The Ultimate Guide to Dashcam Storage: How Much Do You Really Need?
So, you’ve either bought a dashcam—or you’re about to—and now you’re wondering: how much storage do I actually need? After all, a dashcam is only as useful as the footage it keeps. Whether you’re documenting scenic drives or protecting yourself against false claims, understanding how dashcam storage works is key.
This practical and easy-to-follow guide breaks it all down—no tech degree required—so you can make smart decisions and get the best performance out of your device.
How Dashcam Storage Works
Dashcams usually store footage in one of two ways: using a microSD card or uploading video to the cloud. MicroSD cards are the most common method, but cloud storage is gaining popularity with newer, connected models. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, and the best one for you depends on your driving habits and how much access you want to your footage.
MicroSD Cards: The Classic Choice
MicroSD cards act as the dashcam’s main memory. Most dashcams record continuously and overwrite old footage in a loop, so unless something gets flagged as important—like during a collision—the oldest videos will be deleted first. This means you don’t necessarily need infinite storage, but rather smart storage.
Choosing the right type of card is important. Not all microSD cards are built for the intense, constant recording dashcams demand. Regular memory cards, like those used in phones or cameras, will wear out quickly. High-endurance microSD cards are designed specifically for dashcams and surveillance devices, and they’ll last much longer under continuous use.
For average 1080p (Full HD) recording, a 32GB card stores around 4 hours of footage, 64GB gives you about 8 hours, 128GB can hold 16 hours, and 256GB stretches to 32 hours. Because of loop recording, even a 64GB card might be enough for regular city drivers. But if you’re taking long road trips, driving for a living, or simply want more coverage before footage starts getting overwritten, a 128GB or 256GB card might be worth the upgrade.
Cloud Storage: The Modern Alternative
Some modern dashcams now offer cloud storage, where footage is uploaded to a server via Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. This setup is perfect for drivers who want remote access to footage from their phones, or for those who worry about their car being stolen or vandalized. Since footage can be automatically uploaded in the event of an incident, it adds an extra layer of security.
That said, cloud storage usually comes with monthly subscription fees and requires a stable internet connection. Most cloud-connected dashcams don’t upload all footage continuously due to data limits—they typically focus on incident-based clips. If you’re parked in high-risk areas or want remote notifications, cloud storage might be worth it. But for most users, a high-quality SD card still covers everyday needs.
Video Quality and Storage: Finding the Balance
The resolution you choose for recording will have a direct impact on how much footage your storage can hold. Higher resolution means clearer, more detailed videos, which is great for reading license plates or proving fault—but it also means larger file sizes.
For example, recording in 1080p gives you a good balance between quality and storage use. A 64GB card will typically store 8 hours of 1080p footage. Move up to 2K, and you’re looking at about 4 hours. Go all the way to 4K, and that same card might only store 2 hours of video. If you really want ultra-clear footage, you’ll need a bigger card to go with it—or be prepared to transfer and delete videos regularly.
Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your Storage
To get the most out of your dashcam storage, keep loop recording enabled (it usually is by default). Set your G-sensor sensitivity to a reasonable level—too high and your dashcam may save clips for every pothole or speed bump, filling up your storage with unnecessary files.
Choose a video resolution that suits your needs. Unless you’re frequently involved in high-risk situations or need cinematic footage, 1080p is usually the most practical option for everyday use.
And if you’re using an IROAD dashcam, there’s one major advantage: Format Free 2.0. This exclusive IROAD technology removes the need for regular formatting and significantly reduces errors that can occur when saving footage. Instead of relying on a traditional file system, it stores data sequentially, boosting video recording stability while extending the life of your memory card. Combined with high-efficiency video encoding, it allows better compression, more efficient memory usage, and consistently excellent image quality.
So not only do you get more hours of footage from the same card size, but you also enjoy peace of mind knowing your footage is being stored in a smart, stable, and card-friendly way.
So, How Much Storage Do You Really Need?
If you’re a daily commuter making short trips, a 64GB card will usually be enough. If you’re a delivery driver, rideshare driver, or road trip enthusiast, you might want to go for 128GB or even 256GB to avoid overwriting valuable footage. If your dashcam has cloud features, a small local storage option like 32GB will usually suffice as a backup. And if you’re recording in 4K, start at 128GB—but be prepared to upgrade further if needed.
