Home > Best Radar Detector Reviews 2017 with Review Summary

Best Radar Detector Reviews 2017

Best Radar Detector Reviews 2017 with Review Summary

Updated: 6-23-2019

When selecting the best radar detector for you, your first choice is to determine if you want a radar detector to mount to your windshield or a radar detector that is built into your car.


Some of the advantages of choosing a windshield-mount radar detectors:

  • Windshield-mount radar detectors are easy to install and move from car to car
  • Windshield-mount radar detectors or more affordable
  • Radar detection performance improves as the radar detector antenna is mounted higher

The main reason you may choose investing into a concealed radar detector is that they such radar detectors are hidden from view, reducing the chance of theft or discovery by a traffic enforcement officer.

One common question we are asked is “are radar detectors legal?


Yes, radar detectors are legal in the USA with the exception of Virginia, the District of Columbia, on all military bases and in all commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds.

To enforce radar detector laws in Virginia and by commercial truck inspection officers, police use a device called the Spectre RDD that is able to sniff out 99% of all the radar detectors made.

Because of this if you do drive in Virginia, Washington D.C., or a commercial vehicle you will want to be sure to select a detector that is stealth to the Spectre RDD.

Now if you live and/or drive where police laser enforcement is commonly used, you may also want to scroll down to the bottom of this page to our Laser Jamming Reviews section to check out those rankings and reviews.

These rankings are somewhat dated in 2021, to read our most current list you can read the following: Best detectors of 2021, ranked by RadarBusters.



Best Radar Detector Reviews of 2017 Summary with Rankings

Windshield Mounted


Rank #1: Uniden R3Best Seller!



Review Summary:

The Uniden R3 provides extreme range and Escort Redline-like performance but also includes GPS capability and a photo enforcement database. Similar to the $550 Escort Redline, the Uniden R3 is undetectable by the Spectre RDD and provides excellent K-band rejection from today's collision avoidance systems. At only $399, this detector offers an exceptional value at a savings of $150 to $250 over Escort's top performing detectors, making it one of the very best values available.

Pros:

  • Currently holding RadarBuster's best radar detector ranking
  • Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for extreme range performance
  • Exceptional at detecting instant-on police radarUniden R3 #1 Best Radar Detector
  • Excellent Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • K narrow and Ka narrow sweeps for improved performance with less falsing
  • GPS enabled
  • Full Color OLED display
  • Small size
  • Comes with two windshield-mounts, one conventional dual suction cup mount and one large "sticky-cup" mount
  • Comes with USB smartcord with push-button muting
  • Firmware and Photo Enforcement database are both user upgradable
  • Better value than Escort's top-of-line detectors
Cons:

  • Does not come with USB to Mini-D cable

Best Suited for: Highway and/or City Use

Retail Price: $429.95 - RadarBusters' Sale Price: $399.95


Rank #2: Uniden R1Best Seller!

Review Summary:

The Uniden R1 provides extreme range and Escort Redline-like performance. Similar to the $550 Escort Redline, the Uniden R1 is undetectable by the Spectre RDD and provides excellent K-band rejection from today's collision avoidance systems. At only $299, this detector offers an exceptional value at a savings of $250 to $350 over Escort's top performing detectors, making it one of the best values out there.

Pros:

  • Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for extreme range performance
  • Exceptional at detecting instant-on police radarUniden R1 #2 Best Radar Detector
  • Excellent Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • K narrow and Ka narrow sweeps for improved performance with less falsing
  • Full Color OLED display
  • Small size
  • Comes with two windshield-mounts, one conventional dual suction cup mount and one large "sticky-cup" mount
  • Comes with USB smartcord with push-button muting
  • Firmware and Photo Enforcement database are both user upgradable
  • Better value than Escort's top-of-line detectors
Cons:

  • Does not come with USB to Mini-D cable

Best Suited for: Highway and/or City Use

Retail Price: $329.95 - RadarBusters' Sale Price: $299.95


Rank #3: Passport Max 360Best Seller!

Review Summary:

The Escort Max 360 provides full 360 degree protection with colored directional arrows along with the advanced ability to filter out most of the false alerts caused by the Anti-Collision sensors installed on new cars today. It is also a GPS enabled detector and rated as being both a city and highway detector as it has nearly 8 times the capture distance of a police radar gun.

