Best Backup Cameras for 2022 – Roadshow [CNET]

Since 2018, new vehicles in the US have been required to have a built-in rearview camera, and for good reason. Backup cameras make driving safer, whether you’re backing into a spot and need a good view of the parking lines, parallel parking or just trying to get a better feel for your surroundings. The best backup camera systems have multiple cameras, giving you a full view of everything happening around and behind you so you can monitor your vehicle’s blind spot. Some systems even allow you to incorporate a dash cam into your kit, offering you a more complete aggregation of information.  

If your car was made before 2018, you may be feeling a little left out, but don’t fret. There are lots of aftermarket backup cameras you can install yourself. All you need to do is attach the backup camera to the rear of your car (preferably as close to the center of the car as possible) and send the footage to a monitor attached to a console display, your dashboard or an inset screen on your rearview mirror, giving you better visibility with no straining to see your blind spots while driving your car in reverse.

Some backup cameras give you a simple rear view, while others use a wide angle or even a series of cameras to simulate a bird’s-eye view of your car and its surroundings (especially useful for a large vehicle). Some of the best backup cameras have a sensor that produces a beeping sound when your car gets close to another object. Most will at least have a grid of lines that appears on the screen to provide context for how close you are to objects in view. 

Just because you have a rearview camera, though, doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. You can always upgrade your backup cam — you might even be able to add an additional camera to an existing system if you’ve got the technical know-how to wire it properly or know someone who does. On that note, if you drive an older car that doesn’t have a reversing camera, it’s a good idea to have one installed. Like a dash cam, it’s better and safer to have a reverse camera — especially one with a wide viewing angle — than to not. The best backup cameras and dash cam options help you monitor what matters most. Either way, you’ll find yourself asking the same question: What do I need in a backup camera?

Here are our picks for the best aftermarket backup camera in a variety of categories, based on expert opinions and consumer ratings. And be sure to continue reading for some pro tips on picking the right rear camera system for you.

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There are also features available in certain backup cameras that might be important to you and variations among different cameras. For instance, different cameras have different fields of view, which determine how wide of a lens angle you can see behind you. Typically, angles around 165 to 170 degrees are the maximum, while angles under 120 degrees are considered too narrow by some. The larger the angle, though, the more distorted the image will be on your screen.

Some cameras also provide night vision to help you see in darkness and low light, but there’s an efficacy difference between military-grade night vision and standard night vision. The latter often simply means that one or more infrared lights have been added to the camera. Finally, as mentioned earlier, you can have the footage recorded by the camera sent to either a screen in your console, a mounted screen or an inset in your rearview mirror. You can pick whichever you prefer, but a dashboard or mounted screen will offer a larger image.

You also might need to moderate your hunt based on your vehicle. You can add a rear camera to just about any vehicle, but the details may change. For instance, many RV owners are particularly interested in backup cameras due to the difficulty that comes with maneuvering such large vehicles in reverse, but they may have to adjust their expectations in terms of cost and capability.

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What to expect to spend on — and get from — a backup camera

Price is a major concern when selecting a backup camera and prices can vary widely. Based on a number of factors, such as the type and brand of camera and whether or not you already have a dashboard screen, they can range from $10 to $500, or even more for larger vehicles. The cost simply depends on the equipment you need and the equipment you already have. This is evident in the way cameras for sale are typically grouped — they’re sold as camera units that hook to existing screens, individual components and all-in-one systems.

Installation is another concern. If you plan to install your camera on your own, make sure to set aside 3 hours for the job. If you need professional installation, that can set you back an additional $400 to $600. Before you make your decision, it’s important to remember that the most reliable backup wired cameras are also the most difficult to install. That said, the money and hard work can be worth it — if you get the right backup camera, install it properly and take care of it, it can provide you with 10 years of safer driving. “It might get outdated and not have all the best features,” says Birenboym, “but it should have enough life to last that long.”

“People report backup cameras lasting anywhere between a month to 10 years, which tells us that what we really need when looking for a backup camera is something that is sturdy and something that comes with a warranty (just in case)!” says Michael Lowe, CEO of Car Passionate. “The hope is that the camera will last as long as you own the car, but cars are sturdy and cameras not as much. So when you are buying, it’s worth considering whether [the camera] comes in a protective case that can help protect against mishaps or falls. Aside from all the snazzy features, what you want is a product that does what it says on the tin and can last the distance.”

If you’ve decided you want to install your camera yourself but you’re intimidated by the prospect of the job, you should consider a license plate backup camera. Some of these wireless backup camera systems are mounted in license plate holders, while others can easily be attached to your existing holder. You’ll need to have a screen as well, whether it’s an existing one in your dashboard or a mounted monitor. Some of the most well-regarded license plate backup camera brands are LeeKooLuu and Esky.

A backup camera can be a large expense or a minor one, but possessing the necessary knowledge will help you make a fitting investment. In the end, what’s most important is that you’ll be driving more safely.

What you need to know before getting a backup camera

• Does your car already have a screen in the dashboard? If it does, you may be able to use it to broadcast the camera’s footage. But if it doesn’t, you’ll need to have someone install a mounting bracket for an LCD monitor or use a different viewing option. 
• Do you want a wired, wireless or smartphone camera system? Weigh the pluses and minuses of each type of camera and measure them against your personal needs and preferences before making a decision.
• Are there special concerns related to adding a backup camera to your vehicle? Depending on the size and shape of your vehicle, you may need to mount the camera in a different place, or you may find that a certain brand or model is better suited for the job.
• How much are you willing to spend? Backup cameras vary greatly when it comes to price, so it’s better to have a budget in mind before you start shopping. You must also allow an additional cost for installation, if you don’t want to install the rearview backup camera yourself.
• Which model best suits your needs? Once you’ve answered all the other questions, you’ll be able to consult resources such as this list to find which backup camera is the best choice for you.

Written for Roadshow by Scott Fried.

This list is updated with new products periodically.