Best Rear View Mirrors Reviewed & Rated for Quality
There are so many things that improve safety on the road and we don’t even pay special attention to them. We think about upgrading the existing wipers, visors, and rear view mirrors only when they completely stop working! Then you get to learn all about differently designed parts and to ask yourself: „Why didn’t I get them sooner?“ Yes, you can improve driving and make it safer with a few simple things.
Many of those stock parts are not good enough and we don’t even notice it until we get new ones. Don’t make the same mistake with rear view mirrors! These items are crucial for safe driving because they improve visibility. Most drivers opt for aftermarket mirrors because the existing ones can’t give them the view that is wide enough to cover the entire area at the back of the vehicle. This happens all the time and it could be resolved rather quickly. All you need to do is to find a quality aftermarket rear view mirror!
Featured Recommendations
- Fit System RM011
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Our rating - Wide Angle
- Price: See Here
- Rally
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Our rating - Panoramic
- Price: See Here
- Betooll
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Our rating - Compact
- Price: See Here
How you’re supposed to know which one to get, you may ask? Fear not, we got your back! To save you some time and extra effort, we turned every rock on the market to find the best rear view mirrors. We came out with 10 picks that should meet a variety of needs. You should be able to find the one that perfectly suits you and your vehicle. Also, we prepared some tips for first-time buyers and recommendations for experienced ones! Hopefully, our list will ease this searching process and help you out. Now, let’s start with:
10 Best Rear View Mirrors
Fit System RM011
This is a quite large mirror. It offers an 18 inches wide-angle view to reduce blind spots. Most built-in mirrors can’t give you the view that is clear and wide enough. This one definitely compensates the lack of visibility! The product fits almost every type of vehicle, so you’ll find it useful for cars, ATVs, trucks, and more.
Still, we recommend double-checking its size to make sure it’ll fit your vehicle. The product measures around 20 x 2.2 x 4.5 inches and weighs 13.4 ounces. Keep this in mind because it may not fit smaller vehicles.
Clip-On Installation
RM011 offers a clip-on installation. You don’t need any additional tools to mount it. Clip it on an existing mirror and you’re all set! The product is made from chrome plated glass. It’s very durable thanks to the shatter-proof design. Not to mention that it reduces glare for safe night rides. With this one, you’ll enjoy driving at any time!
The only thing that some users complained about it a slight vibration. You might experience this when driving on a bumpy road.
Cost and Value
You can get this product at an attractive price and significantly improve your rear view. We highly recommend it to all drivers out there. With the clip-on system, you’ll mount it in a few seconds and enjoy the clear and extended view at any day time!
No blind spots
18 inches wide
Fits almost all vehicle types
Clip-on installation
Shatterproof and reduces glare
An attractive price
Some vibration could occur on bumpy roads
Rally
This is a 5-panel mirror designed to improve visibility during every ride! It offers a full panoramic view that reduces all blind spots. The product fits most vehicle types, including SUVs and trucks. It measures around 27.7 x 2.3 inches and weighs 2.45 pounds. Most users didn’t have any issues to fit it in their vehicles, so you shouldn’t worry about the size!
Quality Materials
Rally is a sturdy and durable product. The quality mirror has a sturdy plastic frame for more protection. The package includes mounting hardware as well. This should help you mount the mirror in a breeze. However, some buyers weren’t satisfied with it. They find it hard to use so keep this in mind. You might have to use some extra stuff for the installation.
Cost and Value
You’ll have to add a few more bucks to get this amazing product. Although we think it’s worth every penny. For such a big and quality mirror, we wouldn’t mind spending even more cash! You’ll definitely find it useful and use it for quite some time.
5-panel mirror
Full panoramic view
Fits most vehicle types
Quality materials
Sturdy and durable
Comes with mounting hardware
The mounting hardware could be better designed
Some might find it pricey
Betoll
This is a compact yet very wide mirror. It comes in 15 x 2.5 inches and features a convex shape. This design improves visibility and reduces blind spots yet doesn’t make it bulky. The mirror features a quality glass and gives you a clear rear view during every ride.
The only drawback comes from the fact that this is primarily designed for ATVs. Although it could fit some cars and smaller vehicles, it’s not equally useful. If you’re searching for a car or truck rear view mirror, you might want to stick with previously reviewed models.
Simple Installation
This one is very easy to install. It comes with aluminum brackets and hex bolts for simple mounting. The package also includes four metal gaskets to keep the mirror attached to the brackets. All in all, you’ll install it in a few simple steps and get to use it for many years!