Pros:

  • All-Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for extreme range performance
  • Exceptional at detecting instant-on police radarEscort Max 360
  • Good Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • BEST Anti-Collision Sensor Rejection filtering
  • Escort Live! ready
  • GPS enabled
  • Builtin Bluetooth for wireless pairing to your smartphone
  • Bi-Lingual Voice Alerts - English & Spanish
  • Firmware and Photo Enforcement database are both user upgradable
Cons:

  • Larger footprint
  • Does not come with USB to Mini-D cable
  • Most expensive windshield-mount detector

Best Suited for: Highway and/or City Use

Price: $649.95 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #4: Radenso XP Best Seller!

Review Summary:

The Radenso XP is a GPS enabled detector and rated both a city and highway detector as it has over 8 times the capture distance of a police radar gun.

Pros:

  • Excellent range performance on K and Ka-bands
  • Best-in-class anti-collision sensor rejection filteringRadenso XP
  • GPS enabled /w Photo Enforcement Database
  • Ka-band segmentation
  • Narrow K-band sweep setting for improved performance and less falsing
  • Great price for performance & features
  • Software updatable
  • Free photo enforcement database updates
  • 2 year warranty
  • 1 year ticket guarantee
Cons:

  • Somewhat reduced X-band performance (for NJ & OH drivers)

Best Suited for: Highway and/or City Use

Retail Price: $399.00 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #5: Escort iX Best Seller!

Review Summary:

Already a big hit, the new Escort iX is a GPS enabled detector and rated both a city and highway detector as it has approximately 8 times the capture distance of a police radar gun. The Escort iX replaces the Passport 9500ix--Escort''s best-selling detector of all-time.

Pros:

  • Features Escort's superb quick-release magnetic windshield mounting bracket
  • Next Generation Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for extreme range performanceEscort iX
  • Excellent Anti-Collision Sensor Rejection filtering with Escort's new IVT filter
  • Good Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • New AutoLoK filter for reduced K-band sensitivity when driving around town
  • Supports Ka-band segmentation for improved Ka performance
  • Escort Live ready with built-in Bluetooth
  • GPS enabled with class leading Defender photo enforcement database
  • Firmware and Photo Enforcement Database is user upgradable
  • Bi-Lingual Voice Alerts - English & Spanish
Cons:

  • Does not come with USB to Mini-D cable

Best Suited for: Highway and/or City Use

Retail Price: $499.95 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #6: Radenso SP Best Seller!

Review Summary:

The Radenso SP is a Radenso XP without GPS and rated both a city and highway detector as it has over 8 times the capture distance of a police radar gun.

Pros:

  • Excellent range performance on K and Ka-bands
  • Best-in-class anti-collision sensor rejection filtering
  • Great price for performance & features
  • Ka band-segmenation
  • Narrow K-band sweep setting for improved performance and less fasling
    Radenso XP
  • Software updatable
  • Free photo enforcement database updates
  • 2 year warranty
  • 1 year ticket guarantee
Cons:
  • Somewhat reduced X-band performance (for NJ & OH drivers)

Best Suited for: Highway and/or City Use

Retail Price: $399.00 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #7: Escort Redline XR
Best Seller!


Review Summary:

The Escort Redline XR is Redline, which we personally program for free prior to shipping saving you $100 over other sites.

The advantage of this custom programming enables the detector to detect police radar faster and at greater distances than the standard Redline

Pros:

  • Unique dual front-facing antenna design provides extreme detection capabilities
  • Excellent sensitivity to police laserEscort Redline XR
  • Superior detections to instant-on police radar
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for extreme range performance
  • Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering disabled
  • Segmented Ka-band for improved Ka reception
  • Stealth to all radar detector detectors
Cons:
  • Not as effective at filtering the latest K-band radar from vehicle collision avoidance systems.
  • No GPS or Bluetooth
  • Firmware is not upgradable

Best Suited for: Highway Use

Price: $549.95 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #8: Escort Redline

Review Summary:

The Escort Redline has more than 8 times the capture distance of a police radar gun is stealth to all radar detector detectors including the Spectre RDD. Given the Redline's extreme radar sensitivity is rated as being best suited for highway use.

The Redline is the detector of choice for use in Virginia, the District of Columbia or other countries where the use of radar detectors are illegal as well as commercial truck drivers.

Pros:

  • Unique dual front facing antenna design
  • Excellent sensitivity to police laserEscort Redline
  • Exceptional detection to instant-on police radar
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for extreme range performance
  • Good Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • Stealth to all radar detector detectors
Cons:
  • Not as effective at filtering the latest K-band radar from vehicle collision avoidance systems.
  • No GPS or Bluetooth
  • Firmware is not upgradable

Best Suited for: Highway Use

Price: $549.95 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #9: Valentine One

Review Summary:

The Valentine One is rated as having 8 times the capture distance of a police radar gun and has directional arrows.

