It’s safe to say you’ll probably put your car in reverse at some point, but the view out your back windshield doesn’t always give you the full picture of what’s behind you. If your car doesn’t come equipped with rear video, it’s worth thinking about the best backup camera for your vehicle.
Backup cameras have become a standard feature on new cars, but aftermarket options are an excellent substitute if the original parts don’t cut it or if you want to update your vehicle. In this article, we’ll look at five of the best backup camera systems on the market, explaining each product’s features, ease of installation, performance, customer reviews, and more.
When choosing the best backup camera systems featured in this review, we picked some of Amazon’s top-selling products and checked for key features, ease of installation, strong customer reviews, and competitive prices.
Our review team tested each product on various vehicles ranging from a hatchback-style station wagon to longer vehicles with truck beds and hauling capabilities. For wireless setups, we also looked at how well each camera maintained a video connection.
Whether it has a wireless or a wired camera connection, a backup camera is primarily meant to produce clear images while the car is in reverse. We used the cameras under various lighting conditions and even set them up to run a continuous video feed to gauge performance outside of the parking lot.
We rated the AUTO-VOX CS-2 as the overall best backup camera for its competitive price, relatively simple features, and easy installation. This backup camera kit comes with a 4.3-inch monitor display, and its wireless connection removes the labor of hiding wires underneath your car’s trim.
As for connection, the AUTO-VOX’s digital transmission won't pick up interference from other signals, such as Bluetooth. The camera is also waterproof and should function in temperatures ranging from negative 4 degrees to 149 degrees Fahrenheit.
Monitor installation is relatively painless with the AUTO-VOX CS-2, which provides a suction cup so you can mount the camera on your dashboard or your windshield. You can attach the camera itself to your license plate, but it may require drilling an additional hole to access the power cable.
The AUTO-VOX CS-2 was a breeze to install, and we found the 110-degree viewing angle to be the sweet spot for parking. For under $100, video quality was excellent, and the AUTO-VOX handled very well during nighttime driving.
Our review team didn’t experience any drops in connection or interference while testing, but we noticed the video lagging a few times. These instances were few and far between, however, and only happened while we were running the camera feed continuously.
Perhaps the most glaring issue with the AUTO-VOX is that the screen is small compared to some of the other backup cameras we tested, but this might be a plus if you’re looking for a discreet system.
Based on over 3,000 Amazon customer reviews, the AUTO-VOX CS-2 gets a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Users often praise the system for its easy installation process, its superior nighttime performance, and the company’s customer service. However, some customers mention issues with the device’s longevity and interrupted connections.
If you’re searching for a simple wireless backup camera with quick installation, the AUTO-VOX is a solid pick. It’s a no-frills choice but successfully performs the basics of a backup camera system.
The AMTIFO A8 FHD might be your best backup camera option if you’re driving an RV or camper or towing a trailer and want all angles covered. This camera works reliably on vehicles up to 80 feet long, features a wireless range up to 984 feet, and has the capacity to support four video feeds.
The system comes with a single 1080p camera that has a 150-degree viewing angle and is decked out with 16 LED lights to assist with night vision. The AMTIFO is packaged in a rugged metal casing and features a heavy-duty mounting bracket.
A 7.0-inch display screen rounds out the package. Unlike some smaller monitors, this device has front-facing buttons for easy access and split-screen capabilities so you can see feeds from multiple cameras at once. (If you want to mount multiple cameras on your vehicle, you can purchase them separately.)
When testing out the AMTIFO A8, our review team found that the video quality produced a clear image and maintained the wireless connection with almost no issue. This system earns bonus points for having a robust LCD monitor that makes it easier to view everything in your blind spots.
The biggest complaint we had is the display screen feels much less secure if you use the mount that originally comes attached. We didn’t have any issues with the suction cup mount falling, but the screen was jostled during test drives.
Although the touchscreen is pretty responsive, the display would sometimes miss a button entry. Also, despite the video quality being adjustable, we barely noticed a difference in the most extreme video settings.
The AMTIFO A8 FHD carries an average 4.6-star rating from more than 1,500 Amazon reviews. In positive reviews, customers often mention being pleased with the number of features for the price. Reviewers also tend to note the camera’s quality construction and ease of installation.
Less satisfied users say the cheaper components, such as antennas, are prone to breaking or have quality issues. Other customers say the system can be susceptible to interference and laggy video.
