Introducing the Uniden R1 & Uniden R3

Introduction Uniden R3 First Look

Uniden R3

Uniden is introducing two new high end radar detectors which are the successors to the DFR6 and DFR7. They are called the Uniden R1 and the Uniden R3 and they’re so good, they’re rendering some of the current top of the line benchmark radar detectors virtually obsolete.

So as I mentioned, these detectors are the next generation of the Uniden DFR6 and DFR7 (though they’re not replacements to them.. they’re the now top-of-the-line models). They’re similar in terms of features and design, but they now offer a color OLED display and a frequency display up to 3 digits. However, the big deal about these detectors is that they’re now digital (like the Escort Max series detectors) and they offer performance that is able surpass the range of the current top of the line, high performance, long range detectors like the Escort Redline, Radenso Pro SE, and Stinger VIP. It’s kind of incredible.

In testing we’re seeing the detector run neck and neck with M3’s in situations where we’re course limited (lots of detectors alert around the same location as you crest a hill or around a bend, for example) and in situations where we see separation between detectors, we’re seeing the new Unidens absolutely blow away everything else. For example, here’s one test done by @Dukes comparing the Stinger VIP (purple), Escort Redline (Red), and Uniden R1 (green).

Uniden R1 Test Results

Do you remember how the DFR6/DFR7 were pretty strong on 34.7 but weak on 33.8 and 35.5? Well the new R1/R3 are now stronger than a Redline on all 3 Ka frequencies which is incredible.

The Uniden R1 and R3 offer the same level of performance, but the R3 adds GPS to give you GPS lockouts, low speed muting, and red light camera alerts for more useful features and false alert filtering capabilities around town (similar to the DFR6 and DFR7).

The BSM filtering with these detectors is pretty good too, better than some existing detectors like the Redline (not that that’s too hard to achieve nowadays, heh). Due to its extreme sensitivity it picks up more signals than other detectors so it’s not going to be as quiet as something like a Radenso XP, but the BSM filter is pretty effective.

Here’s a hands on look with the Uniden R3 so you can check out the detector and see all the current features and menu options.

This detector is currently being beta tested and we’ve been working with Uniden to help brainstorm features, they’ve been making some awesome new changes, improving the filtering, and so on. We’re testing with production grade hardware but beta firmware so I can’t give you information about the final product, but the firmware we have now is close to production ready. There’s a few changes Uniden wants to make such as improving the BSM filtering even more and also boosting X band performance (they had reduced X band sensitivity to cut down on false alerts but it also impacted range.. so they’re giving us full sensitivity and reduced sensitivity now as separate options, for example.)

As far as RDD immunity, this detector is effectively completely stealth to the Spectre Elite, even when the Spectre is being run at max sensitivity. Check this out…

That was one of the tricks that the Escort Redline had.. and this detector is also immune, not to mention it gets better range, has better BSM filtering, and costs less money too!

Speaking of which, let’s talk about that. These detectors are now available for preorder and will be shipping around the end of May.

The Uniden R1 (no GPS) will retail for $299.

The Uniden R3 (with GPS) will retail for $399.

Uniden R3 accessories included in box

Uniden R3, Items Included in the Box

If you’re looking for a high end, long range, high performance radar detector, this has now become THE detector to get. This detector is going to be extremely popular and I know that availability initially will be very limited so if you’re interested, I would definitely recommend you pre-order.

Pre-order the Uniden R1 here.

Pre-order the Uniden R3 here.

This website contains affiliate links and I sometimes make commissions on purchases. All opinions are my own. I don’t do paid or sponsored reviews.

Click here to read my affiliate disclosure.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2017/05/introducing-the-uniden-r1-r3/

70 comments

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    • robert najman on May 1, 2017 at 1:36 pm
    • Reply

    Looks like the best detector in a moderate price range

    1. You got it! ?

      • jermone on August 1, 2017 at 6:11 pm
      • Reply

      I thank you for your efforts. You do an amazing job, thank you! I am looking at a Redline EX. I really like what I see with the R1 or R3. My only concern is that it is truly undetectable? I realize you can not give away trade secrets. Is it undetectable because they changed something in the units or did they just change the oscillation frequency. I live in Virginia and I would be willing to give up on some distance of picking up radar so I am 100% undetectable. I use a scanner and the police use RDD not only for trucks but cars in states like Ohio, Pa. etc. One car uses the Spectre Elite and informs the other patrol car if they have a radar detector and they hit them with radar. This is a real issue. Thank you.

