Best Radar Detectors

Escort MAX360 will make sure you're able to avoid all threats. There are not too many detectors out there that are as precise and sensitive as this one. Before that though, let's address the device's profile. Measuring 5.43" x 3.6" x 1.36", this thing is a little less compact than most radar detectors but not much. It will be easy to find enough space and mount this device. Plus, the increased size makes sense due to this joystick-esque setup next to the screen that lets you easily and comfortably manage the device's settings.

The OLED screen makes these settings accessible too, enough to quickly figure them out and fine-tune the tech. Like most detectors, this device boasts 360-degree protection, which is not necessarily something to write home about considering the product's price tag. We cannot say the same about the company's patented anti-falsing tech though. Using GPS and the exact frequency, the tech learns and remembers false alerts from the moving In-Vehicle Technology sources. These sources include collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control. In other words, you'll only be hearing what is important and nothing else.

The voice warnings will enable hands-free operation, providing crystal-clear communication. Based on the speed you're moving at, the alerts will be tailored to fit the location and movement. To rephrase, you'll have no issues keeping your eyes on the road without any distractions.

The Uniden R3 is more accurate than most detectors. That being said, it is not as newbie-friendly as these devices usually are. You'll have to make sure to adjust its sensitivity properly. Otherwise, you'll be hearing false alerts galore. That's pretty much where the product's disadvantages end though.

The company's advanced false alert tech, when used right, will make sure you're able to drive without any distractions. It will have no issues blocking most alerts coming from collision avoidance tech and blind-spot monitoring systems.

Plus, using the built-in GPS module, this device will let you "remember" and mute common false alerts (like retail store automatic doors). In other words, you won't have to listen to the same false alerts twice when driving standard routes.

You'll also be able to mark geographical points where you usually encounter radars (school zones, red-light cameras, and those places where the authorities frequently monitor traffic). Once that's done, the detector will announce that these points are ahead when you're approaching them.

With the Uniden R3, you also get an extensive pre-loaded red light and speed camera locations database that is regularly updated to make sure you're never caught off-guard.

Escort IX is up there with the smartest detectors. Though we're referring to the device's tech before anything else, we can very much extend the same sentiment towards its sleek and streamlined profile.

Mixing silver and black, the unit looks smooth and polished, something that we do not necessarily value that much as far as these devices are concerned but also something that makes the product that much more attractive and able to flow with cars' increasingly high-tech interiors more than most detectors.

Despite its polish accents though, the unit is highly accessible. The buttons are not especially large and even somewhat grouped together yet large enough to let you comfortably manage the device's settings without misclicking.

You definitely won't be able to miss the massive mute button, which is great since that's the button you'll be pressing the most and the button you'd want to be able to find and push as quickly as possible.

The OLED screen's not what we would describe as sizable yet wide and spacious enough to accommodate multiple values/information pieces simultaneously.

Before pivoting towards the device's tech and settings, the relatively standard package includes this nice little travel case that will let you comfortably carry and bring the unit with you, the 12-volt power cord that powers the device and the mounting bracket that, surprisingly enough, lets you mount the unit. The bracket is relatively flimsy, especially when compared to the oddly tough device, so we would recommend treading with caution.

The Uniden DFR7 keeps things relatively simple (as simple as these high-tech devices can be). Though the tech is all there, the device comes without various gimmicky settings, making things quickly and easily accessible.

The unit measures 4.33" x 2.72" x 1.16", meaning that it is even more compact than most radar detectors, obscuring the view even less than these devices usually do. Despite the decreased size, the device is very easy to use. The Mute and Mark buttons have been moved beside the screen, making the standard power, menu, and volume buttons easy to separate.

The Menu button also doubles as the Dim button that you can use to dim the bright screen when necessary. You probably won't be doing that especially often though since, despite its brightness, the screen has no anti-glare coating, so you'll need all that brightness to be able to read the information under direct sunlight.

On the upside, the said information includes the band frequency, current speed, altitude, battery voltage, and even the clock. You can make the screen display all these values at the same time or separate them.

Also on the upside is the unit's completely black finish which allows the device to basically disappear into its surroundings, making the detector less visible to the prying eyes.

The Cobra RAD 450 is pretty rad, despite its flaws. Well, flaws plural is not necessarily accurate. As far as we're concerned, the only issue with this device is the lack of a GPS module. Apart from that, there's not much separating this product from most detectors. The overall dimensions are fairly standard, measuring 4.35” x 2.8” x 1.3”.

The unit looks less modern and streamlined than the detectors we've reviewed above but these devices' aesthetics are not something that drivers usually care about.

What's more important is that the buttons are huge and easy to access. The screen is pretty small but the values' design is eye-catching and unique enough, with large identification icons and numeric signal strength meters.

The fact that the volume buttons have been removed in favor of this little toggle wheel on the side is a pretty smart decision too since that enabled the people behind this product to make the other four buttons larger.

The Dim button will let you quickly increase and reduce the screen's brightness, the Sensitivity button will enable quick sensitivity adjustments, and the Mute button will allow you to quickly mute the alerts. Last but not least, you'll be using the Menu button to access the device's various settings, including backlighting that lets you comfortably use the device come nighttime.