5 Best Backup Cameras in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks
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Pete Ortiz - Last updated:
Backup cameras provide so many incredible benefits to drivers that they’re a convenience few of us can go without nowadays. The practicality has even made them a legal requirement on all modern vehicles rolling off the assembly line. Now people with older cars can also take advantage of the convenient safety enhancements.
A backup camera is a simple attachment featuring a camera on the back of the car with a cable running to a monitor positioned near the driver. They connect to reversing lights, so they know when to activate, and many newer models now come with GPS, recording, higher video resolution, and tons of added perks.
There are numerous opportunities to upgrade your car, but the limitless choices make the decision even more confusing. Find your perfect setup with our reviews of the best backup cameras this year.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Auto-VOX T2 |
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CHECK PRICE |
Best Value
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eRapta ERT01 |
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CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice
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AUTO-VOX T9 |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Wolfbox G840H |
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CHECK PRICE |
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LeeKooLuu Backup Camera Monitor HD Kit |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 5 Best Backup Cameras
1. Auto-VOX T2 Backup Camera – Best Overall
Resolution: | 480p |
Viewing Angle: | 170-degree |
Screen Size: | 4.3 inches |
The AUTO-VOX T2 is the best overall backup camera because it provides an all-in-one solution for a broad array of customers. Individuals with older cars will enjoy the monitor that doesn’t take up any extra space, and people with built-in screens will appreciate the simple setup. For the price, it’s an excellent collection of features that performs in nearly any driving situation.
The 4.3-inch 480p screen is part of a mirror that replaces your car’s factory-installed mirror. Although the resolution is relatively low, it’s perfectly adequate for the screen size. The brightness automatically adjusts to ensure you get the best view.
The camera includes Super Night Vision with six LED lights for low-light reversing. The 170-degree angle offers a broad view of approaching vehicles and pedestrians, and it brings up an adjustable parking guide for assistance.
- Monitor replaces rearview mirror for seamless integration
- Wide 170-degree viewing angle
- Excellent night vision
- 480p video is lower resolution than some other models
- No recording capability
2. eRapta ERT01 Backup Camera – Best Value
Resolution: | 720p |
Viewing Angle: | 149-degree |
Screen Size: | N/A |
Simple yet stout, the eRapta ERT01 is a low-priced and reliable backup camera for drivers with a built-in display in their cars. Alternatively, you can use the included 26-foot RCA cable to connect it to a separate portable monitor, making it adaptable to vehicles of all ages.
The ERT01 is an impressive set of quality features in an affordable package, making it the best backup camera for the money. Its IP69 waterproof rating beats some of its more expensive competitors, and it mounts easily to the license plate for a perfect angle. The 720p video and 8 LED lights offer excellent clarity as you back up during the day or while it’s dark.
- Relatively low price
- Easy to mount and install
- Excellent picture quality
- High-quality build holds up in intense weather
- No built-in recording
3. AUTO-VOX T9 Backup Camera — Premium Choice
Resolution: | 1080p |
Viewing Angle: | 140-degree |
Screen Size: | 9.35 inches |
The AUTO-VOX T9 isn’t the most expensive backup camera on the market, but the features could probably warrant a higher price tag. The OEM replacement mirror is a sleek and out-of-the-way upgrade, particularly for cars that don’t have a display. Unlike its lower-priced T2 model, the complete mirror transforms into a screen, offering 9.35 inches of wide-angle viewing for more confident reversing.
The 1080p monitor provides crystal-clear and unblocked real-time video of everything happening behind you, even if the car is full of gear. It’s also a touchscreen, allowing you to customize your parking lines, adjust image brightness, and tilt the camera. Available loop recording adds an extra layer of security that makes the T9 much more than an everyday backup camera.