      1. It’s not as simple as changing the LO frequency. See this article which explains why. https://www.rdforum.org/showthread.php?t=64535&page=12&p=907688&viewfull=1#post907688

    • John on May 1, 2017 at 5:46 pm
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    Have you rested the unit against the RPSE? I am getting better off axis than my Redline, Radenso is very impressive? Firmware US20 helped a lot of issues.

    1. I did, yes. I don’t find the results to be totally conclusive as I explain, but you can see here: https://www.rdforum.org/showthread.php?t=61027&page=2&p=851848&viewfull=1#post851848

    • florin on May 2, 2017 at 7:42 am
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    Can you test K band QT response?

    1. I can, but Uniden will actually be changing/improving things with an upcoming firmware release so I’ll hold off until I can get results that’ll be representative of what you’ll experience. 🙂

        • florin on May 2, 2017 at 9:15 pm
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        Thank you! We are ready to preorder…

        • Aj on June 19, 2017 at 11:09 pm
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        Vortex radar, I been seeing everything for uniden r3 and r1 for radar, but I haven’t seen any work for lidar how far or how much it can pick up mounting it high or low . Please do some tests.

        1. There really isn’t a good reason to. Even if it’s a great laser detector like the V1, it won’t save you from tickets and you’re still going to need a laser jammer either way. There’s been some videos of people getting shot by laser when running a Uniden, but there’s actually little value in comprehensive lidar sensitivity testing since it ultimately won’t make a difference and the conclusion will be that you need jammers.

        • Dan CALLAGHAN on July 20, 2017 at 9:24 am
        • Reply

        Hello

        I will receive my R3 next week. I’m running a V1 (4 years old). I’m hoping the R3 will be a significant upgrade. I live and travel in upstate New York and New Jersey. Lots of K and KA band. Looking for more alert distance. Down hills and areound bends.

        Did I make the right purchase?

        1. In that case it was one of the very best purchases you could possibly make.

    • Mottie on May 3, 2017 at 6:19 am
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    Hello vortex
    Again great job and useful information for us all
    Do you know if the R3 the one with the GPS will support red light and speed camera database outside of North America like in Europe as well??

    1. I haven’t asked or heard about any support for European databases so I’m not sure if they plan on doing this.

    • CHRISTOPHER CLINE on May 4, 2017 at 6:16 pm
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    Hello Vortex! I started following you several months ago, but these are my first comments. Thank you for all your hard work that goes into the technical and unbiased quality of your videos. You and your videos have been a tremendous help in getting me back in the radar detector game. I think I was leaning heavily toward getting the V1…until your recent review of the Uniden R1 & R3 units. Despite being a procrastinator and certainly far less than spontaneous when it comes to electronic purchases…I pre-ordered the Uniden R1. I know you are a fan of the V1, but you were obviously excited about the the new Uniden test results. My question is this: For someone that does mostly highway and suburban driving…do you think I made the right choice…or do you think I was a little premature since some kinks are still being worked out? The long range results had me sold…and I figured the value was there…saving about $150 bucks over the V1 setup. Based on what you know…do you think I made a wise decision? Thanks!

    1. Yeah I think it’s a phenomenal choice. The V1’s arrows admittedly are handy, but that performance is really something else. I just drove with the Uniden today. 0 BSM falses. Really impressive…

    • Jim on May 4, 2017 at 7:41 pm
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    Can you verify if smart cord that will ship with new Uniden R1 & R3 are the same cord used with DFR6 & DFR7? Does your test R1 or R3 smart cord work to initiate GPS Lockouts like the DFR6 & DFR7 units below on the R1 & R3? !!
    I didn’t see this mentioned on your first 2 videos. Thanks, Jim

    Smartcord for New Uniden DFR6 & DFR7 units.
    Double Click of the mute button during an alert on supported units will initiate a GPS Lockout without having to reach over and use the Mark button.shiI

    1. It’s literally the exact same cord as the DFR detectors and all the features and functionality is identical.

        • Jim on May 5, 2017 at 3:34 am
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        Thank you. I preordered mine… Love your reviews!

