Vantrue N4 Dashcam Review
Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog. Today we are taking a look at a piece of tech I never thought I would need until I really, really needed it: a dashcam. Specifically, we are diving into the Vantrue N4 3 Channel 4K Dashcam. If you are on the fence about getting a dashcam, or you are just starting your search, I hope my experience can help you make the right call.
A little over a year ago, I was in a pretty serious car accident. Thankfully, I was okay, but the car was totaled. The worst part has been the legal mess with the insurance companies afterward, with everyone pointing fingers. If I had a dashcam, the video evidence would have been undeniable and could have saved me a massive headache. After that, my son actually gifted me this Vantrue N4, and it has been a huge peace of mind. Beyond accidents, these cameras are your silent witness against insurance fraud, break-ins, and road rage. It’s one of those things you set up and hope you never have to use, but you will be glad it is there if you do.
Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Channels | 3 Channels (Front + Cabin + Rear) |
| Resolution | Front: Up to 4K |
| Cabin: Up to 1440p | |
| Rear: Up to 1080p | |
| Viewing Angle | Front: 155° |
| Cabin: 165° | |
| Rear: 160° | |
| Display | 2.4 inch IPS LCD (Non-touchscreen) |
| Key Features | G-Sensor, Loop Recording, Infrared Night Vision |
| Super Capacitor, GPS, 24 Hour Parking Mode* | |
| Storage | MicroSD Card (not included) |
| Price | Check Current Price on Amazon |
*Parking Mode requires an additional hardwire kit.
Pros and Cons
What I Liked (Pros):
Excellent Daytime Video: In bright, clear daylight, the footage from the front camera is fantastic. The detail is sharp enough to easily make out license plates, street signs, and other important details.
Rock Solid Reliability: I have had this camera running in my car for nearly three months without a single issue. It has never randomly shut off, frozen, or corrupted a file. It just works, which is exactly what you want from a device like this.
Straightforward Installation: While it takes a bit of patience, routing the cables was pretty simple. Using the included tool, I was able to tuck the power cable into my car’s headliner and A-pillar for a clean install that took about an hour and a half.
What Could Be Better (Cons):
The 4K Resolution Problem: This was my biggest frustration. The box advertises 4K recording, but you can only achieve that resolution if you are only using the front camera. If you run the front and cabin cameras at the same time, the front camera’s resolution is limited to 1440p. I could not find any setting to change this, which feels a little misleading.
Struggles in Low Light: While the daytime footage is great, the nighttime video is a different story. In poorly lit areas, the footage gets very noisy and grainy, making it difficult to pick out details.
Mediocre Audio: The built in microphone is just okay. It is probably fine for city driving, but at highway speeds, road and wind noise easily drowns out conversations. I keep it turned off most of the time.
No Wi-Fi or App: To get your footage, you have to take the microSD card out and plug it into a computer. In an age of wireless everything, the lack of Wi-Fi for easy file transfers to your phone feels like a missed opportunity.
Final Verdict
So, is the Vantrue N4 worth it? Despite my frustration with the 4K resolution limit, I have to say yes. For me, the most important feature of a dashcam is reliability, and the N4 has been flawless in that department. It captures clear, detailed video during the day and provides the peace of mind that I will have evidence if I ever need it again.
It is a solid, well built camera that does its primary job very well. If you are looking for a dependable "set it and forget it" dashcam and can live with its nighttime performance and the resolution quirk, the Vantrue N4 is definitely one you should add to your list.
Conclusion
That is my take on the Vantrue N4 dashcam. It is not perfect, but it is a reliable device that has earned a permanent spot in my car. Having that silent witness riding along with you is an investment in your own peace of mind.
If you want to see the installation process and clips from the camera itself, be sure to check out the full video review over on the YouTube channel. Let me know in the comments over there if you use a dashcam or have any questions!
