The 8 Best Rear View Mirror Dash Cams with Backup Camera in 2021
- Last Updated: January 19, 2021
- Matthew Wilson
The best rear view mirror dash cams for you is somewhere below. We know this because we rounded up all the most popular ones and put them all to the test on our company cars. We kept all kinds of folks in mind when we sorted them out. All that’s left is the cream of the crop.
Read on, and pay attention to the features to see which one will serve you best. You’ll learn all about how to narrow it down even further than we did, and you’ll end up with a cam that you’ll be happy with for miles to come.
Shall we jump right into it?
8 Best Rear View Mirror Mounted Dash Cams of 2021:
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Rating
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- Provides with ultra HD video resolution up to 2.5K (2560 X 1440)
- 12" IPS touch screen
- GPS Module Included
- Super Night Vision
Overview
This may be the best mirror mounted dash cam for you if you want very clear video and excellent night vision. Those are two areas where it excels. It also has a separate rear bumper cam kit included for the backup assist.
The bad thing is the customer service. But we still think this is an awesome camera for the money, especially if you can install it yourself without any technical assistance.
This is a new model from a fairly young manufacturer, so there isn’t a whole lot of customer feedback to go on. Those who’ve bought and use this cam like the available backup assist, cam resolution and the clarity of the night vision. It’s a well-made camera system.
There have been complaints about the customer service. Apparently, they are less than responsive. However, that doesn’t stop this from being a great dash cam.
Pros
- Great night vision
- High res cameras
- Backup assist cam
- Intuitive touchscreen control panel
Cons
- Bad customer service
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Rating
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- Ultra HD video resolution up to 2560 x 1440P
- 170° adjustable front lens and 160° rear lens cover total 330° field of view
- 10'' IPS anti-glare touch screen
- Operating Temperature: -4°F - 140°F
Overview
You’d expect a wide field of view from a dual camera rear view mirror, and that’s what you get here. The view is just 30 degrees less than all-around 360-degree clarity.
The res is sharp and clear, too. But the night vision steals the show. This system is perhaps the best for low light levels. The bad thing is that there’s no GPS option. So take a hard pass here is you absolutely need it, but consider this one if night vision is important to you.
GPS is one of those features that many don’t realize how much they want until they get a cam without it. But then again, some don’t want it at all. Some wish they had gotten a GPS unit.
The night vision, courtesy of Sony electronics, is stunning though. That’s the number one feature most talked about by fans of this cam.
Pros
- Superb low-light vision
- Nice resolution
- Automatic backup assist
Cons
- No GPS
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Rating
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- 4.3 inch screen
- IP67 waterproof
- Easy to install
- Automatically turn off the screen
Overview
Professional drivers like to keep their profit margins high by keeping their overhead low. That’s what make this one a good mirror dash camera for Uber drivers. It has only the basic features, which keeps its price down.
You’ll have to do without the GPS, night vision and backup assist that you get with cams at three times the price. What you get is a simple cam that records high resolution video, front and rear, and audio on a loop.
Value is the main attraction here. People like that they got a basic cam for under $30. Many first-time dash cam users like it because it is so easy to set up and use. The smaller screen is a plus for noobs as well.
Pros
- Incredible value
- Easy to install
- Simple to use
Cons
- No GPS
- No night vision
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Rating
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- Ultra-Wide Field of View
- Easy to install
- 2.5K Front and 1080P Rear View Mirror Dash Cam
- Super Night Vision
Overview
This is a favorite in car mirror camera reviews, mostly for its mid-level features coming at such a great price. Although it is affordable, it is very well made. And it has that OEM look, so it doesn’t stand out like some aftermarket components can.
You can save up to half the cost over similar camera systems if you can forgo the GPS and night vision. The main advantage over our budget pick above is better video quality, a wider field of view and a more user-friendly control panel.
Many who were turned off by the cost of the $100 and up dash cams settled here. You can give up a feature or two if they’re unnecessary and you want to save some cash. That’s the attraction here.
All in all, buyers are still happy with their choice a year after purchase. Some had decided to upgrade ot a more expensive model, though, so this can be thought of as a beginner’s cam in a way.
Pros
- Good value
- High res rear cam
- Tech support included for setup and use
Cons
- No GPS
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Rating
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- 12 Inch FHD Touch Screen
- Full HD 1296P
- Loop Recording
- GPS tracking system
Overview
This high-quality night vision dash cam would be perfect if it wasn’t just a tab overpriced. Well, nobody is perfect. This is a fully functional cam that has all of the features that the top dogs have, plus it has the top-notch vision that some of them don’t have.
If you worry about your vehicle getting hit in a dimly lit parking lot, that extra low-light clarity may make it worth the higher investment.
People talk about how clear the video is, even at night in unlit parking lots. The larger-than-average screen lets you see more of that clear detail from the drivers seat, and folks really like that.
One thing that comes up a lot in customer reviews is the free 32GB SD memory card that comes in the box. It doesn’t store much video, but it removes the need to make an extra purchase just to be able to use the cam.
