Both are reliable dash cams; 47 adds GPS and tags, 46 is smaller and fuss-free.
I often drive long routes and wanted clear proof when things go wrong. In this garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 review I tested both in city traffic, highway miles, and parking situations. The core dilemma: do you want simple, compact capture (46) or extra location and tagging features (47)? I’ve used both and will share what I learned to help you pick.
Garmin Dash Cam 46, Wide…
Compact, discreet dash cam with wide 140-degree field of view captures enhanced 1080P HD footage Automatically records and saves video of incidents; requires 8GB micro…
Is Garmin Dash Cam 46 Good?
I’d say yes — for many drivers. In my hands, the Garmin Dash Cam 46 proved compact and reliable. It records 1080p with a wide 140-degree view. If you want a small camera that stays out of sight and records solid video, the 46 fits well. In this garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 review it’s the easier pick for casual users who want clear capture without extra steps.I used the 46 for daily commutes and a week of road trips. Once, it caught a close call at an intersection that helped clarify fault. It fit behind my rearview mirror and barely blocked my sight. The voice control worked for quick saves, and the auto incident detection reliably backed up clips when I hit a pothole. For me, the 46 felt like a no-fuss witness on the dash.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 1080p HD recording with 140° wide field of view.
- Compact design that mounts discreetly behind the mirror.
- 2″ LCD screen for quick playback and setup.
- Voice control for hands-free saving and marking of events.
- Automatic incident detection (G-sensor) for locking clips.
What I Like
- Very compact; hardly noticeable from the driver seat.
- Simple setup and intuitive menu for quick use.
- Good day-time video clarity for license plates at moderate distance.
- Voice commands made saving a clip quick while driving.
- Reliable automatic locking after impacts or hard braking.
What Could Be Better
- No built-in GPS—location and speed tagging require the 47 or separate GPS unit.
- Low-light performance is decent but not class-leading.
- Limited advanced features compared to the 47 (e.g., parking mode options are basic).
My Recommendation
If you want a compact, fuss-free dash cam with solid day video, choose the 46. Great value and easy use.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Everyday commuters | Easy install and discreet form. |
| Casual drivers | Good video without extra features to manage. |
| Budget buyers | Solid core features at a lower complexity. |
Is Garmin Dash Cam 47 Good?
Yes—if you want more context with your video. The Garmin Dash Cam 47 adds GPS logging and richer metadata. In my garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 review testing, the 47 gave me location stamps and speed data that really helped after a lane dispute. It keeps the core 1080p capture but layers in more data for claims or police reports.I used the 47 for a week of mixed driving. When a minor collision happened, the GPS-tagged footage showed exact location and speed, which made the claim clearer. The mount felt slightly different and the integration with Garmin’s app helped me pull clips and location data fast. The 47 is a better fit if you want more evidence and tracking, not just video.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 1080p HD recording with 140° field of view plus GPS tagging.
- Built-in GPS records location and speed data with clips.
- Incident detection and automatic locking of critical clips.
- Compact form factor aimed to stay discreet on the windshield.
- Works with Garmin app for quick clip transfer and mapping.
What I Like
- GPS data proved useful during a traffic incident review.
- App integration made clip sharing and tagging easy.
- Solid daytime clarity with wide coverage of lanes.
- Automatic locking removes worry about overwriting key clips.
- Small footprint preserved windshield view.
What Could Be Better
- Slightly higher price than the 46 for the added GPS features.
- Parking features not as extensive as dedicated parking cams.
- No built-in battery for long-term parking recording without accessory.
My Recommendation
Choose the 47 if you want GPS-tagged proof and easy clip mapping. Great for frequent drivers who may need precise evidence.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Frequent road users | GPS and mapping help in incidents. |
| Fleet drivers | Location and speed data add accountability. |
| Drivers who share footage | App integration simplifies exports. |
garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 review: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both cams through the same drives. This garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 review compares core areas so you can see real trade-offs based on my use.Video Quality: Who Records Cleaner Footage?
Both record 1080p with a 140° view. I tested daytime clarity and plate readability at 20–40 feet.| Feature | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Field of View | 140° | 140° |
| Day clarity | Good | Good |
| Night clarity | Decent | Decent |
Product ratings: Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 8/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 8.5/10
“The 47 edges the 46 slightly due to better metadata, but raw video is similar.”
Features & Data: Which Adds More Context?
Both record events, but one adds GPS and richer tags.| Feature | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS tagging | No | Yes |
| Speed data | No | Yes |
| Map view in app | No | Yes |
| Voice control | Yes | Yes |
Product ratings: Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 6.5/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 9/10
“The 47 wins for evidence-rich recording thanks to GPS and mapping.”
Mounting & Design: Which Is Easier to Live With?
Both are small. I tested ease of install and sightline blocking.| Feature | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Very compact | Very compact |
| Mount type | Stick mount | Stick mount |
| Windshield visibility | Low | Low |
| Setup ease | Easy | Easy |
Product ratings: Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 9/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 9/10
“Both are equally easy to mount and live with; no clear winner here.”
App & Usability: Which One Makes Life Simpler?
I timed clip transfer and playbacks on phone.| Feature | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| App integration | Basic | Enhanced (maps) |
| Clip transfer | Quick | Quick |
| User controls | Voice + buttons | Voice + buttons |
| Ease of sharing | Good | Better |
Product ratings: Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 7.5/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 8.5/10
“The 47’s app features make sharing and context easier.”
Value & Price: Which Gives More Bang for Buck?
I compared cost vs. features for typical drivers.| Feature | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | Lower | Higher |
| Features per $ | Good | Very good (with GPS) |
| Who saves money | Basic users | Users needing GPS |
| Long-term value | Solid | Better for evidence needs |
Product ratings: Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 8.5/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 8/10
“If budget is tight, the 46 is the smart pick. For evidence value, the 47 earns its price.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Garmin Dash Cam 46 is best if you want a compact, simple recorder with solid video. It fits drivers who want minimal fuss and a clear witness on the road. The 46 wins for easy installation and lower cost.The Garmin Dash Cam 47 is best if you want GPS data, speed, and improved app mapping. It suits drivers who may need exact location or fleet use. Overall, pick the 46 for simplicity and the 47 for added context. Additionally, the Garmin Dash Cam 47 features advanced driver assistance alerts, helping to keep you aware of your surroundings on the road. Its ability to store detailed footage and data can be invaluable for insurance claims or monitoring driving behavior in fleet operations. Therefore, if you prioritize safety and documentation, the 47 stands out as the superior choice.
