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VIOFO A229 Plus Dash Cam vs Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

Buy the VIOFO A229 Plus if you want real coverage: a 2K front and 2K rear camera plus an optional cabin camera, Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, HDR, buffered parking mode and 5GHz Wi-Fi. Buy the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 if you want the smallest possible single camera that hides behind the mirror, with simple voice control and the Garmin Drive app. The VIOFO records far more detail and more angles; the Garmin wins on size, install simplicity and a much larger review base.

  • Choose the VIOFO A229 Plus if you want front, rear and cabin coverage with 2K detail, HDR night video and buffered parking mode.
  • Choose the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 if you want a tiny, set-and-forget single camera with voice control and app-based clip sharing.

Prices

  • VIOFO A229 Plus Dash Cam: $169.99 at Best Buy (checked today)
  • Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: $95.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 14)
  • Difference: the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 is $74.99 cheaper than the VIOFO A229 Plus Dash Cam at the latest prices (Nov 14 and Nov 15)
VIOFO
VIOFO A229 Plus 3-Channel Dash Cam

VIOFO A229 Plus Dash Cam

VIOFO A229 Plus 3-Channel Dash Cam

4.6(10 ratings)
$169.99at Best BuyChecked 8 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy
Pros
  • Three camera angles in one system, including a cabin IR camera
  • 2K 60fps front video with Sony STARVIS 2 and HDR
  • Buffered parking mode catches events before impact
  • 5GHz Wi-Fi makes clip transfer faster
  • Takes cards up to 512GB
Cons
  • Large front unit with a screen, harder to hide
  • Rear cable routing takes real install time
  • Only 10 ratings so far
  • Hardwire kit needed for parking mode
Garmin
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

4.2(470 ratings)
$95.00at eBayChecked 11 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Very small and easy to tuck behind the mirror
  • Simple voice commands and Garmin Drive app
  • Built-in polarizer cuts windshield glare
  • Hundreds of owner ratings
  • Optional Vault cloud backup
Cons
  • 1080p only, no rear or cabin camera
  • No screen for on-device playback
  • No buffered parking mode
  • Vault cloud needs a paid subscription

What separates them

VIOFO A229 Plus Dash CamGarmin Dash Cam Mini 3
CoverageFront plus rear, with a cabin IR camera in the 3-channel setupFront only, single lens
Resolution2K at 60fps front, 2K at 30fps rear1080p at 30fps
Sensor and night videoSony STARVIS 2 IMX675 with HDR on front and rearGarmin Clarity HDR with a built-in polarizer
Size and mounting2.3 x 3.9 x 1.8 inch body, screen and adhesive mountKey-sized, adhesive only, no screen
Parking modeBuffered parking mode with hardwire kit supportIncident detection via G-sensor; no buffered parking recording
Connectivity2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, GPS, voice controlWi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice control, optional Vault cloud
StorageMicroSD up to 512GBMicroSD, plus paid Vault cloud clips
Owner feedback4.6 from 10 ratings4.2 from 470 ratings

Price history

$209.95$98.00
Nov 5Nov 15
  • VIOFO A229 Plus Dash Cam: lowest $169.99 on Nov 15 at Best Buy.
  • Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3: lowest $98.00 on Nov 5 at NFM; $99.97 on Nov 15.

Prices at every store

VIOFO A229 Plus Dash Cam

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $169.99Free shippingChecked 8 min ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $189.99Free shippingChecked 8 min ago
    Visit eBay
  • Capture Your ActionNew

    Availability unknown

    $189.99Checked 8 min ago
    Visit Capture Your Action
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $189.99Free shippingChecked 8 min ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 8 stores and price history →

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $99.99Checked 8 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by goldpawncitywestpalmbeach45th (100% positive, 8,800 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $95.00Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • NFMNew

