Nextbase - iQ 2K Smart Dash Cam with 4G/LTE and GPS - Black

The Nextbase iQ 2K smart dash cam, which is replacing our previous 622 model, is truly a remarkable technological advancement. From its high-resolution 2K recording to its innovative AI-powered features, this dash cam sets a new standard for vehicle surveillance. First and foremost, the 2K recording capability provides impeccable clarity both day and night. The ability to capture license plates and road signs ensures no crucial details on the road are missed. The Live View feature, paired with an always-on 4G connection, empowers us to monitor the vehicle from anywhere. Custom alerts allow us to stay in control, providing peace of mind whether at work, at home, or on the other side of the world. We decided to install this system in our teenage daughter's car, which she uses for her daily commute to college. The live view and emergency SOS features have been invaluable to us as parents, especially since she was recently involved in a no-fault accident. Given that she is a new driver, this camera has provided us with peace of mind, allowing us to keep an eye on her location and leverage the latest technological advancements to enhance her safety. SmartSense parking is a game-changer for vehicle security, and Witness Mode allows us to initiate live streaming and share footage with trusted contacts in the event of road rage incidents or other emergencies. In case of life-threatening situations, the Emergency SOS response feature automatically shares our location and critical medical information with 911 personnel. The Roadwatch AI adds essential context to our recordings by displaying the speed and movements of surrounding vehicles and identifying pedestrians, cyclists, and more. The Smart Voice Control ensures a hands-free experience, and the inclusion of 4G connectivity, in addition to GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, is a standout feature. It enables live streaming and automatic cloud uploads in the event of a collision. Importantly, these features continue to operate even when your car is turned off, thanks to power supplied through the OBD II port. However, we've noticed a slight delay in live view activation, and the date and time synchronize automatically once the 4G connection is established. We're currently facing challenges in configuring the local Bluetooth connection and are actively working with tech support to resolve this issue. The Nextbase iQ offers a range of subscription tiers, including Protect and Protect Plus, which provide additional functionality and convenience. With planned over-the-air updates, including Guardian Mode for location tracking and Push-to-talk for direct communication, the Nextbase iQ is poised to stay at the forefront of dash cam technology. The setup process is a breeze, and the sleek design seamlessly complements our vehicle. Inside the package box, you'll find the dashcam, a power cable equipped with an OBD connection port, a hardwire connection kit, additional double-sided tape for mounting, and a card containing a QR code. Scanning the QR code grants access to an installation video guiding you through the setup process. To get started, download the Nextbase iQ app from the App Store, create an account, and let the app assist you in the installation process. Simply connect the dashcam to your vehicle's OBD port, and once it's powered, scan the displayed QR code to proceed to the next steps. The app offers a 3-month trial subscription option, requiring credit card or Apple Pay information for payment processing once the trial period ends. This subscription is primarily for live viewing and additional security features. While the subscription may seem costly, there is a discount available for annual payments. If you prefer to use the basic dashcam features without the subscription extras, this might not be the right choice for you. Nextbase offers other products more tailored to your needs, as this model involves both a higher initial cost and ongoing expenses associated with the subscription, which could be a significant drawback. Pros: User-friendly installation & Design, Always-on 4G connection, Three resolution options, Interior and Rear-facing camera, Remote monitoring, OBD II port always-on power, Security features like SmartSense Parking, Witness Mode, live footage, emergency SOS, different tiers of subscription options, over-the-air updates like Roadwatch AI, Push-to-talk, and Guardian Mode. Cons: Subscription costs, premium price for high-resolution cams, additional accessory cost like rear-facing optional camera. While it comes at a premium price, the wealth of features, AI capabilities, and always-on connectivity make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize safety and advanced surveillance. It's an exciting glimpse into the future of dash cams, and we're eager to see how it performs in real-world scenarios.

