The Best Aftermarket Backup Cameras

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

Read answers to more car safety FAQs.

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.

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