VIOFO WM1 vs. Garmin Mini 2

The WM1 uses a tubular body with a USB-C power connection on the mount. Garmin lists the Mini 2 at 31.3 × 53.3 × 29.1 mm and 32.1 g. Leave room for the power plug, memory card and mount as well as the camera.

Both are screenless. Set the view with the appropriate app, then check a saved recording before relying on the installation. Keep the lens clear of the mirror housing and vehicle sensors, and position the camera without obstructing your view.

The WM1 has separate REC, MIC and Wi-Fi buttons plus an emergency-lock button. Follow the camera’s operating-temperature limits; a supercapacitor is not a promise against heat damage. Learn the controls while parked. Saving a clip is not the same as making a backup; copy important footage somewhere safe before the card is reused or formatted.

VIOFO specifies 2560 × 1440 at 30 FPS for the WM1, using a Sony STARVIS IMX335 sensor with WDR. Garmin lists 1080P at up to 30 FPS, Clarity HDR and a 140° diagonal field of view for the Mini 2. VIOFO lists a 135° field of view for the WM1; the manufacturers do not state the angle in identical terms.

The WM1 records more pixels, but that alone does not prove that a particular plate will be readable. We would check daylight and night recordings from the actual installation, including windshield reflections and moving traffic. Our license-plate recording guide explains the conditions that affect those details.

Do not confuse the WM1’s STARVIS sensor with newer STARVIS 2 models. Our STARVIS 2 guide explains that distinction. A correctly matched CPL filter can help with reflections; check the exact part and package rather than assuming one is included. Our Aqua Shield listing covers a separate windshield accessory; check its fitting instructions rather than assuming it comes with either camera.

The WM1 uses the VIOFO app over nearby 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Its built-in GPS records location, speed and time information. VIOFO says to download a recording before viewing its GPS map in the app. This is recorded journey information, not a service that chooses the best route for you.

The Mini 2 uses Garmin Drive. It has no standalone GPS recording; Garmin lists GPS speed and location in video as an option when it is synced with a separate GPS-enabled Garmin dash cam. Do not assume your phone supplies that feature to a Mini 2 on its own.

The Mini 2 supports voice commands for saving a video, taking a picture and switching audio recording on or off. The WM1 gives spoken notifications, including settings changes and card errors; that is different from voice control.

Garmin lists Wi-Fi-dependent Live View for the Mini 2. It separately lists Vault online storage, which requires a subscription. Confirm current service, power, network and regional conditions before choosing an older camera for remote use. Nearby app access does not by itself mean remote access from anywhere. Browse our BlackVue dash cam range, or read our Thinkware Connected guide and dash cam Cloud guide for separate connected systems. Check each camera model’s connected features before choosing one.

The WM1 offers auto-event detection, time-lapse and low-bitrate parking recording. VIOFO lists the HK4 hardwire kit for its parking modes. Choose the correct installation and low-voltage settings for the vehicle; a supercapacitor inside the camera does not power it all night.

Garmin’s Mini 2 manual requires an always-on 12V power connection or a compatible parking-power accessory before parked recording. Its specification describes Parking Guard as recording vehicle impacts with the optional Constant Power Cable. Notifications also depend on the camera’s Wi-Fi connection. Availability is subject to regional privacy rules.

Check the transition into parking mode after installation. Confirm that an event produces a playable file. Neither a generic illustration nor a fixed runtime claim tells you how long your own setup will record. Our parking-mode guide and bitrate guide explain the recording choices.

Our BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 is a dedicated dash cam battery option. We can help match the camera’s power connection and output cable to the installation; a battery pack does not make different camera cables interchangeable.

VIOFO lists up to 256GB for the WM1. Garmin specifies a Class 10 or faster microSD card from 8GB to 512GB for the Mini 2. Use a card suitable for the exact model and its recording workload, rather than selecting on capacity alone.

Both apps let you review recordings. For an important incident, save the relevant clip, copy it off the camera and confirm the copy plays. Formatting deletes recorded data. Back up anything needed before formatting or changing settings that erase files.

The WM1 lists MP4 recording files. For computer playback, start with a copied file and a compatible player; GPS-map support depends on the player and camera. Our desktop viewer guide covers the available workflows. Do not assume an old app screenshot is the layout on your current phone.