The Best Dash Cams for UK Drivers in 2026
The Department for Transport recorded 128,272 road casualties in Great Britain in 2024, more than 350 every single day. Most were not caused by recklessness, but were simply ordinary journeys that went wrong.
It is no surprise that dash cams have risen in popularity. A dash cam can't prevent the likelihood of incidents occurring, but when one happens, it means the truth is on record. For insurance disputes, insurance claims, and the kind of collision where everything comes down to whose account you believe, footage is the difference between a clear outcome and a drawn-out one.
So if you’re interested in a dash cam but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. This guide covers the best Road Angel Halo dash cams and helps you choose the right model for your car and your driving style.
If you want to understand how dash cams work before you buy, Road Angel’s complete dash cam guide covers the full picture.
What to look for in a dash cam
Not all dash cam specs are created equal. The sections below cover the decisions that will actually affect what you get out of the camera, including resolution, coverage, parking protection, connectivity, and how the camera gets its power.
Every Road Angel Halo dash cam in this guide comes with a 3-year warranty, is built by a British brand, and includes Winter Mode as standard. Unlike dash cams that rely on an internal battery for parking protection, Road Angel's 24/7 True Parking Mode draws directly from your car's electrical system, with built-in battery protection so it never leaves your vehicle at risk.
Video resolution
Resolution tells you how much detail the camera captures. There are three levels to consider:
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1080p (Full HD) – reliable, clear footage for everyday use. Good enough to read a number plate in decent light at close range.
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1296p (1K+) – a step up from standard Full HD. Sharper image in movement and slightly better low-light performance, without the larger file sizes of 2K.
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1440p (2K / Quad HD) – 78% sharper than 1080p. Noticeably better at capturing detail in movement, particularly at speed or in poor light.
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1520p (2K+) – sits above standard 2K, offering greater clarity at speed and improved detail at distance.
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1620p (3K) – approaching 4K quality. Delivers strong plate legibility and solid night performance in a mid-range format.
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4K (2160p / Ultra HD) – the clearest footage available. Plate legibility at distance improves significantly, and night performance is stronger on 4K-rated sensors.
Higher resolution means larger file sizes, so you’ll want a larger SD card to match.
Front-only vs. front and rear
A front camera covers most situations. It records what happens ahead of you, including near-misses, junctions, other drivers’ behaviour, and incidents where you’re not at fault.
A rear camera adds coverage for the collision type that happens most often on UK roads: being hit from behind. If you drive in busy urban traffic, park on the street, or spend time on motorways, front and rear is worth the step up.
Parking mode: 2-tier vs. 3-tier
Parking mode records incidents while your car is stationary, such as a knock in a car park or a scrape on the street.
Road Angel's parking protection works differently. Rather than relying on an internal battery that can run out and leave your car unmonitored, it draws power directly from your vehicle's electrical system via a hardwiring kit, with built-in battery protection to prevent a flat.
The Halo range uses two levels:
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24/7 True 2-Tier Parking Mode covers two types of monitoring:
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Impact and motion detection – the camera records continuously, triggered by physical impact or movement. Active around the clock, with no internal battery dependency.
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Time-lapse recording – captures footage at a lower frame rate and compressed speed, reducing the demand on your SD card while maintaining continuous visual coverage of your vehicle.
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24/7 True 3-Tier Parking Mode adds a third layer on top of the above:
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Continuous real-time recording – records at full frame rate while parked, giving the most complete coverage available for extended periods.
All parking mode tiers include built-in battery protection to prevent your vehicle battery from running flat. A hardwiring kit is required and must be fitted correctly for parking mode to function.
See hardwiring kits and accessories →
Wi-Fi and the Road Angel app
Halo dash cams connect to the Road Angel smartphone app over Wi-Fi. That means you can download clips directly to your phone without a laptop or SD card reader, which can be useful when you need footage quickly after an incident. The app is available for iOS and Android.
Wi-Fi on a dash cam does not mean the camera runs without a power cable. It connects to your phone, not to a home network. The camera still plugs into your car’s power supply.
Quick release vs. hardwired
Some of our Halo models come with a quick-release mount as standard, which attaches to the windscreen and lets you remove the camera in seconds. Just unplug, unmount and go!
Hardwiring connects the camera directly to your car’s fuse box, keeping it powered at all times and enabling full parking mode. Road Angel offers nationwide professional installation.
The best dash cam for everyday driving
Most drivers don’t drive hundreds of miles a week and just use their vehicles for everyday routines. In these situations, you need a reliable, easy-to-use dash cam that keeps you well covered every time you pull out of the driveway.
These are the front-only models that are compact, straightforward, and suited to drivers who want reliable footage without extra complexity.
