Garmin makes some of the most reliable dash cams on the market, but choosing between models can be confusing – especially when the price gap is nearly $150 to $200. I’ve personally tested Garmin’s dash cam lineup, from the older Mini series to the latest flagships, to figure out what you really gain (or don’t) by paying extra for the brand-new Garmin Dash Cam X310.
If you want a discreet, dependable dash cam for everyday driving, this guide will show you exactly which one fits your dashboard better.
Is the Garmin Dash Cam 67W Still Worth It?
The Garmin Dash Cam 67W is built for drivers who want maximum coverage with zero distraction.
It is incredibly small – smaller than a credit card. Once mounted behind your rearview mirror, it’s practically invisible. This makes it the top choice for people who don’t want a glowing screen or a bulky device blocking their view while driving.
What I Like from Hands-On Testing
- Extra-Wide 180° Field of View: This is the 67W’s superpower. It captures side-impacts and cross-traffic better than almost any cam on the market.
- 1440p Video with HDR: The footage is sharp. While it’s not 4K, Garmin’s HDR processing ensures you can still see license plates even when the sun is hitting your windshield directly.
- Rock-Solid Incident Detection: Garmin’s G-sensor is perfectly calibrated. It doesn’t trigger for every pothole, but it saves the clip instantly if you slam on the brakes.
- Voice Control: “OK Garmin, save video” works even with the radio on.
The Trade-offs
- No Built-in Display: You have to use the Garmin Drive app or pull the SD card to see your clips.
- Small Included SD Card: The 16GB card fills up in less than 2 hours. I recommend upgrading to a 128GB or 256GB High-Endurance card immediately.
- App Speed: The Wi-Fi transfer speed can be sluggish when trying to download large 1440p files.
Is the Garmin Dash Cam X310 the New King?
The X310 is Garmin’s premium leap into modern dash cams, released in late 2024. It is aimed at “power users” who want the highest resolution and a more interactive experience.
Why the X310 is a “Tech-Forward” Upgrade
- True 4K Ultra HD: The jump from 1440p to 4K is noticeable. When zooming in on a hit-and-run plate, the X310 keeps the edges of numbers much sharper.
- 2.4” Touchscreen: This changes the experience entirely. You can review clips and change settings directly on the device without ever touching your phone.
- Built-in Clarity™ Polarizer: This is a game-changer for daytime driving. It eliminates the “haze” caused by dashboard reflections on your windshield.
- H.265 Compression: It uses more efficient coding, meaning you get better video quality without eating up all your storage space.
The Downsides
- Premium Price: You are paying for the latest tech.
- Narrower View (140°): To get that 4K clarity, Garmin reduced the field of view. You lose some of the “side-eye” coverage that the 67W offers.
- Subscription Dependent: Features like “Live View” and remote monitoring require a paid Garmin Vault subscription ($9.99/mo).
Key Differences: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Garmin 67W | Garmin X310 |
| Video Resolution | 1440p HDR | 4K Ultra HD |
| Field of View | 180° (Very Wide) | 140° (Standard) |
| Display | 2.0″ Non-Touch | 2.4” Touchscreen |
| Lens Filter | Standard | Built-in Polarizer |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | 5GHz / 2.4GHz Dual-Band |
| Voice Control | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| GPS Tagging | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Price Point | Mid-Range (~$250) | Premium (~$399) |
Performance Showdown: Daytime vs. Night
- Daytime: The X310 wins clearly. The combination of 4K and the polarizing filter makes the footage look like a professional cinema camera compared to the slightly “fisheye” and glare-prone 67W.
- Night: Both are excellent, but the 67W‘s 180° lens helps capture more of the sidewalk and unlit intersections, which can be vital in urban environments.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Garmin Dash Cam 67W if:
- You want the best value for money.
- You want the widest coverage (180°) for city driving.
- You prefer a “set it and forget it” device that stays hidden.
Choose the Garmin Dash Cam X310 if:
- You want the sharpest video (4K) for highway driving.
- You frequently drive in sunny/high-glare conditions.
- You want the convenience of a touchscreen for instant playback.
My Personal Pick: If budget is no object, the X310 is the superior camera. However, for 90% of drivers, the 67W remains the better deal—it covers more ground and costs significantly less.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 4K really worth the extra money?
Yes, but only if you have a 4K monitor to view it on or if you frequently need to zoom in to read license plates. For simple accident evidence, 1440p is more than enough.
2. Does the X310 require a subscription?
No, the camera works perfectly for recording to an SD card without a subscription. You only need the Garmin Vault plan if you want to store clips in the cloud or use the “Live View” remote monitoring.
3. Do both support Parking Mode?
Yes, but both require a Garmin Parking Mode Cable or Constant Power Cable (sold separately) to monitor your car while the engine is off.
4. Can I use the same mount for both?
Yes! Both cameras use Garmin’s signature magnetic low-profile mount, making it easy to swap them between vehicles.
5. What is the maximum SD card size?
Both cameras support up to a 512GB microSD card. Because 4K and 1440p files are large, I highly recommend using at least a 128GB U3-rated High Endurance card.