- 9.35-inch screen provides easy viewing
- Real-time video offers a clear rear view
- Touchscreen allows you to customize the camera view
- Rearview mirror-style monitor saves space
- Auto-dimming optimizes clarity at all times
- Recording available
- Relatively expensive
4. Wolfbox G840H Backup Camera
Resolution: | 1440p front/1080p rear |
Viewing Angle: | 170-degree front/150-degree rear |
Screen Size: | 12 inches |
Wolfbox delivers an excellent backup camera and an even better security device with its G840H, the update to its G840S. There’s no missing out when you choose the G840H. The picture quality is exceptional on its generous 12-inch screen. The WDR technology monitors and adjusts brightness levels across the frame to deliver unrivaled clarity in all lighting conditions.
The G840H gets top marks for security. The rearview mirror touch screen monitor gives you dynamic control over a 1080p backup camera and a 2K 170-degree front camera. The touchscreen allows you to take pictures, control the viewing, and manage recordings, all of which take place on an included 32GB SD card. In an accident, a G-sensor detects the collision and locks the video, and there’s even parking monitoring to protect your car.
- Includes front and rear cameras with loop recording
- WDR camera optimizes picture quality
- Wide front and rear camera angles
- GPS tracking records driving data
- G-sensor emergency recording locks camera footage during a crash
- Relatively expensive
5. LeeKooLuu Backup Camera Monitor HD Kit
Resolution: | 1080p |
Viewing Angle: | 149-degree |
Screen Size: | 4.3 inches |
LeeKooLuu’s all-in-one HD backup camera system has a lot going for it, making its incredibly affordable price all the more impressive. The 4.3-inch dashboard-mounted screen supplies 1080p video for beautiful definition, with six LEDs in the camera providing equally vivid night-time viewing.
Versatility is an unexpected plus in LeeKooLuu’s low-priced offering. The backup grid lines are adjustable, giving you a complete range to dial in the guide for your vehicle and improve the experience. You can also tailor the power supply. A cigarette light allows you to use the reverse camera continuously, or you can connect it to the reverse light for as-needed video.
- Relatively low price
- Clear 1080p video
- Options for cigarette light or reverse switch connections
- Fully adjustable parking guides
- Dash-mounted monitor takes up extra room
- No recording capability
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Backup Camera
Types of Backup Cameras
Backup cameras come in several styles to suit your needs, preferences, and vehicle type. The essential types of backup cameras include:
- Wireless: Camera connects to reverse light with a wire but links wirelessly to the monitor
- Wired dash or window-mounted: Affordable all-in-one solutions with a wired camera and monitor that sits on your dashboard or attaches to your windshield
- Rearview mirror replacement: Rearview mirror with a built-in monitor replaces the car’s OEM mirror
- Camera only: Camera connects to in-dash entertainment console screen or a separate monitor
If you already have an in-dash display, a camera by itself is often the cheapest and most seamless integration. A replacement rearview mirror provides a similar streamlined look, but it is often one of the more challenging styles to install because of how you have to run the wires.
Backup Camera Features
Backup cameras are offering exciting new options as the reversing technology improves, and they’re becoming equally critical as security devices. Some of the essential features to consider on a backup camera for your vehicle include:
- Parking lines: Parking lines can be selectable on some models, while “active parking lines” turn with the wheels to help you aim your vehicle
- Viewing angle: A wider viewing angle allows you to see more of your surroundings
- Recording: Provides video evidence should you get into an accident
- Image reversal: Some cameras let you switch between mirror and non-mirror images
- Lux rating: The amount of light needed to render a visible picture
Conclusion
The AUTO-VOX T2 is an excellent middle-of-the-road model that can suit the needs of nearly any driver wanting a quality backup camera, making it the best overall choice this year. If you don’t mind spending a little extra, the upgraded T9 is one of the most attractive and capable options available. Meanwhile, eRapta ERT01 fits the bill for the budget-conscious buyer.
These are only a taste of the growing number of tech-heavy backup cameras hitting the market. But with an understanding of the capabilities highlighted by the best backup cameras, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect fit for your vehicle.
Related read: 8 Best RV Backup Cameras: Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: RYosha, Shutterstock