Vantrue N5 – The Ultimate Four-Channel Surveillance System
Vantrue has carved out a niche as the go-to brand for multi-channel dash cam systems, and the N5 is their most ambitious product yet. At £280 to £350, it is a four-channel system comprising a 4K front camera, an infrared cabin camera, a rear camera, and – uniquely – a waterproof external camera designed for mounting on the rear bumper or grille. This is a serious piece of kit aimed at commercial drivers, rideshare operators, or anyone who wants genuinely comprehensive coverage of their vehicle.
Image Quality
The front camera records at 4K (3840×2160) at 30fps using a Sony STARVIS sensor. Daytime footage is excellent with rich detail, accurate colours, and good dynamic range. Number plates are clearly legible at significant distances. The cabin camera records at 1080p with infrared illumination, providing clear interior footage even in complete darkness. The rear camera is also 1080p and performs adequately. The waterproof external camera records at 1080p with a wide-angle lens designed to survive rain, mud, and road spray. It is rated IP68 and provides a unique perspective for capturing side-swipes or low-speed car park incidents.
Features
The four-channel coverage is the defining feature and there is nothing else quite like it at this price. All four feeds are recorded simultaneously and can be viewed in Vantrue’s desktop software with synchronised playback. Built-in GPS tracks speed and location across all channels. Wi-Fi connectivity allows wireless transfer to the Vantrue app, though the app is functional rather than polished. Parking mode is supported with hardwiring, offering impact detection and time-lapse across all channels. Super capacitor power delivery improves reliability. The system supports microSD cards up to 512GB, which you will need for four simultaneous video streams.
Installation
Installing a four-channel system is inevitably more involved than a single or dual camera. The front, cabin, and rear cameras use adhesive mounts with manageable cable runs. The waterproof external camera requires routing a cable through the vehicle body to an exterior mounting point, which adds complexity. Professional installation is recommended for the external camera unless you are comfortable working with vehicle trim and cable routing.
Verdict
The Vantrue N5 is overkill for most private drivers but represents the ultimate in vehicle surveillance for those who need it. At £280 to £350, it is expensive but the combination of 4K front, cabin IR, rear, and waterproof external cameras provides coverage no other system can match. For commercial or rideshare use, it is a compelling investment.
