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There's a reason backup cameras have been required in new vehicles in the US since 2018 -- they make driving safer, whether you're backing into a spot and need a good view of the parking lines, parallel parking or just trying to get a better feel for your surroundings. Some backup systems even include multiple cameras, giving you a full view of everything happening around you so you can better monitor your blind spots. You can even incorporate a dash cam into some systems, offering you a more complete aggregation of information.
If your car was made before 2018, you may be feeling a little left out, but don't fret. There are lots of aftermarket backup cameras you can install yourself. All you need to do is attach the backup camera to the rear of your car (preferably as close to the center of the car as possible) and send the footage to a monitor attached to a console display, your dashboard or an inset screen on your rearview mirror, giving you better visibility with no straining to see your blind spots while driving your car in reverse.
Some backup cameras give you a simple rear view, while others use a wide angle or even a series of cameras to simulate a bird's-eye view of your car and its surroundings (especially useful for a large vehicle). Some of the best backup cameras have a sensor that produces a beeping sound when your car gets close to another object. Most will at least have a grid of lines that appears on the screen to provide context for how close you are to objects in view.
Just because you have a rearview camera, though, doesn't mean you're stuck with it. You can always upgrade your backup cam -- you might even be able to add an additional camera to an existing system if you've got the technical know-how to wire it properly or know someone who does. On that note, if you drive an older car that doesn't have a reversing camera, it's a good idea to have one installed. Like a dash cam, it's better and safer to have a reverse camera -- especially one with a wide viewing angle -- than to not. The best backup cameras and dash cam options help you monitor what matters most. Either way, you'll find yourself asking the same question: What do I need in a backup camera?
Here are our picks for the best aftermarket backup camera in a variety of categories, based on expert opinions and consumer ratings. And be sure to continue reading for some pro tips on picking the right rear camera system for you.
If you want easy installation and great picture quality, the Auto-Vox CS-2 offers the best of both worlds. As it's a wireless camera, you should have no problem attaching the camera (with built-in wireless transmitter) to the back of your car or mounting the suction-cup-enabled screen on your dashboard. That means you can save money by avoiding installation fees with this wireless backup camera.
While wired cameras are more reliable than wireless ones on the whole, the CS-2 -- like the other wireless cameras we've included here -- is an exception to that rule. The camera uses digital wireless transmission, which means that there's virtually no interference from other signals and no distortion to the image. Plus, the signal is strong, with Auto-Vox recommending the camera for any vehicle less than 32 feet long.
It should be noted that the viewing angle for the CS-2 rearview backup camera is 110 degrees, which may be too narrow for drivers who want a very wide field of vision. However, for parallel and close-quarters parking, 110 degrees works well as it cuts down on the amount of image distortion created on the screen.
The Auto-Vox CS-2 is pricier than some other car backup camera systems, but the high performance and reliability ensure that customers will be satisfied with the purchase.
If your car doesn't have a rearview camera and you're looking for a less expensive alternative, it's hard to beat the eRapta ERT01. This camera easily attaches to a car's license plate and includes a 26-foot RCA cable that can connect to a screen with a compatible output. While there's no screen included with the camera, many vehicles already have mounted screen displays that will work with the ERT01 -- just make sure to check yours first, or you may end up needing to buy a separate screen.
As a wired camera, the ERT01 will be more difficult to install than the average wireless camera -- but only slightly. User reviews on Amazon say the wired system of the camera is easy to set up, with only a single RCA cable necessary to connect the camera to the screen. The kit also includes a cable to power the camera.
The entire package is incredibly affordable, but that's not the only reason why the ERT01 is Amazon's top-selling backup camera. In addition to being easy to use, it's a durable waterproof camera, operates at a temperature range of -50 to 80 degrees Celsius and has a 149-degree field of vision. Get a crystal-clear image in the dark with the Night Vision. All in all, it's a reliable product offered at an affordable price.
Unless you're a professional truck driver, an RV is -- by far -- larger than any other vehicle you'll ever drive. So it makes sense to spend more and make sure that you, your passengers and the people around you are safe.
Rear View Safety's 4 Camera Setup with Quad View Display allows RV drivers to get the most complete view of their surroundings -- and they can take everything in all at once. There are four cameras in total: two to be mounted on the rear of the RV (with 130-degree viewing angles) and one for either side (with 120-degree viewing angles). The split-screen monitor can show feeds from all of the cameras at once, or just the feeds the driver chooses to see.
In addition to transmitting video, this RV backup camera system also transmits audio, so even if you've got the air conditioner blasting or some music playing, you'll be aware of the sights and sounds of the road. Plus, the fact that this is a wired camera system ensures the integrity of the transmission -- and while you may need professional help to install this rearview camera, some Amazon reviewers reported that they were able to do it themselves without too much trouble.
