Best Car Stereos with Backup Cameras in 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Reversing your vehicle can be a real pain in the neck.

I mean – really! With the window down and your head turned, trying to see what’s back there.

But with car stereos increasingly offering big screens and multimedia displays, it doesn’t have to be that way. A reversing camera gives you a wide-screen view of the rear of your vehicle.

Upgrading your car stereo brings plenty of benefits – from more music streaming options to in-vehicle navigation. But an additional in-built backup camera will take the pain out of reversing.

These handy head units are easy to install and come with all the necessary components. And they provide a feature found only in premium vehicles at an affordable price. It makes driving safer, and some units come with modern features such as seamless smartphone integration.

This camera lets you watch your car’s back on the display and offers several benefits, including:

• Increases your viewing angle – the rear-facing camera eliminates blind spots while reversing, so you can park your car quickly and effortlessly.
• Prevents accidents – the camera lets you see what’s behind your vehicle, making it a potentially life-saving feature!

A car stereo with a backup camera is a dashboard upgrade that will turn heads – but just not yours. Let’s check out the best options on the market.

Best Car Stereos with Backup Cameras in 2023

Car stereos come in all forms and shapes, with many unique features – the best being a backup (aka reversing) camera.

Choosing the right car stereo with a backup camera can get hectic without in-depth knowledge.

Fortunately, we’ve sifted through what is on the market. Here is a roundup and review of the seven top choices right now.

The Pioneer AVH-X490BS stereo’s full black design is simple but blends well with most vehicle interiors. A big 7-inch touchscreen allows adjusting for the optimal viewing angle in all light conditions. View details of the music playing, such as the title, artist, album, and other details in perfect clarity on the screen.

The Pioneer AVH-X490BS’s motorized display allows background customizing options to match your taste or mood. You can also use functions such as dimmer, standby and display off modes, color customizing, and brightness control to customize the display further.

Pioneer AVH-X490BS offers you multiple connectivity options to pair your tablet or smartphone. Direct control for iPhone and iPod offers fast access to your music library. A separate CD-interface cable allows enjoying music from your favorite CDs, DVDs, or discs with MP3, AAC, and WMA music files.

The Pioneer AVH-X490BS’s USB functionality lets you play tunes on your flash disks in any format. You can also control your Pandora and Spotify accounts from the stereo. Simply connect your iPhone via USB or Bluetooth or an Android device through Bluetooth to start.

The Pioneer AVH-X490BS integrates an excellent display with exceptional sound. A powerful built-in amplifier offers optimal volume, while the 13-band equalizer offers an easy way to tweak the sound. Use the Pioneer Advanced Sound Retriever function to restore high-frequency data for an exceptional listening experience.

Three preamp output pairs the receiver to external amplifiers, while an auto-equalization feature tunes the system. FLAC codec and other audio codecs ensure superior quality sound.

And of course, there’s a backup camera input with Pioneer AVH-X490BS. You’ll need to buy the camera separately, but it’s easy to install and you’ll have a great view of your car’s rear area on the 800 x 480-pixel display.

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When it comes to the camera, you have exceptional picture quality: the ATOTO A6 PF offers 720p HD rear viewing, giving you a better picture of the road than ever before. It also offers real-time reverse view, even while driving forward. No more blind spots.

This is a good-looking vehicle stereo. ATOTO A6 PF offers physical buttons on the panel, but most interactivity occurs via the touchscreen. The 7-inch screen ensures you see everything with a single glance.

The design of the ATOTO A6 PF is simple without fancy touch-ups. However, it’s easy to tell that it is durable.

You can use the ATOTO A6 PF stereo for everything from music to video purposes in your vehicle.

The Android operating system powers ATOTO A6 PF, so you have access to many functions and apps. You get high-quality versions of all the apps plus some decent power on the amp and output options.

The ease of installation means you can fit the ATOTO A6 PF car stereo on different vehicle models. Pair the compatibility factor with easy usability via the touchscreen function for impressive performance.

An impressive factor is the wide range of connectivity options available. You get dual Bluetooth for calling and messaging while controlling music-related commands. The Bluetooth function also allows connecting up to three devices simultaneously.

Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity compatibility means the ATOTO A6 PF can connect to AP band hotspots of 5 GHz. The USB function allows adding flash drives or smartphones to your car’s audio system. Use the device’s built-in EasyConnect app to cast what is on your phone to the stereo through Wi-Fi or USB.

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While the BOSS Audio BV9364B’s backup camera is sold separately, it’s easy to add with the ready-made inputs. The 6.2” screen is slightly smaller than other models, but it still offers an adequate view of the road behind.

Out of the box, you receive BOSS Audio BV9364B hardware along with the wiring harness. You’ll need the harness to fit most aftermarket car stereos.

You also get an external Bluetooth microphone and a wireless remote for fast menu navigation. Bluetooth hands-free technology in the BOSS Audio BV9364B stereo lets people you’re calling hear your voice clearly, and the car speakers let you hear them back.

Bluetooth technology also makes playing and controlling your music and apps effortless, including via Pandora and Spotify. Or make the most out of your time on the road by educating yourself via podcasts or listening to music.

