Rescue9—January 15, 2026
Coming from a fire/rescue background, I’ve witnessed the difference having concrete video can play in the accident investigation. Don’t get me wrong I know that police do their best, but on more than a few occasions myself or one of my crew pointed out key tire marks or damage points that couldn’t have happened unless the vehicles struck in a specific way. That’s why all of my vehicles now have cameras. Coupled with the new teen driver in my house and I figure it’s just best to have video evidence. This is my fourth Vantrue system and my fifth camera system over all. I keep coming back to Vantrue for a few reasons… pertinent software upgrades, firmware upgrades for vital fixes, reliability, ease of installation, and software that isn’t cumbersome to navigate. The N4S is just the latest addition, and it delivers all the key aspects mentioned above. This system was installed in a 1994 Ford F-150. Setup was easy, especially since vehicles 30 years ago were user friendly and easier to work on. I opted for the optional hard wired power supply since the power port is not functional. After pulling apart the pillar molding, deader trim, and lower dash, I was able to easily run the wires. Picture quality is great, and just as I would expect based upon my previous experiences with Vantrue. Navigating the software was easier than before since the new versions have camera and recording functions split from system functions. My 64G card was formatted from the start and the instructions were easy enough to read to setup the camera as I wanted. I prefer a 3-minute time span, collision detection in parking mode, and 30-second timeout on the display so I don’t have it shining while driving. All parts necessary for setup were included and functional. The lenses and screen were protected with plastic coverings, and everything was bagged for safety and security. Video and audio quality are great, and viewing in the application is easy. The STARVIS and IR night vision modes are crystal clear and high definition. No grainy or old film effect was seen on any of the videos. This kit is a great value. I don’t really need the 4-camera version in my old truck, so having the N4S works for me. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a quality camera that won’t break the bank. Read more
Josh—December 1, 2025
The N4's performance is genuinely state-of-the-art. It features a 2.7k front-facing camera and 1440p resolution on the remaining two lenses. Most dash cams typically top out at 1080p for the interior and rear views, so the substantial resolution improvement is a welcome upgrade. After approximately a week of use, my main focus was testing the new PlatePix™ technology. I was able to clearly read every license plate I recorded without issue. Although you might think reading plates is a basic dash cam function, I can assure you it often is not. Ultimately, what good is a dash cam if it cannot capture a license plate number? Having evaluated many other models, I've struggled to find one that consistently produces video where plates are readable. The Vantrue N4S offers both clarity and ease of use. Just be sure to play the video on a computer with a video player that can show the full high-resolution image. Watching it on the camera's built-in display or even through the phone playback feature probably won't be enough, but the essential information remains preserved in the original file. Another excellent feature I love is the voice control. I can snap a picture anytime, completely hands-free, with a simple spoken command! The phone app is easy to set up and makes adjusting settings much simpler than navigating the camera's small screen. Installation was a breeze, and I really like their approach: first applying a clear plastic sheet to the window, then attaching the camera to it. This allows for easy removal if necessary and avoids leaving sticky residue on your glass! The moment you pick up the box, you feel assured in your selection. The video is crisp and detailed, and recording starts immediately when you turn on the car. To use parking mode, you'll need to buy the optional hardwire kit. The mount is solid and reliable—there's no worry about the camera coming loose from the windshield. The app is also intuitive, making it straightforward to manage settings and review recordings. The N4S performs reliably during extended use—it doesn't get too hot, even on long drives or warm days. The new adhesive mounting system is another smart improvement. Instead of relying on a suction cup, it uses a clear, removable adhesive that stays firmly in place even in high temperatures. It's a small but meaningful upgrade that significantly enhances day-to-day convenience. If you want complete peace of mind while driving, this dash cam is a solid investment. It's perfect for road trips, daily commutes, or any driving situation, offering thorough coverage from all sides. Parking mode is a huge benefit, as it records motion or impacts while the vehicle is off, providing extra security against hit-and-runs or vandalism. I've tried several other dash cams, but the N4S stands out for its sharpness, reliability, and robust set of features. While it's not the cheapest option available, the protection and quality it delivers make it one of the most practical upgrades you can add to your vehicle. Read more
Christopher Powell—January 30, 2026
I'm running a decent AMD 9700X3D/64GB RAM and these tests were direct USB-C to the ASUS TUF Gaming X670E-Plus Wifi mainboard ports. Tested using both USB-C and USB-A ports. Speeds weren't anything spectacular in their competition against other products marketed at 1000MB/s but the above 400MB/s was good for a performance value usb. It is on part with the port expectations and are good speeds. CrystalMark and SpeedOut were used to measure. The drive is a zinc casting and feels premium. The USB-A side has a magnet to keep the cover in place. The USB-C side does not, so it's somewhat loose and enabled to flip to the side. This should have had better consistency and magnets on both sides. The leatherette case seems like it would be reasonably secure if used on a keychain, but I just like to use the ring to attach inside my laptop backpack so that I know it wont easily sneak out. Read more
