Many new cars come with backup cameras installed, but many of us (like myself) drive older cars that could really benefit from a third-party wireless backup camera. Whether you are handy with installing electronics or are a complete novice, there will surely be a backup camera system for your car that fits your needs and capabilities.
If this is your first time looking for a backup camera, we got you covered. As simple as they may seem, we will explore a lot of new tech in third-party backup cameras in this article.
What to Look for in a Backup Camera
How complicated can a backup camera be? Don’t I just need to see what is behind me? If that is all you needed then your rearview mirror should have sufficed. But there is so much to consider. Markers are great for determining how far away you are from cars or objects behind you. Is it compatible with your phone or do you need to install your own screen? Wireless backup camera systems are easier to install but need to be occasionally recharged so it is important to consider their runtime when making a purchase. We looked at some of the best wireless backup cameras for cars and determined what specific points to look for:
Power Source
You can’t use your wireless backup camera for your car if it doesn’t have any juice. A small lithium-ion battery is standard but you will occasionally come across a backup camera for a car with solar charging. The tradeoff you usually have to make is between a longer battery life and a higher-quality video feed. The more data the wireless backup camera system has to move, the more battery it is going to drain. Keep in mind how little you actually have to use your backup camera and how easy it is to charge.
Security
No one would steal half of a wireless backup camera system, right? Depending on where you live, you may have to consider just how secure your wireless backup camera system is fastened to your car. Many are just an extension of your license plate cover but some can be screwed on or stuck on with adhesive. Some of these stronger methods of installing a rear backup camera for your car can be a permanent decision, so make sure you choose something that will stick to your car for a long time.
Video Quality
Just how nice do you want your wireless backup camera’s image to be? There are super HD wireless backup cameras for cars that deliver real video that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. If picture quality and resolution aren’t that important to you there are many cheaper options that still get the job done. After all, all it really has to do is help you see more when you back up.
Degree of Vision
Just how far back do you need to see when backing up? Some of the best wireless backup cameras have wide viewing angles to catch anything (or anyone) on the rear corners of your car as well. This can be a real lifesaver. While the wider the angle the more distorted the image can be, the markers give you a good idea of depth perception so you can back up safely.
1․ INSEETECH 720P WiFi Magnetic Hitch Wireless Backup Camera
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Comes with Night Vision | ❌ Easy to Steal |
| ✔️ Adjustable Camera | |
| ✔️ Microphone |
Specifications:
- Power: 7 hours of Continuous Working Time
- Placement: Hitch Magnet
- Video Quality: 720p
- Degree of Vision: 170 degrees
- Screen: 3.4 Inches
The INSEETECH is not only great as a wireless backup camera for a car but also a great way to have a portable camera that can monitor inside a trailer, or see in the dark with infrared light. It installs easily, has an app that is simple to use, and provides more than ample video quality with a 720p definition.
2. YEOIZO WiFi License Plate Backup Camera
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Can Record Video | ❌ Wire from the trunk is needed to power |
| ✔️ Comes with different Brackets |
Specifications:
- Power: 7 hours of Continuous Working Time
- Placement: Hitch Magnet
- Video Quality: 720p
- Degree of Vision: 160 degrees
- Screen: Phone
The YEOIZO backup camera has a nice wide angle to see what is coming from the sides as well as what is directly behind you. It comes with different brackets to connect so you can connect it wherever is convenient for you. With the added benefit of recording video, this can be used as both a rearview camera and a front-facing dash cam. Just make sure your smart device has room to record on the app.
3. X W EI UNION Backup Camera
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ HD Quality | ❌ Not Wireless |
| ✔️ Inexpensive | |
| ✔️ Night Vision |
Specifications:
- Power: 9V Car Charger or USB
- Placement: License Plate Mount or Small Mount
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Degree of Vision: 120 degrees
- Screen: Phone
The X W EI UNION Backup Wireless Camera has a super HD and wide-angle camera that is equipped with night vision. This comes in super handy when you are in a dark area and your car does not have strong enough tail lights to brighten up your surroundings. This is one of the best wireless backup cameras for your car when you consider the bang you get for the buck.