If you have a device that isn’t Bluetooth compatible or you’re trying to save battery power, use the auxiliary jack and plug in your MP3 or smartphone. Fewer bells and whistles make it easy to focus on things a basic stereo does— like tuning into the radio waves.

You can connect the BOSS Audio BV9364B to the controls on your steering wheel. However, you’ll need a separate interface module for this.

Outputs on BOSS Audio BV9364B are front right and left and rear right and left, and a subwoofer port for preamp output. You can also connect an extra screen to the Boss BV9364B for more viewing capacity. The 6.2-inch touchscreen responds quickly to taps.

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The Kenwood DMX4707S’s large touch screen makes using a backup camera effortless. You get lots of real estate to see what you’re backing into. Recall an earlier driveway situation, and the parking guidelines help enhance your safety and make rear parking easier than ever before.

You can control the Kenwood DMX4707S car stereo with voice-command and through the 6.8-inch capacitive LCD (liquid crystal display) that fits most vehicles. The LCD boasts LED backlighting that further enhances the atmosphere and mood in your vehicle. This clear glass display features a swipe function for excellent, intuitive control.

This Kenwood DMX4707S from Kenwood provides clear sound with your factory speakers – even at the highest power level. The highs and mids are clear and without distortion, and you could combine the unit with the best 8-inch subwoofer to boost the bass in your music.

The Kenwood DMX4707S connects to both iOS and Android devices. Use Bluetooth technology and a few applications on your smartphone to control the unit or mirror your phone.

Apple CarPlay ensures your safety while driving. Plus, you can send messages, use Siri, receive calls, view maps, and even play any tunes you like. The Android Auto app also helps minimize distractions if you have an Android device.

The Kenwood DMX4707S can receive AM and FM audio signal frequencies, but also modern inputs: use the device to play various audio files and formats on flash drives, including MP3, FLAC, AAC, and WAV.

This Kenwood DMX4707S has Drive and graphic EQ features. The EQ feature makes it easy to customize sound quality to your preferred taste. A Time Alignment function allows further adjusting of the sound for better performance.

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This Sony XAV-AX1000 in-car stereo comes with a dedicated backup camera input for that extra confidence boost while on reverse gear. However, the rear camera functionality requires a wired connection to the gearbox. You need to engage the parking gear to play video on the receiver’s screen, and this makes installation a little more complicated than simply plugging it in.

The Sony XAV-AX1000 receiver has a TFT Active Matrix LCD. You get an 800 by 480 screen resolution and a dimmer. The stereo changes to night mode when night sets in. A well-designed interface makes navigating the stereo functions simple.

Apple CarPlay’s capability allows connecting to an iPhone for essential functions, such as Siri, taking phone calls, and checking texts. You can also listen to tunes with Apple Music and iTunes. CarPlay technology makes it easy to playback music or even activate maps without taking your attention off the road.

The 6.2-inch display offers excellent touch control, but the Sony XAV-AX1000 offers something more. There is a volume knob that is easy to use and works great. Access the stereos sound control functions by pushing the dial or holding the button to use voice commands. However, you need an external microphone for voice control.

Built-in Bluetooth technology makes streaming wireless music from a smartphone or taking calls easy. The caller’s ID appears on the 6.2-inch screen and you can dial using the screen, converting your vehicle into a mobile office.

Use the front USB port to view the contents of your iPhone on the Sony XAV-AX1000 stereo screen. We can also use the ports for phone charging or playing files from a USB stick.

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The main selling point of this Hikity 10.1 stereo is its bright and large 10.1-inch screen that is easy to see in sunlight. Hikity’s display supports split-screen technology, so you can view two apps simultaneously. An included backup camera supports a 170-degree wide viewing angle to improve your parking skills. When viewed on Hikity 10.1’s big screen, you feel like you can see everything that’s going on behind you and the stress of backing up is removed entirely.

Inside Hikity 10.1’s built-in Bluetooth technology supports hands-free calling and audio streaming with compatible devices. You can also listen to streaming services, such as Pandora and Spotify, while controlling your audio experience through the stereo.

MirrorLink capabilities let you view an Android or iOS smartphone on the screen. The USB support interface makes it easy to listen to your favorite tunes from a flash drive. Wi-Fi access lets you download maps for navigation via the Here WeGo app, so you can navigate while offline on the road.

The Hikity 10.1 stereo comes in three options for RAM and ROM: the cheapest option is the 1 GB RAM and 16 GB ROM, which is ideal if you’re not planning on installing many apps. A 2 GB RAM and 32 GB ROM option offers extra storage space. The most expensive option is the 3 GB RAM and 64 GB ROM for anyone who wants to get the most out of this Hikity 10.1 car stereo.

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The screen uses next-generation WVGA (Wide Video Graphics Array) screen technology for a fantastic viewing experience in any lighting condition. While the backup camera isn’t included in the Pioneer MVH-210EX package, it’s an easy adaptation and you get a crystal clear view of the rear from this top quality screen.

