If you are looking for the best car stereo with a backup camera, it is best to consider its connectivity, screen size, and easy-to-use interface. Below, I’ve handpicked the top five products on the market based on these features. Read on to learn more!
For me, it is important to have a backup camera to keep me safe while driving. After all, it is now a requirement among newer vehicles sold in the United States. But if you drive an older or cheaper model, you can still enjoy the added benefits of a rearview camera.
While you can easily find excellent aftermarket backup camera units, many of them will need a separate dashboard-mounted display, resulting in clutter in your car.
Fortunately, there is one way to install this rear camera without taking up too much space in your vehicle.
You can consider getting a car stereo with a rearview camera. This way, everything is integrated into your radio, so you do not have to set up separate dashboard systems.
With these in mind, I reviewed the top 20 car stereos with feature backup cameras on the market. Then I narrowed them down to the five best ones to help you find the right product for your needs.
Are you clueless about which features will matter to you? I also included a handy buying guide to help you make the right purchasing decision.
Let’s get on with it!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
5 Best Memory Cards for GoPro Action Camera
1. Pioneer AVH-200EX – Best Overall
The Pioneer AVH-200EX Multimedia DVD Receiver surprisingly packs a handful of features, despite being an entry-level product.
It offers both Android and iPhone compatibility, which allows seamless sync of your contacts and other essential apps. For Android Users, you can even enjoy Android Music Support. Play music directly to your downloaded music without the need to install a new app.
There is also a built-in Bluetooth (HFP) connectivity that eliminates having to go through complicated settings. You can keep your hands on the steering wheel, and thus stay safe while driving.
Moreover, the AVH-200EX with Bluetooth lets you take hands-free calls. Together with Wideband Speech Handsfree Profile 1.6, this device provides better reception during calls.
On top of these benefits, it includes a multimedia DVD Receiver and a USB connection. You and your passengers can now enjoy audio/video playback through the 6.2-inch WVGA Display.
Finally, this car stereo is backup camera-ready. Just buy a unit (sold separately), then connect it to the radio via the video in/out port.
Most customer reviews for this product are positive. However, some users recommend turning on the backup camera setting because it is automatically off by default. It can be an inconvenience and might lead you to believe that the camera is broken.
This device also does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, limiting the number of apps you can use.
But we think the pros outweigh the cons of the Pioneer AVH-200EX. It is our top choice for the best car stereo with a backup camera.
Features:
- 6.2-inch WVGA display
- Built-in Bluetooth AVRCP 1. 6
- Hands-free calling and audio streaming
- Android/iPhone compatibility
- USB direct control for iPhone
- Backup camera-ready
- DVD player
2. Pioneer AVH-X490BS – Best Mid-Range
If you are looking for a car stereo with all the features of the AVH-200EX and more, consider getting the Pioneer AVH-X490BS Car Stereo Receiver.
This double-DIN in-dash receiver has a built-in Bluetooth connectivity, making it compatible with Android and iPhone devices. It also offers USB direct control for your iPod or iPhone so that you can play music directly from the built-in app.
It even boasts a larger 7-inch touchscreen display to provide easier navigation. There is also an included remote control for further convenience.
Plus, sound quality is better, thanks to the multiple audio codecs and high-quality FLAC codec. You can even tailor the listening experience using the built-in Auto EQ, Time Alignment, and 13-Band Graphic Equalizer.
Furthermore, it can connect to SiriusXM (vehicle tuner sold separately), so you can listen to satellite radio.
Besides SiriusXM, the AVH-X490BS is also backup camera-ready. It ensures a hassle-free connection, so you instantly enjoy the benefits of a rearview camera.
Despite all these features, this car stereo does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. It is also more expensive than our previous pick. Some customer reviews even said the Bluetooth connection is weak and constantly disconnects their device.
Nevertheless, the Pioneer AVH-X490BS is still among the best car stereos with a backup camera.
Features:
- 7-inch WVGA display
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Hands-free calling and audio streaming
- Android/iPhone compatibility
- USB direct control for iPhone
- Backup camera-ready
- Satellite radio compatibility (SiriusXM)
- CD/DVD player
- Auto EQ, Time Alignment, and 13-Band Graphic Equalizer for customizable audio
- Five display colors and LED backlight
3. Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX – Best Premium
The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Car Stereo Receiver offers premium features that are not available from the previous models.
