Nextbase 522GW vs Garmin 67W

A high-resolution dash camera offers excellent video recordings of the action and securely saves video files for when you need them. Today, we pit two 1440p cameras -Nextbase 522GW vs Garmin 67W- against one another. This article will explain the features and functions of both cameras and explain why we think the Nextbase 522GW is a better buy for most drivers. (>>> Find on Amazon)

Nextbase 522GW vs Garmin 67W side by side:

Nextbase 522GWGarmin 67W
Resolution (front)1440p 60FPS1440p HD 60FPS
View angle140 degree180 Degrees
Built-in Wi-FiYesYes
Built-in GPSYesYes
LTE ModuleYesNo
Maximum capacity128 GB512 GB
Price Find on Amazon Find on Amazon

Let’s start by taking a look at the basic similarities and differences of these two dash cams. Both are front-facing cameras with touchscreen displays. The Garmin is significantly smaller than the Nextbase and has a screen that is only two-inches on a diagonal compared to the three-inch screen of the Nextbase.

Video Resolution

On paper, these camera systems have a matching 1440p resolution. The Nextbase camera uses a 140-degree lens with an aperture of f:1.3. This resolution gives you clear details all the way to the edge of the image. Garmin uses a substantially wider 180-degree viewing angle. It will cover as much as six lanes but can have areas of distortion from the wide angle. >>> Our more in-depth Garmin Dash Cam 67W review.

The Garmin video is smooth and clear. A still image can be enhanced and zoomed to make it simple to see minute details. Video is shot at 60 frames per second, resulting in easy to watch footage.

The Nextbase video is a little grainier when blown up, but has a similar look. Edges are noticeably cleaner, however the difference in the viewing angle is easy to spot and much tighter with the Nextbase camera.

Touchscreen

The three-inch touchscreen of the Nextbase 522GW is easier to use even if for no reason other than the extra size. Menus are easy to navigate and options are not complicated to understand. For our more in-depth Nextbase 522GW review, click here.

Garmin uses a two-inch screen that is easy to use, but the small size makes things a bit more of a challenge. In either case, you will be able to use the menu options on either of these cameras to go from unboxing to recording in about 10 minutes.

Nextbase 522GW

Nextbase 522GW

Pros

  • Easy to use app
  • Excellent windshield mount
  • Can connect to up to four camera modules

Cons

  • Some reliability issues with cameras that randomly turn off

Special Features

No dash cam is without some special features and these two both have a few tricks up their sleeves. Let’s take a look at the Garmin unit first.

Garmin is known for its navigation technology, and this dash cam is no different. It includes access to both GPS and Galileo navigation systems to allow for pin-point accuracy. When hardwired to a permanent power source, the 67W provides Parking Mode coverage through a g-sensor. With a WiFi connection, you can access live images remotely from a compatible smartphone. When an incident happens, whether driving or not, the camera automatically saves and locks videos to prevent them from being overwritten. Voice control allows you to start and stop recording, save videos, turn audio recording on and off, and other features.

The Nextbase 522GW has numerous interesting features, but one of the most important is the built-in SOS system. This system works by detecting a crash and alerting the driver to respond. If you don’t respond within a few seconds, the device automatically alerts emergency dispatchers with your GPS location. A WiFi connection and Bluetooth allow wireless downloading of videos. Nextbase provides audio control through Amazon Alexa. Not only can you operate the camera with your voice, you can also check the weather, get directions, and do many other functions.

Saving and Accessing Videos

Both cameras require a micro SD card with a Class 10 rating or better. Don’t go cheap on a card and generally avoid SanDisk as they are frequently incompatible. The Garmin includes a 16 GB card and can use up to a 512 GB card.

Nextbase does not include a card, so you’ll need to purchase a card before using the camera. While this may sound like an inconvenience, the inclusion of a 16 GB card with the Garmin is more for testing the camera than actually using it. It will loop record about every two hours with the included card.

Both devices use an app to access videos wirelessly. In both cases, some people had no trouble, others had issues with connectivity. The various factors of what can cause interruptions makes it impossible to say which is easier, faster, or better. The Nextbase app is generally considered to be a better experience.

Garmin 67W

Garmin 67W

Pros

  • Easy to set up and use
  • Simple to use voice control for basic functions
  • Tiny profile disappears on the windshield

Cons

  • Fishbowl effect caused by wide angle lens is difficult to watch
  • Connecting additional cameras is expensive
  • App is only so-so

Why We Like the Nextbase Better

The Nextbase camera is a little larger, but that makes it a little easier to operate and to view videos on the screen. We like using Amazon Alexa, and although full functionality still hasn’t happened, it promises to provide a better connected experience.

The biggest difference is in video image useability. Due to the 180-degree lens, the Garmin videos are difficult to watch, almost stomach-churning. The 140-degree angle Nextbase uses provides a better quality image that is more pleasant to watch.

The Nextbase magnetic mount is one of our favorite designs ever for a windshield-mounted device that lets you simply pop it off and stick it in your pocket.

The overall experience of using the Nextbase 522GW is better than that of the Garmin 67W.

Conclusion

The main reason we like the Nextbase 522GW is because of the simplicity of use (>>> Check on Amazon). The app is easy to use, the mount is easy to use, and the camera is easy to set up. We like the touchscreen and the menus. If we could have anything, it would be a continuous record option, but the built-in time lapse mode is entertaining to use.

The Garmin 67W is a well-built, reliable dash camera that offers excellent quality video, but it falls a little short in usability. It doesn’t have some of the more advanced features that separate the Nextbase from the Garmin.

Related Comparisons: