If you’re like me, you care about your car. And if you care about your car, the odds are you care about its well-being, too. In fact, I’d wager to guess that if something were to befall your beloved whip, you’d be a little more than upset. Am I on the right track?
Now, imagine if something did happen to your car, like in an accident, and for whatever reason, your insurance company wouldn’t pay because there’s some hefty debate going on about who is at fault in what scenario. Horrible, right? The good news, though, is that a good dash cam can solve all of those issues, and I’ve found a great one in the BotsLab G980H. In fact, I’ve been using it for the past two weeks, and I don’t think I’ll ever take it off.
The hardware is upper-tier
This doesn’t feel like a generic dash cam
Typically, when I review these products, one of my biggest gripes is the build quality. It’s easier than ever in 2026 to start a tech company, find a niche, sell a few thousand units, and never be heard from again, while paying no mind to a product’s actual longevity. However, with the Botslab camera, the sturdiness was actually one of the first things to jump out at me. It feels no different than a DJI or Insta360 in my hand in terms of quality, and the plastics don’t look haphazardly styled or thrown together. Everything felt solid during the mounting process, which is always a nice treat.
Even so, I was more surprised at the technology that accompanies the camera. The Botslab app connects seamlessly to the camera if you’re using a phone that isn’t simultaneously connected to CarPlay, and once you’re in the app, transferring files, checking drive data, and tracking live feeds are intuitive, well-designed, and quick. The touchscreen on the back matches the size and feel of my Insta360 Go Ultra camera and is very responsive.
Camera quality isn’t an issue at any resolution
Even at its lowest setting, the G980H holds true color and framing
The first thing I do with any dash camera is set the video quality to the lowest setting I can get away with to maximize storage space. On the G980H, that’s the usual 1080p. However, throughout my travels and filming, I’ve discovered that not all 1080p resolutions are created equal. That’s why I was happy when I downloaded an early video from the G980H and was more than satisfied with its clarity for my personal use.
The video quality wasn’t the only thing I was impressed with, though. The audio recording comes through crystal clear, too. The demo video above shows only the front-facing camera, but the adjustable side pods deliver the same quality and even include a night mode for late-night trips or drives. Users can switch between these views with just a quick double-tap on the touchscreen.
“What is installation like,” you might ask
Easier than you would think, but not without its tricks
I should note that my 2025 Volkswagen Atlas comes standard with a Type-C outlet behind the mirror for a dash camera, as do most newer vehicles. That said, I can only speak to the installation process for the main camera in that manner. The rear camera requires running a wire around the headliner and back to the camera’s main base, which isn’t hard if you know what you’re doing, but could easily trip up a beginner, so be aware.
Additionally, Botslab says that the best way to mount the camera to your actual windshield is to use a static mounting film, so that you’re not actually adhering the camera to the glass. I tried this twice, and each time, the film peeled away under the full weight of the camera. As such, I stuck the camera in its place, made some adjustments, and haven’t worried about it since. All in all, I rate the Botslap G980H a 4/5, simply because I wish the rear camera had its own Type-C port and could wirelessly connect to its main base.
Remote monitoring keeps my belongings safe and sound
Botslab even gives you a handy, bright sticker to ward off would-be thieves
One of the best features of the Botslab by far, though, is its ability to record while you’re away from or out of the vehicle. If you’re in a new place or even just a large parking lot, you never know what could happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. As I mentioned earlier, the Botslab doesn’t just record what happens outside your car; it also records what happens inside it.
For instance, if someone were to back into your car and drive off, the Botslab would likely catch a glimpse of the license plate. If someone were to break into your car, they would be on camera throughout the entire ordeal, which you could then retrieve if necessary. I end up leaving things in my car like camera equipment all the time, and although I have everything insured, losing it all would set me back weeks in my own business. The peace of mind makes all the difference.
That being said, I rate the Botslab G980H as a 4/5, simply because I wish the rear camera was powered by its own Type-C port and connected wirelessly to its home base.
