Radar detectors can help you avoid speeding tickets, but which one should you buy? Here’s a comparison review of the Best Radar Detectors of 2023 to keep you and your license protected on the road.
(Last updated: December 2023)
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Best Radar Detectors of 2023
There’s a lot of excellent radar detectors to choose from and each one has a sort of specialty, making it “best” for different people with different needs and budgets.
- Escort Redline 360c: Best Set-It-And-Forget-It Radar Detectorf
- Uniden R8: Best for Long Range Detection and Responsiveness
- Valentine 1 Gen2: Best Situational Awareness with Apps
- Uniden R7: Best Bang-for-the-Buck Arrow Detector
- Uniden R4: Best Under $400
- Uniden R3: Best Under $300
- Uniden DFR7: Best Under $200
Escort Redline 360c: Best Set-It-And-Forget-It Radar Detector ($799)
The Escort Redline 360c is a top pick for a long range and easy to use radar detector. It’s a long range detector with arrows, excellent false alert filtering, and some of the best hands-free automation. It ticks just about every box you could want in terms of features and capabilities.
- What it’s great for: Long range detection with minimal false alerts
- Key features: High sensitivity, arrows, bluetooth, WiFi
- Who should buy it: Ideal for drivers wanting top-of-the-line range in an easy to use package
Pros
- Long range performance
- Outstanding BSM Filtering
- Arrows
- Photo radar detection
- Stealth & RDD Immune
- Integrated GPS
- Automatic lockouts
- Redlight / Speedcam Alerts
- Bluetooth
- WiFi
- Escort Live cloud alerts
- Automatic updates
- Multicolor OLED Display
- Speed limit displayed on screen
- Laser jammer integration
- Solid build quality
- Great mount
Cons
- Slower responsiveness against instant on radar
- No Open API
- MultaRadar falses
- No directional arrows for MultaRadar
- Expensive at $799
So the Redline 360c isn’t cheap at $799. That said, it offers long range performance, minimal false alerts, GPS built in with auto lockouts to make it more plug-and-play, Bluetooth to extend its functionality using phone apps, and the ability to keep it updated right in your car via WiFi. Its arrows help you locate the source of different threats, it can share alerts in realtime with other drivers, it’s completely undetectable to radar detector detectors, and it’s virtually plug-and-play.
The biggest downside of the Redline 360c is that it can be a bit slower to quick signals despite the marketing claims. If you face a lot of instant on radar in hilly and tree-filled terrain, I’d suggest going for a Uniden or Valentine. Additionally if you enable photo radar detection, you don’t get any directional indication since all of the arrows will light up.
The Redline 360c is ultimately a well balanced detector offering top tier detection range, some of the best false alert filtering around, automated updates, and ease of use. For these reasons, the Redline 360c is my daily driver.
Once you buy your Redline 360c, here’s your tutorial on how to set it up.
(Bonus) Escort MaxCam 360c: Best Redline 360c Alternative ($849)
If you like the idea of the Redline 360c for its automation and wifi/cloud features, you can consider the MaxCam 360c instead. It costs $50 more than the Redline 360c, but it gives you an added dash camera which is a huge help while driving.
- What it’s great for: Combining radar detection and a dashcam into one package
- Key features: Long range performance, integrated 2K dash camera
- Who should buy it: Drivers who want a convenient all-in-one package with simple installation
Uniden R8: Long Range & Responsive ($699)
For long range radar detection and the best in responsiveness against instant on radar, get the Uniden R8. It offers outstanding performance, reasonable false alert filtering, arrows, GPS capabilities, plus bonus capabilities like photo radar detection and bluetooth.
