Best Radar Detectors

Are you looking for a radar detector and don't want to get ripped off? I've compiled a list of what I consider to be the best radar detectors for each price point.

If you're looking to spend just a little, you should check out one of the radar detectors that are available for under $200. You can't go wrong with the Beltronics Vector 955. It is a radar/laser detector unit with voice alerts, "POP" radar detection and VG-2 immunity. At a lower price point, you have a trifecta of units that will suit your needs: the Whistler PRO-78, Whistler PRO-520, and Whistler XTR-690. Laserveil.com reviewed the PRO-78 and XTR-690 and had this to say: "Both the Whistler Pro 78 and XTR-690 are AAA home-run hitters! ... It is my opinion that these new Whistler radar detectors represent two of the greatest values in radar detector ownership, today. If it is your desire to have a full-featured radar detector which provides good protection against police radar, particularly against Ka-band, and are budget minded, you need not look further than either the Pro 78 or XTR-690."

The next class is more than $200 but less than $300. There's a nice selection of radar detectors available in this price range. The Beltronics Vector 965 and Beltronics Vector 995 radar detector units are both exceptional units that will serve you well. However, if you want to take the next step I recommend you purchase the Escort Passport 8500 X50 (Red) Radar Detector. It's exactly the same as the Blue model, but is just under $300. Upon its initial release, it was "hailed as the most revolutionary radar/laser detector ever". Escort radar detectors regularly receive very high marks amongst reviewers and they are one of the top brands available.

Finally, the over $300 class. The Passport 9500i (Red) is a top of the line detector. It won numerous awards, including "Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in new product design and innovation," also adding "you might as well have the best." Car and Driver said the Passport 9500i "takes the next great leap forward." And as good as it is, Escort has just released a new radar detector: they have unveiled the Passport 9500i. In their own words, "It provides the best long-range protection against every known radar and laser gun in use in North America, but also incorporates GPS accuracy to silence each and every false alert. It is by far the most intelligent, fully automatic radar and laser detector ever designed. You drive. It learns. End of story." The Passport 9500ix comes pre-loaded with thousands of red light and speed-based cameras in America. You can also download updates, back up your data and stay on top of new threats by visiting their website.

Now that you've got some information, go out there and buy one! If you need to, save or bookmark this page so you'll know which radar detectors to look out for!