Garmin is a popular brand that offers a decent number of dash cams, all similarly named. With indistinct titles, it can be hard to tell one model from another, which is why we are going to compare the Garmin dash cam 47 vs 57 in-depth so you know their main features and the differences between each.
Garmin Dash Cam 47 vs 57 Dash Cam Side by Side:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin 47 | Garmin 57 | |
| Resolution (front) | 1080P @30fps | 1440P @60fps |
| View angle | 140° | 140° |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Parking mode | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum capacity | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Camera and Quality
The 47 comes with a 2.1MP camera that is capable of recording at 30 frames per second in either 720 or 1080p. The 57 has a 3.7MP camera that can record at 1440p for 30 frames per second or up to 60 frames per second at 1080p.
Both dash cams are equipped with a single front-facing camera with a 140-degree viewing angle.
With the 57 having a better camera that can record in either higher quality (1440p) or higher frames per second at a lower quality (1080p), it easily beats out the 47.
Best Camera and Quality: Garmin 57
Storage Capacity
Both dash cams have a 16gb microSD card, but users can opt for a card up to 512gb. Unfortunately, to save videos indefinitely, you have to have a subscription plan for Garmin’s Vault Storage, which will run you anywhere between $5 and $20 a month. Otherwise, saved footage is only kept for 24 hours.
Each dash cam is the same here, with equal storage capacity, the same microSD card included with purchase, and the need for a subscription for permanent video retention.
Best Storage Capacity: It’s a tie!
Battery Life
Both dash cams have with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This battery is able to last up to 30 minutes when not connected to a power source. Obviously, when using your product normally, the dash cam will be connected to your car.
Users can also opt to buy a separate hardwire kit so the dash cam can be used even with the car parked. However, we have a tie once again because both the 47 and 57 come with the same battery.
Best Battery Life: It’s a tie!
Garmin 47
Pros
- High-quality video
- Onboard GPS
- Cheaper than Garmin 57
- G-sensor collision detection and saving related video
- Garmin Drive App for more features
- Live feed when parked if hardwire kit installed
Cons
- Only has a front-facing camera
- Max video quality not as high as Garmin 57
- Videos only stored for 24 hours without a subscription plan
- Live feed function requires hardwire kit that has to be purchased separately
The Garmin 47 offers a lot of the same features of the 57 at a cheaper price. It shoots high-quality video up to 1080p, although it cannot hit 1440p. Check our full review of the Garmin 47.
In common with the 57, the Garmin 47 offers on-board GPS, a parking mode, and a G-sensor to detect accidents and any footage from said accident will be saved. Users will have to purchase a subscription if they want to store videos for longer than 24 hours, however.
The Garmin 47 comes housed in a small package with a 2-inch display. The display can be controlled using the mounted side buttons or voice commands. We’ve also compared the Garmin 47 vs. Mini 2.
Garmin 57
Pros
- High-quality video
- Onboard GPS
- G-sensor collision detection and saving related video
- Garmin Drive App for more features
- Live feed when parked if hardwire kit installed
Cons
- More expensive than Garmin 47
- Only has a front-facing camera
- Videos only stored for 24 hours without a subscription plan
- Live feed function requires hardwire kit that has to be purchased separately
The Garmin 57 offers the ability to record at up to 1440p. Alternatively, users can drop the quality to 1080p for a frame rate boost. A 16GB microSD card is included to get you started, but if you want to store videos longer than a day, you have to upgrade to the Garmin Vault Storage subscription plan.
The dash cam comes with GPS and a G-sensor to detect accidents and save the footage. It also has safety features including lane departure warnings, which can be an added bonus for those who drive vehicles without these features on hand.
The Garmin 57 is a fairly minimalist design, with a small 2-inch display. It can be controlled with either side buttons or voice commands.
Full review: Garmin 57
Conclusion
Overall, there is a lot of similarity between the Garmin 47 and 57. The primary difference is that the 57 is able to record in up to 60 frames per second or 1440p at a standard 30 frames per second. The 47 tops out at 1080p and 30 frames per second.
Other than this, the two are virtually identical, with the same features, storage capacity, and even display/controls. The Garmin 47 comes in at a lower price than the 57, with its 2.1MP camera and lower recording capabilities.
So which one should you choose? If you are after a basic dash cam, it’s a no-brainer to get the 47. It offers a bunch of features for an entry-level price and the only downside is you cannot record more than 30 frames per second at 1080p. On the other hand, if you want high-quality footage, choose the 57 (>>> Find price on Amazon). This is especially true if you are someone who plans on saving and using footage for recreation or simply to have as clear a record as possible of what transpired while driving.