- What it’s great for: Long range detection against all types of police radar
- Key features: Excellent sensitivity and responsiveness, arrows, photo radar detection
- Who should buy it: Ideal for drivers who prioritize radar detection in exchange for more false alerts
Pros
- Long range performance
- Very responsive to brief signals
- Good BSM Filtering
- Arrows
- Good photo radar detection
- Integrated GPS
- Automatic & manual lockouts
- Redlight / Speedcam Alerts
- Bluetooth
- Multicolor OLED Display
Cons
- Autolockouts don’t work reliably
- Not fully RDD immune
- Ineffective Gatso detection
- Limited access to Open API
- Build quality is a bit plastic’y
- More false alerts than the competition
If you do a lot of driving in tough terrain with mountains, hills, and trees, and you want the highest level of protection against both constant on and instant on police radar, pick up the R8. It offers outstanding range and quick responsiveness to keep you protected against the main forms of radar.
The main downside though is that the false alert filtering isn’t as good. It will false more to other nearby vehicles with blind spot monitoring radar (BSM), plus its automatic GPS lockouts aren’t as good at learning and muting stationary false alerts from speed signs and shopping center door openers. It also offers Bluetooth capabilities. On Android you can use Highway Radar (free) and on iOS you can use V1Driver ($12) or R8 Companion ($10).
If you’re looking for protection from both easy and difficult forms of police radar and you’re okay with accepting some more false alerts to get that, pick up the Uniden R8.
Once you buy your Uniden R8, here’s your tutorial on how to set it up.
Valentine 1 Gen 2: Performance, Arrows, Excellent Third-Party Apps ($599)
The Valentine 1 Gen 2 paired with some third party apps make for a pretty incredible package. It’s gonna require a phone for maximum features and false alert filtering, but this combo gives me long range performance, good BSM filtering, plus the automatic GPS lockouts just like the Uniden R8 for $100 less.
Paired with JBV1, the V1 Gen2 is the go-to pick among radar detector enthusiasts who like complete control over their detector with advanced functionality.
- What it’s great for: Providing a ton of detailed information when paired with an Android phone
- Key features: Long range, sleek design, arrows, and excellent third party apps
- Who should buy it: Radar detector enthusiasts who love getting the most control possible
Pros
- Outstanding long range
- Good BSM filtering
- Arrows
- Bluetooth + Open API
- Fantastic third party apps
- Automatic GPS lockouts (app)
- Excellent mount
- RDD immune
- LED display works great in direct sun
Cons
- No built-in GPS
- Requires a phone for full functionality
- More limited without phone
- No redlight / speed camera alerts
- Not designed for photo radar detection
- Setup is more complicated
The V1 Gen2 is very popular among radar detector enthusiasts given the level of control you can get by pairing it with third party apps. It offers long range detection, undetectability, good false alert filtering, and has bluetooth built in. To get the most from this setup, you’ll want to tie it in with your phone to add some of the features built directly in to other detectors.
Long range detection is in the same ballpark as the Escort Redline 360c and the Uniden R8. It’s also very responsive against instant on radar on Ka like the R8, but it performs more like the Redline 360c on K band. It also struggles against some low powered radar guns too.
The detector itself is a little simpler than the competition and so it lacks important features like photo radar detection, GPS, and a dedicated frequency display. Fortunately you can add back in some of these features (and more) by using your phone.
Valentine has their own free app called V1Connection for Android and iOS that lets you change settings, view alerts, and update your radar detector over the air. However, with some third party apps you can add in some additional useful features such as automatic GPS lockouts to learn and filter out unwanted alerts from speed signs and door openers. Other detectors can do this with their built-in GPS, but the V1 needs a phone to do it. Once you add a phone though, the autolockouts work better and are more sophisticated than anything built in to a detector.
The best iOS apps are V1Driver ($12) and V1Companion ($10). On Android you’ll want to download JBV1 (free) or Highway Radar (free). By far the most popular choice is JBV1 because it turns your V1 into a rolling command center, adding not only GPS features like automatic GPS lockouts and low speed muting, but it also alert logging, realtime crowd sourced alerts like Waze, historical speed trap locations, realtime police aircraft notifications, and more. For this reason the V1 Gen2 and JBV1 is my preferred road trip setup. Personally find it a headache to always need a phone while driving, but others are okay with the extra requirements, especially if you’re a native Android user.