That Pioneer MVH-210EX’s 6.2-inch display also offers a high responsiveness degree as you tap the controls, giving you instant control. You receive a dedicated wiring harness to help with the installation process out of the box. Many Pioneer car stereos are easy to install, but a harness makes the process smoother.

You also get AV and pre-out harness accessories so you can choose how and when to extend the capabilities of the Pioneer MVH-210EX.

You can connect an iOS or Android device via USB or use built-in Bluetooth technology to enjoy a stable and solid connection. You can use Android Music Support to listen to your music without using an app. The technology allows the unit to recognize your Android phone as storage.

iPhone USB Direct Control technology via USB lets you connect to your device for video or music. The USB ports provide a 1.5 amp current to charge your device.

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Before You Buy: Buyer’s Guide to Choosing Right Car Stereo with Backup Camera

Consider several things before choosing a new car stereo with a rear camera.

After all, these are two products that work together – and you can find a wide range of options and extra features with both components. As we’ve observed from the selections above, the stereo may be excellent, but the camera is often not on par.

Our list contains units that come with or are compatible with backup cameras.

The following tips will help you make an informed decision and find the best car stereos with backup cameras.

Value

The primary consideration may seem to be the stereo and not the camera when looking at units with backup cameras. You’ll find various products within the cheap range with basic features and more expensive models that have many features.

You’ll find various units within the cheap range with basic features and more expensive models that have many features.

An inexpensive model may come with a poor-quality camera or have fewer features that you may want – compromising on screen resolution, for example, might have you squinting into a blurry screen while you back up.

Form Factor

Before installing the car stereo, make sure it’s compatible with your vehicle’s dashboard.

Check the form factor of the stereo, given as single DIN or double DIN.

Single DIN car stereos can fit in more vehicles, thanks to their small size, but most have small displays – and few are compatible with reversing cameras, aside from versatile flip out head units.

Double DIN car stereos are larger, resulting in bigger sized screens, ranging from 6.2-inches up to 7 and beyond. Double DIN car stereos are becoming the norm for modern vehicles, and they offer premium viewing quality out the rear of your vehicle.

Build Quality

Next is the unit’s build. A well-built car stereo will last longer and also become an investment that increases your vehicle’s resale value

Installing a car stereo with backup camera support is time-consuming. The amount of wiring the process requires can only be done well by a professional.

You don’t want to replace the unit after a few months, after all. Opt for a premium brand such as Pioneer, Sony or Alpine – or any other on our list.

Resolution

You’ll be looking at the screen for a few years, perhaps a decade.

So, make sure you are investing in a high-resolution, high-quality touchscreen unit that doesn’t hurt your eyes.

High-resolution screens make reading everything easy and navigating the various stereo features and menus easier.

Screens with “HD” (high definition) in the specs mean you don’t need to worry about clear images. 720p (1280×720 pixels) is a great standard to look out for in screen resolution.

The quality of the backup camera is critical too.

An HD-quality camera makes sure you can view everything behind your car.

And some backup cameras have a nighttime vision sensor, so you’re aware of people, animals, or vehicles behind your car even in lower light conditions.

Inputs and Outputs

Input options the unit offers define what devices you can connect it with.

The more input and output options you get, the more versatile and featureful the car stereo is.

First of all, make sure your car stereo offers backup camera support.

Other connections to look for include RCA input, 3.5mm jack support, and an auxiliary input. Fortunately, most car stereos in the list cover the basics.

Built-in CD/DVD Player

A built-in CD and DVD player is not necessary, but still good to have if you like your media in a physical form.

But nowadays, in-built streaming apps as well as digital file formats from mp3 to FLAC are the norm. For a streamlined car stereo, you can ditch the disc drives.

Read More:

• Best Car In-Dash DVD Player Reviews
• Best Portable DVD Player Reviews

Smartphone Integration

Make up for the lack of a DVD player by looking at smartphone integration and smart features the car stereo has.

Check that the unit can at least mirror your phone content.

Units that stream music from streaming apps such as Spotify or Apple Music are also excellent options—something that most modern car stereos offer.

Choose a unit that supports as many devices and formats as possible.

We’re talking about Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, radios, Siri, and much more.

Check the stereo supports the most popular audio and video formats.

Brand

It’s advisable to choose a model from the reputed brands on the market.

All the brands on this list are famous for providing solid reliability. Pick a model that fits your requirements, and you are all set.

Final Verdict

If you’re considering a new stereo for your vehicle, getting one that’s compatible with a backup camera can be a worthwhile purchase. A backup camera is a critical investment for your vehicle. They are useful components that enhance your driving and help add to your safety.

Be sure to check that your backup camera is compatible with your stereo system. In addition, you’ll want to look for things like the build quality, resolution, and additional features like smartphone integration that can add great value to your purchase.

The best car stereos with backup camera compatibility, like the Pioneer AVH-X490BS, offer durability, dependability, and an array of useful features. Of course, any of the picks on our list are worth a shot, so why not give one a try?

Now you know what the best car stereo with a backup camera is and which one will work for you, it’s time to buy. It’s time to start turning heads.