Both are solid; the 47 adds GPS and extra smarts—choose based on logging needs.
You’re late for work and want proof if something odd happens on the road. I’ve lived that moment and tested the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 to see which one I’d trust. Both record clean 1080p video and run simple setups, but the 47 adds built-in GPS and richer data. I used each camera for weeks and will share what worked, what didn’t, and which one fits your driving style.
Is Garmin Dash Cam 46 Good?
I’ll be blunt: yes. The Garmin Dash Cam 46 is a dependable little recorder that does its job without fuss. It gives clear 1080p video with a wide 140° field of view. For daily commuting, errands, and short trips it captures events reliably. I found it saves incidents automatically and the voice controls are handy when my hands were full.
I used the garmin dash cam 46 for two weeks in city traffic and on a long highway drive. Once, it caught a hit-and-run at a stoplight with crisp license plate detail. Another time, it saved me the headache of a parking lot ding by recording the moment. These simple wins made me trust the device. If you want a compact, fuss-free dash cam without extra data logging, the 46 is a solid pick.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 1080p HD recording with 140° field of view
- 2″ LCD screen for quick playback and setup
- Voice control for hands-free recording
- Automatic incident detection and lock
- Compact, low-profile mount that hides behind the mirror
What I Like
- Very easy setup; I had it running in minutes
- Reliable incident locking saved me from overwrites
- Clear daytime video for license plates in most cases
- Low distraction: small screen and simple menus
- Good price for basic, dependable recording
What Could Be Better
- No built-in GPS logging — limited trip data
- Night performance is OK but not class-leading
- Limited advanced features compared to newer models
My Recommendation
For drivers who want a compact, no-fuss recorder, the 46 is great value and reliable for everyday use.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily commuters | Compact and reliable for short trips |
| Budget-conscious buyers | Solid core features without extra cost |
Is Garmin Dash Cam 47 Good?
Yes — with a caveat. The Garmin Dash Cam 47 builds on the 46 with GPS and added logging. That GPS matters when you want speed, location, and better context in an incident. I used the 47 on a weekend road trip and loved having always-on GPS data tied to the footage.
In daily driving, the garmin dash cam 47 gave the same crisp 1080p footage as the 46, but the extra metadata made a difference when I reviewed footage later. I had a minor fender-bender and using the 47’s logged speed and location eased the claims process. For people who want more than simple video, the 47 is the smarter choice in the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 debate.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 1080p HD video with 140° wide-angle lens
- Built-in GPS for location and speed logging
- Automatic incident detection with lock
- Voice control and simple interface
- Compact design with reliable mount
What I Like
- GPS data tied to video is very useful for reports
- Same solid video quality as the 46 for daytime use
- Easy pairing with Garmin ecosystem and apps
- Video timestamp + location makes replay clearer
- Small size keeps my windshield tidy
What Could Be Better
- Slightly higher price than the 46
- Night recording still not best-in-class
- No built-in rear camera included — sold separately
My Recommendation
Pick the 47 if you want logged GPS and richer crash context. Worth it for frequent highway drivers.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Frequent road drivers | GPS logging proves location and speed |
| Drivers who file claims | Extra data can simplify disputes |
garmin dash cam 46 vs 47: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both cameras on the same routes and compared recordings, features, and day-to-day ease. Below are focused tests so you can see practical differences in the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47.
Video Quality: Which Records Better?
Both record 1080p. I checked daytime clarity and license plate legibility.
| Aspect | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime clarity | Sharp, clear | Sharp, clear |
| Night performance | Average | Average |
| Plate legibility (day) | Good | Good |
| Compression & artifacts | Minimal | Minimal |
Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 8/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 8.5/10
“Both tie on core video quality. The 47 edges ahead for stable metadata when reviewing footage.”
GPS & Data: Who Logs More?
This category is about extra data tied to footage.
| Data Point | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS coordinates | No | Yes |
| Speed logging | No | Yes |
| Map playback | No | Yes |
| Use for claims | Limited | Helpful |
Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 4/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 9/10
“The 47 clearly wins. GPS makes footage much more useful in disputes and reviews.”
Mounting & Design: Which Is Easier?
I tested mounting, visibility, and how discreet each camera sits.
| Feature | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| Mount size | Compact | Compact |
| Windshield view | Low-profile | Low-profile |
| Cable routing | Easy | Easy |
| Build feel | Solid | Solid |
Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 8.5/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 8.5/10
“No clear winner here. Both mount cleanly and stay out of sight.”
Features & Alerts: Which Helps More?
I compared voice control, incident detection, and alerts.
| Feature | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| Voice control | Yes | Yes |
| Incident detection | Yes | Yes |
| Driver alerts | Basic | Basic + GPS context |
| App integration | Good | Good |
Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 7.5/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 8.5/10
“The 47 wins for richer context thanks to GPS. Alerts feel similar otherwise.”
Ease of Use & Controls: Which Is Simpler?
I evaluated setup, voice commands, and menu clarity.
| Task | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| Initial setup | Quick | Quick |
| Voice commands | Works well | Works well |
| Menu clarity | Simple | Simple |
| Day-to-day use | Very easy | Very easy |
Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 9/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 9/10
“Both are simple and quick to use. No steep learning curve for either camera.”
Value for Money: Which Gives More?
I weighed price vs. features and usefulness.
| Consideration | Garmin Dash Cam 46 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | Lower | Higher |
| Feature per dollar | Solid | Good (with GPS) |
| Long-term usefulness | Good | Very good |
| Recommendation | Best budget pick | Best for data needs |
Garmin Dash Cam 46 – 8/10 | Garmin Dash Cam 47 – 8.5/10
“If price is tight, the 46 gives real value. If you need GPS and context, the 47 is worth the extra cost.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a compact, affordable dash cam that records clear 1080p footage for daily driving, go with the Garmin Dash Cam 46. It’s reliable and simple to use. In the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 balance, the 46 wins for budget and fuss-free use.
Choose the Garmin Dash Cam 47 if you want GPS logging, speed and location data, and better context for incidents. For highway drivers or anyone who might file claims, the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 favors the 47 for its extra evidence value.
FAQs Of garmin dash cam 46 vs 47
What is the main difference between the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47?
The main difference is GPS. The 47 logs location and speed. The 46 records the same 1080p video but lacks GPS data.
Which is better for insurance claims in the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47?
The 47 is better. GPS and speed data give clearer evidence. I used the 47’s logged data in one claim and it helped.
Do both models record at night in the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 test?
Yes. Both record at night, but neither is top-tier for low-light. Daytime footage is stronger.
Is setup hard for the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47?
No. Both are quick to set up. Voice control and simple menus make daily use easy.
Which offers better value in the garmin dash cam 46 vs 47 comparison?
Value depends on your needs. If you want basic recording, the 46 is best value. If you need GPS and richer evidence, the 47 offers more value for claims and long trips.
