When you're cruising down a lonely stretch of highway, it's easy to get swept away and forget about the pressure of your foot on the gas. Next thing you know, you might be getting a pricey speeding ticket or even a date in traffic court. If only you had a radar detector. 

A radar detector notifies you when your vehicle's speed may be monitored by law enforcement. This gives you the ability to find police before they find you, giving you a chance to slow your speed and correct your driving. In short, radar detectors can help you drive safer while saving you money with fewer tickets. And they are currently legal in all but two areas (Washington, DC and Virginia). 

Also:Best dash cams

researched the best radar detectors available based on features, display, and price. Our pick for the best radar detector overall is theUniden R7 , thanks to its integrated GPS, strong signal strength, and ease of use. Read on to learn about the best radar detectors you can buy right now.

The best radar detectors of 2023

Uniden R7

Best radar detector overall

Uniden/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Integrated GPS
• Strong signal strength
• Ease of use

Cons

• On the larger side
• Lacks Bluetooth

More Details

Uniden R7features: GPS:YesVoice alerts: YesPower source:DCVoltage:12VDisplay type:OLED

The Uniden R7gets our pick for the best radar detector overall, thanks to its customizable voice alerts and false alarm detection. It keeps you safer with advanced false alert filtering, 360-degree monitoring, and arrow detection. There is even GPS technology employed to help the device remember and mute typical false alarms. You'll also find red light and speed camera locations will automatically update to remain current at all times. The OLED display is a bonus for easy visibility. 

View now at Amazon View now at Uniden more buying choices

Cobra RAD 480i

Best budget radar detector

Cobra/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Voice alerts
• Adjustable sensitivity

Cons

• Noisy
• Suffers from false alerts

More Details

Cobra RAD 480ifeatures: GPS: No  Voice alerts: No  Power source: DC  Voltage: 12V  Display type: OLED

If you find yourself on a budget, the Cobra RAD 480icould be a great fit for you. At just$150, it's very affordable when compared to others in its class. LaserEye technology helps detect signals from all around your vehicle for better front and rear detection, while built-in security protocols help provide early warnings while reducing the threat of false alarms. Use the corresponding iRadar app to view further up the road or receive real-time alerts from the over 3 million drivers in the community.  

View now at Amazon View now at Walmart View now at Best Buy more buying choices

Escort MAX 360c

Best radar detector display

Escort/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Excellent connectivity
• Rear radar antenna
• Auto lockout

Cons

• Pricey
• Mediocre rear-range

More Details

Escort MAX 360cfeatures: GPS: Yes, via app  Voice alerts: Yes  Power source: DC  Voltage: 12V  Display type:OLED 

The Escort MAX 360cgives you the ability to customize your screen, viewing in high resolution details like signal type and strength when you connect to Escort Live. Incorporated is a full-color graphic display that uses both antennas and arrows to identify risks around your vehicle and near your location. This radar detector is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices for easy connectivity. Plus, there is the benefit of built-in Wi-Fi, so you can see in real-time if there is a ticket threat in your future. 

View now at Amazon

Uniden R3

Best radar detector for the value

Uniden/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Simple installation
• Long-range use
• Rarely false alarms

Cons

• Suction cup fixture
• Average display

More Details

Uniden R3features: GPS: Yes  Voice alerts: Yes  Power source: DC  Voltage: 12V  Display type: OLED

The Uniden R3uses a combination of technologies -- Advanced False Alert Filtering provides greater protection against invalid threats, while GPS technology finds and tracks your location against known radars in and around your location. When you drive along your usual route, you will skip all of the common false alerts with built-in memory for your detector. Your device will also come preloaded with red lights and speed cameras, staying current with firmware updates to ensure you have a head start wherever you need one.  

View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy more buying choices

Waze

Best radar detector app

Waze/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Real-time user updates
• Integrated GPS
• Event alerts for traffic jams and special events
• Free

Cons

• Ad-supported

More Details

Wazeapp features: GPS: Yes  Voice alerts: Yes  Power source: N/A Voltage: N/A Display type: N/A

While the Waze appisn't billed as a radar detector, the user base does help to provide real-time information on the locations of red light cameras and speed traps along your route. And along with helping you avoid getting a ticket, Waze users can provide real-time updates on traffic jams, restaurant and gas station locations, and even special events like parades and street carnivals. The app also features an integrated GPS system that operates similarly to Google Maps, and you can integrate your Spotify playlists for safer multitasking while driving.

View now at Apple View now at Google Play more buying choices

What is the best radar detector?

The Uniden R7 wins 's pick as the best radar detector, thanks to its incredible performance, reliability, and value. To see how it stacks up against our other best radar detectors, here is an overview of each model. 

Best radar detector	Price	GPS	Power
Uniden R7	$470	Built-in	12V DC
Cobra RAD 480i	$150	N/A	12V DC
Escort MAX 360c	$553	Companion app	12V DC
Uniden R3	$300	Built-in	12V DC
Waze	Free	Built-in	N/A

Which is the right radar detector for you?

When choosing a radar detector, the most important thing to keep in mind is whether or not it's legal to own and use in your state. Some areas have outlawed the use of radar detectors for civilians, so check all local laws and ordinances to make sure you aren't illegally owning and operating one.

Buy this radar detector...	If you need...
Uniden R7	A well-rounded radar detector. The Uniden R7 features integrated GPS and voice alerts for additional road safety.
Cobra RAD 480i	A budget-friendly radar detector. The Cobra RAD 480i retails for about$150, making it one of the cheaper options on the market.
Escort MAX 360c	A radar detector with a great display. The Escort MAX 360c uses an OLED display for cleaner, easier to read text.
Uniden R3	A radar detector that provides great value for the price. It features built-in GPS and voice alerts as well as an OLED display and dual radar and laser detection systems
Waze app	A user-friendly radar detector app. Waze users help provide real-time updates to red light camera and speed trap locations.

How did we choose these radar detectors?

While searching for the best radar detectors, we consider several factors:

• Features:There are several bonus features you may find from model to model, such as GPS connectivity or false alert detection. These features can greatly simplify use and improve your chances of picking up on radar. 
• Display:Visibility is a critical factor when selecting a radar detector. The best radar detectors come with an OLED display that provides greater clarity and color for your images.
• Cost:Budget is a primary concern for many users, so we look for the best affordable radar detectors that come at a reasonable cost for their features.

Is it illegal to have a radar detector in your vehicle?

While the federal government has not placed any specific bans on radar detectors on a nationwide level, make sure to check all of your state and local laws to determine whether or not they have been banned. At the time of writing, only the state of Virginia and the District of Columbia ban radar detectors in passenger vehicles. Additionally, radar detectors are illegal to use in commercial vehicles as well as on or near military bases. The use of radar/laser jammers, which temporarily disable police radar detectors, is also illegal nationwide.

If you want to find out more, you can read this helpful blog post from Best Buy to help you.

How much does a radar detector cost?

The cost of a radar detector significantly varies from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars. The best radar detectors range in price from$150 to less than$650, depending on the model you choose.

Are there alternative radar detectors worth considering?

In our search to find the best radar detectors, we also found these models that may be worth considering. 

Escort Redline 360c: Best radar detector splurge

$800 at Best Buy

Uniden DFR7: A budget-friendly radar detector

$189.99 at Amazon

Recommends

Best VPN servicesBest robot vacuums and mopsBest gaming PCsBest live TV streaming services

• Best VPN services
• Best robot vacuums and mops
• Best gaming PCs
• Best live TV streaming services