This flagship multimedia receiver has the standard Bluetooth compatibility that allows you to connect your phones. But more than that, it works with wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This functionality lets you enjoy useful apps–phone, messages, music, and maps–on the 6.94-inch built-in display.
This stereo with backup camera can also connect to Wi-Fi. You can now access your favorite audiobooks, watch YouTube videos, use Google Maps, and even check Yelp reviews.
Moreover, it includes Pioneer’s very own app, called Vozsis, which enables Amazon Alexa voice capabilities. Thus, it eliminates the need to touch the screen while driving and makes it safer on the road. Just tap and ask then Alexa will respond instantly.
Finally, this car stereo is both radio and backup camera ready. Once the rear view camera is activated, it gives you useful parking guidelines.
Overall, the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX has an array of media options and safety features available at your fingertips.
All these benefits come at a steep cost, though. Some users also reported that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay sometimes crash on this car stereo.
So if you are on a budget, consider the following product instead.
Features:
- 6.94-inch WVGA clear resistive touchscreen
- Hands-free calling and audio streaming
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- USB direct control for iPhone
- Access to audiobooks, podcasts, maps, music, and more
- Amazon Alexa voice control
- Satellite radio compatibility (Free HD Radio, SiriusXM, or Pandora)
- CD/DVD player
- Backup camera-ready with second camera input
- Auto EQ, Time Alignment, and 13-Band Graphic Equalizer for customizable audio
- Five display colors and LED backlight
4. ATOTO A6 – Best Budget
If you are short on budget, consider getting the ATOTO A6 Double Din Stereo, which costs less than $200.
But do not let its low price fool you! This car stereo with a backup camera still offers a range of vehicle-based features.
First, it has the standard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. These allow you to install apps, play music, and run an online map all through the 7-inch touchscreen display.
There is also an FM/AM radio support for additional media options.
Plus, you can activate voice commands through the ATOTO Hound app. It is now easier than ever to access your phone hands-free for a safer driving experience.
Moreover, the ATOTO A6 can retain steering wheel key control based on resistive signal input. This feature is not available in more expensive car stereos.
Finally, it includes a camera input connection so that you can install any backup camera for safety.
Despite these pros, several things are missing in this car stereo. It lacks a CD/DVD player as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Additionally, some users said that volume is inconsistent. They found out that audio is barely perceptible during calls, even on the maximum volume, but notification sounds were noticeably loud.
With that said, the ATOTO A6 is hard to beat, especially for the value it provides at a lower cost.
Features:
- 7-inch WVGA display
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Hands-free calling and audio streaming
- Voice control via Hound app
- Android/iPhone compatibility
- AM/FM radio
- Backup camera ready
- Factory steering wheel control
5. Jensen MPR419Q – Best Single DIN Head Unit
Do you own an older car model? The chances are that your vehicle has a single DIN size, or simply, a smaller stereo chassis. We recommend checking out the Jensen MPR419Q Single DIN Car Stereo Receiver once you are certain of your vehicle’s head unit.
This stereo with backup camera can pair with Bluetooth devices, so you can make and receive calls hands-free. It also allows a range of multimedia options, including an MP3/WMA player, an AM/FM tuner, and your phone.
Additionally, it features a built-in phone mount. Feel free to set your smartphone on the non-slip material while charging it. You can even use your phone to display your music and navigation apps.
Moreover, this stereo with backup camera offers a push-to-talk voice assistant button. It is now more convenient to access controls hands-free, so you can focus on the road ahead.
On top of these benefits, this car stereo includes a two-band tone control and four preset EQ curves. These make it possible to customize audio depending on your listening preferences.
While you can connect a backup camera to this device, you must get a wireless type because it lacks a video in/out port. You also have to set the display on your phone and not on the built-in 4.1-inch screen itself due to the same reason.
Some users also reported a buzzing sound when connecting the phone to the unit.