What makes it so durable, you may ask? Well, the frame is made of high-quality plastic that can withstand quite a lot. We didn’t notice any kind of vibration or wobble during use. It should stay in its place even when you run your vehicle on bumpy roads. Also, the aluminum brackets are corrosion and scratch resistant. This is very important for those who are planning to install it in their ATVs.
Cost and Value
You’ll be pleased to hear that this product is quite cheap. This makes it suitable for every driver out there! If you’re unsatisfied with the factory mirror and you want more security when driving, this is the right way to go!
Compact yet wide
Convex shape for a better view
Easy to install
High-quality plastic for more durability
Corrosion and scratch resistant
Cheap
Primarily designed for ATVs
Broadway BW846
This is a flat mirror that proves to be brighter than most of the factory-included ones. It offers a wide-angle and clear view that eliminate dangerous blind spots. You’ll definitely enjoy the safer ride with Broadway! Also, this one is universal and fits most vehicles out there. You shouldn’t have any issues fitting it into your car, truck, ATV or SUV.
Easy to Install
Another reason why we love this one comes from the easy installation! You can mount it on the existing mirror is one or two simple steps. Thanks to the clip-on design you won’t even need any tools for the job!
Also, we shouldn’t forget to mention the scatter-proof design and sturdy plastic frame. The only gripe we had with it is a slight vibration that occurs due to high speeds and bumps on the road. It won’t bother you too much, but you should know that it happens!
Cost and Value
This is a cost-effective product so you can easily make it a part of your driving gear. Don’t hesitate to try it out! It significantly improves visibility and makes every ride safer. We were definitely blown away by the difference it makes in every day driving experience!
Clear view without blind spots
Universal fit
Easy to install
Scatter-proof
Sturdy plastic frame
Cost-effective
Possible vibration at high speed and on a bumpy road
Eluto
This one offers a wide and clear rear view. You can adjust the angle according to your needs and eliminate all blind spots. It definitely gives you more options than stock mirrors. Not to mention how versatile it proves to be. You can mount it on any type of vehicle, including trucks, vans, SUVs, and more.
Also, we have to mention that this is a quality and durable product. The mirror is made of the first-class glass and gives a super clear image. The frame is made of the quality and sturdy plastic to protect the mirror. Overall, it’s a sturdy and durable product that will last!
Suction Cup
The installation is as easy as ABS. You don’t need any tools for the job. The product features a suction cup that attaches to the windshield. Therefore, you just need to attach the item on the desired place and that’s about it. You can even reposition it with great ease.
We only have to notice that some vibration does occur despite the non-slip design. That being said, this kind of design definitely makes the item more stable than most of the competition. What we find as a bigger drawback is the fact that the suction cup might not work equally well on all windshields. It seems that it’s harder to attach it to the flat ones!
Cost and Value
Not only that this one comes at an attractive price but it also offers a 1-year warranty. There’s also great customer service to help you out if you run into issues when using it. Although this is not likely to happen considering the quality of the product!
Wide and clear view
Adjustable angle
Universal fit
Quality and durable parts
Simple installation
An attractive price and 1-year warranty
Possible vibration
Harder to attach on flat windshields
Fouring
The product measures around 11.8 x 3.4 x 1.4 inches. As you can see, it’s quite large and offers a wide mirror to improve visibility. It allows you to see the road but it also gives you a clear view of the back seats. There won’t be any blind spots with this one, that’s for sure! Also, this is a curved mirror so keep in mind that you might need some time to get used to it.
We also want to remind you that this is a large mirror. If you have a smaller type of vehicle it might not be the best option for you! Keep this in mind before the purchase and make sure to double check its size.
No Vibrations
The installation is super easy and it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Thanks to the clip-on design you can attach it to the existing mirror in a breeze. It will stay in its place without any vibrations, which makes it stand out from the competition. It’s very hard to find the aftermarket rear view mirror that doesn’t rattle at all!
What we also liked about it is the sleek design. Most of the other large mirrors are rather bulky and inconvenient. That’s not the case with this one!
Cost and Value
Although we can’t say that this mirror is perfect, it’s definitely one of the best you can find right now. It’s cheap and durable, and it offers a panoramic view without blind spots. Who could possibly ask for more?
Extra large
Full panoramic view without blind spots
Curved design for improved visibility
Easy to install
No vibrations
Cheap
Takes some time to get used to the curved design
Not the best option for smaller vehicles
Yoolight
As we mentioned above, this is a wide mirror that improves visibility and ensures safety on the road. It’s actually wider than most of the stock ones, so you can’t go wrong with it! Not to mention that it features a universal fit so it’s suitable for almost any vehicle out there. The product measures 12 x 3.3 inches, just in case you want to double check whether it’s going to fit your vehicle.