Pros:

  • Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for high performance
  • New TMF2 filter very effective at rejecting K-band collision avoidance systemsValentine One
  • Directional Arrows
  • Superior laser sensitivity
  • Optional Bluetooth module paired with smartphone app enables nearly infinite configuration
  • Superior construction including magnesium case
  • Valentine Research offers continuous product improvements (for additional fees)
Cons:

  • 70s styling interface without optional Bluetooth interface module & smartphone application
  • Very limited metering display without Connection LE option (Bluetooth interface module)
  • Manual muting only
  • Not stealth (ie; detectable by radar detector detectors)

Best Suited for: Highway Use

Retail Price: $399.00 (Available from mfr. only)


Rank #10: Radenso Pro SE

Review Summary:

The Radenso Pro SE is the smallest high performance detector available today

Pros:

  • Selectable K and Ka narrow band tuning, tuned to the exact frequencies used in North AmericaRadenso Pro SE
  • GPS enabled detector with FREE lifetime GPS and firmware updates
  • User selectable TSR filtering
  • Very small footprint
Cons:

  • Low X-band sensitivity (X-band radar used in Ohio, New Jersey, North Carolina)
  • Low laser sensitivity

Best Suited for: Highway and/or City Use

Retail Price: $499.95 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #11: Escort X80

Review Summary:

The Escort X80 is Escort's best entry model detector below $300. This is because it has over 4 times the capture distance of a police radar gun, good filtering characteristics, and has an internal Bluetooth chipset enabling you to connect to the Escort Live! community.

Pros:

  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for midrange performanceEscort 80
  • Good Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • Escort Live enabled
  • Bluetooth to support Escort Live!

Best Suited for: City Use/Light Highway Use

Retail Price: $299.95 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #12: Whistler CR93

Review Summary:

The Whistler CR93 is a GPS enabled radar detector that has 3.5 times the capture distance of a police radar gun and is our pick for the best performing detector under $200.

Pros:

  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for minimal performance
  • Quick detections to instant-on police radarWhistler CR93
  • Very good sensitivity to police laser
  • Low Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • GPS Enabled
  • New Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection
  • Very readable OLED display
  • Very user customizable

Best Suited for: City / Light Highway Use

Discounted Price: $188.95


Rank #13: Whistler CR88

Review Summary:

The Whistler CR88 is a Whistler CR93 without GPS. It has the same 3.5 times the capture distance of a police radar gun and is our pick for the best performing detector under $200.

Pros:

  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for minimal performanceWhistler CR88
  • Quick detections to instant-on police radar
  • Very good sensitivity to police laser
  • Low Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • New Field Disturbance Sensor Rejection
  • Very readable OLED display
  • Very user customizable

Best Suited for: City / Light Highway Use

Discounted Price: $178.95


Rank #14: Adaptiv TPX Pro

Review Summary:

The Adaptiv TPX Pro is rated as having 4 times the capture distance of a police radar gun and is specifically designed for motorcycle use however it can be accessorized as a windshield mounted detector.

Pros:Adaptiv TPX Pro
  • Good range
  • Good false alert filtering
  • Motorcycle ready
Best Suited for: Motorcycle User
Retail Price: $299.95 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #15: Cobra DSP 9200 BT

Review Summary:

The Cobra DSP 9200 BT is rated as having 4 times the capture distance of a police radar gun and comes equipped with a Bluetooth chipset enabling you to connect to the iRadar social app.

Pros:

  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for high performanceCobra 9200 BY
  • Good Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • iRadar Community

Best Suited for: City Use

Retail Price:
$339.00


Rank #16: Escort Solo S4

Review Summary:

The Escort Solo S4 is a battery operated cordless detector.

One of the main concerns manufactures have when designing battery operated detectors is battery life, the overall performance of a cordless detector is typically 75% less then that of a corded detector.

Because of this major drop in performance, you should consider selecting a corded detector over a cordless model.

Pros:Escort Solo S4
  • Battery operated, cordless detector
  • Best of class
  • Comes with cigarette lighter plug power cord
Cons:
  • Performance doesn't improve when plugged-in
  • Not as sensitive as conventional detectors
  • Not as fast at detecting I/O
  • Only cosmetic changes made since the Solo S3
  • Not as effective at filtering out falses as other Escorts
Best Suited for: City Use or Light Highway Use or Frequent Travelers using Rental Vehicles

Retail Price: $299.95 - Before your special VIP Discount


No Rank: Rocky Mountain Radar D495 Radar Scrambler

Review Summary:

Since 2005 Radar Roy has offered a $50,000 reward to ANYONE that can show him a Rocky Mountain Radar scrambler that works as they advertise and NO ONE has ever taken him up on his offer.