Not everyone wants to use their phone to add in some otherwise basic features to their radar detector and I totally get that. Regardless, the V1 Gen2 is a well-built detector with outstanding range, a sleek design, and a loyal following, plus support for some excellent third party apps. Among radar detector enthusiasts who love to tweak and control their detector, it’s a very popular choice.
Once you select the V1 Gen2, read this tutorial to learn how to program your V1.
If you’re an Android user, watch my JBV1 setup videos. If you’re an iPhone user, watch my V1Driver setup video.
Uniden R7: Best Bang-for-the-Buck Arrow Detector ($499)
If you’d like high performance, integrated GPS, and arrows while saving saving cash, the Uniden R7 is the best bang for the buck high performance radar detector. It also offers a ton of protection like the Uniden R8, but for $200 less. This is my go-to recommendation for most people.
- What it’s great for: High performance at a relatively affordable price
- Key features: Strong price to performance ratio, arrows, great range
- Who should buy it: Drivers wanting strong performance without breaking the bank
Pros
- Great range
- Arrows
- Good BSM filtering
- Automatic GPS lockouts
- Low speed muting
- Redlight / speed camera alerts
- Photo radar detection
- Multicolor OLED display
- Great bang for the buck
- Great options for third party firmware
Cons
- Not completely RDD immune
- Autolockouts need more work
- No Bluetooth or app integration
- Side mute button placement is annoying
- Build quality feels a little plasticy
I love the R7. At $499, it’s my go-to pick in this price range. It’s an incredibly popular detector that offers extreme long range, arrows, photo radar detection, and it has GPS built in for your false alert filtering around town and redlight / speed camera alerts. I think it hits the sweet spot for features and performance for the dollar, plus it’s highly configurable to run it the way you want.
For most people I think it’s actually a better choice than the newer R8. The main reasons to pick the R8 would be for the added range, the front facing mute button, and that it can vary its sensitivity based on speed. The R8 can also identify laser guns you’re shot with and it adds support for phone apps. For most people though, honestly I say save your money and get the R7.
At $499, it’s by far the best bang for the buck among high end radar detectors and it offers excellent performance and key features that make it a solid pick for windshield.
Pro-tip: Pick up third party R7 firmware ($40) to significantly improve the detector including fixing its GPS lockouts, improving the BSM filtering, and adding some features the R8 offers like automatic sensitivity adjustments.
Once you buy your R7, here’s your tutorial on how to set it up.
You can purchase third party firmware for the R7 to add in additional useful features and improve its false alert filtering.
Best Non-Arrow Radar Detectors
Are you looking for a less expensive option that doesn’t cost $400+? If you don’t need directional arrows to help you locate the thread, there are a few good affordable options. Here are your top picks:
Uniden R4: Best Non-Arrow Radar Detector ($379)
If you want the best performance possible without paying top dollar, pick up the Uniden R4. It’s the longest range non-arrow radar detector available. You can think of it as a more affordable, more compact, and arrow-less version of the Uniden R8.
- What it’s great for: High performance in difficult terrain
- Key features: Extreme sensitivity and responsiveness, photo radar protection
- Who should buy it: Drivers who need high sensitivity and don’t require directional arrows
Pros
- Excellent long distance detection range
- Automatic and manual GPS lockouts
- Low speed muting
- Redlight / speedcam alerts
- Photo radar detection
- Laser gun ID
- Bluetooth
Cons
- No arrows
- Ineffective Gatso detection
- Autolockouts still are hit or miss
- Promised accessories still unavailable
The Uniden R4 is a top performing windshield mount radar detector with better detection range than any other non-arrow radar detector. If you drive in difficult terrain with hills, curves, and trees, the R4 is an excellent pick to help sniff out radar at a distance and should be on your short list.
It adds both manual and GPS lockouts to mute known stationary false alerts, though Uniden’s autolockouts still don’t reliably learn and filter out falses properly so you may need to fall back to manually locking signals out. It also adds a wider K band scanning range to catch lower frequency photo radar systems.
If you’re looking for something really sensitive and responsive like the Uniden R8 and you’re okay not having arrows in order to get the detector at nearly half price ($699 vs. $379), pick up the R4 instead.
