1 – VIZR
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VIZR Review
- Spencer Pines, iReviews
- UPDATED April 2024
☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5
96%
Ease of Use
98%
Value for the Mone
97%
Compatibility
98%
Security
94%
Visibility
96%
Warranty
92%
Advertising Disclosure: Many or all of the companies featured provide compensation to us. These commissions are how we maintain our free service for consumers. Compensation, along with hours of in-depth research, determines where & how companies appear on our site.
Advertising Disclosure
Many or all of the companies featured provide compensation to us. These commissions are how we maintain our free service for consumers. Compensation, along with hours of in-depth research, determines where & how companies appear on our site.
Pros
- Prevents distracted driving
- Compatible with all cell phones
- Works in all cars and other vehicles
- Does not require professional installation
Cons
- Only comes with a 30-day warranty
- Adhesive on stand can wear off
- Can slide when used on a dirty dashboard
- Works better with FIXD apps than others
Bottomline
VIZR can help eliminate some of the distractions that you have on the open road. It is compatible with all vehicles as well as cell phones. One of the best affordable HUD systems for drivers.
VIZR Review
VIZR is a gadget that claims to be totally universal and adds a convenient heads up display to any car. This is a very promising product, but I found the device to be very flawed and underwhelming, especially for the price. Still, I plan on going into every detail I can about VIZR in this review.
While the device itself did what it promised, in giving me a HUD in my vehicle, other aspects such as the build quality and the required app left a lot to be desired. All of these issues will be further addressed below and maybe you will decide if VIZR is right for you.
when you drive.
What is the VIZR?
VIZR is a physical accessory for your phone that reflects the screen into a semi clear piece of plastic. This creates a heads up display and lets you use the phone’s GPS or view your vehicle’s status without having to hold the device while driving.
The biggest problem I have with VIZR is in the navigation apps that work with it. Only a few apps will work with the device and I found that most of them weren’t great. Hudway GO was the one that was recommended to use with the product and I had all sorts of issues with the app. Not being able to use Google Maps was a big strike against the product.
One big advantage of VIZR is that it works in any make or model.
How Can You Use VIZR?
Cleaning your dashboard is necessary because the VIZR stand may not mount well to dirty surfaces. Stuck-on cigarette and nicotine stains, dust and pet hair can all interfere with the stand’s mounting power and cause your phone to slide across the dash as you drive. You may want to move VIZR closer to the center of the dash to make sure that it projects the display across the entire windshield too.
Tips for Cleaning Your Dash
- Use a dry cloth to remove as much debris and dust as you can
- Wipe off the dash with a damp microfiber cloth
- Apply a small amount of olive oil to the dash once it dries
- Buff the oil into the surface with a dry cloth
- Wipe the surface again to remove excess oil before adding the stand
Where Can You Use the VIZR?
A nice benefit of VIZR is that you can use it anywhere. You can easily remove the stand from your car and use it on the dash in a rental. However, each time you remove the device, the adhesive on the base becomes less sticky.
VIZR is also compatible with all types of smartphones. All phones will fit on the stand and work with VIZR to project the important information you want to see. The only thing that you need to use VIZR is a navigational app on your phone, which once again, is a huge problem.
VIZR recreates your dashboard right on your windshield.
Stop Distracted Driving
No matter how cautious you think you are, there are dozens of reasons why you might drive distractedly. Taking your eyes off the road for even a fraction of a second can leave you vulnerable to other drivers as well as wild animals and pets that can dart across the street. Some of the top reasons why people drive distractedly include:
- They let their minds wander as they drive
- They bring their pets along for the ride and don’t keep those animals in safety harnesses
- They pay too much attention to other people in the car
- They get caught up in the music blasting from their radios
Driving with other people in your vehicle can cause quite a few distractions. You might get caught in the conversation and forget to pay attention to the road or become distracted because they keep asking you questions as you drive. Many people also have problems when driving at night. The bright streetlights and signs that you pass can catch your attention and cause you to crash into someone else. VIZR is a handy gadget that you can use when driving during the day or at night to cut down on possible distractions.
Potential Dangers of Distracted Driving
Injuries
Death
Fines and penalties
Property damage
High insurance premiums
Who’s This For?
