VIOFO WM1 2K QHD vs. Nextbase 522GW 1 Channel Dash Cam Review

With a screenless tubular design and a front-only camera system, VIOFO considers the WM1 to be their simplest and smallest dash cam to date, sized at only 1.21 x 3.87 x 1.04 inches. The WM1 comes with a 60-degree adjustable camera mount attached to the back of the dash cam, which is more efficient than existing non-adjustable mounts. If you're wondering how small this dash cam is, it's roughly the size of a 12V car charger.

The Nextbase 522GW, on the other hand, is slightly larger at 1.89 x 3.82 x 2.17 inches and shares a similar build with its sister cameras, the Nextbase 422GW and 622GW. Users can play videos and adjust settings directly on the dash cam unit's three-inch full-color touchscreen display. Every purchase includes a new Click&Go PRO car mount, which has a low profile design and high strength neodymium magnets.

While both capture 2K for its front cameras, we highly recommend you to get a BlackboxMyCar Aqua Shield rain guard to keep the front view free from glares, reflections, and most importantly, rain droplets that may distract and ruin your footage. This accessory is compatible for both the VIOFO WM1 and the Nextbase 522GW.

The VIOFO WM1 can capture 2K QHD at 30 frames per second. In terms of field of view, the single camera has a 135-degree field of view and no rear camera option. The WM1 has a 1/2.8-inch 5MP Sony STARVIS IMX335 image sensor, which ensures high-quality footage. Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology is also included, which works best when balancing light and exposure.

The 522GW, like the smaller WM1, records in 2K QHD at 30fps and can be reduced to 1080p at 60fps or 1080p at 30fps using the same 5MP Sony STARVIS IMX335 sensor. It also includes a polarizing filter to reduce windshield glare and reflection, as well as a rotating bezel to easily position the lens as needed. The CPL filter is also available for the WM1, but it must be purchased separately.

The WM1, like other VIOFO dash cams, has three intelligent parking modes: Auto Event Detection, Time Lapse Recording, and Low Bitrate Recording. This gives you the peace of mind that you will have a clear view of your car’s front view 24/7. To use the Parking Mode feature, you must hardwire the dash cam to your car's fuse box. With the WM1, what’s used is the HK4 ACC Hardwire Kit, which you can buy from BlackboxMyCar separately.

The 522GW is also equipped with an Intelligent Parking Mode feature. If the G-sensor registers movement in front or when someone bumps your car, it will turn on and record for 30 seconds. However, most premium dash cams offer buffered parking mode that records before the event, during the event and after the event. Unfortunately, the 522GW records after the event only.

Moreover, we also discovered that the 522GW’s hardwire kit has an 11V voltage cut-off setting. The safe voltage cut-off range is 12.0V to 12.2V, and setting it to 11.V is extremely hazardous to your car battery, potentially causing it to drain, require a jumpstart, and shorten its lifespan.

If you wish to extend your parking modes for the VIOFO WM1 or the Nextbase 522GW, we recommend you to use an external battery pack such as the PowerCell 8 Battery Pack.

When it comes to connectivity, both the VIOFO WM1 and Nextbase 522GW have built-in Wi-Fi. Both have 2.4GHz connections that allow for simple footage transfer and viewing, as well as changing dash cam settings via their respective smartphone apps. In the event of an accident or impact, drivers can use the VIOFO app or My Nextbase Connect to quickly view, playback recorded videos as desired, and download or share video instantly. Aside from built-in Wi-Fi, both the WM1 and Nextbase 522GW also come with a built-in GPS.

With Nextbase, what people find exciting about their dash cam line is its ability to connect the dash cam to Amazon Alexa voice control. Customers also get a year's free trial of the EmergencySOS feature, but after that period expires, they must pay a subscription fee.

The WM1 does not include Alexa, but it does include voice notification features that alert you to events in parking mode and the camera's current status. This new feature acts as your personal assistant, informing you of dash cam events such as video protection, changes, and memory card errors.

Because they have different form factors, the installation and mount also differs for the WM1 and the 522GW. The magnetic flap next to the Nextbase’s camera lens allows quick attachment of its Click&Go Pro GPS mount, and access to the 522GW's removable internal battery.

Yes, even though it is a premium and expensive dash cam, the 522GW still uses a traditional lithium ion battery, which is responsible for overheating and battery lifespan issues. We think Nextbase knows this well, evident with their warning signs indicated in the 522GW manual.

Despite the fact that the VIOFO WM1 is the brand's smallest dash cam, we are confident that its features, including 2K QHD video resolution, 5MP Sony STARVIS, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, Parking Mode, Voice Notifications, and its ultra-discreet design, set it apart from other 2K dash cams. Furthermore, the WM1 is priced at only $99.99. The Nextbase 522GW is priced at the higher end of the market, not only in comparison to VIOFO, but also to other premium brands. In fact, the single-channel 522GW dash cam costs $299.99, which is almost thrice the price of the WM1!