Once you select the R4, here’s your tutorial on how to set it up.
Radenso DS1: Best For USB C Power ($369)
The Radenso DS1 is another solid option. Newer cars are starting to ship without cig. lighter ports and only have USB ports for power. If that applies to your car, the Radenso DS1 is the best for USB C power. It also offers great range and a bunch of useful features.
- What it’s great for: All-around protection with the convenience of USB power
- Key features: Large display, photo radar protection, GPS, Bluetooth
- Who should buy it: Owners of newer cars, where USB power is more convenient
Pros
- USB C power connector
- Very good Ka detection range
- Good BSM filtering
- Automatic GPS lockouts
- Low speed muting
- Redlight / speedcam alerts
- Photo radar detection
- Nearly RDD immune
- Big front mute button and display
- Bluetooth & Open(ish) API
Cons
- No arrows
- Tall magnetic mount not compatible with all vehicles
- Needs better audio alert tones
- Ineffective Gatso detection
- API access can be tough for developers to access
The Radenso DS1 is essentially a souped up Uniden R3, improving upon that platform and addressing its main weaknesses. It’s now a sister detector to the Uniden R4. The DS1’s range isn’t quite as good, but it offers a bigger and easier to read display and a newer quick release windshield mount.
Radenso also provides their own app for the DS1 (currently Android only) to change settings and update the detector’s firmware, plus it’s compatible with third party apps like Highway Radar (free) on Android as well as V1Driver ($12) and DS1 Companion ($10) on iOS.
The DS1’s mount has a cool quick release connector, but it does make the setup bigger and bulkier, especially if you want to mount it above your rear view mirror. However, if you’re looking for a detector that can be powered via cig. lighter or USB, has long range performance, automatic GPS lockouts, photo radar detection, and a big display, the DS1 is a great option.
Once you select your DS1, here’s your tutorial on how to set it up.
Uniden R3: Best Radar Detector under $300 ($299)
If you want high performance without breaking the bank, pick up the Uniden R3. It’s the best radar detector under $300 and it blows away everything else in its price range.
- What it’s great for: Maximum range at an affordable price
- Key features: Great sensitivity, manual GPS lockouts, low speed muting
- Who should buy it: Drivers wanting high performance on a budget
Pros
- Great long distance detection range
- Fantastic bang for the buck
- Manual GPS lockouts
- Low speed muting
- Redlight / speedcam alerts
- Photo radar detection
Cons
- BSM filtering good, not great
- No arrows
- Manual GPS lockouts, not automatic
- No Bluetooth
- Limited photo radar detection
The Uniden R3 is a top performing windshield mount radar detector whose performance only slightly trails behind the R7.
It is a solid pick that offers GPS functionality for manual GPS lockouts and low speed muting (keeping it quiet around town), plus an updatable database for redlight camera and speed camera alerts.
The compact R3 doesn’t offer arrows, auto lockouts, or Bluetooth, and its MRCD detection is pretty poor compared to the top end options, but for a more affordable option to give you excellent range against most police radar guns, there’s nothing in this price range even close.
The Uniden R3 is easily one of the most popular radar detectors on the market thanks to the level of performance and the features it offers for the money. It’s the best radar detector under $300 and there’s really nothing else in this price range that compares. It’s the most affordable radar detector you can buy that offers high end performance and features.
Once you select the R3, here’s your tutorial on how to set it up.
Uniden DFR7: Best Radar Detector under $200 ($199)
If you’re looking for the best budget detector and don’t want to drop the cash on a top end detector, the mid-tier Unidens would be my recommendation. The Uniden DFR7 is a good all-around radar detector for both city and highway driving, and at under $200, it won’t break the bank.
