The 5 Best Radar Detectors

The Best Radar Detectors

Automated Everything

Escort Redline 360c

Detects: X, K, Ka, MRCT, MRCD, Laser | Display: Multicolored OLED

The Escort Redline 360c comes equipped with automated features that help fight against false alerts. The triple antenna design improves range and accuracy, putting the 360c at the top of the pack. The device is designed to plug and go with various driving modes, automated features, and built-in WiFi, allowing for instant shared alerts and software updates. The Escort Live! app updates every Monday, ensuring that new red light cameras and speed traps are up to date. Modes like Highway, Auto, Auto No X, and Auto Lo K allow you to adjust the sensitivity, cutting down on false alerts. The new K-notch feature also helps to filter out BSM (blind spot monitoring) from newer Hondas and Acuras, and auto lockouts help keep the device quieter and hands-free. Visually the 360c is very intuitive. The Graphic Multi-Color OLED screen uses a bar graph to display the signal strength, and there are five brightness levels with full dark mode, which is great for evening driving. This device also offers laser jammer integration, although this was not yet released at the time of this writing.

The false alert filtering works impeccably. However, some verbiage on the manufacturer's website claims the 360c never alerts falsely, and this is simply not true. No radar detector is perfect, but the 360c is pretty close. The alerts are informative, but the MRCD alert flashes arrows in all directions, making it hard to decipher the direction of the threat. The 360c is one of the most expensive radar detectors on the market, but if you're looking for a high-range, accurate device that doesn't require too much fiddling to keep quiet, it is worth the investment. If a mid-range model is more within your price range, the Uniden R7 is a great option that lets you know the direction of the threat.

Read more: Escort Redline 360c review

Highly Customizable for the Enthusiast

Uniden R8

Detects: X, K, Ka, MRCT, MRCD, Laser | Display: Multicolored OLED

The Uniden R8 is an upgraded version of a previous iteration with some pretty significant improvements, including Bluetooth. It is highly customizable, making it an excellent option for enthusiasts who are specific about how they like their detectors set up. When programmed properly for your driving location, the R8 offers you complete control over the sensitivity of your device, significantly improving false alert filtering. The new bubble lens improves its range and accuracy, and the alert response time is also very fast, ensuring little to no lag time between when a signal is picked up and when you are alerted of its presence. The R8 can also detect newer Gatso speed cameras. The R8s predecessor has the mute and mark buttons on the side of the device, which can be difficult to reach while driving, but Uniden placed them on the face of the R8, which is a huge improvement. The MRCD detection is another area where this detector has been significantly improved.

Bluetooth will be a helpful feature, but Uniden had not yet released its app when we tested, so we can't comment on this yet. The previous iteration of the R8 exhibited serious issues with auto lockouts, and this version still struggles, though not as badly. You can drive past the same grocery store or strip mall for months and continue experiencing false alerts from the automatic doors. Fortunately, you can manually lock out stationary locations like this, but auto lockouts are a sought-after feature, so it's a bit of a bummer that Uniden is still struggling with it. The R8 is also not completely RDD (radar detector detector) immune, though this is a non-issue in most of the US, as radar detectors are perfectly legal. Lastly, the R8 is a top-notch device and therefore quite expensive. But it is a great daily driver for those who understand the radar threats in their area and enjoy adjusting the settings to optimize their device. Still, for a few dollars less, you can enjoy the better performing auto lockout feature of the Escort MAX 360c.

Read more: Uniden R8 review

Long Range at a Lower Cost

Uniden R3

Detects: X, K, Ka, MRCT, MRCD, Laser | Display: Multicolored OLED

Uniden, as a company, is known for making long-range radar detectors, and the Uniden R3 is no exception. This highly customizable device does a stellar job of picking up all the desired frequencies with plenty of time to allow the driver to slow down. Not only does it excel in the range department, but its accuracy is also an attribute to write home about — as long as you understand the optimal settings for your primary driving routes. Uniden gives its users fine-tuned control over band sensitivity to help with false alerts. From the setup to updates to setting adjustments, the R3 is user-friendly, especially once you become familiar with the controls. The GPS location lockouts are recorded by a simple double-tap of the mute button, located just below the screen, and remain recorded until you delete them. The audible alerts are easy to hear, and the screen is easy to read.