Let me save you a lot of time. At the time of testing this extremely pricey dash cam. You will need a subscription to use most of the features that this dash camera provides. There is a $10 and $20 plan. There is also a free trial period for I believe 3 months for both plans. And 2 functions: Gaurdian Mode and Roadwatch A.I. are not operable yet. The rear window cam is another $200. So, if the initial price is in your budget, and monthly payments to remotely see your car anytime similar to a door bell security cam, and T-Mobile works well in your area. Read on. Let me start off with Nextbase is one of the better if not best brands in the dash cam market. I have a couple of their non-iQ cams and after a year plus, they still work and video quality is among the best. The new iQ series is very much in the running for whatever dash cam of the year awards there might be. However, despite including a OBD port and fuse tap in the box for easy hardwire installs. This new cam is not perfect...yet. Install: It may vary greatly with the phone you choose to install the cam with. I used a pixel 8 pro. Download the iQ Nextbase app. Once you plug into the OBD port the camera comes to life. Follow the prompts in the app and scan the QR code shown on the cams tiny screen. My first problem. For some reason the app chose to use my 5x zoom for this. Tried many ways to switch cam and zoom, but eventually got into the rear seat of my crew cab truck just to be able to scan the QR code on the cam. OK, got past that hurdle of pairing cam and app. Then to use live view to connect cam to window. Which BTW, if you have a large plastic shroud around your rearview mirror, most newer vehicles do. This camera being so large will sit much to the left or right of the mirror or be in line of sight under the mirror just to be able to get a clear view down your hood. Next issue. I am not in the best T-Mobile network area (full bars 5G Verizon signal). There was 30+ seconds of delay between what I saw on phone and what the cam was showing. Impossible to line up camera view...called tech support...which seems to be in the UK (5 hour time difference). Tried a few of their suggestions, not much improvement. Eventually had to pull up close to house and between wifi and 2 bar 4G got enough signal to mount dash cam in a proper orientation. Once finished, tucked all the wires for clean install. Its up and running lets go for a drive. Video Quality: I have the 2k video cam and there is a 1k and 4k variant. This is where Nextbase shines. They have excellent video quality, day or night. The cam sees everything pretty well ahead and sort of to the sides. Very similar to what many doorbell cams see, but on the road and moving 70mph. The in cab view is also very decent and easily usable day or night. My hiccup here would be that for the price, plus monthly subscription, why is the back camera another $200 add on? The rear window cam may not be completely needed for some vehicles. Yet the most driven vehicles in the USA are 4 door SUV's and trucks. BIG vehicles where a extra camera mounted as far to the rear is best and should be included at this price tag. Come on Nextbase, $240 a year in subscriptions and we can't have all the cameras for this purchase price? Using the app and notifications: The app is pretty straight forward and looks good. But new wrinkle. Without the paid subscription. The app is useless because ALL the features are behind the pay wall. You can not look at any footage. Notifications sent to phone bring you to the app where you can not see what the alert was for or video it may have taken. The default view for me is a foggy/opaque overlay with google maps below (pic) or the subscribe menu to pay for a sub. So if you are like me and don't mind not having all the bells and whistles on your security cam to just have footage stored on SD card. The iQ won't even give you that through the app. To see footage you will need to pull the SD card and view on a PC. BUT, if you pay monthly. You do get access to Live View and other footage in 1 minute clips, Many Many Many 1 minute clips. I'm sure this is to cut down on data traffic, and my spotty T-Mobile 4g is very slow where I am testing causing 20 second or more wait times in app. Even paying for a sub does not help me much from home. And 2 of the features are still locked out, Gaurdian Mode and Roadwatch A.I. Not sure if this device will get them or how soon. TBD Overall: I have to say that once through the technical install hurdles, which many may not experience. And if you can afford to spend this much for vehicle security. The potential that this camera offers for video security on your vehicle is pretty good, but not perfect. Nextbase has a good product to tweak. Not sure why they didn't use a 360 camera for this application. Driver door and passenger door are potential blind spots. And because there is not tilt or turn to the camera mount (which is fairly large BTW and may attract unwanted attention). You might not see interactions with the police/roadrager if you have a traffic stop. You can at least hear it if you turn audio on. Even though it may seem to be a somewhat negative review. I am happy to be able to test this product out. It is likely too expensive for the majority of the population who would happily buy other excellent Nextbase cams for accident coverage. And I strongly believe everyone needs at least a basic dashcam because everyone lies in an accident. I think the subscription model, a very high price and missing features are mostly why I can't recommend this to a friend. But like many things. Sales and promos, remove a few restrictions on the app and future updates and this will be what many of us will buy if not already preinstalled like Tesla has done.

