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Escort MAX 3

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ESCORT MAX 3

Escort MAX 3 radar detectors are the least expensive models available in the Escort product line-up.

Includes:

Latest Magnetic Sticky Cup Windshield Mount
Includes Escort USB SmartCord (for an additional savings of $34.95!)
Flexible Travel Case
FREE 1 Year Subscription to Escort Live!
FREE 3 Month Subscription to Defender Database

The Escort MAX 3 radar detector is Escort's budget-priced model.

Or click the following link to purchase:

BUY Escort MAX 3 Radar Detector

The Escort MAX 3, while still available, has been superseded by the new Escort MAX 4 radar detector.

Escort MAX 3 Price: $299.95

Product Code: ESCORT-MAX-3

REVIEW

FAQ

ADDITIONAL INFO

Escort MAX 3 Review

Updated: 07-16-2025

Overview

The main benefits of the Escort MAX 3 are:

Programmed with Escort’s advanced digital signal processing algorithms (DSP)
Highest performing detector of the signal antenna Max series
The Escort MAX 3 is a much improved design over previous MAX single-antenna detectors
Over 10-times the range of a police radar gun
The ability to filter out many of the false alerts caused by the anti-collision sensors installed in new cars today
GPS equipped – Fixed photo enforcement database, false alert filtering, auto sensitivity
Bluetooth equipped enabling access to the Escort Live community
Quick release magnetic mount bracket
High definition OLED display
Online firmware and database updates
Clear digital voice alerts in English and Spanish

Our Escort MAX 3 review revealed that the detector remains a capable performer at its inexpensive price, but the Escort MAX 4 provides a substantial improvement in performance and filtering.

Advanced All Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Algorithm

When investing in a radar detector two of your biggest concerns is the detector’s ability to sniff out real police radar threats and its ability to filter out false alerts, here is why.

Police departments across the world are now in the process of updating their equipment to the new, low power battery operated hand held digital radar guns.

All of these types of radar guns are instant on, meaning that they do NOT transmit any radar signal until the officer has a target vehicle in sight and presses the trigger.

Because of this when you select your radar detector, an important consideration is its ability to detect instant on miles away.

Then another problem, the anti-collision sensors that are being installed in most new cars today.

These sensors operate on the same K-Band frequency that police use and because of this most radar detectors constantly false alert.

Because of this Escort continues to refine their digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm for accurate detection and filtering.

This enables the Escort MAX 3 to sniff out and alert to these low power radar guns at over 8 times their capture distance, while also having the ability to block out many of those annoying false alerts.

GPS Equipped

The Escort MAX 3 is GPS equipped and includes Escort’s Defender database, which enables it to:

Alert you as you approach fixed photo enforcement cameras
Alert you as you approach known speed trap locations
Filter out know false alert locations based upon the exact frequency and location
Automatically adjust the sensitivity, based upon your speed
Ability to add your own hot spot locations with the press of a button

Escort Defender Database

Your Escort MAX 3 is preloaded with Escort’s Defender Database, which is the most accurate photo enforcement database for North America.

This enables your MAX 3 detector to alert you in advanced of fixed photo enforcement cameras and known speed trap locations as you approach.

And updating the data on your detector online is a snap through the Escort Tools program available for both PC’s and Apple commuters.

Your purchase includes a free, 3-month subscription for Defender database updates and is only $19.95 a year or $39.95 for three years if you decide to renew your subscription.

Escort Live Equipped

The biggest break through this decade in the speed counter measurement community is the ability for your radar detector to share historical and real time data with accuracy, with other radar detectors in the cloud.

The detector has an internal Bluetooth chip set, which enables it to connect to the Escort Live community through your iPhone and/or Android smartphone.

This enables your detector to:

Alert you of real time police spotted alerts
Alert you of real time radar and laser speed traps in your area
Alert you of historical speed trap locations including aircraft enforcement locations
Alert you of fixed photo enforcement camera locations
Enables you to program the advanced features of your detector through your smart phone

Your Escort MAX 3 includes a free, 1-year subscription valued at $49 when purchased through our website.

High Definition OLED Display

The detector has a programmable easy to read multicolored OLED display, which includes intuitive icons, to make it easy to identify threats.

Additional display features include:

Cruise Alert – warning you when you’re exceeding the posted speed limit
Bar Graph – identifying the signal strength of the threat
Expert Meter – identifies up to 8 multiple alerts with signal strength at once
SpecDisplay – identifies the actual numeric frequency of the radar signal
5 levels of brightness including full dark mode

Clear Audible Voice Alerts English/Spanish

The detector has easy to understand voice alerts, which warns you in either English or Spanish of approaching threats, enabling you to keep your eyes on the road and not on your detector.

User Preferences Programming

You can access the advanced programming features of your detector either by pressing the buttons on your detector, or though your smartphone enabling you to:

Sensitivity – City, Highway, Auto, AutoNoX
Language – Spanish/English
Color of OLED display
GPS speed display
Cruise alert speed settings
Overspeed setting
Display meter options
Audible tones
Automute – On/Off
AutoLearn – On/Off
Voice – On/Off
GPS – On/Off
Auto Power Settings
Radar/Laser Bands
Mark and/or clear locations

Included Accessories

Your detector comes shipped with everything you need including:

Quick Release Magnetic Mount Sticky Cup
12 volt smart cord
Travel Case
Getting Started Guide instruction booklet

Additional Accessories

You can also accessorize your detector with these additional accessories

Basic Direct wire
SmartCord direct wire
Dash Mount
BlendMount mirror mount

Escort MAX 3 Downloads

Warranty & Support

Your Escort MAX 3 comes with Escort’s 1-year warranty and our 30-day no risk money back guarantee.