        1. Congrats!

    • CHRISTOPHER CLINE on May 4, 2017 at 11:47 pm
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    Thanks!

    • Greg Armstrong on May 6, 2017 at 5:50 am
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    Hello Vortex,

    i live in Ohio, and i am intrigued by this detector. Could you tell me how it does with X Band as i still see this on a regular basis. Also, how does it do with Laser detection ?

    1. X band performance was pretty bad in testing. It turns out Uniden had turned down the sensitivity to cut down on false alerts. After that, they’ve since updated the detector and given us the ability to run it in full sensitivity if we like. It hasn’t been retested with this new change.

      Laser detection, *shrugs.* I know it can detect the DragonEye Compact, but it’s no replacement for jammers even if the sensitivity is great so there’s not really any point of doing some sort of comprehensive test.

        • Greg Armstrong on May 7, 2017 at 1:44 pm
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        Thanks for the response

    • Doug lister on May 7, 2017 at 3:06 am
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    I am in Canada and want to purchase a radar detector. Will the new Uniden detect MRCD photo radar which uses K-band scanning at the low end of 24.0GHz? This is now being used in some provinces of Canada.

    1. It is not designed to detect the MRCD. If you’re in Canada, I’d recommend a different detector like the Net Radar MRCD if you want a remote, a Redline International if you want a windshield mount now, or the upcoming Radenso Pro SE M if you’re willing to be a little patient. https://www.rdforum.org/showthread.php?t=60845

        • Doug Lister on May 7, 2017 at 1:56 pm
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        Thank you for the recommendation. It’s really appreciated as making these decisions is very diffiecult with so many variables. Thanks again.

        • Doug lister on May 7, 2017 at 6:18 pm
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        Quick question, is the Radenso Pro SE M, supposed to be better than Redline? Thanks in advance for the help.

        1. That detector hasn’t even be released yet. The European equivalent, the Genevo One M, has, and I don’t cover European detectors. There’s information around on it though if you search around.

    • Doug lister on May 7, 2017 at 3:07 am
    • Reply

    ….I am in Canada and want to purchase a radar detector. Will the new Uniden detect MRCD photo radar which uses K-band scanning at the low end of 24.0GHz? This is now being used in some provinces of Canada.

    • Dash on May 8, 2017 at 7:31 am
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    I have a Cobra right now that I have powered by a chord connected to fusebox…Do RD’s use the same size power chords? WIll this one match up with that as well?

    1. It’s probably different. What kind of power cable does your Cobra use? Is it a rounded plug? The Uniden uses an RJ11 jack that looks like a landline phone cable. I’m guessing it’s different than your Cobra so you will need to run a different hardwire cable.

        • Dash on May 8, 2017 at 8:25 am
        • Reply

        Yes it is round. Are those types of cables available after market?

        1. Here’s the cable I’d recommend: https://bit.ly/28TJdLb It’s the one for the DFR7 and it works perfectly with the R1/R3 as well.

            • Dash Riprock on July 23, 2017 at 6:36 am

            Will that chord you posted (and thanks!) take away any functions that the supplied chord has?

            Can I also just get one of these and adapt my power chord that I am using with my older Cobra?

            https://www.escortradar.com/store/Interface-Cord.html

          • Jim on May 8, 2017 at 9:40 am
          • Reply

          I use this adapter with my Radenso Pro SE cable with power on/off switch to power my Radenso XP. Works great and is very convenient if I want to turn off detector if police are around me at intersections! I’m in a state just south of Maryland!

          • Dash Riprock on July 23, 2017 at 6:36 am
          • Reply

          Will that chord you posted (and thanks!) take away any functions that the supplied chord has?