During testing, the GPS location lockouts were easy to perform and plentiful. But the R3 does not offer as much storage as other devices, including other Uniden models. It won't affect the daily performance, but it might inhibit the use of future memory-heavy firmware updates. Sadly, it also does not pick up modulating frequencies like some pricer models. As such, it lacks in its MultaRadar detection. Another issue we have with the otherwise stellar R3 is the BSM filtering. Driving next to modern cars equipped with blind-spot monitoring often triggers the K-band alert. Fine-tuning the K-band sensitivity helps somewhat but does not prevent all BSM-related false alerts. Finally, the R3 lacks directional arrows. We don't think this is a dealbreaker, but we genuinely appreciate knowing where the threat is coming from. With this device, you can feel confident that you're getting the most critical features of an advanced radar detector with stellar range and comparable accuracy at a fraction of the cost. That said, we also like the Radenso XP, which offers top-notch BMS filtering at a budget-friendly price.

Read more: Uniden R3 review

Urban/City Driving on a Budget

Radenso XP

Detects: X, K, Ka, Laser | Display: Amber OLED

The claim to fame for the Radenso XP is its ability to offer an extremely quiet ride, even in urban settings, which are ripe with false threats. Its features are highly adjustable and cater to quieting false alerts. It also offers some of the best BSM filtering we've seen. The XP sports features like Mute, Smart Dark, and Low-Speed Muting, which all turn off audible alerts for low-priority signals. Smart Dark is unique to the XP and keeps the whole device dark, except for a small power indicator, when no threats are present. This is great for parents with sleeping children or for those who are overstimulated by lights and sounds.

Compared to the highest performers in our review, the Radenso XP is a lower-range detector. If you drive in a more urban setting, this is not necessarily a bad thing. The auto-lockouts are less than ideal, but you can manually lock out stationary threats if necessary. The XP is a prime choice for anyone who values a quiet ride and doesn't want to break the bank. Should you need a long-range model, the Uniden R3 is a viable option at an even more attractive price.

Read more: Radenso XP review

The Versatile Daily Driver

Uniden R7

Detects: X, K, Ka, MRCT, MRCD, Laser | Display: Multicolored OLED

The Uniden R7 is an advanced radar detector at a very fair mid-high price point. This model balances being highly customizable with simple settings adjustments to allow for a quick learning curve. It is accurate with excellent range — we could detect a cop over 5 miles away through winding mountainous roads. The built-in GPS technology offers several options to keep false alarms down, blocking alarms caused by radars found on things like automatic doors and train tracks. The manual lockout feature will allow the user to permanently mute any non-threatening, stationary trigger. You can store uploaded information like red-light cameras on the device, with firmware updates confirming those locations. The sizeable multicolored OLED screen is automatically brightened or dimmed based on a built-in ambient light sensor, and clear, unique, and crisp audible alerts round out this excellent package.

While the manual GPS lockout feature is an absolute star, there is somewhat of a learning curve. For instance, locking out a location requires double-clicking the mute button. The first few times we tried using this feature, we just wound up muting the device rather than locking out the location. However, once you figure out the cadence of the double click, it is not an issue. Compared to some of Uniden's other detectors, the R7 is quite sizable. With that in mind, it didn't bother us as it is easy to remove from the window mount when not in use, and if placed low on the dash, it does not impede the driver's vision. Our main complaint is that the BSM filtering leaves much to be desired. Generally speaking, this triggers a K-band alert, so turning the K-sensitivity down a notch helps mitigate the problem. Overall this is a high-end radar and an excellent option for anyone looking to keep those pesky speeding tickets off their driving record. But if you'd rather enjoy auto lockout capabilities for a hands-free experience, the Escort Redline 360c is the one we recommend first and foremost.

