Nextbase Piqo 2K Dash Cam Review – Australia’s Affordable Dashcam

The Nextbase Piqo 2K is a compact 2560 x 1440p resolution dashcam that comes packed with smart features, all for a $299 AUD price tag (at Harvey Norman). As the more budget-friendly version of the flagship Nextbase iQ series, it includes “Lite” versions of key smart features like Guardian Mode (which alerts you when speed or location limits are exceeded) and Witness Mode (a voice-activated tool that sends an emergency SMS to selected contacts).

On top of that, it offers other handy features such as Emergency SOS and Smart Parking, all of which I’ll explore in this review. So without further ado, let’s dive right in! 

Packaging Contents

Inside the box, alongside the dashcam, you’ll find:

• A cable prying tool
• A USB-C to right-angled USB-C power cable
• A 12V power adapter with two USB-C ports (allowing you to charge or power another device at the same time)
• A spare adhesive pad/dash cam mount
• Microfibre cloth and cleaning wipes
• A 32GB U3 microSD card

Design

The Piqo 2K is small, compact, and lightweight, with a sleek all-black design. It has a low-key appearance, not drawing much attention when mounted on the windshield. The camera is positioned at the front, and there’s a button on the back, with an LED light above that flashes in different colours to show the dashcam’s status. 

On one side, you’ll find the SD card reader, while the USB-C power connector is on the other. There’s no screen, in keeping with the minimal design. Overall, I have no complaints about the aesthetics—it looks great. But I especially appreciate how compact and light it feels.

Setup 

Setting up the Piqo 2K is super straightforward. To do this, you have to download the Nextbase app, which provides clear, step-by-step guidance. The app takes you through everything, from finding the best spot to mount the dashcam, to syncing it with your phone, and managing the power cable. Once that’s done, the app also lets you manage all the smart features, as well as view or download your videos.

Features

1440p QHD Recording Quality

I’m really happy with the video quality on the Piqo 2K, as it delivers excellent footage during the day, and more than sufficient clarity even at night. Each video includes time, date, location, and vehicle speed data for a complete trip information. The dashcam stores these videos directly onto the SD card, and it can support SD cards of up to 256GB for expanded storage. Once the card reaches its capacity, it automatically overwrites the oldest footage to make room for new recordings.

Witness Mode Lite

This is a useful voice-activated feature that alerts your selected contacts when activated. It sends an emergency SMS, including a link to a video of your dashcam’s view. To activate, just say, “Hey Nexy, Witness Mode”. 

Guardian Mode Lite

Guardian Mode Lite lets you set speed and location limits for your vehicle. If someone else is driving and exceeds these limits, you’ll receive an alert, giving you better oversight of how your car is being used.

Smart Parking

With Smart Parking, the dashcam automatically detects if your car is hit and records the incident. You’ll receive an alert when you return, and you can quickly review the footage through the Nextbase app. However, to use this feature, you’ll need either the Piqo Pro Hardwire Kit or Quick Connect cable, which provide continuous power to the dashcam—both of which are sold separately.

Emergency SOS

If you experienced a serious accident, the Emergency SOS feature contacts emergency services, automatically sharing your location and other important details to ensure a quick response. Note that this feature is available via a $5 AUD per month subscription.

Overall, the Nextbase Piqo 2K offers a pretty well-rounded set of features for this price point. Although it’s unfortunate that some advanced features require additional accessories or a subscription, I think it still provides pretty great value for anyone looking for better security or peace of mind. 

Nextbase Piqo 2K Review Conclusion

The Nextbase Piqo 2K offers excellent value with its impressive video quality, smart features like Witness Mode Lite and Guardian Mode Lite, and easy-to-use setup via the Nextbase app. It also includes features like Smart Parking and Emergency SOS, though some require additional purchases or a subscription. It does lack a rear dashcam, which may be a consideration for those looking for a more complete coverage. Despite this, its compact design and solid performance make it a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly but still feature-packed dashcam.

Nextbase Piqo 2K is available for A$299 RRP (and there’s also the 1K model for A$199), available through Harvey Norman and other selected Australian retailers.  It is supported by two subscription packages with options from free and A$4.99 with no contract required:  

Solo (free) includes: 

• Guardian Mode Lite  
• Witness Mode Lite  
• Voice Control  
• Smart Parking  
• Download & Share Videos 
• 30 Days’ Cloud Storage  
• 12 Months’ Warranty  

Protect – ($4.99 per month or $59.99 annually, no contract required) includes all the above plus the following features:  

• Emergency SOS  
• 180 Days’ Cloud Storage  
• Enhanced 36 Months’ Warranty 

Disclosure: Nextbase Piqo 2K review sample was supplied for reviewing