You might think that adding aftermarket reversing cameras is a bit odd in terms of car upgrades – certainly in comparison to the more popular dash cam setups. Many cars in the modern era have them fitted, but more often than not, they were optional extras that haven’t been fitted. A lot of other cars won’t have been offered with them at all. But if you get the right one, they could transform your ability to see behind you.
Lots of modern cars are full of thick pillars and blind spots which can make the purpose of reversing into a parking space difficult. That’s why many new cars nowadays have parking sensors fitted as standard, as well as complying to ever changing safety legislations. Reversing cameras are an extremely helpful aid to pretty much any car. Even the best at parking will have the odd lapse in judgement, which can spell disaster for bumpers. A reversing camera will make reversing safer and can even improve your parking abilities.
While parking cameras are becoming increasingly common features on cars, they can often be fairly expensive optional extras or fitted to luxurious cars. On the other hand, aftermarket reversing cameras can be installed on any car and will cost a lot less than one from a car manufacturer. If however, they’re not to your tastes, check out our guide on the best dual dash cams.
The best aftermarket reversing cameras 2024 at a glance:
The best aftermarket reversing camera: AUTO-VOX Upgraded Solar Reversing Camera Wireless Kit – Buy now from Amazon UK
Editor’s pick: Garmin BC50 Reversing Camera – Buy now from Amazon UK
The best plate-mounted reversing camera: Garmin BC40 Backup Camera – Buy now from Amazon UK
With that in mind, it’s worth remembering that a lot of cars simply won’t have parking sensors or reversing cameras fitted. We’ve found the best aftermarket reversing cameras available, all of which will ensure you can see clearly and safely behind you.
The best aftermarket reversing cameras
The best aftermarket reversing camera
Auto-Vox claim the solar panel gets 30 minutes of sunlight per day on average, you need only to top-up the battery (via USB) once a year. The screen needs to be powered by plugging it into the 12V plug in your car, but the charger has a USB port for charging other devices.
Pros
- Fairly good value at £140 for both the camera and monitor
- Exceptionally easy to install, thanks to wireless setup
- Utilises solar power for efficient and long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Video quality could be better than a mere 480p of resolution
| Screen Size | 4.3-inch |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | Solar panel, wireless transmitter |
Editor's pick
This can quickly rack up the cost. But nevertheless, this camera can provide up to 720p of HD resolution back to the (compatible) sat nav and 160-degrees of viewing angle, giving you great vision of what's behind. There's even a version with night vision, which makes reversing in dark conditions even easier.
Pros
- Camera offers up to 720p HD resolution back to the screen
- Compact little unit with just 2.5 x 1.7 x 2.2cm dimensions
- Night vision version available, albeit at a slightly higher cost
Cons
- The longer 15-metre cables are sold separately
- Professional installation recommended, which adds up cost
Best plate-mounted reversing camera
It has a 150-degree wide angle, which isn't quite as impressive as the BC50, but the difference is only so minute. It still records up to 720p HD resolution and the battery life can extend up to three months. Unfortunately however, the batteries aren't included in this purchase, which is annoying. But it's not an extortionary expensive solution as it runs simply on two AA types.
Pros
- Records up to 720p HD resolution, meaning high quality video from the monitor
- Viewing angle of 150-degrees is impressive and gives a wide field of vision
- Runs off two AA batteries, so setting it up isn't needlessly complicated
Cons
- Will need to be carefully installed, unless you opt for the plate mount - which is an optional extra
- Only compatible with Garmin devices
Best budget reversing camera
The 170-degree field of view is good for giving enough of a wide view, plus you can toggle the parking lines with a simple switch. With an IP68 rating, it's still good quality despite the lower price.
Pros
- Great value for money at under £60 for the camera and monitor
- IP68 waterproof rating means it can withstand heavy rain and splashes
- 12-month warranty included, which adds some reassurance
Cons
- Video quality isn't as great as others
| Screen size | 4.3-inch |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | N/A |
Best quality reversing camera
It boasts an IP68 waterproof rating, has a 129 degree field of view, and has a night vision sensor to aid the ability to park while it's dark. However, be aware that the camera is the only thing included in the purchase, and you'll need to get a separate monitor and get them both wired properly which can be a hindrance.
Pros
- Great build quality unit with premium materials
- Very good value at under £60 and comes with a three-year warranty
- Pretty wide angle of view at 129-degrees horizontal and 105-degrees vertical
Cons
- Doesn't come with a monitor, meaning you'll have to provide one yourself
| Screen size | N/A |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | N/A |
Best compact aftermarket reversing camera
It comes with a ten-metre cable and is compatible with any CVBS setup (code for Colour, Video, Blanking, and Sync). This means it works with a monitor or screen that can provide standard definitions of video. It's also immensely small, measuring in at 2.4 x 2.4 x 2.5cm all round, so it can be very subtle once installed on your vehicle.
Pros
- Compatible for a wide range of monitors and video screens
- Lighting adjustability for light and dark conditions, and the ability to remove white streaks from direct sunlight
- Good build quality and materials, as per Pioneer products
Cons
- Can be a little tricky to install, which may require exterior modifications
The best reversing camera for quality
The camera also features a micro-USB camera for additional power if the internal battery gets too low. Also included in the kit is a 4.3-inch TFT screen that can be easily affixed to a car's dashboard with suction cups, again very easy to install.
