Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 Review: Worth It?

There are tons of dash cams out there, but only a few pretty much disappear once you stick them on your windshield. The Mini 2 from Garmin is one of those rare finds—it’s about the size of a car key and just blends right in, so it won’t bug you while you drive or catch the eye of someone peeking in.

The Mini 2 records in 1080p and offers a wide 140-degree view. It’s a breeze to install, and the video quality holds up well whether it’s sunny or dark. That said, you’ll need to use the companion app for features like Live View or to check footage, which isn’t everyone’s favorite compared to a cam with its own screen. The voice controls and slim look are a plus for folks who want a minimalist vibe, but the app dependency can be a sticking point.

Bottom Line

If you want a tiny dash cam that just works and doesn’t call attention to itself, the Mini 2 is a solid bet. Click here to buy the Mini 2 and add an extra layer of protection to your vehicle.

Overview of the Garmin Mini 2 Dash Cam

Roughly the size of a car key, the Mini 2 tucks up on your windshield and pretty much vanishes behind the rearview mirror. Its 140-degree lens grabs a wide slice of the road in 1080p, so you’re covered without losing visibility.

Setup is quick, and it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Voice control and the app bring some modern perks, but if you’re someone who just wants to pop out an SD card, it’s not quite that simple. Features like Parking Guard and remote monitoring only work if you’ve got constant Wi-Fi and power—something to keep in mind if your car sits outside without those.

Pros:

• Super compact, blends in
• Good video quality day or night
• Voice and app controls

Cons:

• App required for footage
• Needs constant power for some features

Ultra-Compact Design for Discreet Protection

The Mini 2 hides easily behind your rearview mirror, so it’s tough to spot whether you’re inside or outside the car. Less distraction for you, and maybe less temptation for someone up to no good.

A lot of folks like that it doesn’t clutter up the windshield. Of course, the trade-off is there’s no screen on the device, so you’ll have to use the app to see what it’s recorded. If you’re after a dash cam that doesn’t make its presence known but still does its job, this one’s a good middle ground.

Crystal Clear 1080p Video Recording With Wide Field of View

Video clarity is a must, and the Mini 2’s 1080p footage looks sharp in most conditions. The 140-degree field of view covers a lot, so you’re less likely to miss something happening just out of frame.

Plenty of users say the video is detailed enough for insurance or incident reports, though if you’re a stickler for super high-res 4K, you might find the 1080p a little basic. HDR helps with tricky lighting, but if something happens far away, don’t expect miracles.

Pros:

• Sharp 1080p video
• Wide 140° coverage

Cons:

• No 4K option
• Distant details aren’t always crystal clear

Advanced Voice Control Capabilities

Hands-free operation is handy, and the Mini 2 listens for voice commands in a few different languages. You can save clips, snap pictures, or mute audio just by asking—no fiddling with buttons while driving.

It’s a nice touch if you want to keep your hands on the wheel. Just keep in mind, voice control doesn’t work in every language, and how well it picks up your commands can depend on your accent or how noisy your car is.

Automatic Video Upload and Secure Storage

Managing dash cam footage can be a pain, but the Mini 2 tries to make it easier by automatically uploading clips to Garmin’s secure online vault via Wi-Fi. If your camera gets stolen or wrecked, your videos should still be safe.

You can check and share recordings from the app, which is convenient—assuming you’ve got constant power and Wi-Fi. If your car’s parked somewhere without internet, though, that feature’s kind of a non-starter.

Parking Guard and Remote Live View Features

Worried about your car while it’s parked? The Mini 2’s Parking Guard keeps an eye out for bumps or movement, as long as it’s powered and connected to Wi-Fi. If something happens, you’ll get an alert through the Garmin Drive app.

You can also use Remote Live View to peek at your car in real time, again using the app. Both features are neat but really only work if you’ve got uninterrupted power and Wi-Fi—otherwise, you’re out of luck.

Pros:

• Instant alerts
• App lets you check on your car remotely

Considerations:

• Needs constant power and Wi-Fi
• Everything runs through the app

User Experience With the Garmin Drive App

You’ll need the Garmin Drive app for stuff like watching saved videos or tweaking settings. Most folks say it’s easy enough to set up and pair, especially with newer phones. The layout is pretty user-friendly and makes it simple to grab footage or check live views.

On the flip side, having to use the app for nearly everything isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and a few people have run into minor connection hiccups.

