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.
In this article: We'll review our best rear view backup camera picks for your car, truck, trailer or RV. We'll break out these cameras by category, including wired and wireless cameras, license plate mounted, camera and monitor combos, multi-camera systems and even motorhome and large trailer camera systems.
Adding a backup camera to your car or truck can be an easy DIY job that can make you a safer driver, park faster and even give you a little more confidence pulling into that tight parking spot. You don’t appreciate the usefulness of a quality backup camera until you have an opportunity to spend time using one. You’ll gain confidence when parking in tight spots or while parallel parking, be safer exiting parking spaces you can’t see oncoming cars from, and you’ll see pedestrians behind you when you back out of your driveway. Once you've had one, it's tough to go back.
Starting back in 2019, backup camera systems were mandated in vehicles leased or sold in the United States. This decision was fueled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and part of the 2008 Driving Safety Act, signed by President George W. Bush. The new safety regulations were triggered by the growing number of accidents, injuries and even deaths from reversing vehicles in the past years. In 2008, NHTSA reported 271 deaths and more than 18,000 injuries resulting from reversing drivers.
If your car or truck was built before 2019, there's a chance you don't have a backup camera. There's also thousands of RVs, trailers and box vans that would seriously benefit from having a backup camera and/or camera system installed to prevent avoidable accidents. This buying guide will help you parse through the options on the market.
There are a variety of rear view backup cameras. Wired, wireless, license plate cameras, and so on. If you're unsure what you're looking at, or what type of camera fits your needs we recommend taking a look at our quick guide to backup cameras before you dig into our list here.
Here Are Our Best Pick Rear View Backup Cameras
Best Wired License Plate Backup Cameras
>>> See our full list of Wired License Plate Backup Cameras <<<
Let's start with wired license plate backup cameras. This category of backup camera requires you to tap into power from your reverse signal and run a power and video feed to your monitor or in-dash head unit. They're super simple to mount, look great and work well on virtually all vehicles. The best part about license plate cameras is their simplified, seamless mounting.
eRapta ERT11
Why We Picked It
The eRapta ERT11 is a newly upgraded version from eRapta that incorporates a better chipset and lens to provide 720P resolution and improved night vision. This camera is easy to install with basic tools. The kit includes two mounts so you can choose to place the camera behind your license plate frame or hang it from your rear bumper.
The kit includes all the wiring you’ll need to make connections to the reverse light power source and connect to RCA camera inputs. If your head unit or monitor uses NTSC connections, you’ll need to purchase an RCA-to-HDMI converter to use this system. The camera is IP-69 rated to ensure years of use, even when used in dusty or wet environments.
Key Features
- Five mounting options included
- 1280×720 resolution
- IP-69-rated
- Includes all necessary wiring to install
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable way to add a backup camera to vehicles that already have a monitor or touchscreen with camera capabilities
- Better-than-expected night vision from the upgraded sensor
Reasons Not to Buy
- Mounting bracket is fixed angle, so you’ll have to bend it to change the angle
- Lack of IR or LED lighting limits performance at night to moderately well-lit areas
Best Wireless Backup Camera
>>> Check out our full list of Wireless Backup Cameras, including a Hitch Design <<<
Next up – Wireless Backup Cameras. Taking advantage of WiFi, wireless backup systems don’t require running a video feed from the back of your car to your dash. This can make installation much easier, but can also induce lag between the image capture and the display if you don't purchase the right one. Lucky for you we weeded out laggy choices. But even though wireless cameras can transfer the video feed via WiFi straight to your dash, you'll still need to wire power and ground by tapping into your reverse signal. The obvious benefits to a wireless system is ease of wiring and installation. Simply hook the camera (and monitor if it comes with one) up to power and you're rolling!
AUTO VOX Solar1
Why We Picked It
One of the worst things about installing a backup camera is running the wiring from the rear of the car back to the head unit. This camera system from Auto Vox makes installation so much simpler. What we love about this choice, and what differentiates it from others on our list is its solar feature. I mentioned that most wireless backup cameras still require you to wire power. This is the only option on our list where there is literally no wiring needed which means you can basically install it with a screwdriver and go. Simply attach the license plate frame mount and connect via WiFi to the included monitor, and you’re ready to roll.
You might be wondering, no power or signal, how does it know I'm reversing? Well, the power cable for the included monitor features a trigger button you can use to view your backup camera anytime, even when driving down the road. Simply flip the switch.