- What it’s great for: Affordable entry-level radar detection
- Key features: Reasonable performance and pricing without advanced features
- Who should buy it: Newcomers to radar detection seeking a budget-friendly option
Pros
- Reasonable detection range
- Fantastic bang for the buck
- Manual GPS lockouts
- Low speed muting
- Redlight / speedcam alerts
Cons
- BSM filtering is okay, not great
- No arrows
- Manual GPS lockouts, not automatic
- No Bluetooth
- No photo radar detection
- 2 digit (not 3) frequency display
- Basic black & white display
The DFR7 doesn’t have the longest range ever or the best BSM filtering around. However, it offers more performance and capability than most anything else in this price range (what Uniden is known for), good BSM filtering for its price point, plus it gives you GPS lockouts which is amazing under $200.
Range on the highway is pretty good, especially on the more popular police radar frequencies like 34.7, but it’s a bit weaker on others including 33.8 and 35.5. The R series detectors like the R3 and R7 offer very good detection range on all bands so you don’t have this trade-off which is the primary reason I prefer the R series. The R3 also adds photo radar support so it’s more future-proof, but it does cost more.
In terms of filtering out false alerts, the DFR7 does a good job at filtering out cars with blind spot monitoring systems, considering its price range, so you won’t constantly get bombarded with false alerts. It also has a GPS chip built in which makes it very helpful around town. Thanks to the GPS chip, you can get your GPS lockouts to filter out known stationary false alerts, low speed muting for driving through town, as well as redlight camera alerts.
Note: The DFR7 has long been in the process of being discontinued and replaced by the Uniden DFR9. However, the DFR7 is still a better deal while it’s still available, though prices do fluctuate here.
Realistically there aren’t a ton of good options under the $200 price point, but if you’re looking for something affordable that’s good for both city and highway driving, the Uniden DFR7 is the way to go and the least expensive detector that I could recommend.
Once you select the DFR7, here’s your tutorial on how to set it up.
Best Custom Installed Remote Radar Detectors
Now if you don’t want a radar detector hanging off your windshield so there’s nothing visible to police officers, other drivers, and potential thieves, or you simply prefer a cleaner and more factory look in your cabin, a remote mount radar detector is the way to go. These are also necessary if you drive certain higher end luxury cars like a Mercedes, Porsche, Range Rover, or Tesla that has a heated or metallic windshield that interferes with various electronics like GPS receivers, toll passes, or radar detectors. If that applies to your vehicle, you’ll definitely want to opt for a remote detector instead.
- Escort Max Ci 360: Best Custom Installed Detector
- Radenso RC M: Best Custom Installed with ALP Integration
- Net Radar DSP: Best Affordable Custom Installed Detector
Important Note: There are some new models coming out like the Uniden R9, Stinger S8-50, and Escort Redline Ci 360c that I am currently, or soon will be, testing and reviewing. Once I do, this page will be updated accordingly.
Custom installed detectors will require professional installation since the radar detector antenna itself is installed in your grill. You’ll install a controller and display somewhere in your cabin and you’ll have it permanently installed and wired in your car. If you’re handy with electronics and wiring, you can do the install yourself.
I have multiple installed on my car for comparison and testing purposes. I’m finding there’s a lot of great options, each with their own pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at the very best options.
Escort Max Ci & Max Ci 360: Excellent All-around Remote Radar Detector ($2199, $2599 w/ arrows, plus installation)
Update: The Max Ci 360 has been officially discontinued. It has been replaced by the Redline Ci 360c. I haven’t tested one yet, but plan to later this summer. After I test and review it, I’ll be able to share my thoughts and recommendations.
This is was my personal favorite custom installed radar detector.
- What it’s great for: Custom installation with automatic GPS lockouts
- Key features: Multicolor display, automatic GPS lockouts, Bluetooth
- Who should buy it: Drivers looking for an automated custom installed solution
Pros
- Excellent detection range
- Automatic GPS lockouts
- Low speed muting
- Redlight / speedcam alerts
- Multicolor OLED display
- Arrows
- Cloud alerts shared w/ other drivers
- Speed limit displayed on screen
- RDD immune
Cons
- ShifterMax laser jammers aren’t great
- No Mac update software
- No photo radar detection
- Older tech for rear radar antenna
- No independent controls for front/rear antennas
- Doesn’t pair with AntiLaser Priority
The Escort Max Ci 360 offers outstanding long range detection, good blind spot filtering, and since Escort has made several different generations of remote detectors now, their latest Max Ci is very refined. It features automatic GPS lockouts so the detector can learn and filter out false alerts for you, it can pair with your phone for sharing realtime cloud-based alerts with other drivers or displaying the current speed limit on screen, and you can add a rear antenna to gain directional arrows so it makes for an excellent premium remote mount radar detector.