VIZR is aimed at drivers who want to be less distracted while on the road. However, when my partner and I were testing out the device, (she does most of the driving) she felt that having a piece of reflective plastic right in front of her on her dash was itself very distracting.
We mostly wanted to test out how well VIZR worked with navigation, since usually when we drive somewhere I have to hold up the phone with the directions on it. However, the Hudway GO app was confusing and made this very difficult for us. If Google maps were a viable option, I could see us using the product more, but the Hudway GO app was just not good at all.
VIZR helps you avoid some of the causes of common car accidents.
Can You Legally Use VIZR?
As I started working on this VIZR review, I found that many people wanted to know if they could legally use it in their vehicles. Most American states have laws against distracted driving and laws that keep drivers from using certain devices when they’re behind the wheel of a vehicle. VIZR allows you to follow the rules of the road as well as the laws of any city or state. VIZR is legal to use in all 50 states.
VIZR provides a better and clearer image than other HUD systems do.
How Secure is the Adhesive?
To put bluntly, not very good. I was able to take the venice off the dashboard with ease. After extended use I could see the device becoming detached from the dashboard and possibly even causing an accident.
You can use super glue or velcro for a more secure connection, but I find this tedious and something the company itself should’ve kept in mind when shipping out the product.
Temporarily or Permanently Secure VIZR with Superglue or Velcro.
Tips for Installing VIZR
Though VIZR comes with instructions on how to use and install it in a car, you might want to look at the process before you buy it. We found some tips that can make VIZR installation go a little smoother.
- Check the packaging to make sure it comes with everything you need
- Make sure that you clean the surface of your dash where you’ll use it
- Remove the paper from the back of the gadget
- Only place the stand once
Many people have problems with VIZR because they keep moving the stand. When you see the stand, you’ll find a piece of paper sticking to the back to keep the adhesive safe from the air. As soon as you remove that paper and press the stand in place, the adhesive will form a tight grip with the dash. If you keep lifting the stand and moving it to new spots, the adhesive will wear down. Using Velcro in place of that adhesive is the best option for those who want to use one unit in multiple cars. You should also take a few minutes to go through the display options to pick what you want to see on the windshield.
Check out some of the signs that you may need to adjust the display after installing VIZR in your car.
- You have a hard time seeing all the available info
- A portion of the display appears on your roof or dash
- Lights from surrounding areas interfere with your vision
- You need to move your head or eyes to see everything
- The info keeps bouncing across the windshield
What is FIXD and Why Do You Need It?
FIXD is another useful product that is available from the makers of VIZR, this is a car health monitor that you plug into your vehicle. Not only can you see when your engine runs too hot or when your lights stop working, but you can keep an eye on other potential problems. FIXD can give you data about 7,000 potential problems and is easy to use. A bonus of buying FIXD is that you get access to two apps:
- FIXD
- HUDWAY GO
HUDWAY Go was the biggest problem I had with this device. The app was just not very intuitive and frankly annoying to use. In fact, while me and my partner were testing the device we got so frustrated with the app that we actually went to a big box store to buy a suction cup phone mount so that we could use Google Maps instead of HUDWAY GO.
Does VIZR Come with a Warranty?
The makers of VIZR recently changed the warranty to cover the first 30 days after your purchase. This guarantee starts on the day that your order ships and not on the date that you order or when it arrives. It usually takes less than a week for it to get to your home, which gives you nearly three weeks to try it out and decide if it’s worth the money.
How to Use the VIZR 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
With the VIZR warranty, you can drop your return package off at the post office.
- Decide between contacting the company online or over the phone
- Check the packaging slip to find your order number
- Call the makers and explain your reasons for the return
- Place VIZR and its original packaging in the box
- Attach the return slip and ship the package back
Can You Use Different Apps with VIZR?
VIZR is with apps from FIXD and claims to work with Waze. I however, could not get the HUD to work with Waze. While I can see the value in the product as a simple HUD that displays gas usage or a speedometer, I can’t recommend at all using this for navigation.
VIZR is compatible with most of the apps you use on a smartphone.
Does VIZR Really Work With All Phones?
