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

Nextbase 522GW vs Vantrue E1 Pro

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

Nextbase 522GW and Vantrue E1 Pro score essentially the same (4.0 vs 4.0). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Nextbase 522GW
Ranked #3 in Best Dash Cams Under $200
Nextbase 522GW
5 sources$199.99as of Oct 11

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 →
Vantrue E1 Pro
Ranked #4 in Best Dash Cams Under $200
Vantrue E1 Pro
2 sources$100as of Oct 11

The Vantrue E1 Pro is a small front-only dash cam that records 4K at 30fps through a 158-degree lens, with GPS, 5GHz Wi-Fi, voice control and a 1.54-inch screen. TechRadar praised its footage, easy setup and support for microSD cards up to 1TB. Tom's Guide found daytime video 'crisp and clear' but said night footage turns noisy and that oncoming license plates were hard to read after dark, and reported that the unit runs very hot. It has no rear camera.

Strengths
  • — 4K 3840 x 2160 at 30fps from a Sony IMX678 Starvis 2 sensor (TechRadar)
  • — Daytime footage is crisp and clear with well-judged color and contrast (Tom's Guide)
  • — Takes microSD cards up to 1TB (TechRadar)
Watch-outs
  • — Night footage is noisy and grainy, and oncoming plates were hard to read after dark (Tom's Guide)
  • — Runs extremely hot in use, even with the display asleep (Tom's Guide)
  • — On-screen graphics are tiny; the app is the better way to manage it (TechRadar)
$100 · Buy at blackboxmycar.comFull review →

How they stack up

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.

Vantrue E1 Pro

The E1 Pro records 4K, a higher resolution than the 1080p Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2, the 1440p Nextbase 522GW and the 2.5K front camera of the Redtiger F7N. Like the Garmin and the Nextbase it is front-only, so the Redtiger F7N is the pick here for front-and-rear recording. Its 1.54-inch screen is far smaller than the 3-inch displays on the Nextbase and Redtiger, while the Garmin has no screen at all.

Specs side-by-side

SpecNextbase 522GWVantrue E1 Pro
Resolution1440p4K (3840 x 2160) at 30fps, front only
Field Of View140 degrees158 degrees
Display3 inch IPS LCD1.54 inch
StoragemicroSD (up to 128GB)microSD up to 1TB
GPSYesYes
Parking ModeYesYes (requires hardwire kit, not included)
Night Vision—HDR, PlatePix mode
Dimensions—1.73 x 1.97 x 1.73 in
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