When it comes to the topic, Nextbase dashcams are the king of it. It’s becoming increasingly clear that a good dashcam is a driving essential. Nextbase is a renowned manufacturer of them and offer a number of options, all complete with different features and different price tags.
We’ve put our heads together and worked out the best Nextbase dashcams for a number of budgets and tasks, in fact, we’re breaking down the entire Nextbase range, looking for our top picks and the options to avoid.
All of these dashcams are forward-facing but the vast majority support an official Nextbase rear-facing camera as an optional extra, often offered as a cash-saving bundle with the dashcam. If you want a dual setup in the box, have a look at our guide on the best dual dashcams.
Rear-end collisions are very common as accident types in the UK. And you are 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash if you’re using your mobile phone. So, for insurance purposes, it’s useful to have a dashcam setup to determine proof of cause in such situations. Particularly if you have a rear camera set up with a front-facing one – which is relatively common with Wi-Fi dash cams.
The best Nextbase dashcams at a glance:
How we tested Nextbase dashcams
For those Nextbase dashcams that we tested, each one was assessed thoroughly, following what we usually look out for when reviewing any dashcam. Recording quality is key as well as features, value for money, and ease of use. All of which is tied into our overall score, which determines how good that dashcam is.
Each dashcam was tested in our own cars, both on the classic and modern spectrum, and when given the opportunity, we lived with the units over either a period of time or long journeys to test them out in a number of different environments. This also gave us the likelihood of driving into different lighting conditions and scenarios, which could test out the features onboard the dashcams.
Nextbase dashcams: tested products and top recommendations
The best Nextbase dashcam
Rrp: $399.99
Rrp: $399.99
How long did this take, might you ask? Amazingly, around five-minutes. As someone who prefers the simpler things in life, I immediately knew that me and the 622 would get along. It sits very compactly on the windscreen of our Volvo V60 and the control panel is uber-simple to use and navigate.
The app is a positive, too. I don't like how you have to install different apps for various Nextbase models, but the one for the 622 is the neatest I've tried so far. You can easily access files and do all of the admin more-or-less in one place.
You get fancy features like Alexa Built-In, which for me, are not needed 95% of the time. All I care about is footage quality - and the 622 with its 4K recording resolution does that impeccably. Watching back motorway footage reveals that number plates can be easily read from a reasonable distance, and you can see what's further ahead relatively clearly.
It doesn't matter whether you're in direct sunlight or the darkest tunnels approaching the M25, the quality of the footage is still excellent. When submitting footage to the police or insurance companies, this stuff matters, so it's a big plus for the 622.
When opting for one of these, it's a good idea to get yourself a large SD card. I only had a 64GB unit provided with this test unit, and when living with a dashcam, that's not a lot for a camera as capable as this.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- Very easy and quick to set up with minimal fuss, unless you opt for a hardwired installation
- 4K recording quality is top-level and things can be seen very clearly
- Simple control panel with an even more simple app to navigate
Cons
- It's a shame the compatible rear camera - if you opt for one - is the same 1080p unit across all Series 2 models
- You only get a 64GB SD card included as standard
| Video | 4K at 30fps; 1440p HD at 60fps; 1080p HD at 120fps |
| Screen | 3-inch HD touchscreen |
| Viewing angle | 140 degrees |
| Lens | 6-layer f1.3 |
| Image stabilisation | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Alexa voice control | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes – Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
Editor's pick
Rrp: $299.99
Rrp: $299.99
Like the 622, it's an easy thing to set up and is smooth and responsive, both on the screen and control panel. It also fits neatly behind the rear-view mirror, meaning distractions are minimal for the driver.
It has full HD recording at 60fps along with the brand's excellent six-layer and 140-degree lens. Useful features like GPS, a subscription-based Emergency SOS service, polarising filter, and Alexa are included too, all to make your life easier. Like all Nextbase dash cams, it includes the essentials of a G-sensor, parking mode, and loop recording.
All of this stuff is greatly comprehensive for the money, but it loses out on the 4K recording resolution that the 622 boasts. Other than that however, the 522 is pretty much all you could ever need from a dashcam. It still captures number plates clearly, but loses out on things like Enhanced Night Vision and Extreme Weather Mode. You can see the price difference when you weigh things up, but the 522 is possibly all the dashcam you could ever need.