Pros
- Ready to use
- Awesome night vision
- Large screen
- Long warranty
- Free tech support
Cons
- Priced a bit higher than it probably should be
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Rating
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- Resolution: 1080p
- IP68 Waterproof
- User-defined Parking Lines
- GPS Tracking
Overview
The full range of features combined with the enhanced night vision make this best HD mirror camera for those wanting all the bells and whistles associated with higher end cams.
It has everything you need, but it’s priced accordingly. Check onto cheaper cams if you don’t really need the night vision and GPS. Otherwise, this may be right up our alley.
Those who’ve bought this one testify to what an all-around great cam this is. It has all the features that the most useful cams have. We found what is likely the highest customer satisfaction rate in the industry right here.
The only complaint comes in during installation. It is a bit tricky, so a pro may be helpful. That’s what a lot of people did, and it seems to pay off in the end. This raised the issue of extra cost, but there are less complaints about hat than about the installation itself.
Pros
- Well-rounded camera
- Backup cam can be set to co;me on when car is placed in reverse, or with a swipe of the screen
- Good customer service
Cons
- Self-installation can be pretty tricky
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Rating
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- Full HD1296P/ HD1080P
- 12 inch Liquid Crystal Display
- Night Vision
- Waterproof Backup Camera
Overview
This is a good dash cam with parking mode of you don’t need any help backing up. There’s no backup assist. But it has everything else that the others have.
What stands out is the nice screen size and the higher-than-usual resolution, which team up to offer you an overall sharper video. That can come in helpful if you have to pull small details from a distance, like a license plate from a block away.
No one seems to miss the backup assist. But honestly, the price should be a little lower since the newer versions of this camera don’t have it. Still, there weren’t many complaints about it.
There aren’t many compliments to go on, either. With no cheers or jeers, we made up our own mind based on the low return rates and lack of many serious warranty claims. It’s a well-received unit.
Pros
- High rate of customer satisfaction
- Durable
- Easy to use
Cons
- No backup assist
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Rating
Highlighted Features Of The Product
- Anti-break-in belt drive
- Skylink Orbit Smartphone App compatible
- Diagnostic LCD feature
- Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTT compatible
- Built-in LED light
Overview
Here’s another cam built with Sony processors and lenses. That ensures the best clarity and dependability. But being manufactured by a loss-known company keep the price down below Sony levels. Add that all together, and you get seriously good value.
Some remarked that the picture is clearer than most others they’ve seen at the same resolution. So we did some investigating. It turns out that Sony electronics really do make that much of a difference. A better processor manufactures a clearer image. Other cams on our list also have Sony guts, but not at this price.
Pros
- Very clear picture
- Plenty of useful features
- Constant protection, at night and while parked
- Great value for top processors
Cons
- Having awesome Sony circuitry, this cam should have a longer warranty
Factors to Consider When Buying Mirror Dash Cams
Screen size:
Choose your screen size wisely. Ideal, you want one that is just a tad bigger than a regular mirror. Nine to 12 inches is a good bet.
You want to be able to clearly see everything when you play back from the driver’s seat, but you don’t need one that sticks out like a sore thumb either.
Resolution:
The first dash cams had a very low resolution. That made it hard to read plates and see smaller details on the video. Luckily, today’s rear view mirror dash cam footage is clearer.
You need at least 720p. If you want to be confident that you can read a plate from, say, a block distant, one of the pricier 4k dash cams may suit you.
Degrees of view:
Front and rear cameras working in tandem should give you a total of at least 300 degrees of view. This will keep the blind spots small so you don’t miss any action from the sides.
Night vision:
Do you drive at night a lot? Good night vision can make all the difference in the world if you do. Pay attention to the reviews to see what kind of night vision each cam has.
Nearly all rear view cams do away with WiFi, so that wireless loop recording makes installation easier.
Functions:
If you worry about getting hit in parking lots, look for a cam with either impact sensors of G-sensors.
Backup assist functions just like a reverse camera, so you’ll have that added safety and convenience right there on your camera screen.
Rear View Mirror Cam FAQs
They replace your mirror. The only wire you have to deal with is the power cord that goes into your power port. All you have to do is remove your old mirror and glue the cam in place.
Yes, built in mirror dash cams are legal as long as they also function as a traditional mirror, they are legal almost everywhere. Rear=facing cams may be banned if they are used to record the driver or passengers without their knowledge or consent. Check your local regulations to be sure.
It automatically records on a loop constantly. When it senses an impact, it saves the video from just before and right after the collision. This works even when your car is off and parked, as long as your cam has this feature.
Conclusion
You can be safe from lawsuits and negligent drivers if you have a front and rear view mirror camera to capture important video when you need it. So make a choice today, before it’s too late. The Akasso cam delivers all the things the average driver needs at a great price.
But maybe you can do without some features if it means that you will save money. Or maybe you are willing to pay more if you can have the best resolution Each unit we reviewed is different and special in some way. That’s why we included them.
So be sure to check out all of our top picks before spending your money. The right one for you is probably somewhere in this post.