Also, because we have been an authorized Escort dealer since 1995, you’re pre-approved to purchase Escort’s extended 24 month extend warranty for only $29.95.

Motorcycle Use and Accessories

When accessorized with the proper motorcycle mount, external warning device, and weather protection the Passport Max2 becomes the best radar detector for your motorcycle.

Motorcycle Mounting Systems: RadarBusters offers a variety of motorcycle radar detector and cell phone mounts by Techmount, which will fit virtually any motorcycle.

External Warning Devices: The Escort MAX 3 does have an external earphone jack, which you can plug into your motorcycle sound system. However, we would recommend the Legal Speeding HARD system, which is a wireless heads up display.

Also, because the Escort MAX 3 has an internal Bluetooth, you can also mount your cell phone to your motorcycle and receive Escort Live alerts while riding. (Note: The Escort MAX 3’s Bluetooth will not interface with your motorcycle’s sound system nor any external Bluetooth headset, as it was not designed for this purpose. However, you will be able to get alerts through your cellphone when paired with an external device)

Weather Protection: There are several websites that sell “motorcycle radar detector boxes,” but we don’t recommend them. Instead, go to your local CVS and buy a child’s size shower cap. It’s cheaper and will protect your detector just as well.

Why Buy from Radar Busters?

Authorized Escort Dealer: RadarBusters has been an authorized dealer for Escort since 1995, so you can be assured that you detector is covered under Escort’s warranty program and pre-approved for Escort’s 24 month extended warranty program.

Real Reviews: Unlike the other radar detector review websites out there, Radar Roy is a retired cop and certified traffic radar instructor with over 40 years of experience and has his own arsenal of police radar and laser guns. Luxury Automotive was so impressed with Roy’s high standards and qualifications that they dubbed him the “General Schwarzkopf of radar detectors”.

No Sales Tax: You will not be charged sales tax as long as your order is shipped outside of Arizona.

Summary

The Escort MAX 3 is a solid investment you can make to help you avoid expensive speeding tickets, and it will enable you to become a more aware and safe driver.

When ordered through RadarBusters your detector will arrive at your doorstep with everything you need along with personal 1-on-1 support from RadarBusters who is just a phone call or an email away.

Q: What are the different radar detector bands?

A:

X-Band 10.525 GHz +/- 25 MHz
- An older band, mostly used by automatic doors in supermarkets and rarely used by law enforcement anymore. You can eliminate this band by turning off X band in the menu.
K-Band 24.150 GHz +/- 100 MHz
- A potential radar strike that could also be a non-radar law enforcement. Know the area as many police still utilize this band.
Ka-Band 34.700 GHz +/- 1300 MHz
- Alert! It’s the police. One of the most common used bands by law enforcement today.
Laser 904nm, 33 MHz bandwidth

Alert! It’s the police. Higher law enforcement such as state troopers often use laser.

Q: Are Escort MAX 3 radar detectors allowed in my state?

A: Radar detectors are currently banned in some states in the U.S. Enclosed is a list and link to American Auto Association AAA, which keeps an ongoing list of permitted states.

ALABAMA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

ALASKA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

ARIZONA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

ARKANSAS — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

CALIFORNIA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

COLORADO — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

CONNECTICUT — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

DELAWARE — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — Radar detectors are not permitted.

FLORIDA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

GEORGIA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

HAWAII — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

IDAHO — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

ILLINOIS — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

INDIANA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

IOWA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

KANSAS — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

KENTUCKY — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

LOUISIANA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

MAINE — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

MARYLAND — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

MASSACHUSETTS — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

MICHIGAN — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

MINNESOTA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

MISSISSIPPI — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

MISSOURI — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

MONTANA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

NEBRASKA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

NEVADA — Detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

NEW HAMPSHIRE — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

NEW JERSEY — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

NEW MEXICO — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

NEW YORK — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

NORTH CAROLINA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

NORTH DAKOTA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

OHIO — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

OKLAHOMA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

OREGON — Radar detectors are permitted but are prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

PENNSYLVANIA — Detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles, but prohibited for commercial vehicles.

RHODE ISLAND — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

SOUTH CAROLINA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

SOUTH DAKOTA — Detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

TENNESSEE — Detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

TEXAS — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

UTAH — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

VERMONT — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

VIRGINIA — Detectors are not permitted.

WASHINGTON — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

WEST VIRGINIA — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

WISCONSIN — detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

WYOMING — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

PUERTO RICO — Radar detectors are permitted for passenger vehicles but prohibited for use by commercial vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Escort MAX 3 vs. MAX & MAX 2, which is better? – The Escort Max 3 is based on Escort’s new M5 antenna design and has the latest improvements and is rated in the 5-star category having 10 times the capture distance of a police radar gun. In all metrics, the Max 3 is the superior detector.

Why shouldn’t I buy my detector on eBay? – One of the most important things you should consider when purchasing your Max 3 is to make sure that you are purchasing your detector from an authorized dealer. If you do purchase from an unauthorized dealer you will not have any warranty and you will be locked out of the Escort Live community. If you do find ANY authorized dealer selling the Max 3 at a lower price then we do, contact us and we will match and even is some cases, beat their price.

Why shouldn’t I buy my detector on Amazon? – One of the most important things you should consider when purchasing your Max 3 is to make sure that you are purchasing your detector from an authorized dealer. If you do purchase from an unauthorized dealer you will not have any warranty and you will be locked out of the Escort Live community. If you do find ANY authorized dealer selling the Max 3 at a lower price then we do, contact us and we will match and even is some cases, beat their price.