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Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam Review

It is rare to find a product with so few issues that you cannot convince yourself not to consider it. The Nextbase 522GW not only is like that, but it offers unique and useful functions that will improve your experience with the dash cam as well as just driving. In only 2 years of being on the market, it has become one of the best choices for beginners and experienced users. 

How Does Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam Work?

The Nextbase 522GW is an easy-to-install and operate dashcam that allows you to record everything that is happening on and off-road. Once you have installed the mount, you simply click the 522GW into place and begin. It comes with a car charger that plugs into the mount, rather than the camera, making it even easier to get it in and out. 

While it only covers what is happening in front of you, you can attach an additional camera to the 522GW to have a camera monitoring the rear of the vehicle or inside the cabin. The cabin view camera is a great way to add a little bit of extra security for when your car is parked, as well as for any rideshare or taxi services you may provide. 

Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam FAQs

To have a basic understanding of what all the Nextbase 522GW dash cam can do, here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Nextbase 522GW. 

Does the Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam Record Sound?

Yes, it does! If you check out this video on the Nextbase YouTube channel you can hear and see it in action.

Does the Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam Have Night Vision?

Nextbase uses what they call their Enhanced Night Vision. The 522GW is capable of picking up finer details on license plates in low light conditions thanks to their 6-layer fl.3 lens. 

Should I Leave My Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam in My Car Overnight?

Thanks to the intelligent parking mode, it is a great idea to leave your Nextbase 522GW in the car overnight. All of the Nextbase dash cams are able to work as parked security cameras. 

Does the Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam Record Inside the Car?

As a base model, the 522GW will not record the cabin inside the car. But with the addition of the Nextbase Cabin View Camera, you can record inside your vehicle.

Does the Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam Record When the Car is Off?

The 522GW will only record when the car is off if you have the ‘Intelligent Parking’ mode engaged. If ‘Intelligent Parking’ is off the dash cam will turn off automatically when the car does. 

Performance Factors of Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam

The 522GW is a trend-setter in dash cams as it provides amazing features at a lower cost than many competitors. Having the option to add an additional camera for a second angle, rather than having to purchase a separate dash cam, is great especially since the add-on cameras are only $99.99. 

Additionally, the voice controls are extremely responsive when connected to Amazon's Alexa. You can easily give commands through your phone when it's connected. 

The whole point of a dash cam is to record important footage for accidents or incidents on the road. Naturally, you would not want to have any important footage lost. The 522GW has an accessible button that will lock footage from being deleted from the memory. 

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications
Dimensions1.89 x 3.82 x 2.17 inches
Resolution1440p
Display Type[what type of display? What is the screen size?]
Mounting TypeAdhesive Windshield Mount
Voice command [does this offer hands-free voice command capabilities?]
CameraYes
StorageYou must use an SD card
Lane AssistNo
Speed Limit IndicatorIt will record your speed and have it visible on playback
Traffic ServicesYes
BatteryLithium-Ion Battery

How Has the Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam Improved?

The Nextbase 522GW is just a better version of the 422GW. While they were only released about a month apart in 2019, the 522GW has a polarizing feature built into the camera that cuts down on glare and provides an overall clearer image. Additionally, the app receives regular updates including the dash cam firmware with a download directly from the Nextbase website. 

Best For 

With the Nextbase 522GW, it definitely meets the standards of what many would want from a dash cam. However, there are certain factors that the Nextbase 522GW Dash Cam excels in comparison to other dash cams, such as: 

  • Voice Controls
  • Connects to a phone app that can send videos to your phone via internet and bluetooth
  • Rideshare users

Take to the Road with the 522

When it comes to either personal or business use, the Nextbase 522GW is a great choice for you. Its overall intuitive design allows for users to easily maneuver within the dash cam itself and have it ready in a flash. Between the quality of the recordings and the design, the 522GW is going to be one of the best choices for new and experienced dash cam users alike. 

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Cost

$259.99

The Nextbase 522GW is one of the higher options in comparison to the majority of the Nextbase line with it only being outpriced by the 622GW.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

There is so much that the Nextbase 522GW brings to the table that shows just why it is one of the best dash cams. Here are just a few benefits that the 522GW offers. 

  • Easy to understand
  • Can trim videos on the dash cam
  • Uses built in battery instead of car battery for parking
  • Can contact emergency services
  • Add on cameras available

Disadvantages

While there are a few drawbacks to the 522GW they are nothing that important. These cons should be known but are worth any minor hassle they would bring to use the Nextbase 522GW.

  • Only compatible with pricier Nextbase SD cards
  • Longer lens that could possibly get in the way

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Technical Specs

Coming Soon