    Availability unknown

    $98.00Checked Nov 5
    Visit NFM
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $99.97Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 31 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecVIOFO A229 Plus Dash CamGarmin Dash Cam Mini 3
colorOtherBlack
actual_colorA229 Plus 2CHBlack
LocationFor DashboardFor Dashboard
Resolution2K1080p
Mount TypeAdhesive mount, Mount (GPS module built into it…Adhesive only
Motion DetectionYesAutomatic incident detection
Object DetectionEvent detection (parking mode)Incident Detection (G-Sensor)
Storage MediaMemory cardMicroSD card
Cloud StorageNoYes
Continuous RecordingYes (seamless loop recordings)Yes
Frame Rate60 fps30 fps
Local StorageYesYes
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecVIOFO A229 Plus Dash CamGarmin Dash Cam Mini 3
Wireless ConnectivityYesYes
Cellular ConnectivityNoNo
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Assistant SupportNo (Alexa)Voice control
Ethernet ConnectivityNoNo
Mobile App SupportYes (VIOFO app)Yes
Bluetooth ConnectivityYes (Bluetooth emergency capture button availab…Yes
Camera TypeDash CamDash Cam
Night VisionYesYes

What reviewers say

VIOFO A229 Plus Dash Cam

  • 4.6 / 510 ratings

Owners rate the A229 Plus highly, with 4.6 out of 5 from 10 ratings. They praise night-time plate capture and stable parking mode, and most complaints are about setup and the app rather than footage quality.

What people mention
  • Night footagePraisedOwners say the STARVIS 2 sensors and HDR keep plates readable after dark.
  • Parking modePraisedBuffered recording catches events before impact, which owners value.
  • App and menuCriticisedSome find the phone app and on-screen menus slow to navigate.
  • HeatPraisedOwners in hot regions report it keeps recording without shutting down.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

  • 4.2 / 5470 ratings

Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 470 ratings, the Mini 3 is liked for its size and reliability. Owners complain most about the adhesive mount and the app-based setup.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners say it is small enough to hide behind the mirror and forget about.
  • MountCriticisedThe adhesive-only mount is called hard to reposition and prone to loosening in heat.
  • SetupMixedPairing with the Garmin Drive app and Wi-Fi works but takes several steps.
  • Video qualityPraised1080p footage is described as clear enough to read plates in daylight.
Reviews
  • The best dash cams you can buy in 2026: Top picks at every budget for your vehicle - Best daily deals

Questions and answers

Which is better for night driving?
The VIOFO A229 Plus. Its Sony STARVIS 2 sensors and HDR on both front and rear hold detail in low light better than a single 1080p camera. The Garmin's polarizer and HDR help, but it records less detail.
Do I need the rear camera?
If you want rear-end and parking coverage, yes. The Garmin Mini 3 cannot add a rear camera at all, so the VIOFO is the only one of the two that covers both ends of the car.
Which is easier to install?
The Garmin. It is key-sized, sticks to the glass and needs one power cable. The VIOFO needs a front mount plus a cable run to the rear window, and a hardwire kit for parking mode.
Is the Garmin worth stepping up to from a basic dash cam?
Yes if size and simplicity matter most. It adds voice control, a polarizer and app sharing in a tiny body. If you want maximum evidence quality, step up to the VIOFO instead.
Which lasts longer in hot climates?
Both use a supercapacitor rather than a battery, which handles heat better. The VIOFO is rated from -20°C to 65°C. Shade the camera and use a high-endurance card in either.
Can I use the Garmin app with the VIOFO?
No. The VIOFO uses its own app over 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi. The Garmin Drive app only works with Garmin cameras.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best dash cams
Angle Of View
Wide-angle
140-degree
Video Resolution2K P60+2K P30—
SensorFront: Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 1/2.8" 5MP—
HDRSupports Front & Rear—
Front LensF1.8 Aperture, FOV=140°—
Rear LensF1.9 Aperture, FOV=160°—
Wi-FiBuilt-in 2.4GHz & 5GHz—
Display2.4" High-Resolution LCD—
Front Dimensions2.3 x 3.9 x 1.8 inch—
Rear Dimensions2.64 x 1.33 x 1.1 inch—
Input PowerDC 5V / 2A—
Micro SD CardUp to external 512GB microSD Card (Optional)—
Operating Temperature-20°C~65°C—
Channel Count2—
Image Sensor TypeSony STARVIS 2, Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675—
Live StreamingYes (live view)—
Pan And TiltNo—
Power Source—Supercapacitor
Installation Method—Wired