The rear radar antenna relies on older tech than the front one though so I do find I get more blind spot false alerts from behind. It also lacks some of the additional BSM filtering options like K Notch that we see on Escort’s windshield mount radar detectors. It also doesn’t offer WiFi or photo radar detection the way we see on Escort’s newer windshield mounts.
You can buy it as a radar detector only pair it with any laser jammer you want, whether it’s Escort’s ShifterMax jammers or the AntiLaser Priority which is a superior and more effective laser jammer. It will integrate directly with the ShifterMax while the ALP will run alongside it independently.
The Max Ci features a separate controller and display so you can place them where convenient, but it also means you have two separate boxes to mount in your cabin instead of just one like with other detectors.
The Max Ci ($1999) is your front radar detector only. You can also add a rear antenna ($399) to give yourself arrows. The Max Ci 360 ($3599) is Escort’s complete package that includes front and rear radar detector antennas and front and rear Escort laser jammers (shifters).
Find a local Escort dealer near you.
Radenso RC M: Excellent Detector with MRCD, Integrates with ALP ($2099 w/ arrows)
The Radenso RC M is Radenso’s custom installed radar detector, plus it offers good BSM filtering, photo radar detection, and ALP integration.
- What it’s great for: Combining a high end radar detector & laser jammer into a single package
- Key features: Single controller and display, photo radar detection, & ALP integration
- Who should buy it: Drivers wanting to run the AntiLaser Priority
Pros
- Great detection range
- Good BSM filtering
- Manual GPS lockouts
- Low speed muting
- Redlight / speedcam alerts
- Photo radar detection
- Arrows
- Front and rear radar antennas are both the same
- Integrates with ALP laser jammer
Cons
- Manual lockouts, not automatic
- Black & white display
- No Bluetooth
- Nearly RDD immune
- Lacks accurate frequency display
The Radenso RC M is even quieter and more future-proof than the Escort Max Ci 360. The RC M offers long range performance, good blind spot filtering, directional arrows, manual GPS lockouts without requiring a phone, a magnetically removable display, photo radar detection, and the ability to integrate with your ALP so you have one controller and display for both systems.
If you’re looking for an integrated system for both high performance radar and the ALP for laser, the RC M is your top choice. I prefer running the ALP standalone since I’m constantly swapping between radar detectors, but most people prefer running them together to get one single permanent controller for radar and laser, providing a very clean install in the cabin.
If you’re looking for MultaRadar photo radar detection (important for Canada and it’s showing up throughout the US), the RC M can pick up the MRCD and MRCT, definitely something to consider since you can’t easy swap out custom installed detectors once they’re in your vehicle. Because of this, it’s more future-proof than the Escort which can only detector traditional police radar.
I do wish the RC M had automatic GPS lockouts, but it will require you to manually teach it false alerts initially. The RC M’s arrows aren’t as immediately easy to read like the Max Ci, but it gives you individual control of front and rear radar filtering which can be helpful to balance both performance and quietness. The RC M’s frequency display will always be an estimate so all 34.7’ish alerts show up as 34.700, for example, but that doesn’t matter for most people.
Nowadays I feel like it’s starting to get a little dated given its older style display and since newer detectors are starting to offer features like automatic GPS lockouts, they’ve also added photo radar detection, and some of the latest models do an even better job at blind spot filtering. That said, in general I find people choose the RC M because 1) it pairs with the AntiLaser Priority which is the best laser jammer and 2) it gives you one single controller and display for fewer components in your cabin.
Note: If you’re in Canada, you can purchase your Radenso RC M here. Use the coupon code “VortexRadar75” to save $75 off your RC M. (Coupon only valid in Canada.)
