Customers highly value the DRV-A601W 4K Dash Cam's video quality and ease of use, with many praising its clear recordings and user-friendly interface. However, some users experienced issues with the product's reliability, including instances of the device unexpectedly shutting down and problems with the screen and app functionality. The camera's GPS features and night vision capabilities also received positive feedback. While some appreciated the compact size, others found the screen too small.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 250 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Gps, Video quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A gem! Incredible list of features!
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Although there's not many reviews on the internet I was pleasantly surprised with the purchase. It has an impressive list of features that aren't obvious on the box or in the store. Besides taking excellent video, my favorite feature is the included Kenwood Video player. The Windows 10 application is not just a video player -- it includes location, GPS coordinates, current speed, average speed and actively tracks your whole route on the map! It is a great way to document your commute or collect evidence in case of accident or police stop. The unit was easy to install and the included mounts and cabling provided everything needed for a clean install. It includes 65GB of storage which is enough for 3 hours of recordings. I intend to purchase the rear camera as well.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Video quality
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Won’t connect to WiFi for live viewing
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Not very satisfied with the performance of this device. It doesn’t allow me to connect to WiFi for live viewing other then that major issue for me the image it’s perfect everything else with it I can’t complain
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Gps, Resolution
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Dash CAM!
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have tried several Dash Cams. By far this is the best one overall. The quality is actually 4K for the front. I purchased the rear compatible camera and the resolution is split at 1440p, which is still great quality. It is very easy to set up and use. You can also download a software from Kenwood to view the video. The software gives you all the details to include your entire route via the GPS. It also shows your date/time, latitude/longitude, speed and license plate on the video itself. Out of all the Dash Cams I’ve tried, I’m glad to finally find one that was made this easy with the quality needed for the video. I highly recommend.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Video quality
Cons mentioned:
App
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Green screen when trying to replay video in KW App
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The video overall quality is good, but you sure can not see resolution at 30fps. Hooked up to my car's power port, it turns on and off with the car as its supposed to. The worst problem I have with it is the downloaded app for viewing the video does not work - I get a green-screen on my computer and it's a brand new 2021 computer. I've turned off my hardware graphics accelerator but still green screen. I have to watch videos in windows explorer so you can not view GPS at same time or speed up/slow down or zoom in using the Kenwood app. So certainly very poor software.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Resolution
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Slow wifi, difficult I access warranty service
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have a lot of issues with unit. Power from magnetic mount to camera doesn’t work. Downloading clips via wifi is ungodly ridiculous slow and I can’t get the satellite signal to take. The pixels for reading license is clear, it’s a 4K so as expected. Not a lot of online chatter about problems so not a lot of direction from other users on experiences and fixes on the issues I have like power to camera from mount and satellite signal receiver.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Video quality
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Issues from the start
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Posted . Owned for 10 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I bought this dashcam hoping it would be a set it and forget it device but I soon found the opposite. As far as image quality goes, the dash cam performs great. However thats where the positives end. The mic quality is ok at best, but not amazing. The capacitive touch buttons do not work if the camera is hot which wouldn't be a big issue if it turned on every time. I opted to not hard wire the camera to my fuse panel and instead used the 12v plug. This means the camera only gets power when the car is on. I expected the camera to turn on whenever it received power and start recording. However in reality it is about a 50/50 shot of it actually working on its own, requiring me to manually turn it on. Once on, it starts having issues again after recording for about 45 minutes. It will then start and stop recording until turned off. This is not the experience I was expecting for a camera at this price range.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Video quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent high res dash cam.