          Can I also just get one of these and adapt my power chord that I am using with my older Cobra?

          https://www.escortradar.com/store/Interface-Cord.html

            • Vortex on July 23, 2017 at 9:54 pm
              Author

            If you’re using an Escort power cable with your Uniden, it will power the detector just fine. Heck, I use my Unidens with a V1 power cable. It’s all the same. The remote alert LED’s and mute buttons from another manufacturer won’t work with the Unidens, but the power aspects will work just fine.

            • Dash on July 24, 2017 at 5:35 am

            I have a cobra now…. Hard wired. But since it has a plug not a phone connecter whether i coukd still use that cable and adapt it ti the the ogine jack with the above adapter or sonething else?

            • Vortex on July 24, 2017 at 9:16 am
              Author

            Ah, gotcha. Yes, converting your Cobra power cable to a phone jack style connector should work with the new Unidens.

            • Dash on July 24, 2017 at 10:14 am

            Any reccomendations on cables?

            • Dash Riprock on July 25, 2017 at 7:11 am

            Do you know where I can but one of those adapter cables other than the one above?

    • Ken Nakamura on May 8, 2017 at 9:59 am
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    Hi Vortex,

    I am ready to order. Considering the DFR7 or the R3, what are the key differences beside the weakness on 33.8 for the DFR7

    1. Other than the significantly improved performance, you’ve got an updated color screen, and improved lockouts. There’s also other little things like K band POP detection (doesn’t matter) and currently the ability to mute RLC alerts when on the highway which they’re looking to change to being able to individually delete RLC’s if desired. I’ll do a post on this specifically probably later today. 🙂

    • KiwiGuy on May 8, 2017 at 12:39 pm
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    Do you know what the lowest k band frequency this can detect? Can it detect around 24.080ghz?

    1. It can detect down as low as 24.050. 🙂

    • Al on May 8, 2017 at 2:20 pm
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    When you buy a radar detector, such as the Uniden R3, do you get the full one-year warranty if you buy it from someplace like Amazon, for example?
    When I was looking over the Uniden website, it appeared to me that you only get the full one-year warranty if you buy it directly from Uniden. Is that a true statement?

    1. So long as you purchase from an authorized reseller, you get the full warranty. 🙂

    • Marc Polfliet on May 12, 2017 at 4:34 pm
    • Reply

    Hi Vortex, Thanks to all the great review you provided, I am convinced I need a Radar. Looks like the best choice is one of the new Uniden considering that I need a maximum range when ridding my motorcycle. The only thing I miss is to know which waterproof case I could use to install this on my motorcycle. Can you recommend anything (or talk to Uniden to see if they have anything of that nature in development)?
    Thanks a bunch for all the great videos and high quality product reviews you provide.
    Marc.

    1. Please take a look here: https://www.rdforum.org/showthread.php?t=52205&highlight=motorcycle

    • VC on June 10, 2017 at 9:27 am
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    Sure would love to get my hands on one before my road trip vacation starts which is last week in June!!

    • Angelos on June 12, 2017 at 6:41 pm
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    Hi there,
    I’m using the Max right now and the 8500 x50 before, I don’t like the max but I use a smart cord with a optocoupler the triggers a relay with LEDS on the dash of my motorcycle to get my attention does the R3 has something like that? Smart cord with blinking LEDS when it receives a signal? I’m very interested at the R3 but it won’t do anything good if I don’t know that it picked up a signal.
    Thanks for your time.

      • Doug on June 12, 2017 at 7:03 pm
      • Reply

      Talked to Escort today and was told replacement for Redline is coming in 4 to 6 weeks. And will be full my undetectable.

      Has anybody heard anything further?

    1. Yep, the R1 and R3’s smartcord has an LED that flashes when you get an alert as well. 🙂

        • Angelos on June 13, 2017 at 2:30 pm
        • Reply

        Is any way to find out from Uniden the wiring pin out of the plug? Maybe that way I can built the smart cord like the Max or even use the same board….i will try to find the diagram and uploaded.

        • Angelos on June 13, 2017 at 2:37 pm
        • Reply

        http://www.gixxer.com/forums/22-mods-how-tos/233418-electrical-question-custom-wiring-radar-tearing-down-escort-smartcord.html#/topics/233418?page=1

        This is the wiring diagram for escort detectors, if it is close to that would be great.