Key Features
- License plate frame mount with included monitor
- Solar-powered battery only requires charging when the camera doesn’t get 30 minutes of sunshine per day
- IP-68 rated for dust and water resistance (not waterproof)
- Easy install with no wiring
Reasons to Buy
- License plate frame mount with included monitor
- Solar-powered battery only requires charging when the camera doesn’t get 30 minutes of sunshine per day
- IP-68 rated for dust and water resistance (not waterproof)
- Easy install with no wiring
Reasons Not to Buy
- The simplest possible installation
- Included monitor eliminates the need to connect to your head unit
Best Backup Camera and Monitor Combo
>>> See our full list of Best Backup Camera and Monitor Combos <<<
Although some of the backup camera options we've given you thus far do include a monitor, we've dedicated a section to a combo choice that we think works very well together. This category includes a backup camera and some form of a monitor in which to view the video in one easy to install package. These are ideal systems for installing in older vehicles that have do not have an aftermarket head unit with a screen. Each of these systems brings convenience to your install by matching the components.
AUTO VOX T9
Why We Picked It
Auto Vox makes this backup camera and mirror monitor system for use 100% of the time. The mirror replaces your factory mirror, and once installed, displays the camera image on the entire mirror all the time. The mirror measures 9.35-inches and has touchscreen options for controlling your camera image.
The mirror mounts using the factory windshield clip and the camera uses a bar-type license plate frame mount. You’ll need to wire the camera to the monitor and both components to power in order to use it, so it’s a little more complex than some installations. A removable SD card even provides rear image recording full-time that automatically loop records when out of space.
Key Features
- License plate bar mount backup camera
- IP-68 dust and water resistance
- 9.35” rear view monitor touchscreen
- Full-time run capability
- SD card storage for automatic rear view recording
- Touchscreen functions include dimmer, recording options, access to optional GPS data
- 140-degree viewing angle
- Includes all wiring to install, does not include SD card or GPS module, sold separately
Reasons to Buy
- Great looking monitor that replaces the mirror for a high-tech solution
- Excellent image day or night
Reasons Not to Buy
- Difficult wiring that requires lots of interior trim removal and wiring connections
- Full-time function means you’ll lose rear view if the camera fails
Best Multi-Camera System for Car
>>> See our full list of Multi-Camera Systems for Cars <<<
Today, front, rear, and side-view cameras are becoming more common on new vehicles. So in this section, you'll find a series of systems that come with multiple cameras. You can upgrade any vehicle with multi-camera technology using these products. However, these systems are much more complex to install than single or dual camera systems. Many vehicles will require additional relays and wiring to get all cameras working correctly. Nonetheless, they're excellent options for trying to bring a ‘360 view' to your car, truck or RV.
Weivision BDV001
Why We Picked It
This system gives you four cameras that can give you an individual image or the images can splice together to show you a birds-eye view of your surroundings. This is next-level technology that is becoming popular in the newest cars and trucks, so adding it to your older vehicle is a good idea. As with any multi-camera system, wiring is significantly more complex than a single backup camera.
The package features front and rear cameras with surface mount brackets and left and right cameras that are flush mount. The system sends video to a compatible monitor or aftermarket touchscreen stereo. It can be configured in a number of ways, including full time use and an option that brings up the left or right camera depending on the direction you are turning. You can also set it up to automatically record even when the vehicle is parked by using a G-sensor.
Key Features
- Complete four camera system that provides birds-eye view
- IP-69 rated (waterproof)
- Includes control box, calibration cloth, and wiring
- G-Sensor for auto recording
- Numerous camera views including directional and 360-degree birds eye
- Suitable for vehicles less than 20 ft. long
Reasons to Buy
- Cool birds-eye view is great for parking, off-road, and other situations where you need to see all around your vehicle
- Great customer service
Reasons Not to Buy
- Complex wiring required to install. Many vehicles will require additional components to use all four cameras
- Must drill holes to mount left and right cameras
Best Camera for Trailers and Motorhomes / RVs
>>> See our full list of Trailer and Motorhome Cameras <<<
When you are operating a trailer or a motorhome, having a backup or multi-camera system is essential. Blind spots are bigger on these types of vehicles and being able to see all angles when driving or reversing can save a lot of trouble, headaches and stress. These products are specifically designed to work with your RV, boat, or camper.
Furrion Vision S
Why We Picked It
There is a reason many brand-new motorhomes and travel trailers are factory-equipped with Furrion cameras- they are a superior solution to long-distance video feed. This wireless four camera setup from Furrion is admittedly expensive- but you get what you pay for. It has front and rear, left and right cameras, and a 7-inch touchscreen multi-function monitor.
Each wireless cam also features a motion sensor, so your Furrion system will record video even when you are away. The rear and doorway cameras also have microphones for recording audio. Cameras stream video to the monitor using a 2.4gHz WiFi connection. Even at high speeds, this system transmits at least 100 feet, making it appropriate for almost any truck and trailer combo, motorhome or fifth wheel trailer.
Reasons to Buy
- Perfect long-range solution for large motorhomes
- Easy setup and factory-appearing installation
- Pretty comprehensive, high quality setup
Reasons Not to Buy
- Lower resolution compared to some competitors in the same price range
- Lower than average IP-rating increases the likelihood of damage during weather
