Nextbase Piqo 2K Dashcam is Small and Perfectly formed, but….

Nextbase has developed a series of stand-alone dashcams as drivers move swiftly away from combined navigation/dashcam systems. Mobile phones with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto have made add-on navigation obsolete, allowing Nextbase to make small dashcams like Piqo.

The box contains some wet and dry wipes (to prepare the windscreen for the 3M mount), a 4m USB-c/USB-c cord, a plastic tool for lifting window seals, spare mount, and the Piqo 2K dashcam.

Available in 2k or 1k, the Piqo is tiny, with no screen, and is plug and play. Sadly, without a screen or instructions, this fact is not obvious.

Most brands have a handy detailed quick start leaflet in the box. Nextbase requires a site visit, for detailed setup operational instruction.

Piqo setup is done via the app, and like many of the features found in the more expensive IQ, requires and account. For advanced features, a paid subscription is also required. There are limited features available with the free account andh is more than enough to start with.

Piqo’s connect facilities includes SOS, event video uploads and more, and require cell access. Something most connected dashcam designers for is that most drivers use CarPlay/Android Auto, and can’t be used at the same time as and connection to Piqo 2K.

Video quality is very clear during the day, and a less so at night. Having said that, even a rainy night records footage clear enough to read. The date, time, position, and speed, are stamped onto the video and can be customised through the app. Audio quality was good throughout.

Piqo has voice control, but we were unable to test it without knowing the commands.

The sole control is a central button lit by LED. We managed pairing mode for Bluetooth, but in our haste accidentally stopped the recording.

The app screen is functional but very busy.

Above: This Week’s VIDEO Review –Nextbase Piqo 2k Dashcam Unboxing and review- Alan Zurvas

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ABOVE: 2025 Nextbase Piqo 2K dashcam and Specifications

For comparison, the Piqo was mounted beside my Navman 1100 Sensor XL DC. The old Dashcam was much easier to mount and remove (uses a suction mount), and was easier to change settings. It was also easier to record events manually by pressing a button. Piqo uses voice commands but it refused to respond. Whether or not it recorded an event is unknown as the connection to the app had dropped out.

Conclusion:

Piqo is perfect for those wanting high quality video/voice recordings for a reasonable price. The attractive unit is small enough to fit out of the way behind the rearview mirror

Although the recordings were very clear, changing the settings via the app was clumsy if your the was already connected to CarPlay. It required a stop on the side of the road.

I tested Piqo using the USB-C power outlet as the 12V outlet is in the cargo area of the Polestar 4.

Likes:

Piqo is a handsome, well-constructed dashcam.
It is small and discrete, therefore easy to install.
Voice recording
The app allows users access to settings easily, while in cell reception.
Price – 2K $299, 1K $199 so is great value, though there is a lot of choice for $299.

Dislikes:

Can't be used while you're using CarPlay
No touch screen, making setup more difficult.
Live view via the app is extremely laggy and can't be used while the phone is connected to CarPlay. Likewise, the SOS, event upload and other connected features need a phone connection.
The 3M mount has been reported as coming loose (2 come in the box). I Prefer a suction cup mount even though it is said to be less stable.