Pros
- Solid build quality and durable with a IP65 waterproof rating to support
- Easy to install, thanks to solar power for the camera and a 12V socket for the monitor
- Wide enough viewing angle of 110-degrees
Cons
- The solar panels aren't the most capable out there
- The monitor screen is a bit small for some people's likings
| Screen Size | 4.3-inch |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | Solar panel, wireless transmitter |
Best rear view mirror reversing camera
Like other premium Auto-Vox cameras, this option works wirelessly with a transmitter to make installation straightforward and a solar panel to power the camera. The rearview camera is also IP68-rated, and features LED lights for night-time reversing.
Pros
- A discreet option that doesn't take up room on your dashboard or windscreen
- Easy enough to install, albeit not quite as easy as a wireless setup
- Six LEDs on the backup camera, which can improve visibility at night
Cons
- Can potentially be a bit intrusive as your rear view mirror replacement
| Screen Size | 4.3-inch |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | Solar panel, wireless transmitter |
Best rear view camera for towing
You'll need to connect the camera to the rear lights of your trailer or long vehicle, but the monitor is simply plugged into your in-car socket. As well as a selection of of guidelines and options within the monitor, the camera itself has two infrared lights which helps with night time visibility.
Pros
- Great reversing camera for caravans, campervans, or trailers
- Wide 135-degree angle view makes visibility easy
- IR light makes night vision easier than some others
Cons
- Installation isn't quite as simple as others (Auto-Vox recommend 30-minutes)
| Screen size | 7 inches |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | N/A |
The best reversing camera for Nextbase users
Rrp: $99.99
Rrp: $99.99
Just remember to place the dash cam somewhere the driver can see the screen. In truth, these camera modules aren't as good as the proper reversing cameras, but they certainly help. Depending on the dash cam you pair it to, you can also get a great recording resolution. For the 322GW for example, it's 720p, but for the 422, 522, and 622GW models, you can get up to 1080p.
Pros
- Doubles as a rear-facing dash cam, which has benefits in itself
- Wide angle lens for better visibility at 140-degrees
- Great video resolution of up to 1080p (if you opt for a higher end dash cam)
Cons
- Requires a Nextbase dash cam for the full effect
| Screen | N/A |
| Protection | N/A |
| Extras | N/A |
FAQs and things to consider with aftermarket reversing cameras
Do aftermarket reversing cameras offer better or worse image quality than factory-fitted units?
In terms of camera type and quality; wired cameras provide a more stable connection, while wireless cameras are easier to install but may have potential signal interference issues. Higher resolution cameras – i.e. 720p – provide clearer images. In the case of the Nextbase rear dash cam, you can get up to 1080p, which is about as clear as rear cameras can get in the aftermarket world.
Modern cars can offer just-as-good, if not better image quality with their reversing cameras. But keep in mind that the newer the car, the better, and a lot of the time, they’re an expensive optional extra. Aftermarket units are designed for those who aren’t driving in brand new vehicles who want better visibility when reversing. Additionally with older vehicles, aftermarket hands-free Bluetooth kits are available as well.
Are aftermarket reversing cameras easy to install?
It depends from unit to unit. A lot of aftermarket reversing cameras will be wired into the reversing lights of your vehicle, so tread carefully to make sure you’re making thee right connections. If in doubt, seek the help of a professional.
Some of the other hand are more-or-less wireless, and only require you to plug in a monitor into a 12V socket in your vehicle and stick a solar-powered camera on the back of it. How installing said cameras goes depends on the model you choose.
Are aftermarket reversing cameras worth it?
They’re a bit of a niche as far as standard-size vehicles go, and it largely depends on whether you think they’ll be a big help when you’re reversing into parking spots or turning around in tight spaces. Spatial awareness applies to us all, and there’s no shame in wanting a bit of help if your vehicle is hard to see out of.
They’re generally more popular with larger vehicles, such as motorhomes, campers, or vehicles that are towing trailers. And if this applies to you, then a reversing camera will be a nice aid if you haven’t got one fitted as standard.
What things should I look out for in an aftermarket reversing camera?
Along with a reputable brand that has a rapport with its market, other things to consider are as follows:
Low-Light Performance: A camera with good low-light capabilities will be more effective in various lighting conditions, especially at night.
Ease of installation: Quite a few reversing cameras have solar panels that replace wires, and this means they’re quicker and easier to install than fully-wired units. However, most are wired, so it’s worth researching how to do it, and if in doubt, seek help from a professional.
Field of View (FOV): Consider the camera’s FOV to ensure it covers the area behind your vehicle adequately. Wider FOVs provide better visibility.
Night Vision: Look for a camera with infrared (IR) or night vision capabilities for clear images in low-light or nighttime situations.
Image Reversal: Ensure the camera provides a mirrored or reversed image, so the display matches what you see in your rearview mirror.
Waterproof Rating: Make sure the camera has an appropriate IP rating to withstand weather conditions, especially if it’s exposed to rain and moisture. IP68 is generally the best, but many will have IP65 stamps as well. The same story applies to outdoor security cameras.
Parking Lines: Many cameras come with parking guidelines that help you judge distances accurately. Some even have dynamic lines that adjust as you turn the steering wheel.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
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