Whether you have a backup camera or not, odds are that you're used to looking at your rearview mirror periodically. Not only were many of us initially taught to incorporate the mirror while backing up, but unless you have a display with rearview capability, it's the only way to see what's going on behind you while you're driving forward.
The Pyle PLCM4550 combines that natural inclination with the high-tech features of today's driving experience by way of a small, 4.3-inch display integrated into a replacement rearview mirror. The weatherproof, wide-angle camera feed automatically activates when shifting into reverse and overlays scale lines that are helpful for gauging distance when squeezing into a tight spot.
This Pyle backup camera is designed to work with the mirror rather than replace it. We like how Pyle keeps things simple with a low-distraction interface that won't draw your attention while driving. And while its use of a wired camera limits its compatibility with longer trucks and SUVs -- though a wireless version is available -- the direct connection is perfect for most midsize cars and comes with the benefit of immunity to video interference while reversing.
We've already seen that eRapta makes the best backup camera for drivers on a budget, so it's no surprise that the brand also makes a relatively inexpensive model that works well for larger vehicles. That model, the eRapta Backup Camera 2.0, is a great choice for making truck driving a bit safer and easier.
Like the Rear View Safety system, the Backup Camera 2.0 has four different cameras meant to be mounted on the rear and sides of a vehicle. The 7-inch split screen can display one, two or four camera feeds at once, providing a near-complete view of your surroundings.
The eRapta Backup Camera 2.0 is a wired model, and with four separate cameras, there's potentially a lot of wiring involved. While you always have the option to seek professional installation, eRapta markets the model as being easy to install. As for many of the other wired camera models on this list, that claim of ease is supported by user reviews on Amazon.
When it comes to finding a backup camera for an SUV, you want something that can give you the precision of a car camera and the coverage range of a truck camera. You also want to keep installation easy, because with a larger vehicle, putting in the wrong wired camera can turn into a huge (or expensive) job.
The Zeroxclub W01 Digital Wireless Backup Camera Kit covers all of those bases. Since it's a wireless camera, installation is a breeze, with the included monitor plugging into your vehicle's lighter plug if you have one. The signal is also strong, with Zeroxclub touting "100% no interference" and a transmission that works while driving at speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.
The included LCD screen is 7 inches, with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution that offers a clear look at what's going on behind your vehicle. The camera itself is waterproof, with infrared lights, a high-definition image processor and a 149-degree field of vision. All of these features combine to ensure that the Zeroxclub camera is both accurate and durable, which is important no matter what type of vehicle you drive.
Attaching a trailer to your car presents a few difficulties when it comes to driving and visibility accommodations. First of all, you're driving a vehicle that's suddenly much larger than it usually is, which means that you won't have the level of familiarity or comfort that you would if you drove an RV or truck. Secondly, you can't use a wired backup camera, as it would require a permanent connection between the trailer and your vehicle's dashboard.
Yakry's HD 720P Digital Wireless Backup Camera is an ideal choice, considering these limitations. The wireless camera signal is strong, and Yakry recommends it be used on vehicles up to 45 feet long -- a range that covers a wide variety of trailers. The model also offers the ease of installation that drivers demand in a wireless camera model.
Of course, it's the view that's most important when it comes to driving safely. Not only is the signal strong, but the camera is fog-resistant and the 150-degree viewing angle provides a wide range of vision on the included 5-inch monitor. The camera can also be set to run constantly, but be aware of the hazards of using a backup camera in such a fashion.
When it comes to versatility and ease of installation and use, few cameras come close to the DoHonest HD 1080p Digital Wireless Backup Camera. That combined with the wide 150-degree viewing angle makes it an ideal choice for a larger vehicle, such as a van.
The DoHonest camera fits easily on a vehicle's license plate holder, and it's got an internal transmitter, eliminating the need for any extra devices. The camera is waterproof and the six-lens glass construction faithfully reproduces color in footage. The night-vision capabilities are highly praised in Amazon's customer reviews.
The screen -- which is connected to the camera by a digital signal capable of reaching up to 100 feet -- displays a full-HD 1080p image, and can be attached to your dashboard or your windshield. Overall, the DoHonest model is one of the easiest-to-use backup cameras available, and considering its reasonable price tag, it's not hard to see why it's one of the most popular.
When it comes to putting a backup camera in an older car, the largest stumbling block is the potential lack of a console screen. While many camera kits come with screens of their own, there are drivers who prefer to use a single console-mounted screen for all of their display needs. If your car was built before a certain point, you may not have that option unless you're prepared to pay a lot to get one installed.
LeeKooLuu's 1080p Digital Wireless Backup Camera is an easy-to-use model with a customizable 5-inch display that ensures any driver's comfort -- and while it may not be mounted on your dashboard, it's the next best thing. Qualities like brightness, color saturation and contrast can be altered, while the driver also has the option of switching between a mirrored or facing view. That makes it possible to use on the front license plate, if necessary (but remember, there's no substitute for looking at the road).
