The Best Aftermarket Backup Cameras

In the event that your car doesn’t have a back-up safety camera, check out our picks below.
Best overall
Yada Digital Wireless Backup Camera
Yada
  • pro
    Easy installation
  • pro
    Sharp image
  • pro
    Night vision
Most durable
Garmin BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera
Garmin BC 30
  • pro
    GPS compatibility
  • pro
    Flush mount option
  • pro
    Waterproof casing
Budget pick
LeeKooLuu LK3
  • pro
    Easy installation
  • pro
    Affordable
  • pro
    Waterproof
Best for trailers
Swift Hitch Wireless Backup Camera
Swift Hitch SH04
  • pro
    Wireless camera
  • pro
    Viewing app
  • pro
    Phone mount
Best mirror
Auto-Vox T9
  • pro
    Large touchscreen
  • pro
    MicroSD card slot
  • pro
    140º field of view
pro

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While many of us like to think we have eyes in the back of our heads, the back of our cars is a blind spot that's all too vulnerable to dangerous accidents whenever our vehicles are in reverse. A backup camera can see where your eyes—and rear view mirrors—can't, and it provides a reliable solution to this daily driving risk.

Our top pick, Yada, is easy to install and surprisingly affordable. See how it compares to other top best backup cameras and find the right one to help you stay safe and alert.



Compare the best aftermarket backup cameras

Product
Best for
Price*
Monitor
Mount
Learn more
Read review
Best overall
Icon Yes  LightIncluded
License plate
Most durable
Icon No  LightGarmin GPS
(not included)
License plate,
flush mount
Best budget pick
Icon Yes  LightIncluded
License plate
Best for trailers
Icon Yes  LightMobile app
Screws
Best mirror
Icon Yes  LightIncluded
License plate
Most flexible power source
Icon Yes  LightIncluded
License plate

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Aftermarket backup camera reviews

1. Yada: Best backup camera overall

Best overall
Yada Digital Wireless Backup Camera
Yada
$116.43

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Yada wireless backup camera system is our overall pick because it's reliable, affordable, and easy to install. It does have a shorter wireless range than other cameras on our list (so it may not be the best choice for long trailers or campers), but it's got a great viewing angle, a clear picture, and parking assist.

pro
Pros
pro Easy installation
pro Water-resistant casing
pro Sharp image
pro 110º view
pro Suction cup and hardware for monitor
pro Night vision
con
Cons
con Monitor delay
con Short range

A water-resistant casing protects the camera from dust and moisture, and the camera mounts easily onto your rear license plate. It comes with zip ties to secure the power cable, as well as two different mounting options for the monitor.

The Yada is designed to automatically turn on and send a live feed to the monitor as soon as you put your car in reverse, but there is a slight lag time of a few seconds before the image appears.

2. Garmin BC 30: Most durable backup camera

Most durable
Garmin BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera
Garmin BC 30
$128.95

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Garmin BC 30 camera doesn't come with a monitor, so you'll have to pair it with a compatible Garmin GPS navigator to see the camera feed on a screen. But because the camera "recognizes" the GPS, there's no syncing required, which is nice. If you have an older car without a GPS or a back-up camera, you can get two handy devices that work together on a single screen.

pro
Pros
pro GPS compatibility
pro Parking assist adjustment
pro Easy syncing
pro Flush mount option
pro Instructional installation videos
pro Waterproof casing
con
Cons
con Low resolution
con No night vision
con May require drilling
con Required GPS costs extra

When you put the car into reverse, you'll see the images from the backup camera. And once you put it back into drive, you'll be able to see your navigation system again.

The camera's picture quality isn't great, but the camera itself is rugged and durable, and we like that you can adjust the parking assist feature using the touch screen on your GPS.

Garmin recommends that you have the BC 30 professionally installed, because it may require drilling a hole to get the power wire connected to the reverse lights. 

Checklist
Garmin Drive GPS

The Garmin Drive 50 GPS does double duty as a monitor for your backup camera and as a top-notch vehicle navigation system. It has extra features like Driver Alerts to warn you of potential dangers up ahead and Real Directions, which gives you directions like a friend would, with landmarks and buildings.

3. LeeKooLuu LK3: Budget pick

Budget pick
LeeKooLuu LK3
$49.99

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Unlike most backup cameras that show a picture only when your car is in reverse, the LeeKooLuu has a constant viewing option if you power it using the DC adapter in your cigarette lighter so you can keep an eye on what's happening behind your vehicle at all times.

pro
Pros
pro Continuous video available
pro Affordable
pro Easy install
con
Cons
con Color distortion in cold weather
con Wired installation

We wish that the camera were easier to adjust—it adjusts up and down but not side to side. And you might see some color distortion in the monitor in colder temperatures.

