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Compact dash cams

These are the dash cams people recommend for a compact fit, ranked by how often the point comes up in real comments. Every quote links back to the original conversation. A compact camera tucks behind the rear-view mirror and stays out of sight. That helps with theft and with windscreen rules in places that limit obstructions. People praising compact fit often mention wedge-shaped bodies and screen-free designs. Small doesn't mean basic: several of these models still offer 4K and parking mode.

63 comments praise a compact fit across 20 communities — most often Garmin Mini 2 (19), Viofo A119 Mini 2 (18), and Viofo A119 Mini (4).

Best dash cams for compact, by comment count

Ranked by how many comments raise this exact point about each model. Quotes are verbatim, trimmed only for length, and linked to the source.

  • Garmin Mini 2. Very small and unobtrusive, if you position it by your rear view.

    r/CarTalkUK· owner sentiment 5/5
  • It's tiny, reliable, good enough picture quality, and easy to operate.

    r/civic· owner sentiment 5/5
  • tiny, wide field of vision and well made.

    r/BMWX3· owner sentiment 5/5
  • It’s like $100 and super compact.

    r/GR86· owner sentiment 5/5
  • I have a Garmin Mini 2 and the Hachi Electronics harness kit, no issues, both work perfectly.

    r/GR86· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I’m running that with a Garmin mini 2 which is no frills and very small. I like it.

    r/f150· owner sentiment 4/5
  • The Garmin Mini 2 is pretty good, I like that it’s small and inconspicuous.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I have a Garmin Mini 2 and I have no real qualms with the camera itself.

  • It's small and discreet, only think about it when there's an incident.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Garmin mini 2. Small and can easily be connected to run all the time.

    r/australia· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I've been overall happy with the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2.

    r/CarTalkUK· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Garmin Mini 2. Can be wired into the mirror for power

  • Garmin Mini 2, in my 2024 Outback Touring XT.

  • Garmin Mini 2 dashcam is highly regarded too

    r/Miata· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Garmin mini 2, great little camera.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 4/5
  • use the garmin mini 2 for the rear.

    r/rav4prime· owner sentiment 4/5
  • very small and was easy to install.

    r/MazdaCX30· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I have the Mini 2 and it is great.

  • I like my Garmin Mini.

    r/GR86· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Would definitely recommend the Mini 2 to anyone looking for a starter 1ch cam.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 5/5
  • I just put the VIOFO A119 mini 2 in my wife's RAV4 and it is really tiny.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 5/5
  • I’d say go with either the A119 mini or the A229 plus.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 5/5
  • I’d say go with either the A119 mini or the A229 plus.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 5/5
  • Perfect video, super small and can mount anywhere.

  • I got the VIOFO Dash Cam A119 Mini 2 from Amazon.

  • I have the same Viofo A119 mini 2 and love it.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 5/5
  • I use an a119 Mini 2. It is the best for me.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 5/5
  • 1CH i can recommend is Viofo A119 Mini 2 for 107€ on Viofo Benelux if you apply the coupon "DUMPERT".

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Just bought the Viofo A119 Mini 2. I have the original which after 3 years is still running well.

    r/YEGDashCam· owner sentiment 4/5
  • My A119 Mini 2 transfers video to my iPhone pretty quickly. It has GPS coordinates and speed.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Go with the Viofo A119 Mini 2; I’ve seen it on Amazon for as low as $89.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Viofo Mini 2 is at 88€ atm with easter sale if you put it in the basket.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I decided front view only is good enough for me so Viofo A119 Mini 2

  • I’d say go with either the A119 mini or the A229 plus.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I’d say go with either the A119 mini or the A229 plus.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 4/5
  • My VIOFO A119 Mini 2 came with a 12V to USB adapter.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Viofo A119 Mini 2 is the way.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I’d say go with either the A119 mini or the A229 plus. Both have the Starvis 2 sensor which really helps with night time.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 5/5
  • I’d say go with either the A119 mini or the A229 plus.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 5/5
  • I’d say go with either the A119 mini or the A229 plus. Both have the Starvis 2 sensor which really helps with night time.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I’d say go with either the A119 mini or the A229 plus. Both have the Starvis 2 sensor which really helps with night time.

    r/dashcams· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I just got the Garmin Mini 3 for the front. It’s been great so far.

  • Pricey but very compact and only consumes 1.2 to 1.8W.

    r/rav4prime· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Immediately went to Best Buy for a Garmin Mini 3.

    r/bayarea· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Mini 2 with the dongar. It’s hidden behind the mirror and doesn’t obstruct the view at all.

    r/4Runner· owner sentiment 5/5
  • I’m going to recommend it again, viofo mini 2.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 5/5
  • Get Viofo (for instance mini 2) plus this cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2D78KMJ?ref=emc_b_5_mob_t

    r/rav4club· owner sentiment 4/5
  • I have Garmin mini fitted front and rear, hard wired.

    r/BMWX3· owner sentiment 4/5
  • Love my garmin mini.

    r/Dashcam· owner sentiment 4/5
  • VANTRUE E1 Lite WiFi Mini Dash Cam with Voice Control, 1080P Front Dash Camera for Sedans/SUVs/Trucks, GPS, Free APP, 24 Hours Buffered Parking Mode, Super Night Vision, Support 512GB Max

    r/YEGDashCam· owner sentiment 4/5
  • ive my my Blackvue DR900X Dual Channel (front and rear) for almost 3 years now its great, has a great picture, plus its small and doesn't stick out much hindering your view, but they are pricey.

    r/australia· owner sentiment 5/5

How we count

Each comment is tagged for the features it praises or criticizes. A single comment can carry several tags. Counts reflect what people chose to post, not lab testing or failure rates.Read the full methodology.

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