If you want to avoid getting a speeding ticket, then you need a car radar detector (as long as it’s legal in your state, of course). Radar detectors are designed to detect when there are police radar scanners in the area so that you can slow down and ensure that you are within the specified speed limit.
What is a Radar Detector?

A radar detector is a small device that detects the presence of police radars. They are important because they help drivers avoid getting speeding tickets. A radar detector does this by detecting the presence of speed cameras and police radars and alerting the driver so that they can slow down beforehand.
However, it’s important that you choose the best possible radar detector to ensure that you detect police radars early enough to reduce your speed if needed. There are many types of radar detectors in the market today so choosing one can be quite a headache. In this article, we’ll review the 9 best radar detectors in 2020.
Best radar detectors to buy
ESCORT MAX360 Laser Radar Detector – GPS
- Despite the amazing specs that come with this radar detector; it is cost-friendly.
- Self-learning technology which adjusts itself to your style of driving.
- It is said to have a bit low range of picking up alerts on time.
Cobra Road Radar Detector
Cobra Road Scout Dash Cam and Radar Detector is a classy yet rugged dashcam radar detector
It offers a top-notch camera detector with long-range capability. It is like an owl in the night through its enhanced night vision; you have no issues going on those trips at night. It is built with an integrated dashcam and also comes with a free I-radar App.
The alerts are fast, precise, and highly reliable. It is preloaded with red light and camera speed location which will trigger GPS-based laser alerts. It is the best police radar detector with digital signal processing that locates patrols and speed traps. There are lots of free radar detector apps around but the I-radar app provides precision and reliability.
It offers high-resolution cameras that help with In-car video management on a smartphone through direct WIFI connectivity to view, share, and also edit videos. It comes with a 2-IN-1 radar detector and dashcam; the long-range cobra radar detector and the high definition dash cam capture and share unexpected moments.
- The high-definition camera is one of the best you could get and makes communication easier and more efficient.
- I-radar app provides accurate alerts through a well-connected community.
- The installation is very quick and the app set up is quite easy.
- The volume of the alerts is a bit low

Radenso XP Radar Detector with False Alert Filtering
If you are looking for a good radar detector that gives top-flight sensitivity in delivering radar alerts up to several miles ahead, then the Radenso XP Radar detector is the product for you. It is developed with an incredible false alert blocking algorithm that really ensures any false alarms are blocked via GPS, and you definitely won’t hear them again.
It comes with a low noise amplifier antenna, which ensures you do not hear blaring noises while driving. The Radenso radar detector comes with a free lifetime speed camera update where other radar detector companies charge a fee. The OLED display of the Radenso is top-notch; the display is set to full brightness at all times.
Its speed camera alert tells you when you are getting close to a camera threat and will begin counting how many feet you are away from the camera. This allows an excellent detection of cop radars even if they are miles away.
- Its BSM filtering is world-class. Although you might still get a few false alerts. However, when compared with its competitors, it is a no brainer.
- The alert tones are much more audible yet much more pleasant to the ears.
- This radar detector has a lower maximum range.

UNIDEN R3 EXTREME LONG RANGE Radar Detector
Uniden R3 is an extremely good long-range radar detector. It comes with an in-built GPS detector. The Uniden R3 Extreme Radar Detector is a user-friendly radar detector. It has an awesome sensitivity with a top-class performance when it comes to preventing false alerts. It gives you a high level of protection against speeding tickets.
The GPS detector of the Uniden R3 can remember common radar transmission areas and mark them as red zones. This way, you will be alerted when you get to those areas; you never have to listen to the same false alert twice.
It comes with an easy to read multi-color OLED display. Uniden provides preloaded Red light and Speed Camera locations with free database and firmware updates to ensure your detector will never be out of date.
- Voice warnings allow for hands-free operation and clear communication.
- Its high-performance GPS detector reduces false alert percentage to almost zero.
- It is customizable and you can change the look of the display.
- It can be a little harder to set up than others.
- Sometimes cases of repeated warning alerts.

