Vantrue N1 Pro: A Little Gem Of A Basic Dash Cam

This compact dash cam (with the optional GPS) covers all the bases and takes up little space.

- Jon L. Jacobi

Okay, the Vantrue N1 Pro by its lonesome is only an $80 dash cam. A very nice dash cam. But as we recommend GPS for legal and travel log reasons, I’m going to talk about it as if the $22 optional GPS mount were part of the deal. If you’re smart, it will be. That brings us to $102.

Either way, this tiny unit is our new favorite low-cost dash cam. Great basics, compact installation, a real battery, and excellent video captures will do that for you.

DESIGN AND FEATURES

The N1 Pro is even smaller than Garmin’s 45/55/65W series dash cams. The display is a relatively tiny 1.5 inches, but it’s color and it’s sharp. I’m pretty sensitive about readability, and I have no issues with it. Okay, you may have to remove the suction mount, or detach the camera from the mount for the initial settings, but it’s not a big deal. And being small, the N1 Pro can nearly disappear behind a rear view mirror should you so desire.

The N1 Pro’s interface is clean and simple, and is controlled by the very common four button panel directly to the side of the display. On the right side of the camera are the SD card slot and micro USB port (for power and data connection) that is used if you don’t have the GPS mount. On top you’ll find the happy-snap (take photo)/emergency save/parking mode button. On the bottom are a reset button and HDMI output for viewing videos directly on a display.