If you haul trailers, drive an RV, or own a heavy-duty truck, the AMTIFO is likely your best bet for a backup camera. The camera mounting bracket is rock-solid, and the video quality is spectacular – something you probably want from a system that can support up to four cameras.
If your vehicle already has an LCD display, the eRapta ERT01 Car Rearview Camera may be the best backup camera for you. Instead of a full system with a monitor, you only get the camera to connect to your in-vehicle display. It comes at an affordable price and allows for relatively simple license-plate mounting.
This barebones option is not without other perks. The camera is waterproof, features a 149-degree field of view, and comes with 25 feet of cable, which is likely long enough to cover everything from sedans to trucks to even some RVs. If installed correctly, the wired connection should provide a clear, stable picture of your car’s surroundings in real time.
At this lower price point, you lose the level of customization that some higher-grade backup camera systems offer. The only option you have for turning the guidelines off on the ERT01 is physically adjusting the camera up or down, and you must cut a wire if you want to turn them off completely. Having a wired connection also means you may have to hide cabling along your vehicle’s trim.
Since the vehicle we tested did not already have a display screen installed, we paired the eRapta ERT01 with the company’s recommended backup display. The design runs a video cable from the LCD screen to the camera, so losing our connection wasn’t a concern.
This backup camera option costs less than $50 for the complete package with the camera and monitor, and it prioritizes function over features. The camera has three buttons that allow you to toggle between the menu screen, although you can invert the image and make basic picture adjustments.
We also aren’t big fans of the eRapta display screen since it only offers 1080p resolution, but you can purchase a better screen.
The eRapta ERT01 has a 4.4 out of 5-star Amazon rating, with nearly 20,000 customer reviews. Seventy percent of reviewers give the camera a 5-star rating, and many customers rave about the image quality for the price. Other buyers say the product can have a short lifespan, so you may find yourself eventually contacting eRapta’s customer support.
If you’re seeking to add a camera to your car’s existing display, the eRapta system is worth a look. Overall, it’s an easy install at an affordable price.
Designed to work at night and featuring a six-layer glass camera lens, the DoHonest V25 Digital Wireless Backup Camera has you covered if you’re looking for a solid low-light performer.
The range on the unit is 36 feet while a vehicle is in reverse, and the range is 30 feet during continuous use. You can also choose from multiple parking guidelines to find the one that best suits your car. Plus, the camera is waterproof and resistant to high temperatures to work in extreme heat or cold.
The DoHonest V25 could be the best backup camera for daily drivers who want two video feeds since the monitor can support split-screen viewing and has a modest 5.0-inch monitor.
Our review team found the DoHonest to be a mixed bag. Overall video quality was decent enough, and the installation was brisk considering the display magnetically attached to the suction cup mount.
Where the DoHonest V25 falls short is menu navigation and video connection. None of the three navigation buttons on the back of the display have marked instructions, so making any tweaks to the display can be frustrating. There’s also no return button, which means the menu resets to the video display after a few seconds of not being touched.
Although video performance is acceptable, we discovered some latency in the connection. The wide viewing angle is also broader than some of the other options on this list. That noticeably distorted some of the images, including during a driving test when a car right on our bumper appeared to be several feet away.
Picture quality and night vision hit a home run with customers, earning the DoHonest V25 an average rating of 4.3 stars based on more than 3,200 Amazon reviews. Happy customers also mention easy installation and general value for the money.
One common complaint among wireless systems is connection stability, so it’s not surprising that some users of the DoHonest V25 note problems with quality control.
The DoHonest V25 has great all-around performance and is a smart option if you want to mount an extra wireless camera on your car. It can also be a decent buy if you’re on a budget and want a wireless backup camera.
This product almost feels like it would be more at home in a Bond car than in a daily driver. With split-screen functionality between the rear camera recording at 1080p and the front camera capturing 2.5K video, along with features including voice command, the AKASO DL12 2.5K Mirror Dash Cam is the best backup camera for drivers who love gadgets.
The AKASO comes with a touchscreen mirror mounted on top of your existing rearview mirror. A wired camera connection means you must finesse cabling through the vehicle, so putting it together can be a project. However, the system’s extra features – including GPS tracking and emergency accident recording – are worth the hassle of installation for many drivers.
