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Garmin’s dashcam range has come a long way since they first entered the space back in 2014 and they now have a stellar line up of devices.
Understanding the differences between each one can be tricky so we’ve pulled together a comparison chart to give you a helping hand. Keep reading below for a fuller review of each dashcam and some images too.
Garmin Dashcam Comparison Chart
Here is a comparison of the key specs of the current Garmin dashcam range:
| Dashcam Mini | Garmin 46 | Garmin 56 | Garmin 66W | Garmin Tandem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution (max) | 1080p | 1080p | 1440p | 1440p | 1440p (front) and 720p (interior) |
| Frames per Second (max) | 30fps | 30fps | 60fps | 60fps | 60fps |
| Viewing Angle | 140° | 140° | 140° | 180° | 180° (front) and 180° (interior) |
| Screen Size | ✗ | 2" | 2" | 2" | ✗ |
| Interior Camera Built in | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Connect to Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| GPS | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Voice Control | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Autosync | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parking Mode | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Forward Collision and Lane Departure Warnings | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Time-lapse Videos | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Features and Comparison of Each Garmin Dashcam
Next, we’ll run through the key features that differentiate each device and how they compare to each other:
Garmin Dashcam Mini
The Garmin Dashcam Mini is the lowest spec dashcam in the range and is claimed to be the smallest dashcam on the market, it’s sleek and very conspicuous if that’s important to you. However, in order to achieve such a tiny device, Garmin had to forego a screen, so you’ll have to connect it up to your phone every time you need to change settings or check footage.
Speaking of the footage, it records in 1080p and at a frame rate of 30fps which is very standard for a sub-£100 device. The camera angle is only 140 degrees which is on the low side compared to other devices at this price point, especially when compared to Nextbase dashcams.
It has all the basic features you’d expect from a dashcam, such as loop recording, g-sensor and parking mode, but nothing more. The device doesn’t have any GPS capabilities, nor does it have any of the lane departure alerts or forward collision warnings found in the higher spec dashcams.
It can, however, be synced with up to 4 other Garmin dashcams using their Autosync feature so would be great as part of a dashcam set up in your vehicle.
Garmin Dashcam 46 (vs Mini)
The Garmin Dashcam 46 sits just above the Dashcam Mini in terms of specs and features although there are also many similarities. The camera is identical, both feature a 1080p camera that records at 30 frames per second and has a 2.1MP camera.
However, that’s about all they have in common. Considering the price difference between the 46 and the Mini is relatively small, the 46 has a ton of extra features, most notably is the presence of a screen.
The 2” screen can be used to review footage or change the settings on the device itself, with the Mini you’d need to do all of these things on a phone. As with all of Garmin’s dashcam, the screen isn’t touchscreen.
The 46 also features GPS which records your speed and coordinates simultaneously with the video which can prove useful when reviewing footage. The 46 introduces a number of other features, this includes forward collision and lane departure warnings, Go alerts which can let you know when traffic in front starts moving again, and voice control, allowing you to say “Ok Garmin, Save video” amongst other commands for hands free operation.
The one final difference we’ll touch on is the Travelapse feature, this allows you to create a time lapse video of your journey using photos from your trip which is perfect if you want to share with friends.
The 46 has all the standard features of a Garmin dashcam including parking mode and Autosync which allows you to sync up to 4 dashcams together.
Garmin Dashcam 56 (vs 46)
As you move up through Garmin’s flagship range from the 46 to the 56 and the 66W, the feature set of the devices remains identical, the changes are predominately camera hardware changes which improve the video quality.
The Garmin 56 has a video resolution of 1440p which is an upgrade on the 1080p resolution featured in the Garmin 46. If you go for the maximum resolution of 1440p, the frame rate will be 30fps like the 46. However, if you keep the resolution at 1080p, you’ll be able to record at 60fps which will give a much smoother video and will prove more useful in an accident.
All of the other features that were introduced in the 46 are also in the 56, including the alerts, voice control and Travelapse.
Garmin Dashcam 66W (vs 56)
The 66W is another step up from the 56 in terms of price but the only real upgrade is that the camera provides a 180 degree viewing angle giving you maximum visibility through the windscreen.
Apart from that, the camera in the 66W still has the same resolution as the 56 at 1440p and the frame rate is the same with 30fps at 1440p or a higher frame rate of 60fps if resolution is reduced to 1080p.
All of the other features found in the 56 can also be found in the 66W including Travelapse, parking mode, forward collision and lane departure warnings, etc.
Garmin Tandem Dashcam (vs 66W)
The Tandem sits at the very top of Garmin’s dashcam range although unlike most top tier dashcams, it doesn’t feature a screen. That’s because Garmin have traded the screen for a second interior facing camera allowing you to simultaneously record the front and interior view.
Similar to the 66W, the Tandem features a 1440p resolution front camera, although it doesn’t have such a high frame rate capability, so you are limited to 30fps.
The interior camera is 720p which is perfectly suitable for recording the interior of your car. The interior lens also performs well at night thanks to their Nightglo technology which automatically switches to use infrared lighting in the dark.
Both the front and interior cameras have a super wide 180 degree viewing angle which will give you an almost full view of the car.
Despite the Tandem being the most expensive dashcam in Garmin’s range, there are a number of features absent that can be found in lower priced devices. This includes many of the alerts such as forward collision and lane departure warnings, as well as the Go alert.
Which Garmin Dashcam is Best?
The 66W and the Tandem are Garmin’s top spec devices. The 66W will appeal to anyone concerned with good video quality thanks to 1440p resolution and up to 60fps, it also has lots of alerts that can make driving easier. If having an interior camera is important, then the Tandem is your best pick, offering great video quality with full coverage of your vehicle, although at the expense of a screen.
Taking price into consideration, the mid-tier Garmin 55 would be the dashcam we’d recommend as it seems to hard to justify the additional price of the higher spec devices when the upgrades are minimal.
Kieren is the founder and editor-in-chief of Auto Adviser. Kieren created the site to share his passion of cars that began long before he passed his driving test and is now a recognised contributor in the industry. Outside of cars, Kieren loves drinking coffee and travelling to far-off lands.
