When choosing a dash cam, GPS is one of those features you will see mentioned again and again. But unlike video resolution or night vision, its benefits may not be immediately obvious.
So, do you really need GPS on a dash cam?
The answer depends on what you expect from your dash cam. If you simply want a camera that records the road, GPS is not essential. But if you want more information about where and how a trip happened, it can be a very useful feature.
Let's take a closer look at what GPS actually does and whether it is worth having.
What Does GPS Do on a Dash Cam?
A GPS-enabled dash cam can record location-related information alongside your video footage.
Depending on the dash cam and its compatible app or software, this may include:
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Vehicle location
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Driving route
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Driving speed
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Time and date information
The important thing to understand is that GPS does not improve the actual video quality. Instead, it adds another layer of information to your recordings.
This means that when you review footage later, you may be able to see not only what happened, but also where it happened and what route you were traveling at the time.
When Is GPS Useful on a Dash Cam?
For some drivers, GPS may rarely be used. For others, it can make recorded footage much more informative.
1. When You Want to Know Where an Incident Happened
Dash cam footage can show what happened during an accident or unexpected road event, but identifying the exact location from video alone is not always easy.
GPS data can provide additional location information, helping you understand where the footage was recorded.
This can be especially useful when driving on unfamiliar roads or during longer journeys.
2. When You Want to Review Your Driving Route
Some GPS-enabled dash cams allow you to review your driving route through a compatible app or playback software.
For drivers who regularly travel long distances, take road trips, or drive through unfamiliar areas, having a record of the route can be useful.
It can also provide more context when looking back at footage from a particular trip.
3. When Speed Information Is Helpful
Many GPS dash cams can also record vehicle speed data.
This information may help provide additional context when reviewing footage from an incident.
However, GPS-recorded speed should generally be treated as supporting information rather than an official speed measurement.
4. When You Drive for Work
GPS can also be useful for rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, or other people who spend a significant amount of time on the road.
Being able to review routes and location information may provide a more complete record of a trip than video footage alone.
Do You Actually Need GPS on a Dash Cam?
Not everyone does.
If your main goal is simply to record the road ahead and keep video evidence in case something happens, a dash cam without GPS can still do that job perfectly well.
You may not need GPS if:
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You mainly drive short, familiar routes
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You only care about video evidence
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You rarely need to review past driving routes
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You want a simple dash cam without additional data features
On the other hand, GPS may be worth having if:
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You frequently drive long distances
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You travel on unfamiliar roads
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You want route and location records
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You drive professionally
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You want more context attached to your dash cam footage
Ultimately, GPS is less about improving the recording itself and more about making that recording more informative.
GPS Does Not Mean Remote Tracking
One common misunderstanding is that a dash cam with GPS automatically allows you to track your car remotely.
It usually does not.
GPS can determine and record location information, but GPS itself does not provide an internet connection.
If you want to access certain vehicle or dash cam information remotely while you are away from the car, you generally need a dash cam with additional connectivity, such as 4G.
Similarly, Wi-Fi serves a different purpose. For example, the GKU D600 Pro Max features 5.8GHz Wi-Fi 6, which allows a smartphone to connect to the dash cam nearby for functions such as viewing or downloading footage through a compatible app.
In simple terms:
GPS records location. Wi-Fi connects your phone nearby. 4G enables remote connectivity.
These technologies can work together, but they are not the same feature.
Is GPS Worth Having on a Dash Cam?
For most drivers, GPS is probably best described as a useful extra rather than an absolute necessity.
You do not need GPS for a dash cam to record important footage.
However, when something does happen, having location, route, or speed information alongside the video can give you a more complete picture of the situation.
If two dash cams offer similar video quality and features, but one also includes GPS, the additional driving data may make it the more practical long-term choice.
The value of GPS often becomes clearer after you actually need to review a specific trip or incident.
Can You Turn GPS Off?
This depends on the dash cam model.
Some GPS-enabled dash cams may allow you to adjust how GPS-related information is recorded or displayed through the device settings or app.
For example, some drivers may prefer not to display speed information directly on exported footage while still keeping other GPS data available.
If this is important to you, check the GPS and display settings of your specific dash cam model.
Final Thoughts: Do You Need GPS?
So, do you need GPS on a dash cam?
For basic video recording, no.
But if you want your dash cam to provide more context about your journey, GPS can be a valuable feature.
It can help record where you traveled, where an incident occurred, and in some cases, how fast the vehicle was moving.
For drivers who only want straightforward video evidence, GPS may not be a deciding factor. But for frequent drivers, road trippers, rideshare drivers, and anyone who wants a more complete record of their journeys, it is a feature worth considering.
The best choice ultimately depends on one simple question:
Do you only want to see what happened—or do you also want to know where it happened?
Related Reading:
What Is GPS Logging in a Dash Cam?
Dash Cam Connectivity Guide: Wi-Fi, GPS, Voice Control & Smart Features Explained
REDTIGER F7NP vs GKU D600 Pro Max: Which 4K Dash Cam Is Better in 2026?