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On newer vehicles, integrated backup cameras have become a common site. Since 2018, the U.S. government has mandated that they be installed on all new vehicles, and they’ve been a great help to assist driver visibility and reduce potential accidents during parking.
However, there are still millions of older vehicles out on the road without this technology. Luckily, the aftermarket has stepped in to fill the gap, providing cameras that can easily be installed to the rear of the car (much like a dash cam up in front) and function similarly to a factory system. Read on for our backup camera recommendations, along with advice on things to consider while you shop.
The Best Backup Cameras
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Best Wide-Angle
Kenwood CMOS-320 Multi-Angle Backup Camera
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What to Consider
Installation
At the most basic level, a backup camera is just a miniature video camera placed on the rear of the vehicle connected to a screen in the cabin. That connection is what you’ll need to pay attention to when installing a backup camera. Some kits may use old-fashioned component cables, while others use wireless methods. Wireless makes installation easier, but there is an added risk of a less stable connection. For power, your camera may use batteries or it will need to be hardwired to the car’s battery system.
Resolution and Viewing Angle
Another thing you’ll need to consider is the picture clarity and viewing angle you want, with the widest angle and highest resolution giving you most visual information. Certain systems also allow multiple cameras to be hooked up in unison for large vehicle and towing applications. On top of that, some kits offer additional wiring options to have your camera automatically activate when the car is shifted into reverse.
Screen
The final thing to look out for is some kits will include their own screen, but you may have to end up buying your own screen. When buying a screen separately, you’ll want to make sure that it uses the same wired connectors as your camera of choice. Some systems may require drilling, but others will use a license plate bracket or adhesives to prevent the user from having to put holes in their bodywork.
How We Selected
We selected the best backup cameras using information gleaned from hands-on time with different models. During our research, we also considered reviews from other expert sources at publications including Wirecutter, CNET, and Forbes. We considered things like ease of installation, resolution, range, and whether kits come with screen while looking at each backup cam and chose the few that offered the best features for the price.
For more automotive technology, check out our pieces on Remote Starters, Portable Jump Boxes, and Interior MagSafe Mounts.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Included Wireless Screen
- Guideline UI
Cons
- Screen latency
This Auto-Vox cam handily includes a 4.3-inch monitor right in the box, and the device even connects to it wirelessly, eliminating the hassle of dealing with a long component cable.
The wireless connection is solid and stable, although there is a noticeable video delay compared to backup cameras with wired screens. Power is still supplied by the usual reverse light wired method, and double-stick tape is provided for installation. The screen is affixed by a suction cup mount and plugs into the 12-volt outlet.
One neat feature of this combo is the customizable guideline overlay on-screen that drivers can use to gauge distance for things like parallel parking. Resolution is a decent 592 pixels, while the 110 degree viewing angle is perhaps too narrow for large vehicles. The vertical angle placement can also be adjusted via a screw on the camera base.
Key Specs
| Resoultion | 592p |
|---|---|
| Mount Type | Adhesive |
| Viewing Angle | 110 degrees |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 0.5 x 3.4 in. |
Pros
- Bracket Installation
- Night lighting
Cons
- No screen on base model
Doesn’t get much simpler than the ERT01 here. The tiny backup camera can be easily mounted on a car’s license plate bracket. A single RCA cable goes up to the video screen, while the power input is intended to be hardwired to the vehicle’s reverse light circuit.
The backup camera itself puts out a 720 pixel resolution image, and has a pretty good viewing angle at 149 degrees. The manufacturer also claims an IP69K weatherproof rating, meaning it should stand up to the elements while remaining functional. Eight small LED lights are also included near the lens to aid visibility at night.
The base version of this model does not include a screen, although a suction-cup video unit can be had with it for about $10 more.
Key Specs
| Resoultion | 720p |
|---|---|
| Mount Type | Bracket |
| Viewing Angle | 170 degrees |
| Dimensions | 9.4 x 1 x 1.3 in. |
Pros
- Affordable
- High resolution
Cons
- No screen included
For just slightly more than eRapta's ERT01, this backup camera features a 1080p high-resolution image sensor that is a larger 1/2.7 size. The large size takes advantage of the extra pixels and boosts clarity in low light settings. Viewing angle is an impressive 170 degrees.
Apart from that, it mounts with a simple license plate bracket and features a swivel head for vertical adjustment. It will also have to be hardwired, and does not include a screen in the box. You may also have to spend extra on a monitor that can effectively utilize that higher resolution.