Escort Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector
The ESCORT 8500 X50 Police Radar Detector brings a classy yet high performing radar detector for your cars to travel wherever you want to go. This police scanner comes ready to use out of the box but you can immediately control and adjust it to your driving preference. It includes Power-On indication, a Meter type AutoMute.
The brightness level includes a full dark mode. It has three levels of brightness; you can choose between dim, medium, or max brightness levels. It also comes with audio tones. It connects with Escort live which keeps you aware of upcoming alerts that have been reported by other users on Escort live. It also gives you access to the local speed limit data.
It is an improved model that has a really sophisticated look and also includes a fitted travel case and a convenient smart cord. It is built with an advanced technology that makes way for a wide detection range with minimum false alerts and improves efficiency. The patented Auto-sensitivity mode detects real alerts from other radar sources. It is built with multiple laser diodes and a quantum-limited video.
The auto-mute feature automatically reduces the volume of the alerts in order to avoid annoyance from long radar encounters.
- The Passport 8500 X50 comes with a lot of choices in the features which give you the chance to select the one you prefer.
- It is cost-effective
- The 8500 X50 analyses incoming signals and adjusts the sensitivity automatically.
- It is a bit hard to operate


Uniden DFR7 Super Long Range Radar Detector
If you are looking for a radar detector that balances all the factors a good radar detector should have, then you should look at the Uniden DFR7 Radar Detector from the Uniden Interceptor series. It has no false alarm, the alerts are always accurate. It is very easy to operate and set up. The range is awesome and the design is classic.
It is very affordable when compared with competitors. Uniden is the best radar detector out there and this is a masterpiece. The sensitivity is super wide and could detect all police radar with an advanced false alert filtering. You definitely will not fall for the same false alert twice due to the amazing GPS technology.
The voice alerts allow a hands-free operation, they are programmable to fit your driving style. Your detector will never be out of date due to the preloaded red light and speed camera location. It is easy to read.
- It is very easy to use and operate. It brings a touch of luxury to your driving.
- It is very affordable.
- It saves alerts that remind you of red zones; those areas that alerts are.
- The instructions are too tiny to read.
Cobra RAD 250 Laser Radar Detector
The Cobra RAD 250 comes with high-quality display features that aid an accurate drive. It detects radar guns with “Instant On” monitoring. It comes with a laser detector that can detect laser signals from both front and rear. The voice alerts come in English and Spanish which helps you to focus and keep your eyes on the road. The audio announcement is also audible.
Cobra’s technology reduces false alerts. The radar detector is very cost-friendly when you add the pros it brings. Its speed camera alert tells you when you are getting close to a camera threat and will begin counting how many feet you are away from the camera. This allows an excellent detection of cop radars even if they are miles away. It also comes with a power cord.
It also works with the I-radar app and with this you get in touch with other users through the alerts they save on the alerts. This makes you know cop radar around the area and makes you avoid cop traps. It also gives you a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase.
- The range at which it picks police radar is impressive.
- Through the I-radar app, you will get alerts on cop traps in areas.
- It requires Windows 7 or 8 to work.
Whistler CR70 Radar Detector
The Whistler CR70 Laser Radar Detector series radar detectors are high-performance, professional-grade dash models that detect all new lasers used in North America
They are high effort radar detectors with advanced speed detection capability.
It is equipped with 360-degree coverage that gives you all-around protection. It protects your car against all radar guns including X band, K-band, and laser. With the Traffic Flow Signal Rejection (TFSR), false alerts from radar-based traffic monitoring systems.
It can detect police radar miles away. The high gain lens improves the field of view and as well gives it a longer range. It comes with a safety warning system that keeps you informed of highway safety where transmitters are located.
- It is very cost-effective.
- It can detect all forms of new police radar.
- The 360 radar is the best in the market.
- Some reports of false alerts due to security cameras


Cobra XRS9370 High-Performance Radar Detector
The Cobra XRS9370 Laser Detector has an amazing data display with an ultra-compact design that has an improved range for high performance with refined style. This cop radar detector comes with a superfast sweep circuitry which provides an extra range for detecting even the most sophisticated radar guns.
It has a VG-2 and Spectre alert which alerts you anytime you are under the watch of a VG2 radar detector. It comes in two modes; the highway modes allow you to select an operating mode which reduces the frequency of false alerts. Through its Ultra bright data display, it provides easy recognition of the band detected. The super-fast sweep circuitry provides extra detection range.
It comes with a pop mode that detects the latest Radar Gun POP. It has a dimmer display which increases night time efficiency. It also comes with Laser Eye 360 degree detection.
- Through its super-fast circuitry, you can be rest assured not to have any speeding ticket anymore.
- Unlike some radar detectors, its efficiency at night is excellent.
- The safety alert warns you of emergency vehicles and road hazards from the system
- It is a bit on the high side when it comes to price.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting a radar detector, these presented detectors are among the best in the market in 2020. If you want to know more about radar detectors, you can check our radar detector guide.