Nexar Beam review

A wonderfully simple but surprisingly potent dash cam

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A dash camera inside a car windscreen
(Image: © Nexar)

TechRadar Verdict

A fine entry-level dash cam, the Nexar Beam dash cam records automatically and can stream the footage to your phone too, along with GPS data. There’s free cloud storage too, but you need to have your Wi-Fi enabled and pair the camera to your phone. It does all work to good effect, though, and the footage is crisp and clear.

Pros

  • +

    GPS data capture

  • +

    Free cloud backup

  • +

    Decent length cable

Cons

  • -

    Drains phone battery

  • -

    Uses space on your phone

  • -

    Bit of a basic design

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If you’re looking for a dash cam that’s relatively simple to set up, then the Nexar Beam is a very solid choice. It’s keenly priced, too, and has the added benefit of being able to keep all of your video clips stored in the cloud, without charge. 

In terms of specs, the Nexar Beam also features a very respectable range of features and functions. It’ll capture 1080p full HD video while the GPS functionality adds a little more meat on the bones of this compact camera. There’s a 135-degree field of view from the lens, plus plenty of cable and all the fixtures and fittings needed to get up and running.

A dash cam mounted on the inside of a windscreen

(Image credit: Future)

Better still, Nexar knows a thing or two about dash cams, so getting yourself kitted out with one of these means you’ll be getting access to a well-proven recording format that shouldn’t let you down. With more of us opting to have on-board video recording in the car, the Nexar Beam makes a great entry-level model to go for. Of course, Nexar has more advanced models to head for if you need extra recording muscle, like the Nexar Pro dash cam we’ve also looked at recently.

Sticking with the beginner friendly Nexar Beam, though, things get off to a great start as you lift it out of the box for the first time. This isn’t going to win any awards on the design front and what you see is what you get. The Nexar Beam looks rather like a boxy budget action camera, with little in the way of frills. There’s no rear screen, but aside from that everything is where it should be. You can also pop in your own microSD card if you want beefier storage.

A dash cam surround by accessories on a wooden table

(Image credit: Future)

You get an impressively long three-meter long connection cable, which connects from the camera and runs back to your in-car power socket. There’s even a tool supplied, so you can push the cable in behind the headliner or door pillars for a less intrusive, out-of-the-way look. Another key component of the package is the GPS mount, which boasts a suction pad that helps you get the camera into position on your windscreen and ensure it stays that way. This can also be un-suctioned and moved if you need to switch it to another car, or aren’t happy with the current position.

Setting up the Nexar Beam is very straightforward. Three leaflets inside the box explain the steps and offer tips on how to fine-tune the system to suit your needs. You’ll need to download the Nexar app, either for iOS or Android and select the setting options as prompted. This includes how much space for recording is allocated to your phone. There are also visual instructions on how to assemble the camera and GPS mount, as well as plumbing in the cable. The plug end for your power socket in the car also has a spare USB socket for plugging your phone into, which is handy as power gets sapped during camera activity.

Image 1 of 2
A dash cam receiver
(Image credit: Future)

After pairing the camera with your phone, you’re ready to go. Usefully, the camera shows a variety of different colored indications depending on its status. A steady green light shows it’s on and active. Blinking red means it's upgrading. A steady red light highlights a technical issue, while the blinking blue indicator means it needs to be paired to your phone again. Meanwhile, a steady blue light means the dash cam and your phone are paired.

The Nexar app isn’t bad and the automatic upload of captured video to your free cloud storage is a boon with the Beam. However, while everything works well enough, once you’ve got it set up the recording process seems a little disjointed. It took us a little bit of practice to work out when recording was taking place, and how to find the respective clips in our online account. Once you get your head around it, though, the procedure is much easier. 

As for the quality of the recordings, we were happy with the overall look of the video. The camera works well in all sorts of conditions too, with impressive results recorded at dusk and into the night. 

The Nexar Beam also copes well in harsh early morning light, direct sunshine and inclement weather too. It’s a solid all-rounder in that respect, while the resolution is more than acceptable and can be used without fear in the event of any incidents. The associated time and date information is also clearly displayed.

Image 1 of 2
A dash cam's view of a road
(Image credit: Future)

You’ll want to keep your phone plugged into the power, though, as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can sap the battery as the camera interacts with your device. 

However, the ability to capture GPS data, which is presented in a map of your route on the app or in the cloud space (below) is a neat supplement to the generally impressive video on offer.

Image 1 of 2
A screenshots of the Nexar Beam GPS map
(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Nexar Beam?

A dash cam mounted on the inside of a windscreen

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want reassuring evidence
The Beam's captured video is backed up with GPS data including a map of your route, which could prove useful in the event of an accident or an incident that requires visual proof of exactly what happened.

You want free cloud storage
The Nexar Beam dash cam comes with the distinct advantage of free cloud backup for your video footage, which can be accessed online in your own personal account. It’s great for reducing the need for storage on your phone.

You’re happy to self-install
There’s a little bit of effort involved in getting the Nexar Beam up and running, from installing the app and configuring it through to plumbing in the cable. Be prepared to take your time, but it’s easy enough.

Don't buy it if...

You need to preserve your phone's battery
Unless you make use of the USB port on the power connector, your phone’s battery will suffer due to the streaming video capabilities of the camera as well as having to pair it with the device using Bluetooth.

You don’t want to fiddle with cables
As is the case with many dash camera models, there’s a lengthy cable for the connection, which needs to go somewhere. There’s a tool included to push it behind headlining, but it’s a bit of a faff.

You need multiple views or angles
There are more expensive models that allow you to capture views from the front and rear of your vehicle. This is a basic solution for front or back, but not both. It’s an affordable starting point, though.

Rob Clymo
Rob Clymo

Rob Clymo has been a tech journalist for more years than he can actually remember, having started out in the wacky world of print magazines before discovering the power of the internet. Since he's been all-digital he has run the Innovation channel during a few years at Microsoft as well as turning out regular news, reviews, features and other content for the likes of TechRadar, TechRadar Pro, Tom's Guide, Fit&Well, Gizmodo, Shortlist, Automotive Interiors World, Automotive Testing Technology International, Future of Transportation and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. In the rare moments he's not working he's usually out and about on one of numerous e-bikes in his collection.