Pro-tip: If going for the Radenso RC M and AntiLaser Priority combo, you can choose the Radenso RC M Ultimate 2.0 package ($4700) which includes both countermeasures, plus it adds a lifetime warranty and lifetime ticket-free guarantee.
Net Radar Antenna DSP: Affordable Radar Detector to Integrate with your AntiLaser Priority ($679, $1179 w/ arrows)
My favorite bang for the buck remote radar detector is the Net Radar DSP. If you’re running the AntiLaser Priority laser jamming system (the best laser jammer on the market), you can plug in a Net Radar DSP to add in radar protection. It is quite a bit more affordable than the Radenso RC M, but there are a number of annoying interface limitations to be aware of too. (For this reason I almost never run it except for testing purposes.)
- What it’s great for: An inexpensive custom installed radar detector for ALP laser jammer users
- Key features: Great performance, decent filtering, manual GPS lockouts with phone add-on
- Who should buy it: Users of AntiLaser Priority laser jammers looking for an affordable radar detector
Pros
- Great detection range
- Good BSM filtering
- GPS lockouts with phone
- Low speed muting
- Integrates with ALP laser jammer
- MRCD detection
- Arrows
- Inexpensive for ALP owners
Cons
- GPS lockouts require phone
- Using phone breaks other features
- No dedicated display
- No redlight / speedcam alerts
- MRCD detection is poor
- Requires ALP to function
The Net Radar DSP is designed to be a high performance radar detector giving you ton of performance for the money (it’s based on the same platform as the Uniden R3) along with reasonable false alert filtering. It offers long range performance, good blind spot filtering capabilities (including K band segmentation that can be used to filter out Honda/Acura falses), the ability to do GPS lockouts when paired with a phone, MRCD detection, you can add a second rear-facing antenna ($499) to get directional information, aka arrows, plus it’s easily one of the most affordable remote radar detectors you can buy. It’s designed to offer a good best bang for the buck.
It’s cheaper than the competition because it uses the ALP as the “brains” for the detector so if you’re getting the ALP already, you don’t have to pay for a second “brain” for your radar detector. The $679 price is for the NR DSP add-on package on top of the price of the ALP, plus you need a Bluetooth ($129) or HiFi module ($129) as well if you don’t have that already.
Personally I find this to be the least refined of the top 3 systems. I think its interface stinks, especially if you want good false alert filtering around town. It requires your phone and an app for GPS lockouts, your dedicated speaker will no longer function, your control pad buttons won’t work completely to mute or lock out signals, and MRCD detection is functional but not super great. That said, if you have the ALP already or you’re going to get one, the NR DSP is your best bang for the buck remote radar detector. If you plan on disabling K band because you’re in CA, for example, and you only want to run with Ka band and Laser, I think the NR DSP could be a good affordable choice.
Once you select the Net Radar DSP, here’s your tutorial on how to set it up.
Best Radar Detectors of 2023
So which one is best? Boy I wish there was a simple answer to that because it really depends. They each have their pros and cons, as you can see, so let me give you my top picks from this list to simplify things a bit.
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Escort Redline 360c
If you’re looking for a premium detector with long range, few false alerts, arrows, and a ton of useful features, and particularly if you want the detector to do most everything for you and provide an easy to use plug-and-play experience, click here to purchase the Escort Redline 360c.
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Escort MaxCam 360c
If you like the idea of the Redline 360c and also like to have a dash camera for added protection, click here to purchase the Escort MaxCam 360c.
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Uniden R8
If you’re looking for a long range radar detector that excels against all types of police radar, plus offers good false alert filtering, arrows, and photo radar detection, click here to purchase the Uniden R8.
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Valentine 1 Gen2
If you want an excellent all around package with arrows and to have a solid understanding of the threats around you, if you’re cool with pairing your phone with your detector and a bit of an initial learning curve, get the V1 Gen2. It’s very popular among enthusiasts. You’ll get an incredible amount of features once you’re up and running. If you’re an iPhone user, run V1Driver or V1 Companion with your V1. If you’re an Android user, download JBV1. Click here to purchase the V1 Gen2.
