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When you’re traveling on a deserted stretch of highway, it’s easy to get carried away and forget about the pressure of your foot on the gas. Next thing you know, you could be getting an expensive speeding ticket or even a date in traffic court. If you had a radar detector.
A radar detector notifies you when your vehicle’s speed may be monitored by law enforcement. This gives you the ability to spot the police before they spot you, giving you a chance to slow down and correct your driving. In short, radar detectors can help you drive safer while saving money with fewer tickets. And they’re currently legal in all but two areas (Washington, DC and Virginia).
Too: best dash cam
ZDNET researched the best radar detectors available based on features, display and price. Our picks for the best radar detector overall Uniden R7, thanks to its integrated GPS, strong signal strength and ease of use. Read on for the rest of our picks for the best radar detectors you can buy now.
- Integrated GPS
- strong signal strength
- ease of use
- on the big side
- bluetooth is missing
Uniden R7 Features: GPS: yes | Sound Alert: yes | Power Source: DC | Voltage: 12th | display type: OLED
The Uniden R7 has been voted as the best radar detector overall due to its customizable voice alerts and false alarm detection. It keeps you safe with advanced false alert filtering, 360-degree monitoring and arrow detection. It even employs GPS technology to help the device remember and mute common false alarms. You will also get red light and speed camera locations will automatically update to stay on at all times. The OLED display is a bonus for easy visibility.
- bluetooth connectivity
- voice alert
- adjustable sensitivity
- noisy
- suffers from false alarms
Cobra RAD 480i Features: GPS: no | Sound Alert: no | Power Source: DC | Voltage: 12th | display type: OLED
If your budget is low, then the Cobra RAD 480i can be very suitable for you. At just $150, it’s very affordable compared to others in its category. LaserEye technology helps detect signals from around your vehicle for improved front and rear detection, while built-in safety protocols help provide early warning, reducing the risk of false alarms. Use the associated iRadar app to see trips ahead or receive real-time alerts from over 3 million drivers in the community.
- excellent connectivity
- rear radar antenna
- auto lockout
- expensive
- Mediocre rear-range
Escort MAX 360c Features: GPS: Yes, through the app. Sound Alert: yes | Power Source: DC | Voltage: 12th | display type: OLED
The Escort MAX 360c lets you customize your screen, viewing high resolution details like signal type and strength when you’re connected to Escort Live. Included is a full-color graphic display that uses both antennas and arrows to identify risks around your vehicle and near your location. This radar detector is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices for easy connectivity. Plus, it has the advantage of built-in Wi-Fi, so you can see in real time whether a ticket is in danger of your future.
- simple installation
- long distance access
- rarely false alarms
- suction cup fixture
- average performance
Uniden R3 Features: GPS: yes | Sound Alert: yes | Power Source: DC | Voltage: 12th | display type: OLED
The UniDen R3 uses a combination of technologies – advanced false alert filtering provides greater protection against invalid threats, while GPS technology locates and tracks your location against known radars in and around your location. With the built-in memory for your detector, you will skip all the typical false warnings when you drive on your normal route. Your device will also come preloaded with red light and speed cameras, which will be kept up to date with firmware updates to ensure you can get started wherever you need to be right away.
- real time user updates
- Integrated GPS
- Event alerts for traffic jams and special events
- Free
Features of Waze App: GPS: yes | Sound Alert: yes | Power Source: N/A | Voltage: N/A | display type: N/A
While the Waze app isn’t billed as a radar detector, the user base does help by providing real-time information on the locations of red light cameras and speed traps on your route. And as well as helping you avoid getting tickets, Waze users can provide real-time updates on traffic jams, restaurant and gas station locations, and even special events like parades and street carnivals. The app also has an integrated GPS system that works similarly to Google Maps, and you can integrate your Spotify playlists for safe multitasking while driving.
The Uniden R7 is ZDNET’s pick as the best radar detector because of its incredible performance, reliability, and value. To see how it stacks up against our other best radar detectors, here’s an overview of each model.
|
best radar detector |
worth |
GPS |
Power |
|
Uniden R7 |
$500 |
Made in |
12v dc |
|
Cobra RAD 480i |
$150 |
N/A |
12v dc |
|
Escort Max 360c |
$650 |
companion app |
12v dc |
|
Uniden R3 |
$300 |
Made in |
12v dc |
|
Waze |
Free |
Made in |
N/A |
When choosing a radar detector, the most important thing to consider is whether owning and using it is legal in your state. Some areas have outlawed the use of radar detectors for civilians, so check all local laws and ordinances to make sure you are not illegally owning and operating one.
|
Buy this radar detector… |
if you need… |
|
Uniden R7 |
An all round radar detector. The Uniden R7 features integrated GPS and voice alerts for added road safety. |
|
Cobra RAD 480i |
A budget-friendly radar detector. The Cobra RAD 480i retails for around $150, making it one of the cheapest options on the market. |
|
Escort Max 360c |
Radar detector with great display. The Escort MAX 360c uses an OLED display for clear, easy-to-read text. |
|
Uniden R3 |
A radar detector that offers great value for the price. Features built-in GPS and voice alerts as well as OLED display and dual radar and laser detection system |
|
waze app |
A user friendly radar detector app. Waze users help provide real-time updates on red light camera and speed trap locations. |
When searching for the best radar detectors, we consider several factors:
- features: There are many bonus features that you may find from model to model, such as GPS connectivity or false alert detection. These features can greatly simplify use and improve your chances of getting caught under the radar.
- Show: Visibility is an important factor when choosing a radar detector. The best radar detectors come with OLED displays that provide greater clarity and color for your images.
- Cost: Budget is a primary concern for many users, so we look for the best affordable radar detectors that come at a reasonable price for their features.
All radar detectors are banned from commercial vehicles, military bases and federal parks nationwide. Check local laws and regulations in your area before investing in one of the best radar detectors.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations Currently states that only two places – Washington, DC and Virginia – where radar detectors are illegal. Be sure to check local laws prior to use to ensure you are complying with local and state laws.
The cost of a radar detector ranges from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand dollars. The best radar detectors range in price from under $150 to over $650, depending on the model you choose.
In our quest to find the best radar detectors, we also found these models that may be worth considering.
