Does a dash cam need a screen and external storage? The Nexar Beam2 Mini tests the theory

Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam review in a sentence: A useful 'always on' feature set that could be really useful for the right user, but the subscription package adds ongoing cost.

Some of the best dash cams come with features and functions that we all expect, frequently including a rear screen for convenience and a media card slot for quick and easy expansion. The Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam comes with neither of those, which might leave some potential customers feeling a little bit flummoxed. However, the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam is a smart little thing that works best by using an 'always on' setup and central to the action is the Nexar app along with cloud storage.

The Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam is basically a smaller version of the Nexar Beam2 Pro, which is beefier and takes up a lot more space on your windshield. That’s what I love about the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam, because it’s got a compact form factor, although there’s less flexibility in the mounting bracket department. Stick this model to your screen and it is probably going to have to stay there. It doesn’t have a suction mount as an option.

Nevertheless, the big appeal about the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam is that it works best in tandem with Nexar’s LTE Protection Plan. This is a paid-monthly or paid-annually option that unlocks extra potential from the model. It gets you live streaming capability, unlimited cloud storage and, for some users, invaluable functions including 24/7 Live Parking surveillance, real-time GPS tracking and practical emergency alerts as well. Subscription models aren’t appealing to everyone, but if features and functions like this are a must to your use case, the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam deserves closer inspection.

One other thing to consider is this is a front-facing only model, so if you're after a front and rear view bundle, try exploring the Beam2 bundle that Nexar sells.

(First reviewed May 2025)

How much is the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam?

The Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam is like the baby of the Beam2 portfolio and, along with its smaller size, comes a price tag that makes it very affordable. At the time of writing Nexar has trimmed $50 off the asking price, taking it from $199.95 down to $149.95 (£113 / €134). This is for the 64GB storage model, while a 128GB edition takes the price up to $169.95 (£128 / €152). A chunky 256GB variant costs $199.95 (£151 / €179) making even that larger edition a competitive option on the cost front.

However, to get the best from the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam requires an additional subscription cost of the LTE Protection Plan. This unlocks additional features and functions for $9.99 ( per month. A saving can be had, though by paying annually, which costs $71.90. Although this is an additional cost, it does add a lot of extra appeal, as is documented in the features and functions section below.

Design and build

Anyone with a preference for a landscape-oriented design will find the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam fits the bill. This is a fairly compact camera that sits along the top of your windshield without encroaching on the viewing area much, which makes it ideally suited to smaller vehicles and sports cars. The slight drawback is that the design doesn’t have a detachable mount, meaning once the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam is stuck in place, it’s there for the foreseeable future.

There’s not much to the body of the camera itself, with the rectangular case acting as home to a hard drive, which makes it feel quite weighty when picked up. Meanwhile, the front-facing lens is housed in a movable mounting, which means it can be swivelled up and down to optimise the view of the road depending on the vehicle type. However, getting this positioned correctly needs to be done using the app, rather than relying on guesswork. It can be tweaked with a fingertip if already stuck to the screen though.

It's hard to fault the build quality of the dash cam unit itself. Plus, inside the product box there is also an ODBII connector and cable, which means it can be plugged in under the dash for permanent power. An optional hard wire kit is also available for extra cost. There are also a couple of accessories for easier fitment, including a plastic lever for pushing cables behind trim. Quick start manuals help with the installation job, although the app is where most of the action takes place concerning this model.

Features and functions

On face value, the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam could be just another generic windshield-mounted model, but there is more to this compact product than meets the eye. Central to the appeal is the way Nexar offers this product (and indeed the other Beam2’s in the range) with an optional LTE Protection Plan. Purchasing a subscription to one of these will really unlock the full potential of this dash cam.

The pricing seems quite competitive really, with a $9.99 monthly charge, which is discounted to $71.90 if paid annually. For the additional outlay, there are a host of extra features on offer, including live streaming, which enables a vehicle owner to keep tabs on their pride and joy at all times just as long as connectivity is in place. There is also unlimited cloud storage plus a 24/7 parking mode, which is a boon if you’re planning on leaving your vehicle in a less than savory parking lot.

I’m rather keen on the GPS tracking and real-time emergency alerts features too, which when combined with the other features and functions of the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam makes the LTE Protection Plan seem like solid value. However, it is possible to plug and play the camera and just use the app in its standard guise to collate and manage any video content. However, there are obvious limitations going down this route and it kinda defeats the object of owning an ‘always on’ type of dash cam.

How does the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam perform?

Anyone currently purchasing the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam in the UK may well find there is an issue with receiving the verification code in order to get set up with the unit and the app. I experienced this headache and it took a while to get to the bottom of it. After contacting Nexar they told me this is a known issue affecting the UK, though other markets including the US should not be affected.

Aside from that, I found that it was also necessary to have a strong cellular signal during setup, which is advised by Nexar too, as otherwise the camera can tend to start telling you to move to a better area of coverage. Aside from those niggles, the app is a breeze once installed and configured. It’s nicely laid out and allows complete management of video files, as well as offering up lots of options for tweaking the settings.

Overall, video quality is pretty good as is the field of view with a neatly balanced view of the road displayed when playing back clips in the app. The Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam can handle a wide variety of weather situations, where cloud cover can mess with exposure levels and the same can be said for after dark duties too. The image comes with vital GPS information displayed at the foot of the video, albeit in a rather dated font style, while a Nexar logo sits in the top left corner just in case you’ve forgotten the product you’re using.

Should I buy the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam?

I’d say the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam is well worth considering if you’re after more of a live streaming, ‘always on’ model. Anyone who just wants to record footage during a regular everyday journey can find the same sort of thing elsewhere thanks to myriad dash cam options. This model functions without the LTE Protection Plan subscription, but to do this is underusing its potential. Therefore, I’d say the Nexar Beam2 Mini Dash Cam is a worthy purchase, but the paid-for plan will really unlock its true potential. Oh, and a lack of rear screen and no external media card storage isn’t going to be for everyone either.

Also consider

If you're looking to save a little money, then you can check out our best cheap dash cam deals page, and if you're looking for some top options, check out our best dash cam guide.