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Uniden R7
The best bang for the buck among high end radar detectors is the Uniden R7. This detector hits the sweet spot with price, features, and performance which means it’s often more popular than detectors that cost hundreds of dollars more. Click here to purchase the R7.
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Radenso DS1
If you’d like a high performance radar detector with all core features like automatic GPS lockouts, good BSM filtering, and photo radar protection, plus bluetooth and app support, the Radenso DS1 is your top pick. If your car lacks a cig. lighter outlet and only offers USB ports, the DS1 is powered by USB C which makes it a great choice for newer cars. Click here to purchase the DS1.
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Uniden R4
The Uniden R4 is the best performing non-arrow radar detector available. It adds automatic GPS lockouts, good BSM filtering, and photo radar detection. If you drive in difficult terrain and need all the sensitivity you can get, the R4 is an excellent pick. Click here to purchase the R4.
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Uniden R3
The popular Uniden R3 is also a top notch choice. It’s your best radar detector under $300. If you’re looking for maximum range at a more affordable price point, get the R3. With its manual GPS lockouts, low speed muting, and RLC alerts, it make for a good detector to run around town too. Click here to purchase the R3.
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Uniden DFR7
If you’re looking for an affordable entry-level radar detector that gives you reasonable performance and pricing without a bunch of advanced bells and whistles, click here to purchase the DFR7.
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Escort Max Ci or Max Ci 360
If you’d like a custom installed radar detector with automatic GPS lockouts, the Escort Max Ci or Max Ci 360 would fit the bill. They’re only available from local Escort distributors/installers. Click here to locate an Escort dealer. (Note: Now discontinued and replaced by the Redline Ci 360c.)
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Radenso RC M
If you’d like high end performance, good false alert filtering, additional future-proofing with photo radar detection, plus ALP integration, get the Radenso RC M.
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Net Radar DSP
If you’re running an AntiLaser Priority laser jammer and you want an inexpensive remote radar detector too, the Net Radar DSP is the best bang for the buck. You get great performance, decent filtering, and manual GPS lockouts when you add your phone. Click here to purchase the Net Radar DSP.
Recommended Accessories
Hardwire cables: Radar detectors come with a cigarette lighter power cable. You can optionally upgrade to a hardwire cable for a permanent and clean installation with no unsightly cables hanging down your dash and taking up your cig. lighter port. Click here to see your hardwire cable options and click here to read the installation guide.
Blendmount: Radar detectors come with a suction cup mount to attach to your windshield. In some areas it’s illegal to mount things to your windshield and it’s also nice to not have suction cups on your windshield or even suction cup rings when you remove them, not to mention suction cups sometimes fail which means your radar detector would fall down on your dash, so a nice upgrade is the Blendmount which hangs your detector under your rearview mirror. Click here to get a Blendmount. (Use the coupon “Vortex10” to save 10%.)
Waze: Waze is a free navigation app for your phone like Google Maps that allows drivers to report traffic, accidents, and where police officers are positioned in realtime. When you see an officer on the side of the road looking to give tickets, you can mark him in the app and alert other drivers. You can also see alerts from other drivers in realtime so it’s a great complement to your radar detector to add an additional layer of protection. You can download it for iOS and Android.
Laser Jammers: Radar detectors are great against radar but they don’t help against police officers running laser. To combat laser you’ll want a set of laser jammers for your car. Fortunately the choice for jammers is much easier and the best on the market in this case is the AntiLaser Priority. Proper setup and configuration is critical with jammers so you’ll also want to check out my complete ALP setup guide as well.
No matter which detector you choose listed here, you’re going to wind up with an excellent tool. It will do a great job of picking up police radar, it can help you filter out those pesky false alerts, and it can easily pay for itself many times over by helping you avoid speeding tickets from police shooting radar.
I’d also recommend watching my Radar Detectors 101 video to better understand how radar detectors work and how to use them.
Thank you! Happy driving and enjoy! 🙂
-Vortex

