Best Car Stereos With Backup Camera Reviews

These days, a vehicle reversing camera is no longer just a luxury that is reserved for the few. It is a necessity for both novice and seasoned drivers.

Rearview cameras are becoming more and more popular as a standard safety feature on new cars sold in the United States. These reverse cameras can not only save money by preventing damage to your car, they can also save lives by giving drivers increased visibility behind their vehicles.

In a nutshell, having a backup camera is like having a third eye. For the purpose of this post, we’ll be reviewing some of the best double DIN car stereos with backup camera.

Double DIN Car Stereo With Backup Camera

1. JVC KW-V25BT

JVC KW-V25BT

• 6.2-inch touchscreen display
• DVD Receiver
• Front USB Input
• Memory Card Input
• Satellite Radio Ready
• Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
• 3 Sets of 2. 5V preamp outputs
• 13-band graphic equalizer

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We’re starting this list with a Japanese brand that has earned respect through the years. JVC is the longest-running company within the audio space. They were founded almost a century ago in Japan.

JVC is the go-to brand for many music enthusiasts. They have a solid presence in numerous categories including camcorders, home theater solutions, loudspeakers, and car entertainment.

In the car audio industry, the most popular products of Kenwood include speakers and car stereos. Speaking of which, the KW-V25BT is one of the best car stereos with backup camera that JVC has to offer.

This headunit is featured with 6.2″ WVGA clear resistive touchscreen that’s intuitive and quite easy to use. It has Four large buttons and a front-panel USB input on the left-side for easy access.

The JVC KW-V25BT also comes with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming. You can connect up to two phones to this unit. Calls to either phone can be received by a push of a key on the receiver.

If you like radio, you’ll love the options the KW-V25BT offers, including Pandora®, iHeartRadio®, and Spotify®

Expandability wise, this double DIN receiver is compatible with optional SiriusXM tuner. There’s also a rear mini A/V input, rear-view camera input, and 6-channel preamp outputs. Additionally, this headunit has auxiliary input, front USB input, and memory card input

In terms of sound-sculpting, this unit comes with a 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment, and volume link EQ which is meant to boost sone specific frequencies in the audio signal to compensate for the impact of road noise. There’s also K2 technology to improve the digital sound for all music sources, and Sound Lift compensates for speakers mounted low in the doors.

2. Pioneer AVH-310EX

Pioneer AVH-310EX

• 6.8 inch touchscreen display
• Built-in Bluetooth
• 3-band graphic/parametric equalizer with 7 selectable tone curves
• 3.5mm front audio auxiliary input
• Single, rear USB Input
• 3 Sets of 2V preamp outputs (front, rear and subwoofer)

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A name that pioneers in the electronics and sound industry is worth the trust you’d put in a product that carries its logo; Pioneer has decades of experience. They’re one of the most renowned brands within the car audio space. They offer everything from speakers and subwoofers to amplifiers and receivers.

The AVH-310EX is one of the best car stereos with backup camera that Pioneer has to offer. This double DIN headunit sports 6.8″ touchscreen with 800×480 resolution.

As with all new modern car receivers, this unit has Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. It supports dual device connection. The feature makes it unnecessary to unpair one device so that another one can be paired to make a hands-free call.

Sound shaping wise, this headunit comes with 13-band graphic equalizer with time alignment, and listening position selector.

In terms of expandability, this headunit has rear audio/video input, rear USB input, and rear-view camera input. There’s also a video output, and 6-channel preamp outputs.

While Pioneer receivers double din headunit aren’t the cheapest in the market, you will appreciate that the quality of these units is far from cheap too. For instance, the AVH-310EX headunit, one of their double din head unit with reversing camera is relatively pricey compared to the rivals, but it’s very well-designed, and it’s loaded with all the necessary features.

3. Kenwood DDX-26BT

Kenwood DDX26BT

• 6.2 inch touchscreen
• 13-band graphic equalizer
• Rear USB Input
• 3 Sets of 2.5V preamp outputs
• Built-in Bluetooth
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready

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If you’re on a budget and thinking about upgrading to a touchscreen double din receiver, Kenwood DDX26BT is a great option to consider. It’s one of Kenwood’s most reasonably priced double din stereos with backup camera.

The headunit at hand is designed to bring a a wide variety of features to the table, such as Bluetooth®, Internet radio, smartphone connectivity, and deep sound-sculpting controls that are shown off on a crystal-clear 6.2 inch touchscreen display.