While most phones will work with VIZR, larger phones or ones with multiple screens will probably not work as well. The device did a pretty decent job of keeping the phone from slipping around while driving but I can see some people with larger phones or different cases having issues with the device. I myself had to take my phone out of the case to use VIZR.
VIZR is easy to see when you face the gadget head-on and when you use it at an angle.
What Can You Do With the VIZR FIXD App?
While not great for navigation, VIZR is a handy tool for tracking your speed and gas usage without relying on your phone’s screen. When you combine VIZR with the FIXD app, you can do even more behind the wheel. Some of the information that you can see displayed across your device includes:
- Time and date
- How much gas is left in your tank
- The amount of fuel used during a trip
- Wear and tear on your tire treads
- The orientation or direction of your car
How Much Does FIXD Cost?
FIXD comes with free shipping when you buy one or more units. A single unit retails for $59, but the price can drop as low as $39 when you buy multiple units. The FIXD unit comes with instructions on downloading the app and using it with VIZR.
What Benefits Does VIZR Have Over Other Heads-Up Displays?
With so much competition in the aftermarket car accessory space, you might wonder why you should choose VIZR over all the other products. The best reason we found is the ease of installation. Instead of dealing with wires that connect to your electrical system and systems that might not be compatible with your car, you get a HUD that works in any car and installs in minutes. VIZR requires no professional support or trips to the auto shop either because you can do it yourself. Other benefits that it has over other HUD systems include:
- It is much cheaper and affordable, especially when you buy more than one
- You get navigational data, which is something that other systems lack
- VIZR keeps your phone secured to the dashboard as you make sharp turns and drive at high speeds
- You get a much brighter display that you can see regardless of how much natural or artificial light is nearby
- It works when the sky darkens and you drive through storms with heavy rain or snow
- You can easily adjust the HUD to change the brightness and angle of the display
- VIZR works in both newer and older vehicles where others can not
Is VIZR Compliant with Driving Laws.
VIZR is compliant with all local and state driving laws. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Association warns against using navigational tools and apps when driving, VIZR offers a safe way to get the directions that you need.
Should You Buy It? – Top Features of VIZR
If you plan on using VIZR exclusively for navigation, I would suggest looking elsewhere. However, as a regular HUD there’s quite a few benefits to using VIZR. Some of the ones I felt were worth highlighting include
- Can be used in almost any car
- Easy to instal
- Slip resistant
- Texts and notifications can be displayed
- Adjustable
- Can be used day or night
- Can be installed in multiple cars
Should You Buy It? – Top Features of VIZR
Universal Design
The top feature of VIZR is the universal design, which lets anyone use it in any type of vehicle. Not only can you install the mount on a dashboard in a classic Corvette, but you can use it in a muscle car with loads of engine power. It works just as well in the minivan or crossover that you use to get your kids around town and in the sedan that you drive every day. VIZR also works in SUVs. Thanks to the universal design of the stand, you can mount it in one vehicle and then use it in a second vehicle whenever you want. You can use VIZR in a vehicle that lacks a HUD or in a car that has a broken HUD system.
Real-Time Navigation
Do you remember a time when a loved one gave you directions? They probably told you to turn at the white house on the corner and used other landmarks that made getting to your destination rough. Navigational apps are easier to use because they provide you with turn by turn directions and keep up with your current location. Thanks to VIZR, you can use those apps without worrying that you need to keep your eyes on the screen or listen for specific instructions. It broadcasts everything from that app onto your windshield. This lets you know when you need to turn and helps you track your current speed as well as how far you are away from that destination.
Will VIZR Work Without FIXD?
You do not need FIXD to use VIZR in any vehicle. It will still send navigational data to your windshield and display information from your phone. Having FIXD gives you access to new apps as well as a tool you can use to diagnose car problems.
Easy Installation
Installing a HUD system on your own is usually tricky because you need to find a way to make it work with your vehicle’s electrical system. Cutting the wrong wire or making one wrong move can short out that system and require a repair of $1,000 or more. VIZR is so easy to install that you can do it whenever you want to drive. As long as the dashboard is clean, you can add the stand to the surface. This stand functions as the mount for the system and a stand for your phone. It’s then just a simple matter of picking the app that you want to use and putting your phone on the stand.
