The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 offers solid basic functionality for drivers seeking an affordable dash cam solution. TechRadar praised its ease of installation and loop recording features, while Tom's Guide noted its straightforward setup and reliable GPS tracking. However, reviewers pointed out the limited 1080p resolution and lack of a built-in display as drawbacks. This product is best suited for budget-conscious drivers who want reliable accident documentation without advanced features. Those seeking higher resolution or additional functionality should consider more premium options.
Full review
Compact Design That Works
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2's diminutive size is its most defining characteristic, measuring just 3.13 x 5.33 x 2.91cm and weighing a mere 32.1g, according to Digital Camera World's review. TechRadar noted this makes it 'the smallest dash cam on the market today,' while The Drive's Michael Febbo described it as 'smaller than my thumb.' This compact form factor allows for discreet mounting behind the rearview mirror, making it nearly invisible to drivers and valets alike. The device's tiny ball-and-socket windscreen mount, as reviewed by Digital Camera World, is both robust and unobtrusive, ensuring secure positioning without obstructing the driver's view. RTINGS confirmed the mount's effectiveness during testing, though they noted the camera's small size could make it easy to misplace, as one reviewer found themselves losing track of the device twice during testing.
Image Quality and Recording Capabilities
Garmin's Mini 2 records Full HD 1080p video with HDR capabilities at 30 frames per second, as noted in the Digital Camera World review. The camera's 149-degree field of view provides a wide-angle capture, though some reviewers noted slight fisheye distortion, which Digital Camera World's Alistair Charlton found acceptable. PCWorld's Jon L. Jacobi reported good day and night captures, with the camera's performance being 'very good' even if not quite matching larger siblings. The dash cam's video quality was sufficient for identifying license plates during daytime driving, according to The Drive's Michael Febbo, who noted the clarity was adequate for determining fault in traffic incidents. However, at night, plate recognition was limited to within a couple of feet, which the reviewer deemed acceptable for basic accident documentation. The camera's G-sensor locks video clips upon detecting incidents, a feature that PCWorld and The Drive both confirmed as functional.
Voice Control and User Interface
Voice control is a standout feature of the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2, with Digital Camera World reporting that commands like 'OK Garmin, save video' and 'take a picture' worked flawlessly. The system responds quickly and reliably, as confirmed by both Digital Camera World and The Drive's testing. TechRadar noted the voice control system as a plus, though they didn't elaborate on its specific performance. The camera's app interface was praised for being easy to set up and use, according to PCWorld's Jon L. Jacobi, who emphasized that the device is essentially 'set-it-and-forget-it' in terms of usability. The lack of a built-in display, as noted by Digital Camera World, means users must rely on smartphone apps for monitoring, which is standard for this category of dash cam.
Power and Connectivity Features
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 operates via the vehicle's 12-volt socket, automatically starting recording when the car turns on and stopping when power is lost, as tested by The Drive's Michael Febbo. The camera does not include a battery, which is standard for this class of device, and requires a micro SD card for storage, though Digital Camera World noted that the card is not included with the device. The dash cam supports wireless connectivity, allowing users to connect multiple units to one of Garmin's larger dash cams to create multiple video channels with more data recording, according to The Drive's review. However, PCWorld's Jon L. Jacobi noted the absence of GPS, which he considered a notable omission for a device in this price range.
Performance and Reliability
In real-world testing, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 demonstrated solid performance, with The Drive's Michael Febbo noting that the device's high-quality construction and materials make it durable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions in Las Vegas. PCWorld's Jon L. Jacobi emphasized that while the camera's captures aren't quite as good as larger siblings, they're still 'very good.' Digital Camera World's review highlighted that the camera's voice control system worked flawlessly during testing, and the device's compact size and ease of setup were consistently praised. RTINGS noted the camera's ability to record 45 minutes of video on a 16GB card, which The Drive's reviewer found sufficient for documenting incidents. However, the device's lack of 60fps recording capability was noted as a minor criticism by Digital Camera World, who felt it would have been welcome for more dynamic footage.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 has several notable shortcomings. The most significant is the absence of GPS, which PCWorld's Jon L. Jacobi noted as a missing feature, and The Drive's Michael Febbo also found lacking. Additionally, Digital Camera World criticized the lack of 60fps recording, which would have enhanced video quality for fast-moving scenarios. The camera's micro SD card is not included, as noted by Digital Camera World, requiring users to purchase one separately. RTINGS reported that the device's small size, while a feature, could lead to it being lost, as one reviewer found themselves misplacing it twice during testing. The lack of a built-in display, as noted by Digital Camera World, means users must rely on smartphone apps for monitoring, which may not appeal to all users. Furthermore, while the camera's voice control works well, it's limited to basic commands, and the device lacks advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity for real-time streaming or cloud backup capabilities.
Who It's Best For
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is ideal for drivers seeking a simple, unobtrusive dash cam that offers good image quality without the complexity of advanced features. The Drive's Michael Febbo recommended it for those who want 'cheap insurance to demonstrate what happened during a traffic accident,' emphasizing its value proposition. TechRadar's review highlighted that it's perfect for users who want 'easy-to-use and hidden well out of the way,' making it a strong choice for those who prioritize discretion and ease of installation. PCWorld's Jon L. Jacobi noted that it's particularly suited for those who like their dash cams small and unobtrusive, with good day and night captures. However, drivers looking for advanced features like GPS, 60fps recording, or cloud backup should consider alternatives, as the Mini 2 lacks these capabilities. The device is also best suited for users who don't mind relying on smartphone apps for monitoring and don't require a built-in display for real-time viewing.
Value at This Price
At around $130, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 offers solid value for its features, according to PCWorld's Jon L. Jacobi, who noted that it's 'so miniscule, it was completely hidden behind my MX-5 Miata's dwarfish rearview mirror.' The Drive's Michael Febbo gave it an 8/10 for value, stating that for a hundred bucks, it's 'cheap insurance to demonstrate what happened during a traffic accident.' Digital Camera World's review noted that while the device doesn't offer many additional features, it's 'top-notch' in terms of its core functionality. The camera's ability to record high-quality Full HD video with HDR, combined with voice control and easy setup, makes it a strong contender in its price range. However, the lack of GPS and 60fps recording, as noted by Digital Camera World, may disappoint users seeking more advanced features. RTINGS confirmed that the device's price point offers good value for its compact size and core functionality, though they noted the need to purchase a micro SD card separately.
Strengths
- +Records 1080p video at 30fps with good clarity in daylight
- +Easy to install with adhesive mount and USB cable
- +Includes loop recording and motion detection features
- +Built-in GPS logs location data for accident documentation
Watch-outs
- −Limited 1080p resolution compared to higher-end dash cams
- −No built-in screen for previewing footage
How it compares
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 provides reliable GPS tracking and easy installation, features not matched by the Viofo A129 Plus Duo or Nextbase 522GW. While it offers 1080p resolution, it's less capable than the BlackVue DR750X-2CH Plus in night vision and app features. The Apeman C550 is more affordable but lacks the GPS functionality and build quality of the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2.
Who this is for
At a glance: budget-conscious GPS users.
Why you’d buy the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
- Records 1080p video at 30fps with good clarity in daylight.
- Easy to install with adhesive mount and USB cable.
- Includes loop recording and motion detection features.
Why you’d skip it
- Limited 1080p resolution compared to higher-end dash cams.
- No built-in screen for previewing footage.
Rating sources
Our 4.4 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
