Best Wired License Plate Backup Cameras in 2024

1. eRapta ERT11

Latest Prices

Key Features

Five mounting options included
1280×720 resolution
IP-69-rated
Includes all necessary wiring to install

eRapta ERT11 Quick Review

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.

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

2. Esky License Plate Camera

Latest Prices

at Amazon.com

Key Features

License plate frame mounting
IP-67 dust and moisture resistance (not waterproof)
480TVL resolution
Includes wiring to install
NTSC compatible for use with most aftermarket head units

Esky License Plate Frame Quick Review

When you want a backup camera, but you don’t want to bother with finding a mounting location, this package is perfect. The camera is mounted to a license plate frame, so all you have to do is put it in place and run wiring to the necessary connections. As far as wired systems go, this one is about as easy to install as possible.

Video resolution isn’t spectacular, but at standard TV resolution of 480, you should have no trouble distinguishing between objects. It has a wide-angle view of 170-degrees to ensure you don’t miss anything, however this angle does introduce the “fishbowl” effect that can take some getting used to. Night vision is aided by seven ultra-bright LED diodes.

Reasons to Buy

Great image quality
Excellent connection options
Well-regarded reliability

Reasons Not to Buy

Low resolution doesn’t give as good of a view as some competitors
Fixed angle of camera, no adjustment for vertical changes

3. Alpine HCE-C1100

Latest Prices

$159.95 at Crutchfield.com

$209.40 at Amazon.com

Key Features

Easy-to-install license plate frame backup camera
IP-67 dust and water resistance (not waterproof)
480TVL resolution
Advanced HDR technology and sensor for clear day or night images
NTSC/ RCA compatibility
Includes wiring to install

Alpine HCE-C1100 Quick Review

Alpine quality has found its way into this easy-to-install license plate frame backup camera. We've had the HCE-C1100 on our list for some time now, but only recently did we find a camera + license plate mount combination. This camera provides a 131-degree image and is adjustable vertically to accommodate for different license plate heights. It’s also compatible with factory and aftermarket head units and can connect to a switching device to enable the use of multiple cameras.

Resolution i s standard 480, but it’s made better with the use of High Dynamic Range to give you clear, crisp images day or night. It’s IP-67 rated for dust and water resistance and includes all the necessary wiring to install. This is a great option to add a backup cam to your vehicle, particularly if you are installing an Alpine aftermarket head unit.

Reasons to Buy

Adjustable viewing angle eliminates the issues with fixed cameras
HDR provides a clear image in low-light conditions
Ideal when installing an aftermarket head unit

Reasons Not to Buy

Pricey for the resolution
Lack of IR or LED lighting limits image quality in dark conditions

This post was last modified on March 26, 2024 7:09 am

Kameron Scott

Back in 2008, Kameron decided to dive headfirst into the world of car and marine audio, and by 2010, CarAudioNow was born. With his roots in the industry running SC Autosound in Orange County, California, he began compiling lists of standout products, crafting helpful how-to guides, and much more. He wasn't just an armchair expert though – he got his hands dirty, testing products in the garage and installing them in hundreds of customers' vehicles. With CarAudioNow, his mission was crystal clear: to simplify the process of finding top-quality car audio and tech gear, so that you wouldn't have to spend countless hours on research. Between 2015 and 2018, he worked as a Digital Product Manager at Motor Trend. During that time, he collaborated closely with renowned editorial figures like Mike Floyd and Ed Loh, creating web experiences tailored to automotive enthusiasts. Fast forward to today, and he's still going strong. With a group of trusted editors, he continues to curate expert lists, rigorously test products, and write informative articles. As the founder, he's not just a figurehead; he's also the primary editor and contributor, ensuring that CarAudioNow remains a trusted resource for everything related to car and marine audio.