Best Rear View Backup Cameras (Tested) – 2025 Buyer’s Guide
- By: Kameron Scott
- Published: March 21, 2017
- Updated: November 13, 2025
Tested by us
How we evaluate: We install and use the same types of backup cameras featured on this page—license-plate frame cameras, low-profile surface/flush-mounts, mirror dash-cam combos, and full wireless kits—in real cars, SUVs, trucks, and trailers. Our focus is safe, reliable visibility with clean installs and minimal driver distraction.
- Day & night clarity: Check image quality in bright sun and at night, confirm HDR/WDR behavior, and verify usable night vision (IR LEDs or low-light sensors) without blown-out hotspots.
- Guidelines & orientation: Validate parking lines (on/off, adjustable if available), correct image flip/mirror options, and alignment so the centerline actually matches the vehicle’s path.
- Wired vs. wireless: For wired kits, route power from reverse lamps and test trigger reliability; for wireless, confirm stable video with minimal lag and resistance to interference on longer vehicles.
- Mounting & fitment: Assess plate-frame rigidity, bracket adjustability, sealing/grommets for trunk/hatch pass-throughs, and whether the camera clears trim/latches.
- Integration: Test compatibility with factory and aftermarket displays (RCA/USB/HDMI where relevant), auto-switching to reverse, and multi-camera inputs on head units when offered.
- Weather & durability: Favor solid IP-rated housings, corrosion-resistant hardware, and connectors that survive winter/salt, car washes, and rain.
Disclosure: Some products are manufacturer samples; most we purchase. Brands don’t review or approve our picks, and our recommendations are based on hands-on use.
In this article: I share my top picks for rear view backup cameras for cars, trucks, trailers and RVs. I’ll break them out by category (wired and wireless cameras, license-plate mounted models, camera + monitor combos, multi-camera systems, and RV-specific systems) and link to deeper guides and installs I’ve published so you can choose and install with confidence.
Adding a backup camera is one of the highest-impact safety upgrades I recommend. After installing and using dozens in my own builds and test vehicles, it’s tough to go back—parking gets easier, backing out of tight spots feels safer, and you avoid those “what’s behind me?” surprises.
Quick legal note: the U.S. “Rear Visibility” rule requires all new light vehicles (GVWR ≤ 10,000 lbs) manufactured on or after May 1, 2018 to display a compliant rearview image. If you’re driving something built before that, you might not have one—and you’re exactly who I wrote this guide for. For RVs, trailers, and box vans, a retrofit camera system can be a huge stress saver when maneuvering in close quarters.
Not sure which type you need? Start with my updated Quick Guide to Backup Cameras for key specs like viewing angle, low-light performance, mounting style and wiring options. If you plan to DIY, I also walk through both wired/wireless backup camera installs step-by-step, and show how I add a camera during head unit upgrades (see the Accord example with camera wiring here). Upgrading the radio but want to keep your factory camera? I’ve covered that too with adapter options here.
Here Are Our Best Pick Rear View Backup Cameras
Best License Plate Backup Cameras
>>> See my full list of License Plate Backup Cameras <<<
Let’s start with license-plate cameras. They look OEM-clean on most vehicles and are generally the most reliable image you can get (no wireless interference). If you’re pairing to an aftermarket stereo, check that your radio has a camera input and enable “reverse camera” in the settings after install (I show this in my Accord upgrade here).
eRapta ERT11
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Why I Picked It
The ERT11 is eRapta’s updated 720p, IP69K license-plate camera. It’s a simple, affordable way to add a clean OEM-style view to a vehicle that already has (or will have) a screen. I like that the kit includes multiple brackets so I can hang it above a plate or mount behind a frame depending on the bumper/plate recess. It’s straightforward wiring—power at the reverse light and a single RCA run to your screen. If your monitor only accepts HDMI/other formats, you’ll need an RCA converter.
Key Features
- Multiple mounting options (above/below plate, frame-mount)
- 1280×720 resolution with improved night sensor
- IP69K dust/water protection
- Includes power/video harnesses for a complete install
Reasons to Buy
- Clean, OEM-looking plate mount that works on most bumpers
- Solid low-light performance for the price
Reasons Not to Buy
- Fixed bracket requires bending to change angle
- No built-in LEDs; night performance relies on reverse lights
Best Wireless Backup Camera
>>> Check out my full list of Wireless Backup Cameras, including a Hitch design <<<
Wireless systems simplify the install by sending video over 2.4GHz to a dedicated display or head unit receiver. You’ll still wire power/ground at the camera, but there’s no long video run. The tradeoff is potential interference/latency with cheap kits—so I shortlist models I’ve had good experiences with. If you’re totally new to wiring, my camera install walkthrough covers the basics (battery disconnect, tail light access, grounding, trigger wire, etc.).
AUTO VOX Solar1
Why I Picked It
I’m a fan of smart “no-wire-run” solutions when they actually work. Solar1 is the rare kit that mounts as a license-plate frame and powers itself via the built-in solar pack, so you aren’t routing a long video cable. In typical daily use it tops off on its own; if the car doesn’t see 30 minutes of sun a day, you can quick-charge it via USB. The included monitor means no head unit integration is required.
