Knowing how to choose the right convex mirror is essential for things like visibility, safety, and sometimes surveillance in different settings. Factors such as material, curvature, size, and intended application all play a role when a buyer is selecting the best convex mirror for their needs. Convex mirrors are very popular for automotive use, as well as traffic management and security. Keep reading to find out more about the main considerations taken into account by buyers looking for a new convex mirror.
Table of Contents
What is a convex mirror?
Global market value of convex mirrors
Online search trends for convex mirrors
Spherical vs. aspherical convex mirror
Spherical convex mirror
Aspherical convex mirror
Factors to consider when choosing a convex mirror
Final thoughts
What is a convex mirror?
A convex mirror can be defined as a curved mirror that features a bulging reflective surface facing the light source. This type of mirror reflects light outwards, unlike concave or flat mirrors. This means that the images that appear in the convex mirror can’t be projected onto the surface, so they appear more upright and smaller than the actual object.
Convex mirrors are perfect for projecting a wider field of view, which is why they’re used for security surveillance, as side mirrors on vehicles, and for road safety. Their ability to enhance visibility is the key feature that sets them apart from other types of mirrors found in households and public buildings.
Global market value of convex mirrors
Convex mirrors provide greater vision and added security when used properly. With an increase in the number of cars on the road over the past few decades, convex mirrors have been actively put in place to help prevent traffic accidents and create extra security in commercial spaces and parking lots. There are ample ways that a convex mirror can be used, which is why it’s in such high demand.
In 2024, the global market of convex mirrors reached USD 0.07 billion. This number is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% between 2025 and 2033, bringing the total market value up to approximately USD 0.09 billion by the end of this period.
Online search trends for convex mirrors
According to Google Ads, “convex mirror” had an average monthly search volume of 135,000 in 2024. The most searches appeared in February, March, and December, when they reached 165,000 searches each month. Searches never dropped below 110,000 during the remaining months of the year.
The most commonly searched for products include vehicle side mirrors for rear visibility and surveillance mirrors that can be used in parking lots, warehouses, and in stores. It’s also common to find searches for convex mirrors in educational kits or sold by themselves to show how these mirrors differ in terms of light reflection and image formation.
Spherical vs. aspherical convex mirror
There are two types of convex mirrors that are most in demand among consumers. Spherical convex mirrors have a curvature and are used for security and vehicular purposes. Aspherical convex mirrors have varying curvatures and are known to improve image clarity. Both have their benefits and downsides, so choosing the right one for specific situations is crucial.
Keep reading to find out more about the key features of each type of convex mirror.
Spherical convex mirror
A spherical convex mirror is designed with a consistently curved reflective surface that creates a wide field of view. It also causes reflected rays to diverge, making it perfect for applications such as side mirrors on vehicles, traffic safety, and security surveillance. It provides a broad perspective which can be very beneficial, however the curvature does distort images by making them appear smaller or farther away.
These types of spherical mirrors are made using durable materials such as acrylic or glass which helps to ensure their longevity. It also makes them more resistant to outside conditions.
Aspherical convex mirror
The other version of a convex mirror is the aspherical convex mirror. This design has different curvatures that are meant to lessen distortion and improve the look of the image. It provides a much wider field of view while at the same time reducing distortion around, unlike the spherical convex mirror. This makes objects appear more natural in both shape and size, which can make a huge difference.
Aspherical convex mirrors are commonly used as cameras and automotive mirrors. Since durability and clarity are vital, these mirrors are made from either acrylic or high-quality glass. Users will find that objects are much smaller in these mirrors, which is why there are often signs on vehicle mirrors saying “objects in the mirror are closer than they appear”.
Factors to consider when choosing a convex mirror
There are several important factors to consider when choosing the best convex mirror. The size of the mirror can have a big impact on the field of view. Larger mirrors will have a wider perspective, which is helpful for security and traffic purposes, whereas smaller mirrors are better suited to compact spaces.
The material of the mirror is also something to be considered. Glass mirrors are scratch-resistant and offer superior clarity, whereas acrylic mirrors are shatterproof, lightweight, and offer better durability for outdoor use.
The curvature of the mirror has a big impact on image accuracy. Buyers who want a broad view will opt for spherical convex mirrors, but they lack image accuracy. For minimal image distortion, aspherical convex mirrors are the preferred choice for clearer reflections, but objects will appear smaller or further away than in reality, which is important to remember.
Convex mirrors being used outdoors need to have a high level of durability. They should be resistant to UV rays, impact damage, and water in order to last for a long period of time. Mirrors that are being used indoors won’t need as much protection, but they should still be scratch-resistant.
Finally, buyers will be concerned with the application of the convex mirrors. Those being used for security should be placed in blind spots or at entry points, whereas mirrors being used for parking and traffic purposes need to be able to withstand all types of weather conditions and be placed at appropriate angles. Mirrors used for vehicles also need to be very durable and able to withstand constant outdoor usage and high speeds.
Final thoughts
Choosing the best convex mirror requires the consideration of many factors, such as size, curvature, durability, and application. These mirrors can be used for a number of situations, such as traffic security, automotive use, and surveillance. By knowing the difference between spherical and aspherical convex mirrors, buyers will have a better understanding of their specific advantages and disadvantages so they can make an informed decision.