The Nextbase IQ cellular connected dash cam sets the standard for what every dash cam should aspire to be. I’ve owned several dash cams over the years and there is always something annoying about each of them; cheap components, confusing operation, less than desirable process to transfer footage from the camera, and so-on. Not to mention you are up the creek if it malfunctions since warranty claims are glacially slow, if honored at all. I’ve considered them necessary equipment in our litigious society, since the only way to fully prove what happened in an accident is one person’s word against another. A quality dash cam takes all the uncertainty out of the equation, but unfortunately it’s hard to find one that checks all the boxes, including its usefulness when something goes wrong. Nextbase is one of the few brands that actually puts out quality devices that are good enough to be sold in stores (i.e. Best Buy). This is my first Nextbase camera and so far, I love it. The 4g cellular connectivity is a total game-changer. While the IQ isn’t the first cellular dash cam, so far, it’s the only one I’ve found that is easy to use, affordable, and actually works well. This unit is compact and installs in literally 10 minutes. Just run the OBD cable along your driver side pillar and mount the camera. Done. The setup is straightforward HOWEVER I found the QR code to be very difficult to scan. I tried an iPhone and Android phone and neither was able to scan it on its own (displayed QR is very hard to focus on). I ended up having to take a pic using my Pixel 8 Pro, then enlarged that photo only to scan the photographed QR code with my other phone. It finally entered the setup mode. The setup process is straightforward as the Nextbase IQ app is designed well. I was up and running in under 20 minutes (from install to finish). I have the 2k model (the “middle” one)” and can attest the video quality is outstanding. The 4g setup is optional, but I’d imagine if you are spending the cash on this model, you are going to utilize the 4g connection. It’s reasonably priced and has 3 tiers: free (limited alerts and functionality), Basic ($9.99/month at the time of this review) and the top-tier is $19.99/month. To me, this is an incredible bargain since its functionality is similar to a home security camera. Always recording and you can live-stream the footage (of it parked or when someone else is driving). Pretty neat to stream your car’s dash cam live from anywhere in the world which feels futuristic, honestly. It features voice commands “Hey Dashcam, privacy mode” for example, turns off the cabin camera for privacy. You can also activate witness mode, which will record and live-stream what’s happening to someone you choose (family, etc). It comes with a micro-SD that’s fast enough to keep up with full resolution video recording. The parking mode is like a security camera that’s always watching. If someone bumps your car, or of course breaks in, you have the footage of it live or recorded. That alone makes it worth buying, IMO. There are a few additional features that aren’t yet activated, including one that uses AI to measure and document OTHER vehicles speed. Crazy, huh? You can update the firmware right from your phone and I’d imagine Nextbase will only improve the features with future updates. Night video is clear, especially the cabin (rear-facing) camera, since it has IR emitters that light up the dark without distracting you. I can’t speak to the rear-camera as I will need to purchase one, but I can only imagine it will be as useful as the main IQ unit. The weather right now is cool during the day and cold at night, so it will be interesting to see how it operates in below zero and triple-digit temps (we get both in Utah). In summary, this dash cam is truly innovative and absolutely deserves consideration from anyone serious about owning a dash cam they can trust to perform when the time comes. Nobody wants to be in an accident, witness another accident, or be broken into, but if and when that happens, you will be very thankful you purchased the Nextbase IQ! It’s not the cheapest camera on the market, but for what it offers, and the importance of the footage when something happens, I find it well worth the cost. Thank you Nextbase for bringing a truly innovative product to the US market! I give it a full 5-star rating without hesitation.