Key Specs
| Resoultion | 1080p |
|---|---|
| Mount Type | Bracket |
| Viewing Angle | 170 degrees |
| Dimensions | 7.9 x 3.5 x 2 in. |
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Pros
- Clean Installation
- Low-light image sensor
Cons
- Needs drilling
- Mediocre resolution
Unlike the license plate options, this backup camera is hard-mounted to the car body, and requires some drilling. As a result, it delivers a flush factory-style look.
There are also three different mounting gaskets included to give you three possible vertical angles during installation. Connection is provided by the typical composite cable and reverse light wiring.
Image resolution and viewing angle are on the lower side, at 576 pixels and 140 degrees. There is, however, a larger digital sensor and wider aperture than comparable cams, giving improved low-light performance. The device also features IP69K weatherproofing, but doesn’t come with a screen in the box.
Key Specs
| Resoultion | 576p |
|---|---|
| Mount Type | Drilled |
| Viewing Angle | 140 degrees |
| Dimensions | 9.4 x 1 x 1.3 in. |
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Brand Pedigree
PIONEER NDBC8 Surface Mount Backup Camera
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Durable camera body
- Glare reduction
- Clean install
Cons
- Low resolution
Pioneer has been in the electronics business pretty much as long as such a business even existed, so they pack in a lot of brand trust and overall quality.
That’s reflected in the fact that this unit is rated to operate from -22 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. The lens features filtered glass to cut down on things like sun glare, and the backup camera body is very sturdy. Double-stick tape and holding clamps are included to give a drill-free installation and neatly tuck away the power and video cables.
The quarter-inch image sensor is very large for a backup cam, although it only puts out 480p resolution. Viewing angle is on the narrow side at 129 degrees, but the adjustable swivel ahead alleviates that somewhat.
Key Specs
| Resoultion | 480p |
|---|---|
| Mount Type | Adhesive |
| Viewing Angle | 129 Degrees |
| Dimensions | 0.94 x 0.94 x 1 in. |
Pros
- Large, vibrant display
- High-resolution output
Cons
- May require drilling
This high-tech system streams 1080p video wirelessly to a large seven-inch monitor, with line-of-sight range up to a rated 984 feet. The backup camera has a 120 degree viewing angle and also features a night vision mode. It uses a screw-mounted base, which may require some drilling to install, depending on your application.
Key Specs
| Resoultion | 1080p |
|---|---|
| Mount Type | Screws |
| Viewing Angle | 120 degrees |
| Dimensions | 11.3 x 9 x 4.4 in. |
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Pros
- Widest angle
- Remote adjustment
Cons
- Low resolution for price
This Kenwood cam features the widest viewing angle we could find at a massive 190 degree field. Another unique feature here is the wired remote that allows the user to peek around objects like trailers. This feature effectively gives the backup camera an even wider field of view.
Other than that, it’s a pretty typical backup camera, installed by the usual wired method and put in place by adhesive. Resolution is only 480p, and a screen is not included. Those are pretty disappointing facts considering the camera alone is nearly $200. This device is really reserved for drivers who absolutely need the widest possible view.
Key Specs
| Resoultion | 480p |
|---|---|
| Mount Type | Adhesive |
| Viewing Angle | 190 degrees |
| Dimensions | 9.3 x 5.1 x 2.5 in. |
Pros
- Unbeatable coverage
- Complete system in the box
Cons
- Some buyers question added benefit of side camera
This multi-camera system is just the thing for big trucks, RVs, and trailer rigs. Three rear cams hook up to an included seven-inch screen to provide the best possible blind spot coverage. All three cameras broadcast wirelessly to the included screen, with up to 492 feet of signal range.
Each camera provides 720 x 480 resolution. The rear unit features a 120 degree view angle, while each side camera gets a lesser range of 65 degrees. All together, that’s about 250 degrees of coverage.
Key Specs
| Resoultion | 480p x3 |
|---|---|
| Mount Type | Drill-free |
| Viewing Angle | 250 degrees |
| Dimensions | 5.6 x 3.8 x 1.2 in. |
Talon Homer
Talon Homer is a writer and photographer out of South Carolina who was born with a love of cars, gaming, and advanced technology. He’s been featured in Car and Driver Magazine, Popular Mechanics and The Drive, covering consumer reporting, custom engineering projects, and transportation tech. If he’s not at the keyboard, he’s probably snapping photos at a race track or playing too much Halo.