Read more: Uniden R7 review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	93	Escort Redline 360c Automated Everything	$800
	92	Uniden R8 Highly Customizable for the Enthusiast	$700
	83	Uniden R7 The Versatile Daily Driver	$500
	83	Escort MAX 360c	$650
	81	Escort MAX 360	$500
	79	Uniden R3 Long Range at a Lower Cost	$300
	78	Valentine V1 Gen2	$599
	75	Radenso XP Urban/City Driving on a Budget	$350
	62	Cobra RAD 480i	$150
	56	Uniden DFR1	$60
	54	Cobra RAD 380	$100

Why Trust GearLab

We strive to test our radar detectors objectively, ensuring that everyone who might benefit from one is considered. To kick off this category, we researched the best contenders on the market to narrow down our lineup to the top models available today for hands-on testing. From there, we took the time to understand how each detector works before putting them to the test. Once we had familiarized ourselves with the capabilities and controls of each, we installed the devices and went looking for speed traps, photo-enforced red light cameras, and other radar-wielding law enforcement. We present an objective, in-depth review through research, unbiased observations, and personal experience. Our comprehensive testing for these devices was broken down into four metrics:

• Features (30% of overall score weighting)

• Accuracy (25% weighting)

• Range (25% weighting)

• Ease of Use (20% weighting)

This review is brought to you by Hayley Thomas. Hayley is based in Denver, Colorado but lives on the road in her custom-built Sprinter van. Her life lands her in interesting places all around North America, but she, her partner, and their two dogs spend a good amount of time driving between said destinations. From the long, winding mountainous roads of Colorado to those straight highways through the middle of Kansas, the temptation to put the pedal to the metal is high. Her time on the road offers a unique testing experience as these radar detectors have seen more states than your average American. Hayley's attention to detail and life on the road allows for a unique testing experience with ample drivetime for comparisons and identifying key features along the way.

Analysis and Test Results

Life is fast-paced, and we know it can be difficult to avoid putting the pedal to the metal when you're on the road. However, we often regret our heavy feet when the dreaded blue and red flashing lights hit our rearview mirror. Are you curious about how to avoid your next speeding ticket but don't know where to start? The market is flooded with radar detectors, and the price range is astounding. It can be hard to know what is worth the money and what isn't, which is why we are here to help. Knowing your technological skill level, driving style, and location is vital to a successful pairing.

Value

The devices we tested range from not-too-pricey to serious investment status, so finding the perfect combination of price and performance can be challenging. Comparing our scores to the price is a great place to start.

For excellent performance and a budget-friendly price, check out the Uniden R3. Its range is at the top of the pack, and accuracy is also stellar, other than MRCD.

The Radenso XP and Uniden R7 offer high performance at a mid-range price. The XP is the perfect daily driver for city dwellers, with a shorter range and many features that help mitigate false alerts and keep your drive quiet. This makes the XP a great option for the city, while the R7 has a longer range making it a little better for highway driving.

Finally, if you're looking for the whole shebang and don't mind spending the extra money, the Uniden R8 and Escort Redline 360c are excellent detectors. The R8 is an updated version of the R7 with a longer range, better MRCD detection, WiFi, and a very fast response time. It is also highly customizable, so you have control over its performance in various locations. The Redline 360c is super streamlined, and it's perfect for someone who doesn't want to mess with the settings much but still wants a high-end radar detector.

Features

What is a device without cool features, right? While accuracy and range are what we need from a radar detector, its available features set it apart from the rest. During our feature testing, we focused on four things: frequencies detected, sensitivity adjustments/modes, technology integration, and bonus features. Law enforcement uses a few different types of radar devices when scouting for speeders. There are red-light cameras, handheld radar guns, laser guns, and stationary speed traps. While many of these radars emit different frequencies, some pose a higher threat than others. An advanced radar detector will offer detection of X-band, K-band, Ka-band, laser, and MultaRadar frequencies. Many of the devices in our test suite offer detection of all the frequencies mentioned above, but some less expensive options lack MultaRadar detection. This is not necessarily a deal-breaker, but you will most likely need to upgrade to a device that does in the future because MultaRadar devices are becoming increasingly popular.

We love options as much as the next person, but too many alerts can muddy the waters. Keeping all five band detections mentioned above at their highest sensitivity will have your radar detector talking like it's gossip time at the water cooler. If we learned anything from “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” we know that false alerts can cause desensitization when real threats are present. This is where the sensitivity adjustments and driving modes give you a leg up in the game. The ability to change the sensitivity of a particular frequency is huge. The X-band, for example, is so seldomly used that most people turn this detection off.

The Uniden R8 has highly customizable features, including a new feature called Auto Mode. Similar to low-speed muting, it varies the sensitivity based on your traveling speed. Auto Mode differs from low-speed muting in that you actually have control over the baseline speed in which it operates. Once you've manually chosen your desired speed, the device will automatically kick itself into highway mode, amplifying sensitivity. On the flip side, if you are traveling under the designated speed, your device will default to city mode, reducing sensitivity to reduce false alerts.