Slip-Resistant
When you spend hundreds of dollars on a new cell phone, you want to make it last as long as you can. With VIZR, you get a slip-resistant mount that keeps your phone safe when you drive. It takes only seconds to slip the phone onto the stand. Whether you take a turn a little too fast or come to a sudden stop, the stand will remain on your dashboard with your phone safely on top. With other systems, turning around a tight corner at a high speed can cause your phone to sail across the dash and hit the floor or windshield. VIZR keeps your phone safe during the longest of trips.
You can avoid the hassles of shattered screens and other phone problems because VIZR keeps your phone securely on the dashboard.
All Phone Models
Choosing the best heads-up display is sometimes confusing because many models require professional installation. Not only do you need to pay for the HUD and its installation, but you need to make sure that it is compatible with your make and model. Some of these expensive models won’t work in other vehicles. VIZR uses your smartphone rather than your car’s electrical system. As long as you have a phone that gives you access to different apps, you can use this gadget. It works with popular smartphone brands such as Samsung and Apple and can work with any phones that you later buy too.
Texts and More
One of the biggest reasons for distracted driving in the United States is notification checking. Even if you never talk on your cell phone while driving, you probably have looked away for a second to see who is calling or who sent you a text message. With VIZR, you can access the notifications that you need while still staying safe. It can broadcast the name of the person who is calling or the incoming number and show you any of the text messages that you receive. While you get all the information that you want or need, you can see it as you focus on the road.
VIZR lets you view text messages and incoming phone calls without staring at your screen.
HUD for Old Models
Auto manufacturers often add heads-up displays to newer models and make those systems a key selling point. This is especially true of the manufacturers of luxury automobiles. As someone who drives a late model car, you might worry about finding a HUD that works with that older engine and design. VIZR is a great option for you because it’s compatible with all makes and models. It doesn’t matter if your check engine light is always on or if you have an engine that rumbles as you drive. Unlike other systems, VIZR does not rely on your motor. VIZR uses your favorite apps to beam information onto your windshield.
No Wires Ever
The high-tech design of VIZR can throw you for a loop the first time that you see it. Many people look at the design and automatically assume that it won’t work with their cars or that it will take too long to set up. Most people find that they can install VIZR in 10 minutes or less, which includes the time it takes to clean their dashboards. If you want to use the VIZR app, you can download it from any app store. As soon as you install the app and click on it, you’ll see all the instructions you need to follow to set it up.
Tips to Take if VIZR Won’t Stick to Your Dashboard.
- See if the dashboard feels tacky or sticky to the touch
- Make sure that the surface is not wet or damp
- Check to see if the original adhesive is still sticky
- Try using VIZR on a different spot
- Use a dab of glue to secure it, if all else fails
Adjustable When Needed
When you drive during the day, you’ll likely notice quite a bit of sunshine coming in through the windows. That sunshine can create glare on the glass that makes it hard to see the display. Most cell phone holders that you can use in your car only rotate in one direction, which makes it difficult to escape that glare. VIZR rotates and moves in several directions to help you adjust the display. Not only can you compensate for glares caused by sunshine and road conditions, but you can handle any issues caused by headlights on the road and streetlights.
Resistant to Scratches and Smudges
Another nice feature of VIZR is that the surface is resistant to scratches and smudges. It uses a special type of glass that the company treats to reduce scratches. Even if you drop the stand when getting in your car, you might find that it is still as smooth and clear as when you took it out of the box. As it’s resistant to smudges caused by fingerprints, you don’t need to worry about what might happen if you need to adjust the screen. Every time that you use VIZR, you’ll see a projection on your windshield that is just as clear as the first time you used it.
What to do if the Display Isn’t Bright Enough
If the VIZR display isn’t bright enough to see clearly, you can try several things such as:
- Turn off the auto-brightness on your phone
- Adjust the light settings to make the phone brighter or dimmer
- Push VIZR up and down to fit the windshield
- Keep tilting the screen until you can see clearly
Daily and Nightly Use
A common issue found with some HUD systems is that they work best in the day or night. Many people find that cheaper systems cannot handle nighttime driving. The lights that shine through the windows keep them from seeing the projection. You might find that the display isn’t bright enough to see at night. When you drive during the day, you may have issues seeing the projection due to the glare on the windshield from the sun. VIZR is a HUD that you can easily see at all hours of the day. It has the exact amount of brightness that you need when driving in the snow or rain too.
