Best radar detectors for 2024
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Looking for the best radar detector around? While driving on public roads, it's essential that everyone obey the posted speed limits and road rules, but no one is perfect, and if you'd like to potentially save yourself from a speeding ticket for a stupid mistake, you might be interested in picking up a radar detector. If you're in the market for one, check out this list of six of the best radar detectors on Amazon. Keep in mind radar detectors are illegal for use in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Always be sure to obey your local traffic laws.
Cobra RAD 480i Laser Radar Detector - $149.95
Key Features
Detects signals from both the front and rear of your vehicle
Bluetooth compatible
Works with the iRadar app to provide real-time alerts about speed cameras and law enforcement activity
IVT filter and anti-falsing tech helps reduce false alarms
Comes with a 12V vehicle power cord, windshield mount, and tools for dashboard mounting
The Cobra RAD 480i is the best-selling radar detector on Amazon. This tool features front and rear radar detection, long-range detection, early warnings, and it can even be used with the downloadable iRadar app. It comes with a "12V vehicle power cord, suction cup car windshield mount, and a hook and loop fastener for dash mounting." If you're just looking for a popular, reliable solution to avoid laser guns, this should be your first stop.
Cobra RAD 450 Laser Radar Detector - $129
Key Features
Up to 2 miles of range
IVT filter helps reduce false alerts
Includes a 12V vehicle power cord, windshield mount, and manual
The Cobra RAD 450 is similar to the RAD 480i above, but with only slightly fewer features it could save you a few bucks. Like the 480i, it has long-range capabilities, an IVT filter to reduce false alarms (though, the 480i has a slightly newer one) and an early warning system. The biggest things you'll likely be missing out on with the 450 are the newer IVT filter, the iRadar app connectivity and the "front and rear detection," but for many, these features aren't essential and the lower price will be well worth it.
Uniden R3 Extreme Long Range - $272.99 (32% off)
Key Features
Long-range detection
Advanced false alert and K/KA Band filtering
GPS functionality helps the R3 disregard common false alerts
Red light/speed camera alerts
Updateable firmware
Multi-color OLED display
This Uniden R3 is packed with features at a fair price. The scanner features "advanced false alert filtering" as well as smart GPS technology so the scanner can "remember and mute common false alerts (such as retail store automatic doors) along your regularly driven routes so you never have to listen to the same false alert twice." It also has red light and speed camera alerts, programmable voice warnings, and a multi-color OLED display. It has over 7,000 ratings on Amazon right now with a fantastic score of 4.6 out of 5 stars.