Review by Chris Williams
Pros
- Balances good value for money with enough tech to only fall just shy of the 622
- Excellent build quality and durability throughout
- Is immensely easy to use and setup, which is useful for newbies to dashcams
Cons
- No rear-view camera as standard, and it doesn't match the recording quality of the 522
| Video | 1440p HD at 30fps; 1080p HD at 60fps |
| Screen | 3-inch HD touchscreen |
| Viewing angle | 140 degrees |
| Lens | 6-layer f1.3 |
| Image stabilisation | No |
| Emergency SOS | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Alexa voice control | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes<strong> </strong>– Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
The best compact Nextbase dashcam
Rrp: $149.99
Rrp: $149.99
Well first impressions were a bit sticky; trying to pair it up to the app took all-manner of re-boots and about 20 pressings of the middle button. It could've and should've been easier, but some things are never truly perfect.
Recording quality is limited to 2K (1440p), so don't expect to get the best footage that's comparable to higher-end models. However, it provides good enough footage for the price point and I could still read number plates clearly from a good distance. But anything further was quite blurry and trickier to read.
I like how compact the device is, too. It's a subtle-looking thing in the windscreen, and you don't immediately spot it unless you know it's there. I forgot it was even there a few times when walking away from the car.
It doesn't win awards or break records, but the Piqo is a dashcam I'd happily opt for with my own money. There's a few bug bears that need attending from my test, but once those are ironed out, it's my ideal dashcam for everyday driving.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- A simple answer to a complex question; a great dashcam option for those after simplicity
- Is very small and is practically hidden in view on your windscreen
- Great value for money for either the 1K or 2K, although the 2K does command extra cash
Cons
- I found setting it up far trickier than it should've been on my test
| Video | 2K (1440p) |
| Screen | N/A |
| Viewing angle | 145-degrees |
| Lens | Wide angle |
| Image stabilisation | No |
| Emergency SOS | Yes |
| Alexa Voice Control | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| WiFi | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
The best Nextbase dashcam for features
Then there's the size of the thing; it's bulkier than it looks in photos, and there's no way to use a 12V socket. Instead, you have to rely on the OBD2 port and hardwire the rest of it - it's properly hardcore.
The first thing that struck me is the speaker; it reminds me of a little Amazon Echo unit, only smaller. You can use it for voice control which only applies to the IQ. For instance, you can command it to save files, activate Witness Mode, as well as enabling Privacy Mode. Does it work? Well after gently saying 'Hey dashcam, protect this file!' in my best Jon Bentley accent, it did so without fuss.
You can only do certain things with voice command though, and I'm not sure I see the point when there could simply be a set of buttons instead.
Setting it up is fairly straightforward, too. All you really need is the IQ app and a source of power, and you're good to go. You will have to hardwire the device in, and a professional installation comes in at approximately £80 from most fitters.
As for the recording quality, you can get a 1K, 2K, or 4K variant of the IQ, and I had the entry model on test. While at 1080P, it's able to record clearly enough for situations to be clearly seen, the picture is lacking behind other Nextbase products I've tried. For this price point, I'm not sure why one would opt for the 1K unit when you might as well spend a little extra to get the top package.
Additionally, I was staggered to learn that if you want to unlock the very best features, you have to get one of Nextbase's monthly subscriptions. If you don't after spending a mighty £350, you're stuck with the voice control feature itself and the app. You need either the Protect or Protect+ to unlock Witness Mode - which is one of the main appeals of the voice command in the first place.
The IQ isn't my sort of thing when it comes to dashcams. I'm a straightforward thinker who just wants everything in one place without fuss - and the 622GW does precisely that. If you're a hardcore dashcammer though, perhaps there's an IQ-spaced gap for you. But when you weigh up all the options, it's not recommendable enough for us.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- Incredibly comprehensive unit with a number of smart features
- Voice control commands work very accurately and to the letter
- The IQ app is a fairly easy thing to work out and navigate
Cons
- The design could've been simplified to suit more buyers
- The 1K recording resolution of the basic model isn't good enough for the price point
| Video | 1K (1080p) |
| Screen | N/A |
| Viewing angle | 140-degrees |
| Lens | Wide-angle |
| Image Stabilisation | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes |
| Alexa Voice Control | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
The best budget Nextbase dashcam for picture quality
Rrp: $169.99
Rrp: $169.99
What remains however is the recording resolution of the dashcam, offering 1080p quality for just under £120. If you can live without some creature comforts but want top-quality video recordings, the 322GW is our pick of the range.