The Redline 360c, on the other hand, is highly automated. You have less control over the features and settings, but the presets work very well. The patented AutoLearn offers an intelligent GPS-based technology that learns your routes and rejects false alerts. The built-in WiFi allows for instant shared alerts and software updates, and the Defender Database offers advanced alerts for red light cameras and speed camera locations. The Defender Database is accessed through the Escort App, which is quite intuitive.

The Uniden R7 allows its users to adjust each band's sensitivity between 30% and 100%. You may also turn the detection of any frequency off completely. Advanced radar detectors also come with various modes that have preset sensitivities based on where you are driving or your user level. Highway mode, for example, is more sensitive than City mode, as there are more false alert triggers in cities.

The Radenso XP has many features that help keep your device quiet. It offers manual lockout and low-speed muting, and similar to the R8, you can choose your baseline speed. The mute feature is great as it quiets all non-threatening audible alerts but still shows them on the screen. The SmartDart feature is similar, but it shuts the whole screen off, except for a power indicator light, and then flashes at you when there is a threat present. This is great for night driving.

The Escort MAX 360c offers a Novice mode that omits all the extra information and tells the driver to slow down if a threat is close. This is great if you struggle with technology or don't want to take the time to learn what every alert means.

Moving on to technology integration features. In the world of radars, technology refers to GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth integration. Without GPS in the device or Bluetooth connecting the detector to your smartphone GPS, there is no way to manually lockout locations, gather speed limits, or offer information that requires your location. If you drive the same route often, manual lockouts are vital as you wouldn't want to continue hearing the beep of the automatic doors at the grocery store you pass on your way to work every morning. The Escort MAX 360c and Redline 360c take the location lockouts up a notch by offering auto lockout capabilities and real-time communication between drivers. The Uniden R8 also offers auto lockouts, but they do not perform nearly as well as the Escort models.

As far as bonus features go, the Uniden R7, Escort MAX 360c, and Escort MAX 360 offer a plethora. The R7 has different sounds and colors for each alert, all customizable. This feature may seem small, but you don't want to be distracted by your radar detector while trying to avoid getting a speeding ticket, so you certainly do not want to be questioning what the device is telling you. Both Escort models also offer speeding alerts. You can pop into the app on your smartphone and adjust the settings to alert you when going a specific amount over the speed limit.

A couple of runner-ups in the features department are the Uniden R3 and the Valentine V1 Gen2. Similar to the R8, the R3 has city, advanced, and highway modes, GPS, and low-speed muting. You can also change the detector sensitivity for various signals. The V1 Gen2 has Bluetooth capability, so you can get GPS through your phone, and when used in tandem with a third-party app, the features are quite rich.

Accuracy

A radar detector that stays silent in the presence of radar gun-wielding law enforcement is money wasted. That being said, “accuracy” refers mostly to the device's ability to decipher between real and false threats. Alerts caused by non-threatening radar are called false alerts, and many things can set them off. Blind spot monitoring systems (BSM) in modern cars, automatic doors at the grocery store, or train tracks are all culprits. There is no such thing as a perfect radar detector, but some certainly offer more accurate alerts with fewer false alarms.

The Redline 360c and Uniden R8 are extremely accurate. The 360c is accurate right out of the box, with a simple, only slightly adjustable system, while the R8 is more customizable, giving you complete control over your detector's responsiveness. The BSM filtering and MRDC detections on the R8 have been significantly improved from its previous iterations, but the automatic lockouts still malfunction often. The auto lockouts on the 360c, on the other hand, work great.

The Uniden R7 is also accurate. It picks up the appropriate signals, displays the correct direction of the threat, and falls quiet when the threat is no longer present. The only false alarm it seems to struggle with is blind-spot monitoring on neighboring cars. The presence of this type of radar often triggers a false K-band alert. Because the R7 is so highly adjustable in its sensitivity settings, it is not too difficult to turn down your K-band sensitivity to help filter out some of these BSM alerts.