Nevertheless, the Jensen MPR419Q offers a wider range of capabilities than your average single DIN car stereo. For these reasons, we chose it as the best car stereo with backup camera for a single DIN head unit.
Features:
- 4.1-inch high-resolution LCD with seven characters
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Hands-free calling and audio streaming
- Siri/Google voice assistant button
- Android/iPhone compatibility
- AM/FM radio
- Customizable stereo music settings
- Non-slip phone mount
Things to Look for in the Best Car Stereo with Backup Camera
Below are the essential considerations when shopping for the best car stereo with backup camera.
Connectivity Options
All the products that we have discussed include Bluetooth connectivity to access apps seamlessly on the display screen.
But you may also want to consider other types of connectivity. These include USB ports, AUX inputs, and even a Wi-Fi network.
The more connectivity options, the more convenient it is for you.
Screen Size
Screen size is one of the first things you should look for when shopping for a car stereo.
Look for a screen size of at least six inches for double-DIN openings. This size is enough to display apps with great clarity.
If you have a single-DIN unit, you can go with smaller 4-inch screens as long as the characters are still readable.
Easy-to-Use Interface
A large display screen is useless if the interface is clunky. Thus, you must also search for a car stereo with an easy-to-use interface.
In general, you want to have intuitive controls, large on-screen buttons, and easy-to-read fonts. All of these will make it easier to navigate through apps while driving, so you can focus more on the road ahead of you.
Satellite Radio Compatibility
If you have (or planning to buy) a subscription to SiriusXM or Pandora radio, you should consider a unit with satellite radio compatibility.
It allows you to connect to radio channels instantly and more seamlessly without the need for a separate SiriusXM tuner. Otherwise, you can skip this feature.
CD/DVD Player
Having a CD or DVD player can be nice, but not essential as there are so many ways to listen to music. Nevertheless, you may want to get a stereo with a disc player, so you conveniently play your favorite CDs and DVDs while driving.
A double din receiver usually does not have this feature because it features a large screen instead. However, most single din units still include a DVD or CD player for listening to music.
Extras
Voice capabilities, remote control, steering wheel controls, and additional pre-out outputs are optional extras you may want in a car stereo. Deciding which one to get will depend on your needs.
For instance, voice and remote control come in handy for rear-seat passengers who may want to skip a song or watch a movie.
Steering wheel controls allow the driver to adjust the volume of the car stereo or take a picture with the backup camera.
Meanwhile, the number of pre-out ports will matter for those who wish to expand their audio system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single-DIN and double-DIN head units?
DIN simply pertains to the size of the stereo’s chassis.
Single-DIN describes stereos that are two inches tall and seven inches wide. It is typically found in older car models.
In contrast, a double-DIN unit refers to four-inch-tall and seven-inch wide stereos. Most newer vehicles have this chassis size.
How much does it cost to put a stereo system in your car?
It depends on a lot of factors, including features, specs, brand, labor cost, and more. In general, though, most head units can range from $80 up to $1,000. Expect cheaper models to have limited features, while more expensive ones give you everything you need plus more.
Can a car stereo play CDs?
Yes, a car stereo can play CDs, considering that it has a dedicated CD player. But this feature does not necessarily ensure all file types will play.
Some head units can only recognize a limited number of file types, which can be a hassle if you want to play a particular audio track or video. You can learn more about why burned CDs may not work in your car in this article.
Can you connect a backup camera to a car stereo system?
Yes, you can install a backup camera and connect the display to your car stereo system. Just make sure to look for a unit with a video in/out port for easy and quick installation.
That said, you can also use your phone or tablet as a display if the unit does not include a dedicated port. Look for a Bluetooth rearview camera in that case. The only downside is that your phone or tablet can run out of battery.
Conclusion
There you have it—our top picks for the best car stereos with backup cameras.
We highly suggest every product on this list. But if you want a versatile one at an affordable price, check out the Pioneer AVH-200EX Multimedia DVD Receiver. It is compatible with Android and Apple devices through Bluetooth connection to access music and navigation apps seamlessly. Most importantly, it supports a rearview camera for enhanced safety while parking.
Have a fun and safe trip!
