Best Radar Detectors for 2022

Radar detectors detect signals, but in doing so they also emit digital noise of their own. Police use devices called “radar detector detectors” (or RDD’s) to pinpoint which vehicles are using radar detectors in areas where the devices are illegal. The Valentine V1 Gen2 is known for its undetectability by the commonly used Spectre RDD.  

The V1 Gen2 features an all-new magnesium case and radar-seeking technology adapted from a concept used by military CHIRP radars to find fainter targets farther away with higher precision. Valentine’s free app allows for firmware upgrades and live stream threat tracking. The unit’s substantial range increase over the original V1 teamed with false alarm reduction, built-in Bluetooth and a breakthrough in stealth earned the Valentine One Gen2 a top spot on this list.

Having the option to control your radar detector via a handheld remote allows you to control and customize it while keeping your eyes on the road. This is an especially important feature to have for the K40 Electronics Platinum100 radar detector, which has hundreds of customizable features. K40 even offers one-on-one consultations with senior engineers to optimize the unit for your location, the way you drive and which alerts you prefer to receive.  

The unit also features LNA long range performance engineering enhancements for increased range and sensitivity. It offers MultaRadar detection, and K40 boasts a ticket free guarantee. 

The Max 360c is Escort’s top of the line model. It offers exceptional long-range performance paired with extremely effective false alert filtering. Digital arrows point to where the police radar is detected. The Escort Max 360c will automatically block or “lock out” stationary false alerts like the laser-operated automatic doors at supermarkets and electronic speed signs, which is a desirable attribute for urban driving. Other user-friendly features include automatic software updates and speed-based sensitivity adjustments, including low-speed alert muting. The Max 360c detects MRCD and includes one year of premium Escort Live service. This addition provides crowd-sourced Live alerts from other detector users and speed limit information. 

The Uniden R7 outperforms its competition in range and sensitivity while offering an overwhelming array of options. Set up may take longer than competing products, but the process is intuitive. It detects MultaRadar and RedFlex photo enforcement systems and offers three sensitivity settings for accurate alerts no matter the driving conditions. Directional arrows flash on the sizeable screen to let the driver know where radar is detected. The five brightness settings and wide choice of colors make the display easy on the eyes.

The Uniden R7 does detect MRCD, but it will not say “speed camera” on the screen. The alert will be whatever kind of radar band the camera is (typically K band). As an added bonus, Uniden does not require a subscription to update the GPS database.
 

The Radenso XP is designed to operate out of the box with limited adjustments, but it has enough options to satisfy the needs of most drivers. Its GPS technology further prevents false alerts and warns drivers of the red light and speed cameras used in 22 states. While some of its competitor models are equipped with auto-learning capabilities, the Radenso XP offers a button press adjustment. The luminous OLED display is legible even during the sunniest of days. The Radenso XP does not detect MRCD and MRCT, but if you’re willing to pay more, the related Radenso Pro M does.

The Uniden R3 is a popular entry-level detector for a reason. Though it’s not the latest and greatest model, it still offers the best bang for your buck with its long range, GPS capabilities, state of the art false alert filtering and reliable red-light camera and speed alerts. The device’s high sensitivity does require more optimization resulting in a longer initial setup time, but in turn it offers extra reassurance that it won’t miss a beat. A late 2019 firmware added MRCD and traffic light camera detection to the R3.  

Getting a false sense of security from a cheaply made radar detector is much worse than driving without one, so we had a difficult time recommending a device under $100 until we found the rock-solid Cobra RAD 380. It retains options offered by the more expensive models, including 360-degree coverage, anti-false alarm filtration, and an easy-to-read display. It reliably detects police radar and laser signals and works as a solid layer of protection on the highway. The Cobra does not, however, reliably detect MRCD and MRCT devices.