The Owl Car Cam ($349) is a dash cam and security device that pairs with your smartphone.
Video clips are stored on your phone, so no memory card is required, and you don't run the risk of losing your clips if the camera is stolen.
It has some cool features like two-way talk, an inside camera, and remote camera access.
It's certainly innovative, but it's missing some key features that we would expect at this price.
That said, we're excited to see how the Owl Car Cam evolves.
Honest, Objective Reviews
Daxdi.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services.
Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
Interface and Setup
This dash cam is more expensive than a lot of the competition, and it lacks some features less pricey devices have.
To compare, the $150 Cobra CDR 855 BT ($150.00 at Amazon) includes radar, red light, and speed camera alerts, and the Garmin Speak Plus, at $200, has built-in navigation and Alexa capabilities.
The price of the Owl Car Cam does include one year of LTE Instant Video service, which allows you to view the video feed from the interior and exterior camera remotely.
After the first year, this feature costs $99 per year or $10 per month for 60 incidents or 60 minutes each month.
One of the more challenging parts of the setup was finding my car's On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD) port, which is where you plug in the Owl Car Cam.
After some web sleuthing, I found it near the hood release latch on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek I was driving.
(The car manual mentioned nothing about the OBD II port, but Owl includes thorough instructions on the installation process and lists the most common locations for the port.) All cars made after 1996 have this port, except for the Tesla 3.
After plugging the cam in, I downloaded the app (available for both iOS and Android devices) and paired my iPhone with it by pointing the phone's camera at a QR code on the dash cam's display.
Installation is easier than with most dash cams I've used.
The power cable links magnetically to the device, which in turn also attaches magnetically to the mount.
Shaped a bit like a squeegee, the mount sits on top of the dashboard and is affixed to the windshield with a small suction cup, meaning it sits lower than most dash cams.
That positioning means it's not too distracting, especially if you place it between the driver and passenger seats, as I did.
The box includes a tool to help push the wire between the vehicle's trim and windshield as well as cable ties to keep it secure.
Features and Video Quality
The Owl Car Cam records continuously when the car is on, but you can also save 20-second clips by saying "OK Presto" or tapping the screen, then stating a title for the clip.
If you don't state a title, it's labeled "unknown." Saving and naming these recordings worked well in our tests, with accurate speech transcription.
If you don't have cell coverage, you can still save clips, and they'll transfer over when you get service back.
The touch screen measures 2.4 inches, about average for the dash cams we've reviewed.
To compare, the ROAV by Anker Dash Cam C1's screen is also 2.4 inches, whereas the tiny one on the Cobra CDR 855 BT is just 2 inches.
Video looked good in our tests, though there was a bit of glare from the windshield.
It wasn't enough to obscure signage and license plates, though.
You can record inside the car too, in case you want to monitor your teen's driving or if you work for a ride-sharing service and want to record any incidents.
(Don't live stream the footage like this guy, please.) Swipe down to turn off the inside camera for the duration of a trip or go into the app settings to disable it altogether.
You can get alerts on your phone when the car is bumped, broken into, or in an accident.
I received a few motion-based alerts when I was inside a grocery store, but it was just people parking and walking past the car.
You can change the types of alerts you receive in the app's settings.
One of the coolest features is that you can remotely monitor your car using your smartphone, provided you have Owl's LTE service.
Getting it to work correctly took a few tries, but eventually worked reliably.
From the app, you can see the inside or outside of the car, and even activate the speaker to talk to someone inside the car (whether it's a burglar or someone waiting for you).
The audio is loud and clear on both ends.
The camera's 64GB of memory stores up to 18 hours of footage.
You can edit and share saved video clips from the app by sliding a yellow edit box to trim the length and pinching to zoom in.
The Owl Cam is designed to be in the car at all times and won't drain the car's battery.
If someone steals the device, you'll have a picture of the thief for police and Owl will replace your camera at their discretion for up to three years after purchase.
Note, though, that the unit shuts down after not being used for about 24 hours.
This will be extended to 72 hours in an upcoming software release.
Transferring footage to your computer is a bit tedious; you'll have to download individual clips to your phone one-by-one or email them to yourself.
Innovative But Pricey
At about $350, the Owl Car Cam is more expensive than most other dash cams, but offers some cool features including remote camera access and two-way communication.
It monitors your car even when it's off, but only for about 24 hours (until the previously mentioned software release extends this to 72 hours), so it can't help if you park your car on a city street for days at a time.
That said, it has potential, and I'm excited to see how the company updates this device down the road.
For now, it's best for early adopters.
If that's not you, the Garmin Speak Plus and the Cobra CDR 855 BT both cost more than $150 less and offer features such as radar, red light, and speed camera alerts and Alexa compatibility.
Pros
Offers remote access to camera.
Records inside the car as well as out.
Video is stored on smartphone, not the device.
Easy-to-use app.
View More
Cons
Shuts down after 24 hours of non-use.
Pricey, especially with LTE plan.
The Bottom Line
The Owl Car Cam offers handy features like remote access and two-way audio, but it's expensive considering some of its limitations.