Another draw for the AKASO DL12 is that it serves as both a backup camera and dashcam, with the front camera offering a 170-degree viewing angle and the back offering 150 degrees. The front camera utilizes a Sony STARVIS sensor, which the manufacturer says enhances nighttime performance.
If your idea of the best backup camera is a high-tech gadget with plenty of customizable features, the AKASO DL12 is worth checking out.
Surprisingly, the most feature-heavy backup camera proved the most difficult to install. Instead of using a screw mount, the AKASO attaches to your vehicle with adhesive tape. We also had to attach the camera at various angles because even though you can adjust the viewing angle at the display screen, connecting it to our license plate didn’t offer a usable field of view.
One feature we liked about the AKASO was its ability to toggle between front and rearview camera feeds with voice commands, although it didn’t always perform the stated action on the first try. Even though this product includes a front view and a rearview backup camera, our team placed the AKASO lower on the list because we determined that some of the best dash cameras offer similar performance. For instance, the Kingslim D4 has similar features and shoots high-definition 4K video.
The AKASO DL12 has a 4.4 out of 5-star Amazon customer rating from over 3,500 reviews, and 71 percent of reviewers give the product a full 5 stars. Features that resonate with reviewers include the camera quality, touchscreen performance, intuitive user interface, and low-light video quality. As for critiques, some buyers report frustration with the user interface and mixed results with recording video.
This product is an excellent choice if you want a larger rearview mirror and some high-tech add-ons with your backup camera system. Having a wired system also guarantees a steady video connection.
When deciding on the best backup camera for your vehicle, you should weigh several factors. These include added features and your vehicle’s existing hardware. One of the biggest challenges with an aftermarket camera is the installation process. A store such as Best Buy or a mechanic specializing in modifications can install an aftermarket camera for you, but you’ll pay for both parts and installation.
Below are a few things to keep in mind when picking out the best backup camera for you.
The power from your reverse lights typically supports an external backup camera, which means you’ll have to do some electrical work to connect everything. Depending on the installation kit and your car’s trim, finding the correct wires can take anywhere from minutes to hours.
You typically power aftermarket monitors by plugging a cord from the device into your car’s auxiliary power outlet – better known as the cigarette lighter – although a savvy electrician can power the display through another part of the car.
Figuring out where the reverse camera goes on your car is a relatively simple DIY project. Most manufacturers have a mounting system that fits on your license plate frame, and some manufacturers have a bracket that works on the back of an RV or trailer. Either way, reverse cameras don’t require professional installation.
Depending on the car and the system you purchase, you might need to thread the power cable through a hole or a lighting fixture. If neither is an option, you’ll have to drill a hole through your car’s frame near the camera mount. Drilling a hole comes with the risk of water seeping into the vehicle, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve sealed it correctly.
If you wish to avoid the hassle of hiding wires under your car or the possibility of needing to drill into your vehicle, choose a wireless system. Although a wireless system can have occasional lags and lower video quality, it’s much easier to install.
Many newer cars come with interactive display monitors from the automaker. Some double as screens for backup cameras, while others are just interactive entertainment centers for drivers. If your car already has a monitor, you might be able to save money by getting a camera rather than a complete system with a monitor.
If you’re unhappy with your screen, an aftermarket display is one way to upgrade to your specifications.
One significant consideration is the level of functionality you want from your vehicle. Do you need a touchscreen with a dashcam, or will a simple backup camera work? Something else to think about is continuously running video, which can serve as evidence in an accident. Other things to consider are how complex of a monitor you want and whether you wish to connect other video sources, such as a dashcam or side cameras.
You can probably modify your car to match whatever level of video recording you desire, but it depends on what you’re willing to spend. The best backup camera systems offer high-quality features at reasonable costs.
Which reverse camera is best?
Our review team named the AUTO-VOX CS-2 the best backup camera for its design and price.
Which is better: a wired or a wireless backup camera?
Choosing which camera installation is best for you depends on your vehicle and the amount of work you’re willing to do. Wireless connections are more convenient since you don’t need to hide wires under your vehicle’s trim, but you may not get the best video quality. Wired connections may not be an option for larger vehicles such as trucks and RVs.
Are wireless backup cameras any good?
In our research on wireless backup cameras, we found that brands such as AMTIFO and DoHonest make quality cameras with excellent overall connections and video quality.
Are backup cameras worth it?
For under $100 and a little bit of labor, a backup camera is an easy way to improve visibility when you're backing up and want to boost vehicle safety.