REASONS TO BUY
Great daytime performance
Large LCD screen
Straightforward interface
REASONS TO AVOID
Grainy nighttime videos
Large footprint
Thinkware X1000 Review
This large-screened dash cam has great daytime video quality but not so much at night
Credit: Thinkware
RELATED: Best Dash Cam
Our Verdict
The Thinkware X1000 has two cameras, one forward facing and one rear-facing. Each has a 156-degree field of view and a 2K QHD resolution. This camera's daytime quality is on par with some of the 4K models. It has superb daytime video quality, with no graininess or glare. It also boasts a large 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen. The camera is straightforward and easy to use; however, its large size can be distracting. After the sun goes down, so does the video quality. Its nighttime performance is less than impressive, with significant graininess. To see how this model compares to the rest of our test lineup, check out our complete dash cam review.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Thinkware X1000 | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $390 List | $200 List $169.99 at Amazon | $150 List $129.99 at Amazon | $300 List $281.55 at Amazon | $80 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This dash cam has a great daytime video performance, though it's not the best after the sun sets | A great camera for rideshare drivers that need in-cabin footage, but probably overkill for most other people | Regardless of the time, this dash cam captures clear and crisp videos | A dual-camera for your dash so you can see what's happening both inside and outside | A small budget-friendly dash cam with the performance to match |
| Rating Categories | Thinkware X1000 | Vantrue N2 Pro Uber... | Miofive 4K | Garmin Tandem | Vantrue N1 Pro |
| Video Quality (40%) | |||||
| Video Capture (25%) | |||||
| Interface (25%) | |||||
| Visual Footprint (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Thinkware X1000 | Vantrue N2 Pro Uber... | Miofive 4K | Garmin Tandem | Vantrue N1 Pro |
| Forward Camera Field of View | 156º | 170º | 140º | 180º | 160º |
| Forward Camera Resolution | 1440p | 1440p | 2160p | 1440p | 1080p |
| Screen Size | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2.2" | N/A | 1.5" |
| Event Detection G Sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cabin Camera | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Camera Dimensions L x W x H | 4-1/8" x 2-7/16" x 1-1/8" | 3-4/5" x 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" | 4-1/2" x 1-5/8" x 1-3/16" | 2-1/5" x 1-3/5" x 4/5" | 2-1/2" x 2" x 1-3/8" |
| Built-in Wi-Fi? | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Thinkware X1000 did an exceptional job keeping its daytime video quality up with the 4K resolution competitors. It boasts a massive LCD screen that is straightforward and easy to see. Overall, we were impressed with the Thinkware, but we wish it performed better after the sun went down.
Performance Comparison
The large Thinkware X1000 dash cam has one front-facing and one rear-facing camera that both have 2K QHD resolution.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Video Quality
The Thinkware has a dual camera system, rear and front, with a 156-degree field of view. The system records at a native 2964p and scales it down to a 1440p resolution. That said, the videos had no graininess whatsoever during the day. We could clearly read license plates and road signs.
The Thinkware X1000 has a large 3.5-inch screen and decent video quality.
Credit: Matt Spencer
The nighttime video quality is a different story. The videos are grainy and contain a substantial glare. This was made worse by any oncoming headlights. Because of this, we were unable to make out any license plates when the sun went down.
Video Capture
The camera starts recording as soon as the car is turned on, so it'll never skip a beat. It records in one-minute clip lengths and loops over the oldest footage when full. It includes a sensitive G-Sensor that will initiate a hard brake or quick stop. The device doesn't include WiFi connection, so connecting to a PC by cord or MicroSD reader is required for pulling videos. Additionally, the system has a parking mode, though the device needs to be hardwired to support this.
The Thinkware dash cam turns on as soon as the car does, so you'll never miss anything.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Interface
The X1000 has a large 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen. The screen is well-lit, easy to see, and has a clear image. The interface is clean and easy to understand, with well-labeled buttons. Getting to the main menu is a breeze, and once there, there are options for volume control, brightness, microphone settings, parking mode, and files. The files include the footage gallery and memory settings. Overall, this was one of the best interface designs in the lineup.
The Thinkware's menu is easy to click into with its simple, well-labeled buttons.
Visual Footprint
Having such a large screen comes with its downsides, especially when it comes to its visual footprint. The Thinkware takes up a decent amount of space as it is roughly four inches long and over two inches wide. It resembles a small digital camera from the early 2000s and can be slightly distracting when driving. It is attached to the windshield by an adhesive mount, which is pretty standard for most dash cams. It doesn't have an internal battery, so it'll need to stay plugged in. An additional hardwiring kit is available to rid the hanging cord, and it also enables the parking mode.
The Thinkware X1000 has a large 3.5 inch LCD touchscreen.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should you buy the Thinkware X1000?
Overall, the Thinkware X1000 is a decent camera. It shines in its daytime video performance with no glare or graininess. Its performance was similar to that of the 4K resolution models. However, the same can't be said for its nighttime performance. If you primarily drive during the day, this camera is a great option. However, we would suggest a different model if you're more active at night.
The large Thinkware X1000 is easy to spot, even at first glance.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What other dash cams should you consider?
The Miofive 4K had a similar daytime performance to the Thinkware. However, the Miofive did a bit better at night. It was able to capture license plates and road signs, regardless of the time of day. If you're looking for a dash cam that is small and gets the job done, check out the Garmin Mini 2. It's not the most advanced, but its minimalist design allows it to blend into its surroundings so you can focus on the road.
—
Matt Spencer and Becca Glades
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