Special Type of Glass
This one is made of a special kind of glass in order to give a clear and anti-glare image. You should only keep in mind that you’ll probably need some time to get used to it. The objects tend to appear smaller than normal which can be quite tiresome for your eyes. That being said, once you get used to it, you’ll find it irreplaceable!
It’s worth mentioning the ease of installation! The item comes with an adjustable buckle to help you clip on the mirror. You just need to attach it to the existing mirror and that’s about it. The buckle also helps if you want to detach the item and reposition it. Both actions are very simple and fast!
Cost and Value
This one is dirt cheap! No wonder why it’s so popular and praised among users. It’s just hard to beat it when it comes to the value it provides for the money. We recommend it to all drivers who are on a limited budget yet want a quality rear view mirror!
Improves visibility and eliminates blind spots
Extra wide
Universal fit
Clear and anti-glare image
Easy installation
Dirt cheap
The objects appear smaller than they actually are
Razo RG23
With an 11.8 inches wide angle, this one offers a great rear view. It eliminates blind spots and improves visibility during every ride. Thanks to the simple design it fits most vehicles, so you can use it for your truck, SUV, car, or other vehicles. We also like the sleek design that complements every car interior.
However, keep in mind that you might run into some issues when mounting the item, depending on your windshield type. We are still talking about a large mirror that can give you a wide view. Therefore, it's way bigger than your stock mirror!
High-Quality Glass
This one is made from high-quality glass that reduces nighttime glare. This is super useful for those who are spending a lot of time in their vehicles. The entire product looks very well built. It’s solid, the reflection is crystal clear and the mounting clamps are strong. All in all, it’s a sturdy mirror that will last for many years!
The only thing that could annoy you comes from the panoramic view. It makes objects smaller so you’ll spend some time adjusting to it!
Cost and Value
This is a rare find! It’s one of those no-nonsense products that works perfectly and comes with a reasonable price. We highly recommend it to all drivers out there who need an upgrade for their stock mirrors!
Wide and clear view
Improves visibility
Reduces nighttime glare
Solid construction
Durable
Reasonable price
Might be unsuitable for smaller vehicles
Takes some time to get used to it
CIPA 36400
So, this one has a lot to offer! It comes with an anti-glare glass that makes night driving way more comfortable. It also has a built-in compass to give you directions while traveling. Pretty impressive, right? Wait until you see the temperature on the display! Yes, it measures and displays the outside temperature. Still, make no mistake, Cipa wouldn’t be on our top 10 list if it doesn’t provide a great rear view. Therefore, on top of all these features comes a great upgrade for your stock mirror!
Simple Installation
You won’t have any issues installing this one. The kit includes most of the stuff you need for installation. Although we didn’t like that it lacks mounting adhesive. You’ll have to do some wiring because of the LED display, but nothing you can’t handle within a few minutes. Also, the sturdy construction makes it super durable. You get to use it for quite some! Just don’t forget to double-check its size and whether it’s compatible with your vehicle type.
Cost and Value
Let us be honest here, Cipa is going to cost you a pretty penny! Sure, all those features are incredible and good to have, but those on a limited budget will definitely opt for more affordable options. Also, we really miss the mounting adhesive considering the price!
Anti-glare glass and built-in compass
LED display shows outside temperature
Great rear view
Simple installation
Sturdy construction
Very expensive
Doesn’t include mounting adhesive
Master Tailgaters
This is a wide mirror that comes with some amazing features. It has an LCD screen that automatically adjusts the brightness to make every ride more comfortable. Not to mention that it comes with a compass, remote control and that it shows outside temperature. Truth to be told, it’s hard to find a flaw in the design of this mirror!
Compatible With Cameras
The item mounts on almost any type of vehicle. Also, if you prefer rear view mirrors with camera, you can plug this one into almost any backup camera that has RCA inputs. It’s simple as that! You definitely get to use this one for quite some time thanks to the quality and durable parts. Why not pair it up with a camera?
That being said, we have to warn you about the installation process. Many buyers complained about the tiresome wiring. Although the manufacturer begs different, we find the installation rather demanding. Some improvements could be made for this one to be easier to mount.
Cost and Value
Just like the previously reviewed model, this one is going to cost you a fortune! Without a doubt, it’s worth it, but most drivers will have to search for a more affordable option.
