Drive safely with these car backup cameras 

All new cars in the US have been required to have a built-in rearview camera since 2018 and there's a reason — they make driving safer. Whether it's getting a good view while trying to parallel park on the street, or just getting a better sense of your surroundings in a crowded area, a backup camera can make a big difference.

If you're still driving a vehicle made before 2018, don't fret if you're feeling left out. Here are three of the CNET Cars team's picks for the best backup cameras.

WHAT Auto-Vox CS-2 Wireless Backup Camera Kit

THE COST $119.99

AVAILABLE FROM amazon.com

If you want easy installation and great picture quality, the Auto-Vox CS-2 offers the best of both worlds. As it's a wireless camera, you should have no problem attaching the camera (with built-in wireless transmitter) to the back of your car or mounting the suction-cup-enabled screen on your dashboard. That means you can save money by avoiding installation fees with this wireless backup camera.

The camera uses digital wireless transmission, which means that there's virtually no interference from other signals and no distortion to the image. Plus, the signal is strong, with Auto-Vox recommending the camera for any vehicle less than 32 feet long.

WHAT eRapta ERT01 Automotive Backup Camera

THE COST $47.99

AVAILABLE FROM amazon.com

If your car doesn't have a rearview camera and you're looking for a less expensive alternative, it's hard to beat the eRapta ERT01. This camera easily attaches to a car's license plate and includes a 26-foot RCA cable that can connect to a screen with a compatible output. While there's no screen included with the camera, many vehicles already have mounted screen displays that will work with the ERT01 — just make sure to check yours first, or you may end up needing to buy a separate screen.

As a wired camera, the ERT01 will be slightly more difficult to install than the average wireless camera. User reviews on Amazon say the wired system of the camera is easy to set up, with only a single RCA cable necessary to connect the camera to the screen. The kit also includes a cable to power the camera.

WHAT Rear View Safety Backup Camera System

THE COST $241.67

AVAILABLE FROM rearviewsafety.com

Unless you're a professional truck driver, an RV is larger than any other vehicle you'll ever drive. So it makes sense to spend more and make sure that you, your passengers and the people around you are safe.

Rear View Safety's 4 Camera Setup with Quad View Display allows RV drivers to get the most complete view of their surroundings. There are four cameras in total: two to be mounted on the rear of the RV (with 130-degree viewing angles) and one for either side (with 120-degree viewing angles). The split-screen monitor can show feeds from all of the cameras at once, or just the feeds the driver chooses to see.