Vantrue N1 Pro Review

This low-profile camera is simple to use and gentle on your wallet. It doesn't have the most advanced features like WiFi connectivity or an internal camera, but it includes three recording lengths and has a 160-degree field of view (FOV). Its interface includes a 2.5-inch screen and a few simple buttons for straightforward navigation. This small to medium-sized device can easily be moved around the windshield or dashboard with its suction cup mount.

Performance Comparison

Video Quality

To accurately test video quality, we broke this metric down into three subcategories: camera specs, license plate ID, and subjective image. First, we noted the camera's resolution and field of view. The N1 Pro offers a 160-degree field of view and 1080p resolution rendering a somewhat average performance. The 160-degree field of view falls right in between our highest and lowest performers.

The N1 Pro did an average job in its daytime video performance. The lens flare is pretty standard, though grainy, but license plates were still readable. However, this significantly diminished at night time. The quality became very grainy and we had trouble reading license plates, especially when oncoming headlights washed out the image. Likewise, the video quality can easily be washed out on bright sunny days. This creates dull colors and bright spots, making it difficult to read signs accurately and diminishing the video quality overall.

Video Capture

Many dash cams offer different features to capture videos. G-Sensors, or Gravity Sensors, are pretty standard among many devices. This feature detects a sudden stop, shake, or collision and locks the footage from being overwritten. Additional features include interior and rear cameras, WiFi connectivity, parking sensors, and clip length. For our video capture test, we dove into each of these subcategories. Though the Vantrue doesn't have WiFi connectivity or extra cameras, it includes a few other features worth mentioning.

The N1 Pro automatically turns on when you turn your car on if it is plugged into a power source, which is very convenient. The 130mAh 3.7V Polymer Li-ion battery ensures plenty of camera life for a long drive, but it also comes with a car charger and an 11.5-foot mini USB cable so that you always have the option to plug it in. The device includes a 24-hour parking mode when hardwired in. Essentially, this detects any movement outside of the vehicle and begins recording.

The video clip lengths are conveniently offered in one, three, and five minutes. It also supports up to 256GB micro SD cards, offering roughly 40 hours of recording time. Because this device has removable SD card slots, you won't run into the problem of old footage being written over and deleted. Though if the SD card isn't changed, the oldest footage will get looped over. The N1 Pro does have an event detection G-sensor; however, during our hands-on testing, hard breaking with the default settings failed to set off the sensor. Given its simplistic design, this model doesn't include an interior or rear camera. The Pro offers a GPS location tracker, though this feature requires an additional GPS mount.

Interface

We spent hours interacting with every dash cam's interface. After all, a difficult-to-use device probably won't get too much use. The N1 Pro has a 1.5-inch screen with four simple buttons to control it. Getting to the menu is pretty simple, and once opened, there are four options: Record Setup, Files, GPS Setup, and System Setup. Clicking into these features is simple and straightforward, making this one of the most user-friendly models in our lineup.

Overall the interface is easy to use, but the small screen can be difficult to see at just a glance. This tradeoff is, in part, what makes it so unobtrusive. The screen automatically shuts off after three seconds when the recording is active. This simple timer helps save the battery life of the camera. If you don't want to think too much about your camera, the N1 Pro won't let you miss a beat. When you start your car, the device automatically turns on and begins recording.

Visual Footprint

The N1 Pro is one of the smaller devices we tested with dimensions of 2 1/2" x 2" x 1 3/8". This camera is roughly the size of a large egg, so it doesn't take up too much real estate on your dashboard or windshield. It is important that your dash camera does not affect your field of view, especially if you like to pair it with other driving devices like radar detectors. There are, of course, downsides to a small profile, like a small screen that can be difficult to view at first glance. Additionally, changing settings requires getting close enough to the screen to read it. This can be an annoyance if it's mounted on the passenger side or windshield corner.

The camera is attached by a suction cup mount. This makes it more versatile than those with adhesive mounts because it can be easily moved. The device sits on a swivel joint that can be tightened down to lock in the perfect angle. Like others, the camera can be placed anywhere on the windshield that doesn't obstruct your vision. It can also be mounted on the dashboard with the right mounting head. Vantrue offers an additional hardwire kit for this model to install without the pesky cord hanging down.

Should You Buy the Vantrue N1 Pro?

The Vantrue N1 Pro is a great option that won't break the bank. Though it performs about average in its video quality, its minimalistic design is straightforward and easy to use. Additionally, it's on the smaller side, so it won't obstruct your vision. Even though it has a budget-friendly price, this dash cam still includes a parking mode, a G-sensor, and an integrated battery.

What Other Dash Cams Should You Consider?

If you're looking for a small dash cam, the Garmin Mini 2 and Garmin 57 may be up your alley. Both Garmin models include voice commands and are user-friendly, though the 57 had better performance overall. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line product and don't mind shelling out the cash, the Nextbase 622GW is worth looking at. This dash cam has a large touch screen, Alexa support, SOS services, and a rear camera attachment.