The LeeKooLuu backup camera itself is mounted in a license plate holder, so it's easy to install. It's also waterproof, with a 150-degree viewing angle and has eight infrared LED lights for night driving. All things considered, it's an excellent upgrade if you want to make your older vehicle a little bit easier to maneuver in reverse.
Comparison of best backup cameras
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Make | Model | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best backup camera overall | Auto-Vox | CS-2 | Wireless | $120 |
| Best backup camera on a budget | eRapta | ERT01 | Wired | $30 |
| Best backup camera for RVs and campers | Rear View Safety | RVS-062710 | Wired | $680 |
| Best backup camera for cars | Pyle | Mirror Backup Camera | Wired | $69 |
| Best backup camera for trucks | eRapta | ER0202 | Wired | $230 |
| Best backup camera for SUVs | Zeroxclub | W01 | Wireless | $160 |
| Best backup camera for trailers | Yakry | Digital Wireless Backup Camera | Wireless | $128 |
| Best backup camera for vans | DoHonest | 8523723024 | Wireless | $100 |
| Best backup camera for older cars | LeeKooLuu | 8523722953 | Wireless | $100 |
Backup cameras are required by law now in all new vehicles, but owners of older cars can get one by looking to the aftermarket.
Jon Wong/RoadshowWhat to look for in a backup camera
For starters, there are three main categories to consider: wired backup cameras, wireless backup cameras and smartphone backup cameras. Wired cameras are hooked to output screens with wires, which means the connection is stronger, but professional installation may be required.
Wireless cameras are easy to install since there are no wires or cables connecting the camera to the monitor (there may still be cables connecting them to power sources), but the connection may be spotty, especially in bad weather. If you have continued problems with your screen capturing images from the camera, you'll need to talk to a professional (and potentially even switch to a wired camera). Don't be discouraged, though -- any kind of camera can likely be fixed. "Take it to [a service center] to figure out what's wrong with it," advises Zoriy Birenboym, CEO of eAutoLease.com. Birenboym spent over 15 years in the auto industry as a salesman before founding the online auto leasing company. "It should be an easy fix if nothing is wrong with the wires."
Smartphone cameras are wireless and use smartphones as displays, making them easier to use but also introducing even more potential connection issues. You also might want to consider your phone's screen size. "Make sure the screen is large enough for you to get a clear view," says Harry Anapliotis, marketing director and full stack developer at Rental Center Crete, a rental car agency that's been serving the Greek island for over 45 years. "Its sole purpose is to show you what's behind you and it's no good if you're squinting to see the screen."
The eRapta ERT01 is an affordable backup camera for vehicles that already have a compatible screen.
eRaptaThere are also features available in certain backup cameras that might be important to you and variations among different cameras. For instance, different cameras have different fields of view, which determine how wide of a lens angle you can see behind you. Typically, angles around 165 to 170 degrees are the maximum, while angles under 120 degrees are considered too narrow by some. The larger the angle, though, the more distorted the image will be on your screen.
Some cameras also provide night vision to help you see in darkness and low light, but there's an efficacy difference between military-grade night vision and standard night vision. The latter often simply means that one or more infrared lights have been added to the camera. Finally, as mentioned earlier, you can have the footage recorded by the camera sent to either a screen in your console, a mounted screen or an inset in your rearview mirror. You can pick whichever you prefer, but a dashboard or mounted screen will offer a larger image.
You also might need to moderate your hunt based on your vehicle. You can add a rear camera to just about any vehicle, but the details may change. For instance, many RV owners are particularly interested in backup cameras due to the difficulty that comes with maneuvering such large vehicles in reverse, but they may have to adjust their expectations in terms of cost and capability.
For the best image quality, installing a wired backup camera system like this RVS-062710 on larger vehicles is recommended.
Rear View SafetyLike backup cameras for cars, RV cameras come in wired, wireless and smartphone varieties, but the connection between the cameras and screens in wireless models may be particularly unreliable in large vehicles, as the distance between them is increased. Likewise, a wired camera may cost more to install than it would in a car because of the size of the vehicle. RV cameras should also be mounted higher than they would be on a regular car, with 9 feet off the ground considered ideal.
In some ways, though, all cameras are the same. For instance, the quality of the view and the picture depends on your connection and some brands have a reputation for higher performance than others do. For car backup cameras, popular brands include Auto-Vox, Yada and LeeKooLuu. When it comes to RV cameras, some of the brands frequently cited as the best include Rear View Safety, 4Ucam and Furrion.
Finally, it's important to remember that backup cameras come with their own rules. While they make driving in reverse easier and safer, they still can't provide complete, 360-degree visibility (no matter what they claim), so it's crucial to use your mirrors and remain attentive while you drive. There are also ways to wire your camera so that it's on all the time, including when you're driving forward -- but is it worth it? You'll get a better view of what's going on behind your car, but it may also present a distraction while you drive, rather than help your view as it does when going in reverse.
