dashcam would be worth it in the event of a crash and would easily pay for itself. I bought the model that comes with a front and rear camera. The quality is excellent, even at night. It's fairly easy to set up using their instructions. I installed the front camera, then ran the wires under the panels of my car to the 12 volt outlet and to the rear camera. The one small downside is that the 12 volt adapter has USB-A outlets, and the cable is USB-C (on the camera side) to USB-A. I don't understand and wish it was all 100% USB-C because that's what I use with all other cables. So I just use this with my existing 12-volt USB-C adapter and use a USB-A to USB-C adapter. In my 2016 Honda Fit, the dashcam turns on automatically when I start the car, and starts recording. There's an iOS app that is decent that I can use to change all the settings, view and download video files. I can set the recording to loop and overwrite the older recordings, and I can even lock certain photo and videos so they don't get recorded over, for example in case of a crash. That lock can also happen automatically based on accelerometer values. This unit also has GPS and can add coordinates and speed to video recordings. Thankfully I haven't had to use the footage for a crash, yet 🤞. I'm pretty confident though that if that were to happen, that footage would be very useful and could be the difference between me paying hundreds of dollars to someone else, and them paying me, and keeping my insurance rates low. I highly recommend this dashcam.

The VIOFO A229 Pro is an impressive dash cam with excellent video quality. Having 2K resolution in the rear camera is a big plus, and the STARVIS 2 sensors make a noticeable difference in low-light conditions. It even comes with a CPL (circular polarizing lens) filter for the front camera, which helps cut down on glare. I really like the voice notifications like “2 channel recording started” instead of it just beeping at me like many dash cams do. This makes it easy to know if something gets disconnected or when WiFi turns off. The app can be a little finicky at times, but it’s still easier to adjust settings than using the camera buttons. Downloading videos over WiFi works well for one off videos, but for larger batches it’s much faster to connect via USB-C or use the SD card directly. I also appreciate the 2 port charger and a detachable cable. Many cheaper dash cams hardwire the cable into the charger, making it difficult to replace if something fails. In another car I use the VIOFO A139, which has a slimmer coaxial cable that hides more easily in the trim. I wish the A229 Pro used the same, but the USB-C setup is still fine and not a dealbreaker. Overall, the A229 Pro delivers top-of-the-line video quality, great low-light performance, and smart features that make it a strong choice for a reliable dash cam setup.

I have had and installed several dashboard cameras for my family and I that were in the $150-$250 range. Some worked well, but many were downright lousy (image quality especially!) My brother's car had a $200 one that kept freezing up after about a year, and he got fed up and asked me for a recommendation. I liked my FitcamX for the Toyota Sienna because it had an integrated OEM look. It served me well, but image quality was still lacking despite its 4K video claim. My brother bought the Viofo A139, and it looked pretty good for a 1440-pixel camera thanks to its Sony sensor. I got myself the Viofo A229 Pro 4K to see how it would compare to the FitcamX 4K. For the test, I did not mount it to the windshield and had it lean against the center console instead (see video). PROS - Excellent image quality (some degradation during night time) -- Sony makes some of the best photographic sensors in the industry (I'm a professional photographer but shoot with Canon) -- Better than average night vision that Sony is known for - Can simultaneously record front, rear, and interior with the 3CH version. I bought the 2CH (front, rear) - GPS built in to record place of collision and to log route -- When collision is detected, it beeps a few times. Video is stored in a subfolder on the memory card (forgot what it's called. "Locked"?) - Videos are stored in .MP4 format - Wires are routed through the car's interior and to the cigarette lighter port, but a hardwire kit (to the fuse box is available for purchase) -- Only turns on when the car is powered on, but can also constantly stay on by tapping directly into the car battery (with the optional hardwire kit) -- Cable is USB-A C between cigarette port adapter and main camera, and USB-C between main and rear cameras -- Cables were sufficiently long enough for a Toyota Highlander SUV and Sienna minivan with plenty to spare - Lenses can be rotated to different, vertical angles, but not horizontally - Multiple recording modes in Parked state -- Automatic: when motion is detected, automatically record -- Time lapse at specific frame rates (the higher the FPS, the more images will be taken) ---- Manual warns to use this mode during hot weather to prevent overheating of the camera -- Low bitrate: continuous recording but at a loss of image resolution/quality - microSD memory card support for up to 512GB -- Recommend SanDisk and Kingston the most. Viofo recommends their own branded memory card ---- SanDisk Extreme series cost more, but has lifetime warranty - WiFi function to view via a smartphone app -- Videos can be zoomed into for better visibility - Circular Polarizing Lens (CPL) Filter is an unusual feature -- CPLs are generally used in photography to block out glares and reflections to produce sharper images. Having one for the dashcam can help with that, but that also can create poor images depending on camera angle and time of day. If CPL is used, be sure to check the image quality from time to time - Voice notification to present camera state - Audio recording was decent -- Recording can be turned off for privacy - Manual start/stop of recording via a Bluetooth remote (optional purchase. I did not buy) - GPS coordinate, timestamp, speed, "Viofo" brand, camera model info can be watermarked on/off on the video CONS - Installation manual is better than expected, but if you have installed audio or camera equipment in the car before, it's a straight-forward, standard process -- Installation is made easier with a multimeter if using the hardwire kit. None needed for the cigarette lighter port - A bit on the pricey side - microSD Memory card was not included - 3M sticker to mount camera to windshield could come off over time - Does not look like an OEM camera like the FitcamX does I tested the collision feature by dropping the camera. It made a few beeps and moved the video to a special subfolder on the memory card. You can't go wrong with a Sony image sensor and GPS combination to record collisions. Should they get into an accident or come across a crime, the resulting video will certainly either help put a bad person behind bars and/or safe us much more in insurance cost against false lawsuits caused by fraudulent drivers.