    • Jameson on June 15, 2017 at 4:31 pm
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    I own a convertible also and am concerned about the detector not being loud enough since I have read several comments about the detector not being very loud. Since you have a Miata what is your opinion?

    1. Yeah I was a bit surprised to hear that. I mean I never run the thing at full volume… 😉 Then again, I haven’t run much with the top down lately plus my Miata’s small so the RD is sitting RIGHT by my head which makes it easier to hear. I’ll have to test it out next time I go out (it’s rainy now) and I’ll let you know.

        • Jameson on July 10, 2017 at 7:11 pm
        • Reply

        Any top down drives yet in the Miata to test the volume on the R3?

        1. Oh yeah, this weekend actually. I ran it around volume 3/5 and it was fine. 🙂

    • Don on June 27, 2017 at 12:12 pm
    • Reply

    I want to purchase either the RD1 or RD3. I drive mostly on the Highway but I drive on busy roads also. What is the biggest benefit of having the GPS ? BTW: I’m in NJ so I need X band to work too.

    Thanks
    Don

    1. If you’re in urban areas, a detector with GPS is best. See this post for more info: https://www.vortexradar.com/2017/06/the-benefits-of-gps-in-a-radar-detector/

      The Unidens are now good on X band too. They were bad in beta testing because Uniden cut back the sensitivity, but now we have the option for full sensitivity (when running in Highway mode) or reduced sensitivity (in City mode).

    • Jack on October 10, 2017 at 11:09 am
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    Keep up the great work Vortex You have the best info on the web.
    Am I missing something on the R3 Detector I just have not seen if I need to use like escort does with Escort Live to get the all the options like red light cameras and that kind of stuff??
    Not that its that big of a deal was just a questions I had on this unit. I also am going to get one of these when they build more Cant find them anywhere right now. Upgrading from the Max 2.
    Thank you

    1. So the RLC database on the R3 is built directly into the detector so there’s no need for an app. The same is true with Escort’s GPS detectors too actually. As for R3 availability, yeah no kidding. They keep coming in big batches to fill all the backorders and sell out within a day or two. They are making a bunch more for the holidays, but demand is really outpacing supply right now. I’d recommend getting on the waitlist so you’ll get one in the next batch. Order here: https://geni.us/UnidenR3-VR

        • Jack on October 10, 2017 at 11:32 am
        • Reply

        Thank you for the link I was going to ask you that next so you can get some credit..
        Thank you for all that you do with this.

        • Dan CALLAGHAN on October 10, 2017 at 12:16 pm
        • Reply

        I tried an R3. I was one of the first buyers. I returned it. Full disclosure: I’m just a regular guy. I don’t know all the technical jargon and metrics. Tried them on the same predicable course. Over and over. V1 is the best ever made. V-1. And that’s that. The R3 is not a bad detector but not in the major league. And it has a cheap feel. It’s “late” around corners and hills. Sounds cheap. Feels cheap. So here’s my analogy:

        The R3 is the Sam Bradford of radar detectors. Makes all the metrics. Hits all the points. Doesn’t meet the eye test. Looks “off”. Cheap. And when it’s “clutch time” fades.

        Again, I’m just a regular 50 year old guy that’s looking for the best detector. I returned the R3 because I have the best. V1

        1. Great! Yeah whatever floats your boat. We all have different priorities which is what makes recommending a detector a bit difficult sometimes. Thank goodness you can try out a couple detectors and then keep the one that best suits you. 🙂

    • Dan CALLAGHAN on October 10, 2017 at 1:16 pm
    • Reply

    Thanks vortex. I do love your reviews and they are awesome. I also tried the escort max. Good if you like a huge shoebox hooked to your windshield. But, it’s a great performer.

    The R3 is cheap, cheap, cheap. I’m a retail exec. Product looks great. Cheap feel persists. Bad plastic. Average performer. Does not belong with the max or V1. It’s not a premium product. Mid level detector. Not a Cobra, but the fit and feeel are the same. Do I want this hooked to my luxury car? Nope. And it’s not as good as the max or V1.

    Sorry…but I’m the typical guy that reads your website. I apologize if I don’t agree…and thanks for your excellent reviews.

    Dan

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