Pros:

• Quick video downloads
• Straightforward file management

Cons:

• App dependency for core features
• Occasional connection issues

Durability in Harsh Vehicle Environments

Cars get hot, cold, and bumpy, but the Mini 2 seems to take it in stride. Its small, sturdy build means fewer pieces to break or shake loose. A lot of users say it feels solid and doesn’t mind baking in the sun.

Still, in really extreme heat, the included adhesive mount might give up, so you might want to pick up a backup if you live somewhere sweltering. Generally, though, the camera keeps working and doesn’t glitch out.

Pros and Cons

Let’s break down what actually makes the Mini 2 worth a look—and what might hold you back.

Pros

• Discreet Design
  Tiny enough to hide behind your mirror, so it won’t clutter up your view.

• Good Video Quality
  1080p with a wide angle gives you solid coverage day or night.

• Hands-Free Use
  Voice controls mean you can save clips or take photos without touching the cam.

• Parking and Remote Monitoring
  Parking Guard and live view let you check on your car when you’re away, as long as you’ve got power and Wi-Fi.

• Durability
  Built to handle heat and sun, which is a relief in hot climates.

Cons

• App Dependency
  You have to use the app for videos and settings—no popping out an SD card for quick access.

• Continuous Power Required
  Some features only work if the camera always has power, which isn’t always possible.

• No Included microSD Card
  You’ll need to buy a memory card separately.

• Language Limitations
  Voice controls only work in certain languages.

• No Built-In Display
  No screen on the device, so you can’t check footage directly.

Customer Reviews

People love how the Mini 2 keeps their windshield tidy and is a cinch to set up. Even first-timers seem to have no trouble getting it running.

The video quality and solid construction get a lot of shoutouts. Some folks do wish they could skip the app for viewing footage, but if you’re after something low-profile and straightforward, it tends to hit the mark.

Most complaints are about the software, not the hardware, which says a lot.

Conclusion

The compact size and simple setup of the Mini 2 win over a lot of buyers—it just doesn’t get in the way or draw attention. Video quality and the main features are solid for everyday use.

Still, the need to use your phone for everything can be a hassle, and having no screen on the device itself isn’t ideal if you want direct access. If you’re after a no-fuss, hidden dash cam, the Mini 2 is worth a look. But if you want more control right on the device, you might want to keep shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2?

The Mini 2 stands out for its tiny size and easy mounting behind the rearview mirror—most people won’t even notice it’s there. It supports voice commands (in a handful of languages), auto-saves video, and uploads clips to Garmin’s Vault via Wi-Fi. The 140-degree field of view covers a lot of ground.

Can the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 record in high-resolution both day and night?

Most owners say the 1080p HDR video is clear in both daylight and at night. Low-light performance is decent, but not mind-blowing. If you need super sharp footage, you might notice the difference compared to 4K models.

How does the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2’s parking mode operate?

Parking Guard keeps watch while your car’s off, but it needs constant power and Wi-Fi. If something happens, you’ll get an alert on your phone via the app. Some people say it’s easier to set up with a little help, and a steady power source is a must.

What improvements have been made from the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 to the Mini 3?

If you’re eyeing the Mini 3, it mainly brings better video resolution, a wider field of view, and improved night recording. Connectivity and app features are a bit smoother, too. Still, the Mini 2 covers the basics well if you’re not chasing the latest and greatest.

What are some common issues users encounter with the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2?

Some things that pop up:

• App Dependency: You need the Garmin Drive app for videos and features, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
• Mounting Preferences: The adhesive mount doesn’t work for all—some folks swap it for a suction mount.
• Power Needs: Parking Guard and live view only work with constant power and Wi-Fi, so you might need extra gear.

Overall, as long as you know what you’re getting, most people find the Mini 2 reliable and easy to live with.

Is the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 easy to install for those with minimal technical experience?

Most folks say setup’s pretty straightforward:

• The camera’s simple design and the included charger definitely make basic installation less of a headache.
• There’s a step-by-step guide in the app that walks you through pairing with your phone and tweaking settings.

One thing—since there’s no display on the device itself, you do have to lean on the app for adjustments. Still, even people who aren’t super tech-savvy usually manage to get the Mini 2 working without too much fuss. If you’re after a dash cam that doesn’t overcomplicate things, its compact, no-screen style is a plus—though, fair warning, the initial app setup might require a bit of patience.