Best Suited for: Trash

Retail Price: $329.95


No Rank: The Ghost Pro

Review Summary:

Radar Roy has rated the Ghost Pro as the WORST radar detector he has ever tested.

Best Suited for: Trash

Retail Price: $269.95

Remote Custom Installed


Rank #1: Escort Max Ci 360

Review Summary:

The Escort Max Ci 360 is Escort's most expensive detector and jammer system, ever. At $3495, before custom installed, the Escort Max Ci 360 is Escort's most expensive radar detection and laser jamming system ever. It is the successor to the Escort Passport 9500ci comes equipped with the Escort Laser ShifterMax capable of defeating variable pulse laser guns..

Pros:

  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for extreme range performanceEscort Max Ci 360
  • New M7 platform which is superior to their previous M3 designs
  • Front and rear facing radar antennas and laser jamming heads
  • Directional Arrows
  • Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • GPS enabled – Photo enforcement camera database & GPS filtering
  • Stealth to all SPECTRE radar detector detectors
  • Escort Live! compatible
Cons:

  • Expensive!
  • Must be installed by an authorized custom installer (RadarBusters is authorized installer)

Retail Price: $3495 Plus Installation Cost


Rank #2: Escort Max Ci

Review Summary:

The Escort Max Ci is Escort's second most expensive detector and jammer system. It is identical to the Escort Max Ci 360 except it doesn't come with a rear facing system.

Pros:

  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for extreme range performanceEscort Max Ci
  • New M7 platform which is superior to their previous M3 designs
  • Front only radar antennas and laser jamming heads
  • Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filtering
  • GPS enabled – Photo enforcement camera database & GPS filtering
  • Stealth to all SPECTRE radar detector detectors
  • Escort Live! compatible
  • Can be upgraded to a Max Ci 360 with a separate rear system
Cons:

  • Expensive!
  • Must be installed by an authorized custom installer (RadarBusters is authorized installer)

Retail Price: $2995 Plus Installation Cost


Laser Jammer Ratings


Police lidar enforcement is different from radar enforcement as instead of using microwave radio signals, which can be, detected miles away; lidar uses a narrow beam of light.

This beam of light at 500 feet is only 18” wide and when an officer targets your car his aiming point is typically your front license plate, a headlight of your car, or another reflective area.

So unless your detector was within this 18” circle, it may never alert you that you’re being shot by a police lidar gun and if it does, its too late, the officer has already captured your speed.

So because of this if you also need protection against this type of technology it is recommended that you install a laser jamming system into your car or truck.


Rank #1: Blinder HP-905

Review Summary:

The Blinder HP-905 is very effective in jamming most police lidar guns used in the USA, with the exception of the Dragon Eye. Blinder HP-905 Laser Jammer

Pros:

  • Various configurations and accessories offered
  • Small footprint

Retail Price: $449 to $899 - Before your special VIP Discount


Rank #2: Escort Laser ShifterPro

Review Summary:

Escort’s Laser ShifterPro is actually manufactured by Laser Interceptor and they have not offered any updates to this system in over 2 years.

Because of this it is unable to jam many of the newest police lidar guns that have come on the market since, including the Dragon Eye.Escort Laser Shifter Pro

Pros:

  • • Most affordable laser jammer offered today

Retail Price: $549 - Before your special VIP Discount

Need More Assistance?

Do you need more assistance to help you select the top speed counter measurement device that is just right for you or that special someone?

During normal business hours you can call our toll free number, 888-227-8927 or use the chat function on our site to speak with one of our countermeasure experts.

After hours you can contact RadarBusters 24/7 by email using this contact form and we'll promptly get back to you.

About RadarBusters



Radar RoyUnlike the other review websites out there, RadarBusters was founded by Radar Roy, a retired cop and certified traffic radar instructor with over 40 years of experience. Luxury Automotive was so impressed with Roy’s high standards and qualifications that they dubbed him the “General Schwarzkopf" of the countermeasure industry.

To learn more about Roy, read our detector reviews and learn about ticket avoidance tactics, or download our countermeasure eBook (a $39.95 value) yours free as our gift.

Return Policy


Dash Mounted Detectors, Accessories, Mounting Systems: These products come with our 30-day money back guarantee provided that they are returned in resalable condition. This requires that all parts, accessories, warranty cards and packaging are returned.

Installed Products: Any detector/jammer product that requires installation is exempt from our 30-day return policy if the product is removed from the packaging and/or if the buyer installs and/or attempts to install the product on a vehicle it becomes a nonreturnable product.

This exception includes all jammers, installed detectors, and the Veil Stealth Coating.