This headunit supports dual phone connection. So, if you’re not the only driver, this Kenwood enables you to pair two phones simultaneously, and with a touch of a button you can switch between two phones. Furthermore, when you’re streaming audio, the Music Mix feature lets you pair five phones so you can enjoy audio streaming just by switching the devices with your friends or family.

This receiver is compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuner. It has a rear USB input, a rear A/V input, and a rear-view camera input. To enhance the effectiveness of a backup camera, this receiver has parking guide lines for easy parking.

In addition to being satellite radio ready, this Kenwood DDX26BT supports Pandora®, Spotify®, and iHeartRadio®.

When it comes to sound tuning, this headunit is featured with 13-Band equalizer with digital time alignment, and Drive EQ
to boost some specific frequencies in the audio signal to allow your music to cut through road noise.

4. Pioneer AVH-2300NEX

Pioneer AVH-2300NEX

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatible
• 7 inch touchscreen display
• 13-band graphic equalizer
• 3.5mm Rear Auxiliary Input
• Rear USB Input
• 3 Sets of 4V preamp outputs
• Built-in Bluetooth
• SiriusXM satellite radio ready
• AppRadio Mode+ Compatible

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Pioneer offers a wide variety of car stereos of different types. So, whether you’re looking for a single or double DIN headunit, a touch screen car stereo, or even a flip out car stereo, Pioneer has got you covered.

Most Pioneer car stereos – high-end ones particularly – are loaded with a ton of bells and whistles, and the AVH-2300NEX is no exception. It’s one of the best double DIN radios with backup camera that Pioneer have to offer in this price range.

The AVH-2300NEX sports a crystal-clear 7″ touchscreen display with 800×480 screen resolution, and easy-to-use interfaces that you can customize to match your taste and preferences.

Speaking of customization options, this unit has five different display colors, 13 different background/splash screen options, and automatic dimming. It also allows you to set your home screen to display your favorite sources for easy access, letting you pay more attention to the road, and less to operating your stereo.

As if that’s not enough, this unit comes with a feature called MIXTRAX which takes the music from the source, and plays it back with added transitions and effects for uninterrupted entertainment as you drive. It also features club-like illumination, in case you feel like turning your car into a disco.

We’ve come a cross a ton of touchscreen car stereo that promise smartphone compatibility, but the AVH-2300NEX really offers some great options for enjoying a seamless experience.

The AVH-2300NEX offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in a single package, which is very convenient if you happen to spend time on both platforms. It also offers Pioneer’s AppRadio mode that allows control of compatible smartphone apps such as Waze via the touch screen.

In addition to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, this unit features controls for Apple Music, Pandora, and Spotify. These and other apps can be used with the AVH-2300NEX via a Bluetooth connection. The unit is also compatible with Siri Eyes Free for iPhones.

Along with streaming, the AVH-2300NEX has a CD/DVD slot, accessible via the sliding front faceplate, an AM/FM tuner, and is SiriusXM satellite radio ready with the addition of an extra-cost tuner.

The AVH-2300NEX has a rear-mounted 1.5-volt USB port that can be accessed via an extension cable, as well as a rear-mounted aux-in jack. It also has AV and rearview camera input, and is navigation ready with the addition of a separate Pioneer navigation system.

It comes with 6-channel preamp outputs, as well as a built-in 50-watt-by-4 amp. There’s high-pass/low-pass filter, subwoofer control, and loudness/low-frequency boost.

To further tweak sound, you get a preset equalizer and a customizable graphic equalizer, a listening-position selector, speaker output adjustment, digital time alignment, and more.

5. Kenwood DDX9704S

Kenwood is another well-reputed car stereo brand out there. They’ve been in business for decades, and they’ve mastered the art of making quality car audio components.

Kenwood offers a wide variety of car stereos and other audio components. Their products are all reasonably priced for the most part. And when it comes to car stereos, it really boils down to this: the more features you want in a headunit, the more money you’ll need to spend.

Kenwood high-end double din car stereos cost a pretty penny. However, they offer a rich blend of features and cool entertainment options which account for a lot of the cost (more features = higher price tag).

The DDX9704S is one of the best double DIN car stereos with backup camera that Kenwood have to offer. This multimedia marvel was designed with quality in mind. It’s loaded with almost all the features that you can think of including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

This Kenwood headunit features a 6.95″ capacitive touchscreen display with 800×480 screen resolution, 9 preset background colors, 6 different background/splash screen options, and automatic dimming.

Using the controls on the DDX9704S, you can access your favorite Pandora® and Spotify® Internet Radio stations from your smartphone. You can also check out the incredibly deep programming offered by satellite radio by adding an extra-cost tuner.