Every car should come with a dash cam. To be honest I did not spend too much time researching and much to my surprise it works great. Very clear videos, license plates and details are super clear, wide capture is perfect. One star off because the rear cable is not long enough for my Subaru Outback when wiring through the base boards instead of over the window trim. Wiring above the windows was a hard no for me since the curtain airbags run through almost the entire length of the car. Too risky even when tucking behind the airbags as the cables can move and no matter how much their tucked and tied they can become dislodged with the blunt full force of the airbags causing disfunction or loose wiring possibly resulting in bodily injury. That said I had to mount the front camera on the bottom right passenger side as the cord was about a foot too short to reach up and behind the rear view cameras. Did not want to situate on the top right of the window since it really should be in an area the windshield wipers clear the view. After calling around and finding out installers charge $300 -$500 depending on whether it’s being hardwired, and reading about all the bad Best Buy reviews I decided to do it myself. I am a female over 60 years old and was able to figure it out. Watched a few YouTube videos and took some good pointers from each video. Hard to believe some just said tuck it here or there, without any consideration for the fact that doing so would have completely blocked the airbags, including videos of installation of the same car. One of them was great, in that it highlighted this important issue. Glad I did it myself knowing nothing is impeding any of the safety features this car is well known for. Also, if I decide to sell the car, I will know how to remove everything. Opted for non-hardwiring, seems easy to do, but not worried about anything happening while car was inoperable. Feel a sense of relief knowing that if anyone pulls a crazy maneuver, accidentally causes an accident or knowingly causes an accident to fraudulently collect liability damages, everything is captured on video.

This dash cam delivers everything I wanted for peace of mind on the road. The 4K front and 2K rear video quality is sharp and detailed, even at night—license plates and street signs are easy to read thanks to the STARVIS 2 sensors and HDR. The wide dynamic range makes night vision excellent, with none of the washed-out glare I’ve seen on cheaper cams. Setup was straightforward, and the GPS and 5GHz WiFi make it simple to review and transfer footage quickly. I also like the voice control, which makes it easy to lock a recording without fumbling for buttons while driving. Parking mode adds an extra layer of security, and knowing it supports up to 512GB means I don’t have to worry about storage filling up too fast. Build quality feels solid, the interface is user-friendly, and it just works reliably without hiccups. It’s a professional-grade dash cam that’s well worth the investment if you want clear recordings and dependable features in any driving situation.

Dash cam is an investment, because its sole purpose is to provide a peace of mind for any unforeseen incident that could happen on the road. Hence, reliability and picture/video quality of the cameras are of utmost importance. I had spent countless hours researching the best dash cam in the market, and A229 Pro is it. It records brilliantly day and night, for both front and back cameras. It automatically records when the car turns on, and off when the car shuts off. I power the dash cam through the outlet plug which was easier to install versus the hardwired battery method and it has been running seamlessly since day one. After owning the first dash cam for a month with reliable recordings with excellent picture and video qualities, I bought two more and have been using all three for almost 6 months now without any issue. What also impressed me in addition to the reliability and high-quality recordings of the dash cam is their customer support. Upon reaching out to Viofo about a feature, an actual person, not an automatic message, quickly replied back and checked up on my experience with the dash cam. Freja, the customer support agent that responded, is friendly and capable in assuring that Viofo stands behind their product and that if there are any issues, they'll be an e-mail or a phone call away to help. Highest recommendation to this dash cam for its quality and the company's customer-first approach.