Key Features
- License-plate frame with integrated solar power
- IP68 dust/water resistance
- Truly simple install; no long wire run
Reasons to Buy
- Frame-mount keeps the rear clean; monitor included
- Solar keeps wiring to a minimum; USB top-off when needed
- Fastest “from box to working” kit in this guide
Reasons Not to Buy
- Battery life depends on sun exposure; garages & long winters may require more USB charging
- Wireless link can be susceptible to interference in dense urban RF environments
Best Backup Camera and Monitor Combo
>>> See my full list of Backup Camera & Monitor Combos <<<
When I’m outfitting older vehicles that don’t have a screen—or when I want a cleaner mirror-integrated look—a matched camera + display kit is the easy button. The AUTO VOX T9 replaces your factory mirror and gives you a large touchscreen for a modern feel without changing your head unit.
AUTO VOX T9
Why I Picked It
If I want a “looks stock” solution with a large screen, this mirror-replacement is a great value. The 9.35″ touchscreen gives you a huge, bright image and simple on-screen controls. Installation is more involved than a wireless kit (you’ll run power to both the mirror and camera, plus the video feed), but the result is clean and consistent.
Key Features
- Bar-style license-plate camera + full-time mirror monitor
- IP68 dust/water resistance
- 9.35″ touchscreen with adjustable guidelines & recording to SD (card optional)
- Approx. 140° viewing angle
- All wiring included (SD/GPS module sold separately)
Reasons to Buy
- Factory-style look with a big, clear image
- Always-on mirror view is useful beyond just reversing
Reasons Not to Buy
- Hard-wiring and interior trim removal add install time
- If the camera fails, your mirror feed is impacted until resolved
Best Multi-Camera System for Car
>>> See my full list of Multi-Camera Systems <<<
Adding front, rear, and side views can totally change how an older vehicle drives in tight spaces. These systems are more complex to install (additional relays/wiring, calibration steps), but if you’re aiming for a 360-style view, the results are worth it. If you’re new to multi-camera wiring, skim my install guide first here.
Weivision BDV001
The Weivision kit gives you front/rear + left/right cameras and a control box that stitches views into a bird’s-eye composite after calibration. It can also trigger side views with turn signals and loop-record with a G-sensor. Expect more wiring and calibration time than a single-camera setup, but the all-around situational awareness is a big upgrade for tight garages, off-road crawling, or city parking.
Key Features
- Four-camera system with 360° stitched view
- IP69K-rated cameras
- Control box, calibration cloth & wiring included
- G-sensor loop recording; directional view triggers
- Recommended for vehicles under ~20 ft
Reasons to Buy
- True bird’s-eye composite—awesome for parking & off-road
- Side-camera turn-signal triggers add daily usability
Reasons Not to Buy
- Significantly more wiring/calibration than single-camera kits
- Left/right cameras require drilling on most vehicles
Best Camera for Trailers and Motorhomes / RVs
>>> See my full list of Trailer & Motorhome Cameras <<<
Large trailers and motorhomes have bigger blind spots, crosswinds, and longer stopping distances—so a reliable long-range camera link matters. This is where I lean toward proven RV-focused platforms that prioritize stable wireless transmission and simple pairing.
Furrion Vision S
Why I Picked It
There’s a reason so many new trailers and Class A/C coaches are prepped for Furrion: the platform is purpose-built for longer vehicles and has one of the more stable long-range wireless links I’ve used. You can run front/rear + left/right cameras to a 7″ touchscreen and enable motion-recording while parked. Range claims vary by rig, but I’ve found the link remains usable at highway speeds with proper antenna placement.
Key Features
- RV-focused wireless system with up to four cameras
- Motion-sensing & audio on selected cams
- Designed for long-range transmission between trailer and tow vehicle
Reasons to Buy
- Stable link on long rigs when installed properly
- Pre-wire ready on many RVs; looks factory when complete
Reasons Not to Buy
- Pricier than universal kits; image resolution trails some newer cameras
- Lower formal IP rating than top IP69K units; protect connectors during install
Need help choosing wiring paths, grounds, or keeping factory cameras during a radio swap? See my camera install primer here and my OEM-controls retention walkthrough here.
Regulatory reference: U.S. FMVSS No. 111 (“Rear Visibility”) phased in 2016–2018 and applies to vehicles manufactured on or after May 1, 2018. If your vehicle predates this, adding a camera improves safety and convenience.
Why Trust Our Opinion on Backup Cameras?
CarAudioNow is an award winning automotive blog, founded and built from the ground up by car enthusiasts over a decade ago. Between our editor, Kameron, and a few selected qualified writers, we’ve installed and tested numerous backup cameras. Back up cameras are part of our test process with almost any head unit as well too. We get our hands on every product that we test in person – some are purchased and some are provided by a manufacturer. It’s a combination of our testing, installation experience and extensive research that lead us to our recommendations. And we’re frequently testing new backup cameras for our lists.
CarAudioNow’s view on AI generated content is simple too – we don’t use AI to assemble regurgitated information about a few backup cameras on a list and say they’re “the best” either. Rather, we try to providing genuine meaningful lists, with accurate and useful information that will help you make an informed decision on a product. And we do this because we genuinely like the stuff we add to our lists. Our readers and our reputation are both more important to us than a quick buck or the top rank on Google – although both of those would be nice! Read more about how we choose our top lists here.