LCD screens with adjustable brightness mode
Compass and remote control
Shows outside temperature
Fits most vehicle types
Plugs into cameras
Quality and durable parts
The installation requires some effort
Very expensive
Criteria Used in Evaluation of the Best Rear View Mirrors
If you’re wondering how we ranked our 10 picks, we have another list for you! This one contains the criteria used in the evaluation. It should give you an insight into our method and help you out making your own pick! Let’s start with some of the most important things that every rear view mirror has to provide:
Visibility
First thing first, a quality rear view mirror should ensure a clear and wide rear view. There’s no use of the aftermarket product that is not better than the stock one, right? We have to admit that all our 10 picks offer great visibility and eliminate blind spots. They all improve safety on the road! Therefore, we took a step further and rank them according to the quality of the image they provide. Those who are harder to adjust or get used to are ranked lower on the list. The best-performing ones are at the top!
Materials
We looked for the quality glass and solid frame in each one of our picks. The quality glass ensures a clear view and therefore influences visibility. The solid plastic frame ensures durability and protects the glass from impacts. It’s very important for the rearview mirror to have quality parts. This doesn’t only make it super durable but safer as well!
Installation
Although these rearview mirrors should be super easy to mount on the windshield, some of them could require more effort and some tools for the job. We took the ease of installation as one of the most important factors for the evaluation. It’s not just the question whether you’ll have a hard time mounting the item or not. It’s about stability as well! Those who offer easier installation often come with adjustable features. This gives you an option to move them at your convenience. They also prove to be more stable and reduce vibration!
Durability
We all want these products to last for a while. Who wants to go through the buying process all over again, right? Also, it’s very important to have sturdy and stable rearview mirrors that can stay in their places. Those who tend to vibrate are sometimes hard to look at and could turn out to be dangerous! Therefore, the ones with the most sturdy and durable parts are ranked higher and ended up on the top of the list.
Cost and Value
Last but not least, we had to make sure that you’ll get enough value for the money. Although we have some amazing cheap rearview mirrors we also have more expensive ones. We picked the best ones regardless of the price! Then we ranked them according to their cost and value. This should help you make up your mind and purchase one of these great products!
Other Factors to Consider
Picking the right rear view mirror seems like an easy task, but the truth is just the opposite. If you want to get the best one, there are many things to consider before the purchase. Here are some questions that should help you pick the perfect one:
To pick the size of the rearview mirror, you should first consider your type of vehicle. For example, if you own a smaller vehicle, the panoramic mirror could turn out to be too big for it. You’ll have mounting issues and experience difficulties when using it. On the other hand, a small one can’t give a view wide enough to cover all the blind spots for large vehicles. Carefully read the product’s description and make sure to double-check the size of every product. Also, you might want to take into account your personal preferences. You should pick the one that you feel comfortable looking at.
Will it fit my vehicle?
These rearview mirrors offer different mounting options. Make sure you pick the one that you can install into your vehicle. This mainly depends on the type of windshield. Some of them are flat while others are curved. Consider the mounting option of every rearview mirror and opt for the one that can be installed on your windshield.
What is my budget?
This is also a very important question. We always recommend adding a few more bucks if you can. You can’t put a price tag on safety, and this is the kind of product that ensures safe rides. The better the rearview mirror the more visibility you get. Still, it’s better to upgrade the stock mirror with any kind of wider mirror. Not to mention that you can still get a quality one at an attractive price. Just make sure to opt for the one that improves visibility, and you can compromise with other features.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do rear view mirrors work?
A: Rear view mirrors are there to help you see the objects behind your vehicle. This mirror is made of two reflective surfaces. There a regular mirror and the thin glass wedge beneath it. The one installed beneath reflects a low percent of light which is useful for night time. During day time, the primary surface is brighter and gives you the full view through the rear window. During night time, the secondary surface takes all the light and shows you the image. This way, you can’t get blinded by the lights coming from the back of your car. All in all, this type of rearview mirrors give you insight into the things happening behind your vehicle. They are designed to give you a clear view and make driving completely safe!
Q: Why are they curved?
A: The curved (convex) rearview mirror gives a better view than the flat one. The curved design makes objects appear smaller in the image. When this happens, more objects can fit into the image! That’s why it takes some time to get used to convex rear view mirrors. You get to see everything behind your vehicle, but objects appear smaller. Therefore, it’s hard to measure the distance between them and your vehicle.
Q: Are they universal?
A: Some of them offer a universal fit but even then it could happen that a particular rearview mirror can’t fit your vehicle. They come in different sizes and designs to meet the requirements of differently designed vehicles. Therefore, consider the size and type of your vehicle before you get new rearview mirrors. You want to make sure that it’ll fit!
Q: How to mount rear view mirrors on the vehicle?
A: It depends on the type of product. Some of them are pretty simple and you can install them on the existing rear mirror by clamps. You only need to clip-on the item and that’s about it. There are also the ones with suction cups that attach directly to the windshield. Regardless of the type, you shouldn’t have any major issues with the installation of the rear view mirrors. They are simply designed items and they don’t require using special tools.