When it's time to install your LeeKuuLoo, we recommend searching online for installation videos, as the instructions that come with the kit aren't very clear.

4. Swift Hitch SH04: Best for trailers

Best for trailers
Swift Hitch Wireless Backup Camera

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Our favorite thing about the Swift Hitch SH04 is that you can power the camera with a wire or use rechargeable batteries for wireless operation. Its 100% wireless feature means you can truly mount it anywhere, making it ideal for trailer hauling or as an RV backup camera. And you'll get a low battery alert when it's time to recharge.

pro
Pros
pro Wireless camera
pro Viewing app
pro Built-in microphone
pro Phone mount
pro Low battery alert
pro Image controls
con
Cons
con 60º field of view
con Low resolution

There's no monitor included, but the camera creates a Wi-Fi hotspot so you can use your phone or tablet as a monitor without needing an internet connection or using data. The camera app is designed so you can still receive calls and texts while viewing camera footage.

The built-in camera microphone allows you to talk to someone outside the vehicle to help with parking, and the kit comes with a mount for your phone to ensure a hands-free experience. The only downsides to this camera are its narrow 60º field of vision and its less-than-stellar image resolution

5. Auto-Vox T9: Best mirror

Best mirror
AUTO-VOX T9
$199.99

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

As one of the priciest cameras on our list, the Auto-Vox T9 has a lot to live up to. But with included video recording, audio recording, and a monitor that doubles as a rearview mirror, this device has it all.

pro
Pros
pro Doubles as rearview mirror
pro 140º field of view
pro Large touchscreen
pro MicroSD card slot
con
Cons
con Pricey
con Power cable on the ceiling

We like that it replaces your rearview mirror, putting your backup camera monitor in a spot where you're already used to looking. When you have it in rear camera mode, you can swipe up and down to adjust the view. There is a glitch that causes a screen flicker when it's in backup mode in some models.

Unlike the other backup cams on our list, this monitor does require some wiring for power. But it's basic enough for DIY installation.

More backup cameras we considered

6. eRapta ERT03: Most flexible power source

Most flexible power source
erapta ERT03 backup camera
eRapta ERT03
$99.99

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you're not sure you want to rely on a wireless connection for your backup cam, the eRapta ERT03 might be a good choice. It gives you the option of either plugging in the monitor to your cigarette lighter and using a wireless connection, or running a wire from the monitor to the camera.

The camera's 149º field of view angle is wide enough for a good view, but it’s not so wide that the image gets distorted.

It's fully waterproof with LED lights for night vision, though its design might obscure parts of your license plate.

eRapta offers 24-hour customer service to help you if you run into any problems.

Final word

Don't worry if your car didn’t come with a backup camera already installed—today's aftermarket backup cameras, like Yada, are affordable and easy to set up. Still, when it comes to choosing one, consider the size of your vehicle, the way you'll use your rear view camera, and the type of installation you're willing to do. It won't take long before you're backing up safer.

Check out the related articles below for more ways to improve your car's safety—like a dash cam to record footage in the event of a car crash, or a vehicle gps tracker to keep tabs on your teen driver.

FAQ

Yes, and it's an ideal way to connect a camera that doesn't come with an LCD monitor. As long as your head unit has a screen with video capability, you should be able to pair it with your backup camera.

If your vehicle doesn't have a modern head unit, companies like Pioneer make Super Hi-Vision touch screen units that can control your stereo, navigation system, and backup camera.

Keep in mind that if you want to put a new head unit in your vehicle, you'll probably need to get it installed by a pro.

It will definitely reduce the number of blind spots, but depending on the field of vision, most backup cameras can't eliminate them completely.

You should always use your car's rear view mirrors and your own line of sight to check blind spots before reversing or changing lanes.

A backup camera does cover one of the most dangerous blind spots directly behind the vehicle, however, reducing your chances of tragic rollovers and unfortunate parking mishaps.

Yes. You can connect your backup camera to your vehicle's head unit, so you can view your backup camera as soon as you put your car in reverse. The Android Auto app automatically switches the screen to your backup camera so you get a clear view.

Yes, but only if your back up camera has video recording capability. If it does, then you can download the video from the device onto your computer, and then upload it to your iCloud photo library. This is a great way to provide video evidence in case of an accident.

Read answers to more car safety FAQs.

How we reviewed aftermarket backup cameras

To evaluate the best backup cameras, we considered the most important necessary features for vehicle safety and convenience. We compared features and specs on the camera systems currently on the market and picked the best options available. Visit our methodology to learn more.

Related articles on SafeWise


*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Kasey Tross
Written by
Kasey is a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and a freelance writer with expertise in emergency preparedness and security. As the mother of four kids, including two teens, Kasey knows the safety concerns parents face as they raise tech-savvy kids in a connected world, and she loves to research the latest security options for her own family and for SafeWise readers.

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