On top of everything else, Kenwood DDX9704S has a CD/DVD drive, an AM/FM tuner, as well as a built-in HD radio tuner. The unit is also compatible with Siri Eyes Free for iPhones.

Kenwood DDX9704S has a rear-mounted USB port, as well as a rear-mounted aux-in jack. It also has AV, front- and rear-view camera inputs, and comes dash cam ready so you can drive with maximum comfort. There’s high-pass/low-pass filter, subwoofer control, bass boost and loudness controls.

As far as sound tuning controls are concerned, this unit features a 13-band EQ for customized tuning, 8 EQ presets for easy adjustment, and a Drive EQ mode to overcome road noise. It also has a listening-position selector, digital time alignment, and more.

6. Pioneer AVH-3300NEX

Pioneer AVH-3300NEX

• 7 inch motorized fold-out VGA touchscreen
• Built-in Bluetooth
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatible
• AppRadio Mode+
• 13-band graphic equalizer with 7 preset EQ curves
• Works with SiriusXM SXV300 tuner
• Rear USB port; two rear audio/video inputs; rear-view camera input
• Video output; 6-channel preamp outputs

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If you happen to be looking for a way to use a double DIN headunit in a vehicle that only has a single-DIN (7-by-2-inch) dash opening for the stereo, then this headunit is for you.

Hands down this is one of the best flip out car stereos with backup camera that you can buy. This single DIN headunit is very-well-engineered. It’s featured with a wide retractable touchscreen and it’s loaded with a ton of bells and whistles.

Pioneer AVH-3300NEX is a single-DIN radio with a slide-out 7-inch touchscreen that brings both phone-based interfaces, and a whole lot of other bells and whistles, into the dash of vehicles with only a single-DIN slot.

Speaking of smartphone features, this unit sports Android Auto and CarPlay, as well as Pioneer’s AppRadio Mode. It also features controls for Apple Music, Pandora, and Spotify. These and other apps can be used with the AVH-3300NEX via a Bluetooth connection. The unit is compatible with Siri Eyes Free for iPhones. It’s also SiriusXM satellite radio ready with the addition of an extra-cost tuner.

This AVH-3300NEX offers a CD/DVD slot, accessible via the sliding front faceplate, an AM/FM tuner, and a 7″ touchscreen with 800×480 screen resolution. Physical buttons are on the partially detachable faceplate.

As far as expandability options are concerned, this unit has has a rear-mounted 1.5-volt USB port that can be accessed via a cable, as well as a rear-mounted aux-in jack. It also has AV and rearview camera inputs.

This unit is incorporated with a built-in MOSFET 50-watt-by-4 amp, as well as four 4-volt preamp outputs for use with a separate amplifier. There’s high-pass/low-pass filters, subwoofer control, loudness and bass boost.

When it comes to sound shaping controls, you get a 13-band customizable graphic equalizer, a listening-position selector, speaker output adjustment, speaker time alignment, and more.

If you’d like to have that large touchscreen display on your car’s dash, but your vehicle has only a single-DIN stereo opening, you really don’t have a choice other than the Pioneer AVH-3300NEX. Luckily, it’s a good choice indeed, and does so much more than just have a large slide-out display in a single DIN package. For its convenience and performance, the AVH-3300NEX earns our Editors’ Choice in its category.

What Is a Rearview Camera?

Rearview cameras are a lifesaving invention and everybody deserves one. A backup camera is therefore a small yet wide angle camera which is often installed on the rear of the car and displays live footage on your infotainment system or even on your rear view mirror.

This little invention goes way back to the introduction of the centurion concept car at the 1956 Motarama show where Buick showcased what seemed to be a revolutionary feature on modern cars. However, the idea didn’t gain enough traction as the model completely replaced the rearview mirror.

So, it weren’t until the beginning of the 21st century that rearview cameras made it on American streets through the infinity Q45 which officially supported the rearview camera system and consequently promoted it to now be included in every modern car.

How do backup cameras work?

In its earliest stages, and specifically in Japan with Toyota, the rearview or backup camera was a tiny model with relatively low quality but a super wide angle, which allows you to clearly inspect what’s behind your car and back it up safely.

Surprisingly enough, that didn’t change a whole lot since that time. Indeed, the rearview camera was such a success that nobody thought it needed an upgrade of some sort.

Hence, these cameras are usually located on the rear logo, trunk handle or even under the plaque, looking at a low angle to allow for a clearer view and to make matters easier, the camera display is design to activate only once the shifter is in reverse motion.

