BlackVue is a South Korean dash cam brand known for compact cylindrical cameras, strong parking-mode recording and its cloud service, which lets you view the camera from a phone. The range runs from single front cameras to multi-camera kits for rideshare and commercial vehicles.
Buying the right BlackVue comes down to three choices: how many channels you need, how the camera will be powered when the car is parked, and whether you will use the cloud features enough to justify them.
One, two or three channels
A one-channel BlackVue records only the road ahead. It is the simplest install and covers most insurance disputes, since the majority of collisions happen in front.
Two-channel kits add a rear camera, which records rear-end impacts and anything that happens behind a parked car. For most drivers this is the sensible choice.
Three-channel and interior-camera options are aimed at taxi and rideshare drivers who want a record of the cabin. Check local rules on recording passengers and audio, and tell passengers if the law requires it.
BlackVue sells some models in window-mounted and more discreet box formats. Read the camera dimensions before buying if your windscreen has a large sensor area behind the mirror.
Resolution and night performance
BlackVue offers cameras at several resolutions, with the flagship models recording at 4K on the front camera. Higher resolution makes number plates easier to read at a distance, but it fills memory cards faster.
Night recording depends on the image sensor as much as resolution. Read the sensor details on the BlackVue product page, and look at real night footage from owners rather than bright daytime samples.
Parking mode and power
Parking mode is where BlackVue built its reputation. The camera watches the car while it is parked and records impacts and motion. It needs power when the ignition is off, and there are three ways to supply it.
A hardwiring kit connects the camera to the car's fuse box, with a voltage cut-off to protect the car battery. BlackVue sells its own power management units for this. A separate dash cam battery pack avoids draining the car battery at all. The cigarette-lighter cable is the simplest but, in many cars, turns off with the ignition, so parking mode will not work.
Hardwiring is straightforward for anyone comfortable with fuse taps, but a professional install costs little compared with an electrical fault. Check the voltage cut-off settings in the BlackVue app after installation.
Cloud, Wi-Fi and LTE
Every recent BlackVue model has Wi-Fi for viewing and downloading clips on a phone near the car. Cloud-capable models can also connect to the BlackVue cloud service through a mobile hotspot or a built-in or add-on LTE module.
The cloud lets you receive impact alerts and view a live picture from anywhere. It needs a data connection in the car and, beyond the free tier, a BlackVue Cloud subscription. If your car sits in a private garage, you may never use it.
Memory cards
A dash cam writes continuously, which wears out ordinary memory cards. Use high-endurance cards made for continuous recording, in the capacity the BlackVue model supports.
Format the card periodically in the BlackVue app, and replace it on a schedule. A card that fails silently is the most common reason a dash cam has no footage when it is needed.
Warranty and where to buy
Buy from BlackVue directly or an authorised dealer so the warranty is honoured. Check the current warranty length and what it covers for your region, and register the camera if asked.
Where the BlackVue savings are
BlackVue codes are mostly creator and partner codes, and nearly all of them give the same 10%. There is no point hunting for a better percentage; try one, and if it has been retired, try the other.
On a two-channel kit with a hardwiring unit and a memory card, 10% is a useful saving, so put the whole setup in one BlackVue basket rather than buying accessories later.
The free-gift code is worth a look if the gift is something you need, such as a memory card or power accessory. Compare it with 10% of your basket; on an expensive camera the percentage usually wins.
Only one BlackVue code applies per order, and codes may exclude cloud subscriptions and already discounted bundles.
Common questions
Does a BlackVue need hardwiring for parking mode?
It needs constant power, from a hardwiring kit or a battery pack. The lighter socket usually will not do.
Is the BlackVue cloud service free?
There is a free tier with limits. Heavier use needs a paid plan and a data connection.
Which memory card should I use in a BlackVue?
A high-endurance card in a supported capacity. Ordinary cards wear out quickly.
Is a two-channel BlackVue worth it?
For most drivers, yes. The rear camera covers rear-end impacts and parked-car damage.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Blackvue → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Blackvue → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Blackvue → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at Blackvue → |