Halo Ignite 2 – the best entry-level option
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Price: £79.99
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Resolution: 1080p Full HD
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 2-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 120°
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Max storage: 256GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK5VC-OBD
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Extras: Winter Mode
The Ignite 2 is the most accessible camera in the range. It records Full HD 1080p footage, connects to the Road Angel app via Wi-Fi, and includes a free SD card. A quick-release mount comes as standard.
Good for: first-time buyers, drivers replacing an older camera, or anyone who wants solid everyday protection without spending over £100.
Halo Start 2 – compact and capable
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Price: £99.99
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Resolution: 1080p Full HD
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 2-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 120°
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Max storage: 256GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK5VC-OBD
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Extras: Winter Mode
The Start 2 is a step up from the Ignite 2 with the same 1080p resolution and a similar compact footprint. Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone app support, and a quick-release mount. This model is screenless, so footage review is done through the app.
Good for: daily commuters who want Wi-Fi clip access and a tidy, discreet install.
Halo Go 2 – a step up in resolution
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Price: £99.99
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Resolution: 1296p Full HD
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 3-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 140°+
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Max storage: 128GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK5V-C
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Extras: Winter Mode
The Go 2 records at 1296p, sharper than standard 1080p, without the file sizes of 2K. It also carries a 3-tier parking mode, which gives it more comprehensive coverage when stationary than the entry models.
Good for: drivers who want better-than-HD footage and more thorough parking protection at the same price as the Start 2.
Halo Drive 2 – the 2K upgrade
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Price: £129.99
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Resolution: 1440p (2K / Quad HD)
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 3-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 140°+
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Max storage: 256GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK5V-C
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Extras: Winter Mode
The Drive 2 is where the range moves into Quad HD territory. 1440p footage is 78% sharper than 1080p; the difference is clearest when reviewing footage of moving vehicles or in low-light conditions.
Good for: drivers who want sharper footage than Full HD and don’t need a rear camera.
The best front and rear dash cams
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of road incident in the UK. A rear camera records what a front-only camera cannot: what came up behind you. For insurance purposes, that footage is often the difference between a straightforward claim and a disputed one. If you drive in heavy urban traffic, park on the street, or spend time on motorways, front-and-rear coverage is worth it.
Halo Ultima 4K – 4K front and rear at the best price
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Price: £199.99
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Resolution: 4K front / 1080p rear
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 2-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 140°+
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Max storage: 256GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK5V-C
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Extras: Voice Commands, In-Built GPS, Sony Starvis Night Vision, Winter Mode
The Ultima 4K gives you 4K front footage and full rear coverage at the same price as several 2K alternatives. It comes with a quick-release mount, Wi-Fi, and smartphone app as standard.
Good for: drivers who want 4K quality and front and rear coverage without paying a premium.
Halo Play 4K – 4K front and rear with a screen
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Price: £199.99
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Resolution: 4K front / 1080p rear
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Screen: 3.2" live-view
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 2-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 140°+
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Max storage: 256GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK5V-C
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Extras: ADAS, Voice Commands, In-Built GPS, Sony Starvis Night Vision, Winter Mode
The Halo Play 4K features the same specs as the Ultima 4K and comes with a 3.2-inch live-view screen. You can review footage in the car without opening the app, which is useful for quickly checking a clip at the roadside or in a car park after an incident.
Good for: drivers who want in-car footage review without reaching for a phone.
Halo Guardian 2K+ – 2K+ with a screen
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Price: £189.99
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Resolution: 2K+ front / 1080p rear
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Screen: 3.2" live-view
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 2-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 140°+
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Max storage: 256GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK5V-C
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Extras: ADAS, Voice Commands, In-Built GPS, Sony Starvis Night Vision, Winter Mode
The Guardian 2K+ is the Play 4K’s alternative for drivers who prefer 2K+ resolution over 4K. It has the same 3.2-inch screen and same parking mode at a slightly lower price.
Good for: drivers who want the in-car screen layout at a lower entry point.
Halo Pro 2K – the Which? Best Buy
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Price: £199.99
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Resolution: 1520p (2K) front / 1080p rear
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 3-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 140°+
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Max storage: 128GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK12VC-OBD
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Extras: Telematics, In-Built GPS, Winter Mode
The Pro 2K is Road Angel’s longest-standing front and rear model and carries a Which? Best Buy award. It features a 1520p front, a 1080p rear, a 3-tier parking mode, and the most customer reviews of any model in the current range.
Good for: drivers who want a proven, well-reviewed all-rounder with the most thorough parking coverage in its price bracket.
The best mirror screen dash cam
The Vision 3 and View 3 are a different type of camera entirely. Instead of mounting to the windscreen as a unit, they sit over or replace your rear-view mirror, giving you a 10-inch antiglare touchscreen where your mirror used to be. The camera lens is built into the housing, so there’s nothing hanging from the windscreen at all.