The Owl Car Cam ($349) is a dash cam and security device that pairs with your smartphone.
Video clips are stored on your phone, so no memory card is required, and you don't run the risk of losing your clips if the camera is stolen.
It has some cool features like two-way talk, an inside camera, and remote camera access.
It's certainly innovative, but it's missing some key features that we would expect at this price.
That said, we're excited to see how the Owl Car Cam evolves.
Honest, Objective Reviews
Daxdi.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services.
Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
Interface and Setup
This dash cam is more expensive than a lot of the competition, and it lacks some features less pricey devices have.
To compare, the $150 Cobra CDR 855 BT ($150.00 at Amazon) includes radar, red light, and speed camera alerts, and the Garmin Speak Plus, at $200, has built-in navigation and Alexa capabilities.
The price of the Owl Car Cam does include one year of LTE Instant Video service, which allows you to view the video feed from the interior and exterior camera remotely.
After the first year, this feature costs $99 per year or $10 per month for 60 incidents or 60 minutes each month.
One of the more challenging parts of the setup was finding my car's On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD) port, which is where you plug in the Owl Car Cam.
After some web sleuthing, I found it near the hood release latch on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek I was driving.
(The car manual mentioned nothing about the OBD II port, but Owl includes thorough instructions on the installation process and lists the most common locations for the port.) All cars made after 1996 have this port, except for the Tesla 3.
After plugging the cam in, I downloaded the app (available for both iOS and Android devices) and paired my iPhone with it by pointing the phone's camera at a QR code on the dash cam's display.
Installation is easier than with most dash cams I've used.
The power cable links magnetically to the device, which in turn also attaches magnetically to the mount.
Shaped a bit like a squeegee, the mount sits on top of the dashboard and is affixed to the windshield with a small suction cup, meaning it sits lower than most dash cams.
That positioning means it's not too distracting, especially if you place it between the driver and passenger seats, as I did.
The box includes a tool to help push the wire between the vehicle's trim and windshield as well as cable ties to keep it secure.
Features and Video Quality
The Owl Car Cam records continuously when the car is on, but you can also save 20-second clips by saying "OK Presto" or tapping the screen, then stating a title for the clip.
If you don't state a title, it's labeled "unknown." Saving and naming these recordings worked well in our tests, with accurate speech transcription.
If you don't have cell coverage, you can still save clips, and they'll transfer over when you get service back.
The touch screen measures 2.4 inches, about average for the dash cams we've reviewed.
To compare, the ROAV by Anker Dash Cam C1's screen is also 2.4 inches, whereas the tiny one on the Cobra CDR 855 BT is just 2 inches.
Video looked good in our tests, though there was a bit of glare from the windshield.
It wasn't enough to obscure signage and license plates, though.
You can record inside the car too, in case you want to monitor your teen's driving or if you work for a ride-sharing service and want to record any incidents.
(Don't live stream the footage like this guy, please.) Swipe down to turn off the inside camera for the duration of a trip or go into the app settings to disable it altogether.
You can get alerts on your phone when the car is bumped, broken into, or in an accident.
I received a few motion-based alerts when I was inside a grocery store, but it was just people parking and walking past the car.
You can change the types of alerts you receive in the app's settings.
One of the coolest features is that you can remotely monitor your car using your smartphone, provided you have Owl's LTE service.
Getting it to work correctly took a few tries, but eventually worked reliably.
From the app, you can see the inside or outside of the car, and even activate the speaker to talk to someone inside the car (whether it's a burglar or someone waiting for you).
The audio is loud and clear on both ends.
The camera's 64GB of memory stores up to 18 hours of footage.
You can edit and share saved video clips from the app by sliding a yellow edit box to trim the length and pinching to zoom in.
The Owl Cam is designed to be in the car at all times and won't drain the car's battery.
If someone steals the device, you'll have a picture of the thief for police and Owl will replace your camera at their discretion for up to three years after purchase.
Note, though, that the unit shuts down after not being used for about 24 hours.
This will be extended to 72 hours in an upcoming software release.
Transferring footage to your computer is a bit tedious; you'll have to download individual clips to your phone one-by-one or email them to yourself.
Innovative But Pricey
At about $350, the Owl Car Cam is more expensive than most other dash cams, but offers some cool features including remote camera access and two-way communication.
It monitors your car even when it's off, but only for about 24 hours (until the previously mentioned software release extends this to 72 hours), so it can't help if you park your car on a city street for days at a time.
That said, it has potential, and I'm excited to see how the company updates this device down the road.
For now, it's best for early adopters.
If that's not you, the Garmin Speak Plus and the Cobra CDR 855 BT both cost more than $150 less and offer features such as radar, red light, and speed camera alerts and Alexa compatibility.
Pros
Offers remote access to camera.
Records inside the car as well as out.
Video is stored on smartphone, not the device.
Easy-to-use app.
View More
Cons
Shuts down after 24 hours of non-use.
Pricey, especially with LTE plan.
The Bottom Line
The Owl Car Cam offers handy features like remote access and two-way audio, but it's expensive considering some of its limitations.
