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Head-to-head · Best Dash Cams Under $200

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 vs Nextbase 522GW

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.0). Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is best for: drivers who want a tiny, discreet dash cam without GPS. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Dash Cams Under $200
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
5 sources

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is about the size of a key fob and records 1080p with HDR through a 139-degree lens, with no screen and no GPS. TechRadar and Tom's Guide both liked how simply it installs and how completely it hides behind a rearview mirror. Voice commands work, the G-sensor locks a clip on impact, and everything else happens in the phone app. Drivers who want unobtrusive accident documentation are the fit; anyone who wants location data or higher resolution should spend more.

Strengths
  • — Records 1080p with HDR at 30fps, clear enough to read plates in daylight
  • — Small enough to hide completely behind a rearview mirror
  • — Installs in minutes on an adhesive ball mount powered from the 12-volt socket
Watch-outs
  • — No GPS, so clips carry no location or speed data
  • — No screen, so reviewing footage means opening the phone app
  • — microSD card is not included in the box
Buy at walmart.comFull review →
Nextbase 522GW
Ranked #3 in Best Dash Cams Under $200
Nextbase 522GW
5 sources$199.99as of Oct 23

The Nextbase 522GW handles the mid-tier basics well, recording reliable 1440p video through a 140-degree lens. PCMag praised its ease of use and built-in GPS tracking, and Tom's Guide noted the straightforward mobile app integration. Reviewers flagged the absence of 4K recording as a limitation in a market that keeps pushing resolution. Drivers who want basic but dependable dash cam functionality are the fit; anyone who wants 4K or advanced AI capabilities should consider competitors.

Strengths
  • — Records 1440p video at 30fps with a 140-degree field of view
  • — Built-in GPS tracks speed and location data
  • — Easy-to-use mobile app for viewing and managing footage
Watch-outs
  • — No 4K recording capability, which is becoming standard in competitors
$199.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is the most discreet option here, with no screen where the Nextbase 522GW, Vantrue E1 Pro and Redtiger F7N all have one. It keeps the reliable Garmin app and easy install, but at 1080p it trails the 4K Vantrue E1 Pro, the 1440p Nextbase 522GW and the 2.5K Redtiger F7N on resolution, and it lacks the front-and-rear coverage that the Redtiger provides.

Nextbase 522GW

The Nextbase 522GW pairs a large 3-inch touchscreen and built-in CPL filter with Alexa and Emergency SOS that none of the others here offer. Its single-channel 1080p/1440p capture is higher resolution than the 1080p Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 and lower than the 4K Vantrue E1 Pro, and unlike the dual-channel Redtiger F7N it needs an add-on module for rear coverage.

Specs side-by-side

SpecGarmin Dash Cam Mini 2Nextbase 522GW
Resolution1080p1440p
Field Of View139°140 degrees
DisplayNone3 inch IPS LCD
StoragemicroSD up to 128GBmicroSD (up to 128GB)
GPSNoYes
Parking ModeYesYes
Night VisionYes—
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