Both record 4K front and 1080p rear footage, and both carry 3-tier parking mode.
Halo Vision 3
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Price: £199.99
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Resolution: 4K front / 1080p rear
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Screen: 10" anti-glare touchscreen
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 3-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 140°+
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Max storage: 128GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK5VC-OBD
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Extras: Voice Commands, Sony Starvis Night Vision
The Vision 3 is the clean-install option for drivers who don’t want a visible camera on the windscreen. 4K front, 1080p rear, a large touchscreen for in-car review.
Halo View 3
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Price: £199.99
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Resolution: 4K front / 1080p rear
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Screen: 10" anti-glare touchscreen
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 3-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 140°+
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Max storage: 128GB
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Compatible HWK: HWK5VC-OBD
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Extras: Voice Commands, Sony Starvis Night Vision, Reverse parking aid
The View 3 adds one feature the Vision 3 doesn’t: a reverse parking aid. The rear camera doubles as a parking guide when you engage reverse. It has the same 4K front footage, same 10-inch touchscreen, and same 3-tier parking protection.
Good for: drivers who want the mirror cam format and find the reverse parking aid useful for their car or parking situation.
The best 4K dash cam in 2026
Resolution only matters when you need it, and when you need it, it matters a lot. 4K footage gives you significantly more detail than 1080p or 2K, particularly at a distance and in low light. You get clearer number plate recognition, better night performance, and footage that holds up more convincingly under scrutiny. However, the trade-off is file size: 4K clips are larger, so 64GB goes less far.
Halo Edge 4K – the best 4K single camera
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Price: £149.99
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Resolution: 4K
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 2-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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Viewing angle: 140°+
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Max storage: 256GB
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Extras: Voice Commands, In-Built GPS, Sony Starvis Night Vision, Winter Mode
The Edge 4K brings 4K recording to a compact, front-only format. It’s the most affordable 4K model in the range, and it’s rear-camera-ready if you want to add one later.
Good for: drivers who want 4K image quality in a discreet, no-fuss package.
Halo Elite 4K – the flagship dash cam
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Price: £329.99
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Resolution: 4K (2160p) front / 1080p rear
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Sensor: Sony Starvis 2 (enhanced night vision)
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Parking mode: 24/7 True 3-Tier
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, smartphone app
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In the box: Free hardwiring kit included
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Extras: In-Built GPS, Sony Starvis 2 Night Vision, Winter Mode
The Elite 4K is the most capable camera Road Angel makes. The Sony Starvis 2 sensor is built specifically for low-light performance, which is the same sensor technology used in professional-grade cameras. The front resolution is 4K at 2160p, and the rear is Full HD 1080p. 3-tier parking mode and a free hardwiring kit ship in the box.
Good for: drivers who want the best available footage quality, particularly those who drive at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dash cam for UK roads in 2026?
It depends on what you need. For a well-reviewed all-rounder with front and rear coverage, the Halo Pro 2K is Road Angel’s most established model and carries a Which? Best Buy rating. For the best image quality, particularly at night, the Halo Elite 4K with Sony Starvis 2 is the current flagship. Both carry a 3-year warranty and include at-home fitting.
Do I need front and rear?
For drivers in urban or mixed conditions, yes. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of road incident in the UK, and a front camera can’t record what hits you from behind. All Road Angel front and rear models are priced from £189.99.
Is a 4K dash cam worth it?
If you drive at higher speeds, spend time on motorways, or want the clearest number plate recognition possible, particularly in low light, then 4K is a meaningful upgrade. The Halo Edge 4K brings that quality to a compact camera at £149.99.
What does Wi-Fi mean on a dash cam?
On Road Angel dash cams, Wi-Fi connects the camera to the Road Angel smartphone app. It allows you to download footage to your phone, review clips, and adjust settings without needing a laptop or removing the SD card. It does not mean the camera operates without a power cable.
Can I get my dash cam fitted professionally?
Yes. Road Angel offers nationwide installation. Fitting includes hardwiring, which enables full parking mode on supported models.
How much storage do I need?
Most Road Angel Halo dash cams accept up to 256GB microSD (Class 10 or UHS-1 recommended for 4K footage). As a guide:
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At 1080p, 64GB holds approximately 8 hours of footage.
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At 4K, the same card holds roughly 2–3 hours.
For everyday use, 64GB is a reasonable starting point. If you drive long distances or want more buffer before older footage is overwritten, go to 128GB or higher. The Halo Pro 2K, Vision 3, and View 3 cap at 128GB, so check the individual product page to confirm.
Shop SD cards and accessories →
Find the best dash cams at Road Angel
The Halo range covers every type of driver, with entry-level 1080p starting at just £79.99. 4K front and rear with Sony night vision sits at £329.99. Browse the full range and filter by resolution, type, and price to find the right fit.
Rob Clark