The Escort MAX 360c, MAX 360c, and Uniden R7 are all pretty accurate right out of the box. They easily pick up X, K, Ka, laser, and MultaRadar. Every device false alerts to some degree, so adjusting the settings to your desired sensitivity is essential. That said, if you fully understand what every alert means and are not bothered by the beeps and boops, you may want to leave sensitivity on everything up to have complete visibility into what is happening around you. The MAX 360 and 360c are connected to the Escort community via the cloud. This allows users to confirm that alerts were true threats, mark spots the device did not initially see, and deny threats so drivers can learn from each other's driving experiences.

Some more notables for accuracy are the Uniden R3, Radenso XP, and the Valentine V1 Gen2. The R3 struggles a little with BSM filtering and false alerts a little more than the R7 and R8, but for the price its a great value. The XP has excellent filtering and filter features making it great for around town. The BSM filtering is some of the best we've seen, and the Low-Speed Muting helps to keep the device quiet, even if low-threat alerts are popping up on the screen. The V1 Gen2 has good BSM filtering and solid laser detection.

Range

Radar devices emit radio waves that bounce off the vehicle in question and get sent back to the device to read its speed. The radar guns used by law enforcement emit massive waves, so it is relatively easy for a detector to identify these waves before you can spot the source. This is a critical attribute because you need to be warned of the law enforcement officer before they can see you.

The Redline 360c takes the cake for long-range detectors, outperforming the competition. The triple antenna design (dual front and single rear) improves the range significantly. While testing this metric, we compared select detectors side-by-side to see which ones went off first, and the 360c was often the first to go off, regardless of the signal type.

Uniden is known for its long-range radars, and they don't disappoint. The R8, R7, and R3 prove to have some of the longest ranges, time and time again. Whether on a long straight highway, in a busy city, or driving through winding mountain roads, these models consistently picked up radar frequencies before their competitors. The R8 rocks an upgraded platform with a new dual LNA design, offering a slightly longer range than the R7 and R3. The upgraded condenser lens also improves range.

The Valentine V1 Gen2 is right up there with the R8 in range, and it is especially impressive when there are obstacles in its way. When comparing it side by side with the other top-tier models, the V1 Gen2 went off before its competition when there were trees, hills, or curves in the road blocking the detector from the threat.

The Escort models trailed a little behind. The MAX 360 and 360c lose out to the Uniden R8, R7, and R3 every time, but they still offer ample time to slow down.

Ease of Use

Radar detectors are a great tool because even the most careful of us have been caught off guard going a few miles over the speed limit. However, these devices can be tricky if you don't understand how they work. In this category, we paid attention to the initial setup, ongoing changes to device settings, and overall visual and audible clarity.

Sometimes a highly customizable device can lead to confusion and difficult navigation, but the Uniden R8 does a great job of walking that line. The menu is easy to navigate, and the controls are intuitive. Its features are easy to sift through on the device itself without having to pair it with an app. That being said, Uniden is working on an app for the R8, and we are excited to see what they come up with. Uniden also moved the mute and mark buttons from the side of the device to the front, which is a huge upgrade from the R7.

The Redline 360c has a different approach than the R8. It's the perfect plug-and-go device. It has plenty of customizable features, but the presets work wonders, and the automatic lockouts give you a very hands-free experience.

The initial setup for these devices can include getting comfortable with the controls, downloading smartphone apps, and physically installing the device in your vehicle. Downloading and pairing the Escort MAX devices is a breeze. The app is also very informative, so making changes to the settings is just as easy. We did, however, have trouble hearing the alerts as the sounds were lost when the cab was particularly noisy.

Once you get used to the controls on the Uniden R7 and R3, they are both straightforward to navigate. Both detectors are also very audibly clear and easy to understand. The R7 has a very large multicolored OLED screen that makes it very visible. Unfortunately, the mute button on the side of the R7 can be difficult to reach in a pinch, making muting and manual lockouts a little difficult.

The Radenso XP is also quite easy to use. It offers a clear display and mostly intuitive controls, but you have to press and hold to change the volume, which feels a little cumbersome.

Conclusion

The best radar detector for you may cost hundreds of dollars, but it has the potential to save you hundreds down the line. There are many features to choose from, and you largely get what you pay for. However, not everyone needs the most expensive one to get the job done. Driving can be enjoyable when the risk of receiving a speeding ticket is less. Finding the right fit for your needs and budget can be difficult, so we have taken the time to give you an expertly conducted comprehensive review. Good luck out there, and drive safe!