Pros
- Good enough picture quality for the price at 720p, but isn't class leading
- Represents good value for money at a little under £120
- Is effortlessly easy to use and set up
Cons
- Misses some useful extras which higher end models benefit from
| Video | 1080p HD at 30fps, 720p HD at 60fps |
| Screen | 2.5-inch HD touchscreen |
| <strong> </strong>Viewing angle | 140 degrees |
| Lens | 6-layer f2.2 |
| Image stabilisation | No |
| Emergency SOS | No |
| GPS | No |
| Alexa voice control | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Wi-Fi | No |
The best Nextbase dashcam for upgrading
Rrp: $229.95
Rrp: $229.95
Nextbase obviously offer a polarised lens as an optional extra, which will effectively turn this dashcam into a 522GW with a smaller screen, just with more faff.
Pros
- Good picture quality of 2K (1440p), but not class leading for the price point
- Easy to upgrade withslots and compatibility for rear cam units
- Easy to use and operate and has lots of features for the price
Cons
- Lacking some premium features that the 522 and 622 models have
| Video | 1440p HD at 30fps; 1080p HD at 60fps |
| Screen | 2.5-inch HD touchscreen |
| Viewing angle | 140 degrees |
| Lens | 6-layer f1.3 |
| Image stabilisation | No |
| Emergency SOS | Yes |
| GPS | Yes |
| Alexa voice control | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes – Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
The best budget Nextbase dashcam
Rrp: $79.99
Rrp: $79.99
Clarity will be better than similarly priced dashcams from other brands thanks to the premium lens design, but don't expect much in the way of fancy features.
Pros
- HD recording (albeit 1080p) available for under £100
- Affordable price point and even undercuts the Piqo model
- Can be optioned with a rear camers in either 222X or 222XR form
Cons
- Lacking features that its bigger brothers boast, but this is reflected in the price point
| Video | 1080p HD at 30fps, 720p HD at 60fps |
| Screen | 2.5-inch HD touchscreen |
| Viewing angle | 140 degrees |
| Lens | 6-layer f2.2 |
| Image stabilisation | No |
| <strong> </strong>Emergency SOS | No |
| GPS | No |
| Alexa voice control | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Wi-Fi | No |
FAQs
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Are Nextbase dashcams good?
There's a reason why Nextbase climbed to the top of the tree when it comes to the dashcam market, it's because they're very good. With a distinctive model line-up which is easier to decipher than others, its range of dashcams are popular for combining high-tech with lasting quality and value for money.
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Which Nextbase dashcam is best?
In our testing and experience, we believe the 622GW equipped with the rear camera module is the one to go for. Not only is it easy to use and set up, but it records in excellently high quality with a number of useful features to match.
For those on more of a budget, we also like the Piqo due to its simplicity and compactness. It represents a dashcam that is small, functional and fuss-free - something which many motorists are looking for. -
How do I power a dashcam?
There are a few ways to power up a dashcam. For the purposes of testing, we've used the cars' cigarette lighters or 12V sockets. Most dashcams on the market have one, with the exception of some, which instead, use OBD2 ports or are hardwired into the vehicle's electrical system.
Hardwiring a dashcam is a relatively expensive process; you're looking at an average of around £80-£90, so keep this in mind when purchasing your setup. -
Do dashcams connect to smartphones?
Yep, a lot of dashcams pair with your phones via a compatible app. You can use most apps for a number of things, such as dealing with footage, enabling some features, and giving you real-time notifications gathered from your device.
The apps differ in how good they are in our experience, and so far, the MyNextbase app that pairs with the 622GW is our current favourite. -
Do dashcams drain the battery?
The short answer is yes, but only when they're not installed properly. Features like Parking Mode on dashcams - including Nextbase units - have the potential to drain power quickly. However, a number of things can prevent this.
Proper installation is one of them as this ensures there are no incorrect electrical connections between the dashcam and vehicle. The next is not leaving your car parked up for a while with your dashcam still turned on. Using your vehicle regularly will keep he battery in check, and keeping your dashcam in Parking mode over a period of weeks won't do it any good.
If you're in a dire situation with a flat battery, a jump starter or car battery charger will be your best friends at getting your vehicle going again.
Things to consider about Nextbase dash cams
The joy of all of the additions that Nextbase offer is that they’re interchange across the GW range. If, for example, you upgrade from a 322GW to a 622GW, you’ll still be able to use the axillary cameras. This is useful to know when it comes time to upgrade. This isn’t the case with the more discreet mirror-based dash cams.
The one we’d choose. We maintain the 522GW is the pick of the bunch, balancing its price with all the features you could possibly need. The 622GW is a great high performance dash cam and may have the most impressive stats. But some features are superfluous and the price tag is hard to stomach.
What’s the best on a budget. The 322GW is good value for money and has a decent selection of features for the price. Just don’t expect all the bells and whistles. The 222 and 122 on the other hand lack the features to be properly recommendable, even as budget dash cams. There are better-equipped budget dash cams on sale.
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