More Than One Car
We like that VIZR is a gadget that you can use in the same car that you drive every day and in any vehicles that you drive. Though you only get one stand, you can easily remove that stand and use it more than one car. If you plan on using VIZR in two or more vehicles, we highly recommend investing in a few pieces of Velcro. It takes seconds to glue Velcro straps to the dashboard in each car and to ade a matching strip to the back of the stand. Velcro won’t wear out as quickly as the adhesive can either.
VIZR even lets you keep an eye out for wild animals that might run across your path while on the road. Deer and other types of animals can jump out with little to no warning. As VIZR does not block your windshield, you can see them as soon as they step foot in front of you.
Are There Any Cons to VIZR?
Other than what I already mentioned regarding quality control and navigation, a major complaint with VIZR is about the warranty, as similar HUD systems come with a warranty that lasts for a year or longer. The makers of VIZR only offer a 30-day warranty that begins as soon as it leaves the warehouse. Many people found that they needed more time to try all the features to make sure that it worked for them.
I also found that it wasn’t as compatible as the makers claimed, especially in regards to some of the other apps that I tried. Google Maps, for instance, did not work at all with VIZR.
Common Problems and Flaws with VIZR
- Does not stick to dashboards that aren’t clear
- Can block incoming calls and messages, even after you give the app permission
- Works better with FIXD apps than other apps
- Some thought the display wasn’t as bright or clear as they expected
- May turn the image on your windshield upside down
Where to Buy
If you still want to purchase VIZR for your vehicle, I would suggest doing so here through Amazon. That way you can get the device for only $21.90 with fast shipping through Prime.
How Much Does VIZR Cost?
Competition
VIZR is not the only heads-up display that you can get for your car. Here’s a look at some of the alternative products that are available.
SHEROX 3.5” Car HUD
A popular choice for some is the SHEROX 3.5” Car HUD. It limits some of the information that you see to reduce distractions but this can also take away some of the information that you need. Many shoppers like that they can easily set it up without using reflective film and that it has a 3.5-inch display screen. Three built-in alarms let you know when the engine runs too hot, you have low voltage or you went over the speed limit.
YUGUANG 6” HUD
This device increases the size of the information broadcasted onto your windshield and allows you to see everything you need at the same time. It has a lower profile than similar systems do to ensure that the stand never interferes with your field of vision. One downside of this HUD is that it only works in vehicles where you can use OBD devices.
Loncaster Car Phone Holder
One of the cheaper options is the Loncaster Car Phone Holder, which comes with a mount that easily attaches to the dashboard. It has a non-slip design that keeps your phone in place. The main issue with this device is that it is not a traditional HUD system. It essentially acts as a holder that lets you view your phone while driving and does not have a projection feature. The compact size also means that it’s not compatible with all cell phones.
LeaningTech Original HUD
Another alternative to VIZR is the LeaningTech Original HUD, which has a simple design and is compatible with all vehicles. It displays your current speed in miles or kilometers and can show how far you drove and how long you spent driving. It monitors the speed limit in the area and beeps three times when you go over that limit. While LeaningTech makes an affordable HUD, it’s not as cheap as VIZR.
Final Verdict
If you plan on using a heads up display exclusively for features such as date and time, fuel usage, or a speedometer, then VIZR might be for you. However, I would not recommend using VIZR for navigation as the only apps it works with are confusing and unreliable.
I would personally recommend some sort or phone mount that attaches to your air vent or windshield. That way you can still use your navigation app of choice while not having to hold your phone as you drive.
Resources and Further Reading
FIXD Automotive Puts a VIZR Heads-Up Display in Your Car – The Gadgeteer
Is VIZR Heads-Up Display by FIXD Worth It? – Stuart Kerrs
VIZR Review: Smartphone Heads-Up Display Ultimate Review – Scott Staffin, Top 10 Gadgets
VIZR Heads-Up Display – J.R. Duren, Highya
About the Author
Spencer Pines
Spencer Pines is a young artist and writer with a wide range of creative abilities. He is passionate about his friends, family, creative works, and retro video games.
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