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The 4K images are crisp and clear. You can make out the license plates of cars in front of you. The length of the wire was more than enough for routing the wire from the front window to the fuse box. I was able to hide the wires behind the trim. The hardwire kit came with bullet connectors eliminating the need for crimping connections. The kit also came with an atm fuse tap and a 5 amp fuse, which was compatible with my car. The hardest part of the installation was finding a good ground in my car, but this is not the cam's fault. Nevertheless, installation was straightforward and I was able to do it myself although it took a few hours. I did need to buy additional ATM fuses. My only issue with the cam is the touch screen interface which is different and harder to use compared to the buttons on the Kenwood 301, which I have also used. The LCD is convenient for seeing what the camera is pointing at. I sued the suction cup mount which allows you to adjust the cameras angle and position. Adhesives and clips are included and are useful for cable management. This is great product from kenwood.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Could of been a 1 star
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The only reason i give it 3 stars is cause it keeps the cops behaving correct once they see the cam they straight besides that it has a mind of its own turns on when it wants to
for the past week it was just the blue light that was on now that doesnt even turn on no morei still have not gotten any clear answers
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Kenwood DRV-A601W "JUNK"
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
After just 2 1/2 years, the dash cam completely died. Kenwood tech support told me they have a sensitive heat sensor, and if the temperature in the vehicle gets too hot or if the sun is beating on it for long periods of time, it can shut down. Well then, why manufacture something that is going to be used in a hot environment and most likely, the sun on it for many hours every day. The mounting bracket for these Kenwood dash cams is proprietary, and you cannot use a standard mount that most other dash cams use on them. They have a magnetic power connection that acts as the attachment point on these cameras, which, if bumped slightly, would fall off the bracket. The suction cup mounting bracket wasn't any better, as it was so cheap, it kept disconnecting from the windshield. I have had Kenwood products in the past, and they were all very good, but this one was absolute "JUNK". I really wanted to like this camera, too. The picture resolution was about the only thing decent on it, but what good is that if you are always fighting with trying to keep the camera attached to the windshield? When contacting Kenwood Customer "NO" Service, they were less than helpful in providing any assistance with this dash cam. Until Kenwood can get it right, I'll buy a different brand of dash cam.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Video quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Video is actually 4K!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Amazing 4K video plus easy set up, just remember to place it right on the center of windshield because the tape is super grippy.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Video quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good video
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Installation and set-up was easy but it will not accept a password thus I can't connect it to my cell phones. I emailed Kenwood support about the problem but received no response. Sadly that's typical for customer support these days. I'm using it anyway, but it would have been nice to have the cell phone option working. I downloaded the Kenwood viewing software and it works well; it also records vehicle speed and map position, Good quality video but I'm withholding a star for the cell phone issue.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Video quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
This is nice
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've tried out both the A601 and A301. The 301 has better audio and less distortion, with the 601 you might want to turn it down. I love to turn my music up and rev my engine though. The 301 says 1920x1080 on the box but when I looked at the video it was 360p. If you are only looking to capture footage for damage to your vehicle then get the A301 and save 100 bucks. For those that want to use it for a little bit more and desire a better image definitely go with the A601. I feel bad returning the A301 but the picture difference is drastic. The wifi link is terrible. The transfer speed is slow, you might as well just pop out the sd card. It will disconnect all of the time as well. It's painful and the weakest link of the camera. Some people are posting that alternative sd cards have issues. If you have that problem pop it in something else and delete the contents. It should be fine. The 4 included sticky things also do not sticky well to anything but glass. You get one shot for them to work. It doesn't matter though you'll just tuck it into the headliner anyways.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Dash cam, Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Kenwood Dash Cam
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Love the large screen display which is better than it competitor Garmin. Was able to setup in less than 30 minutes. Have plugged into my Toyota's USB port which switches off and on life cigarette light plugin. Both connections provided. Wondering why it reboots itself sometimes during travel or while idle parked while car is on, but it may just be a setting. Will double check users guide. Supports rear camera connection not included purchase separately.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Video quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Kenwood-DRV-A601W 4K Dash Cam
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I like the Kenwood DRV-A601W 4K Dash Cam . The installed it a bit up under the rear view mirror because I have a Subaru Outback 2008 & the windshield is a bit smaller than my Mercury Grand Marquis. But that doesn't matter because it does the job & is not distracting my driving or vision. I'm glad the installer installed it the way he did. Because it is newer than what I have in my Grand Marquis It also has newer & better features, still exploring.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Dash cam, Gps, Resolution
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Premium Dashcam at an affordable price
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Best value in Dashcams hands down. Native 4k resolution, capacitor power source, GPS, and rear camera input put this in the league of $300+ dashcams but at an inexpensive price.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
App, Memory card
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Loses settings
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Posted . Owned for 9 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The camera itself works fine when it’s working, BUT it randomly loses all the settings and it forces you to go through the entire setup about every 2-3 weeks. It also will ask you to format the memory card about every other day. Losing the settling really sucks because your camera will not work at all until it’s set up again. It’s such a hassle. The app is also not the greatest. I definitely would not recommend.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Video quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
good
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
good camera, on all the time good video quality, easy to use
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Video quality
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Kenwood camera review
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I liked the video of this camera. However, the buttons to operate the camera do not work well and are tiny. Evidently the heat of your finger makes it work and if your outside in the cold, the buttons have issues with your cold fingers. The app you load on your cell phone is good and easy to use and photos are easy to upload to your cell phone. To view photos on your phone, the network button has to be pushed and makes the camera not so fun to use. I purchased the Thinkware U1000 w/ rear camera and have been very happy with it. Warm weather camera.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Reliability
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Wanting this to be the one.
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Hoping this one works better than the first two. First one was purchased elsewhere and would constantly freeze up after about 20 minutes, requiring a power reset. The second one was a warranty replacement. Worked fine for three months and then the unit stopped responding. Hopefully third times a charm.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Video quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good camera, easy installation
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Easy installation, good quality video. The clips for the wires could be better tho