4. LeeKooLuu Wireless Backup Camera
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ HD Quality | ❌ Not Wireless |
| ✔️ Optional 2nd Camera for Split Screen | |
| ✔️ Night Vision | |
| ✔️ Handy Button to Activate |
Specifications:
- Power: 24V Car Charger
- Placement: License Plate Mount
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Degree of Vision: 150 degrees
- Screen: 5 Inch
The LeeKooLuu Wireless Backup Camera comes with a handy button to push to automatically activate the rearview camera on the 5-inch display it comes with. This is a great wireless backup camera for trucks, cars, or just about any vehicle.
5. Solar Wireless Backup Camera for Car
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ HD Quality | ❌ Can run out of juice in Cloudy Weather |
| ✔️ No need to Wire the Rear View Camera | |
| ✔️ Adjustable |
Specifications:
- Power: Solar Charger
- Placement: Surface Mount
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Degree of Vision: N/A
- Screen: 5 Inch
If you really don’t want to mess with any wiring, look no further than this solar-powered wireless backup camera. It has an internal battery that gets charged with the solar panel, so make sure you can sometimes park somewhere that gets some sun. Just be careful in the cloudy seasons, you may run out of juice before you know it and lose functionality. You can also charge the camera with a USB if you need to charge it beforehand.
6. GreenYI Wifi Wireless Backup Camera
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Inexpensive | ❌ Can run out of juice in Cloudy Weather |
| ❌ Smart Device for Screen Needs to support Double Band Wifi |
Specifications:
- Power: Car Charger
- Placement: License Plate Mount
- Video Quality: 720p
- Degree of Vision: N/A
- Screen: App Display
This wireless backup camera for your car is a great low-cost solution. It delivers the same 720p quality you expect from higher-end cameras, is compatible with your smartphone, and even has night vision. The image can be flipped on your app if you want it mounted to the front or back of the car too.
7. AMTIFO Wireless Backup Camera
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ HD Quality | ❌ Needs to be wired to trunk |
| ✔️ 2 Available Channels |
Specifications:
- Power: Car Charger
- Placement: Surface Mount
- Video Quality: 1080p
- Degree of Vision: 150 Degrees
- Screen: 7 Inch
If you are looking for something with a really high-quality video feed you can’t go wrong with 5G Double Band Wifi wireless rearview cameras. It doesn’t lag, provides high-resolution video, and can support multiple cameras. This does require a more modern phone so make sure yours is compatible.
8. AUTO-VOX CS-2 Wireless Backup Camera
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Up to 0.1 Lux | ❌ Poor Video Quality |
| ✔️ Adjustable Rear View Guiders |
Specifications:
- Power: Car Charger
- Placement: License Plate Mount
- Video Quality: 480p
- Degree of Vision: 110 Degrees
- Screen: 4 Inch
This backup camera offers the lag-free video you want but on a small screen if you don’t want it cluttered. Since the screen is small, it only offers 480p, which is honestly good enough for a regular vehicle. It can still assist you with its night vision mode and is super adjustable.
9. AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Solar Powered | ❌ Poor Video Quality for price |
Specifications:
- Power: Solar Powered
- Placement: License Plate Mount
- Video Quality: 720p
- Degree of Vision: Not Available
- Screen: 5 Inch
Just install and you are ready to ride. The 5-inch screen will be a nice display for those who do not want to connect their smart device. It goes right on the license plate frame and has a small solar panel facing up to maximize the power it can draw.
10. AUTO-VOX T1400 Upgrade Wireless Backup Camera
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Screen is in Rear view mirror | ❌ Poor Video Quality |
| ✔️ Blends in well with a car | ❌ May be harder to make out details on a small screen |
Specifications:
- Power: Wired to Car
- Placement: License Plate Mount
- Video Quality: 480p
- Degree of Vision: 170 Degrees
- Screen: 4 Inch
If you want one of the most minimalist wireless backup cameras for your car the Auto-Vox T1400 blends right into the rearview mirror. Just install the license plate mounted rearview camera and swap out your rearview mirror with their own rearview mirror that has a built-in screen. It has a transmitter to deliver a seamless video feed, so you don’t have to crank your neck back and just focus on seeing what is behind you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Pick out the Best Wireless Backup Camera for Your Car?
With all we have covered, you should have more than ample information to decide on which is the best wireless backup camera for your car. Your safety is the most important thing, so make sure you properly install your wireless backup camera and check your entire surroundings before reversing. With it being standard on almost every new car, a proper rear view when backing up is needed as many drivers are not used to the ol’ throwing the arm behind the passenger seat and cranking that neck back. Drive Safe!