Update 9/5/25: Viofo reached out to me via Amazon messaging where they first offered a refund and then retracted that offer. Instead they suggested the following: "1. About the G-sensor problem, you can try to adjust it to a low sensitivity. 2. About the wifi problem, may I know if you are using the CarPlay? Sometimes the phone will connect to the CarPlay and cause the off connection with the wifi from the dash cam You can check it. Here we have some suggestions for you: Before connecting, you can turn off the mobile cellular data or turn on the flight mode because the phone's signal can sometimes interfere with the wifi connection." I told them that I do not use CarPlay and explained to them that my phone did not disconnect from the dashcam's access point (WiFi) and that the dashcam would simply turn off its WiFi radio, as evidenced by the LED of the far right of the unit turning off. It would do this while I was using the app to search/play back footage, so it was not some sort of idle timeout. As for the app - it is absolutely horrible - just look at the reviews for it in your app store. I use Android, so that is the Play Store for me, where it has a whopping 2.2 stars out of 5. I'll be leaving them well deserved a 1-star review there as well. Viofo seems to be suggesting in their message that all of my issues with their product are to be blamed on my phone. I don't have any trouble connecting WiFi and having a conflict with mobile data being enabled. Since I purchased this product, the price has jumped up another 70 dollars, which I think is quite a premium to pay for a very poor product. At the current price-point, I expect a high-quality, reliable, and user-friendly experience, and Viofo seems incapable of delivering on that. I am returning this item and will try another vendor. Original review: Video quality is acceptable, but that's about where the positives end with this Viofo dash camera. The motion sensor doesn't trigger under hard braking, but will randomly trigger for no apparent reason. The WiFi stability is horrendous and the smartphone app is one of the worst I think I've ever used. It just does not do the job it claims to. This product is insanely frustrating to use. Voice commands don't work. Random conversations might trigger it to take a picture when you don't want it to - or that may have been just the faulty motion sensor - not sure. When the app is connected, it sems like I have about 20 seconds to find a clip I want to download or it will disconnect and I have to try again - holding the WiFi button down again and reconnecting the app, then I have to search AGAIN for the clip I want since it resets to the newest clip every time. And if I do find a clip I want to download, it takes about 15 seconds or so, and if I want to go back and download another, I have to start my search over AGAIN. You are also unable to lock clips through the app to prevent them being overwritten - you have to just rely on the motion sensor to get it right, which in my experience happened exactly ZERO PERCENT of the time. One minute clips are REALLY unwieldy to deal with during a long drive. It's impossible to sort through them all when the clip thumbnails all look nearly identical. This Viofo brand came recommended on Reddit as being the best, but I guess the bar is VERY low. Don't waste your time with this junk. Also, almost forgot - the cables they include are BARELY adequate for my purpose. Routing the power cord under my headliner and down the A-pillar and under the dash left me almost exactly 3 inches to plug into a USB port on my Ram pickup. I guess these are made for compact cars only. I didn't even bother trying to connect the rear -facing camera. Just looking at the cable, I knew I'd come up short.

Update: Customer service went above and beyond, so I'm updating my review. They replaced the dashcam for me after the accident, and helped me set up hard wiring so I feel more confident the camera will run during impact. I bought and installed the Viofo 229 pro with front and rear cameras based on this recommendation. Yesterday I was in a 3-car collision on the freeway, where I was rear-ended and that made me hit the car in front. Unfortunately, the camera stopped at the moment of impact so the most crucial part of the video was not filmed. Perhaps the camera can't register high-impact accidents, because it doesn't seem to have problems auto-saving video when I run over small potholes but failed to auto-save the footage for the accident. It was still better than not having a camera because it recorded the moments right up to the impact, but it was still disappointing. The camera did not start up again until after the accident, but it was a short clip. Maybe it got dislodged from the power source from the impact. The camera needs a backup battery for situations like this.  Doing a quick search there was someone on Reddit who had the same experience as me, where a high-impact collision failed to record properly.