Basically, the engineering behind backup cameras is as simple as shifting gears because that’s technically how it works. In other words, the camera is directly connected to the gearshift and in some cases to tail lights, that way, the moment you go into reverse gear, the camera sends the signal to your infotainment screen or whatever type of display it comes with.

Benefits of a backup camera: Reasons why you should install one!

Now, before you get offended, we know you can reverse your car perfectly without the help of anybody because you’re a strong independent driver. So, why would you need a rearview camera beside being fancy?

Well, there is no better reason to install a backup camera other than comfort, practicality and safety. Indeed, the luxury that is a backup camera is a worthy investment as it will spare you the need of twisting in your seat to get a clear view on the back every time you go into reverse gear.

Also, a rearview camera will practically pay for itself by showing you exactly what you’re backing up into and what’s on the ground behind your car which can be anything from a spiky object to a toddler. However, if these are not enough reasons for you to get your hands on a fresh backup camera then here are some more!

1. Helps in Reversing your Vehicle

Beside saving you a load of neck problems, the backup camera has proven to be indispensable for all level drivers. I still remember up till this day my first days learning how to drive, everything seemed to be smooth and I learned almost instinctively except backing up my car into a parking spot or out of a tight spot.

Indeed, going in reverse is one of the most unnatural things to our brain as it takes a lot of getting used to in the beginning and even once the mechanism is installed into our skulls, we are still oblivious to what could be right behind our car in certain situations. Indeed, the back of our car can block our view dangerously in cases where children or pets are around.

2. Eliminates Blind Zones

As mentioned earlier, your driving expertise does not influence your need of a rearview camera because simply everyone needs it. After driving different vehicles for years, I still require the help of a willing Samaritan to park without a helping camera but you’re not always lucky to find someone who would help and you end up parking far away from where you’re heading just to do so safely.

Therefore, think of a backup camera as a good Samaritan who will always be there to help you reverse your vehicle properly and warn you when there’s anything in your way that could harm you or someone else and that’s what makes it indispensable.

3. Prevents collision

The worst thing about getting into a car collision is the part where you have to deal with it. However, you don’t have to get there if you just had a rearview camera. Indeed, backup cameras are excellent at preventing collision, leaving no room for error unless if you’re intoxicated or seeking vengeance.

In fact, insurance companies in the US conducted many studies that go into detailed statistics of rearview camera collision rates to discover that these tiny cameras perform twice more efficiently than rear sensors. But who really needs statistics to believe that seeing what’s behind your car with your own eyes will significantly reduce the chance of your running through it.

4. Saves you Money

A lot of people frown upon the price tag of rearview cameras and label it rather expensive but that was when these tools were monopolized. Today, there are so many manufacturers competing to create the best most affordable backup camera and the prices are more encouraging than ever.

Beyond being significantly affordable, rearview cameras will end up reimbursing you one way or another in the long run. Take a moment and remember just how many times you ended up backing into something that either damaged your car or ended up with you paying for someone else’s repair cost; it is simply inevitable to end up spending money on repairs that could have been easily avoided with a backup camera.

Hence, in the presence of your loyal warning Samaritan, not only will you be exempt from silly accidents but you’ll also get the privilege of not having to deal with the process ever again. So, embrace the backup camera and wave goodbye at blind spots, mindless accidents and annoying situations.

What if my car doesn’t have a backup Camera?

Whether your rearview camera is broken or you simply have got none, don’t faint because it’s not as hard as you would imagine to add/install an aftermarket backup camera.

First, you must keep in mind that most cameras on the market right now offer a very wide 640 by 480 px video resolution which is not exactly HD but it still does a great job at making everything behind you visible. Also, most of these cameras luckily come with some sort of extra lighting to carry on a clear visibility path even at night when your tail lights aren’t enough.

As mentioned under the previous category, these cameras can be easily installed even on a car which doesn’t support it. So, you’ll find that most people install these cameras behind the car’s plaque, enabling it to blend in nicely but you can place it pretty much anywhere you want.

Nevertheless, the installation process of these cameras is not completely intuitive and will require some know how or assistance for those of you who would not dare middle with their electric system.

Luckily however, most backup cameras on the market have some sort of wireless connection with the provided display and will not require any major transformation to your car’s wiring. The camera simply connects to your taillights and engage in action once the lights indicate reverse mode.

So, what are you waiting for? get yourself a double din radio with a backup camera and make your driving experience much more comfortable.

How to Install a Backup Camera