10 Best Laser Detectors 2024 in the United States

There are four main radar detectors to choose from that vary in size and functions. Whether you want something permanent or temporary big or small, choosing one is easy with the breakdown below:

Digital Radar Detectors: These are great value for money radars that are small and compact. They detect and notify drivers when a police officer is using a radar gun to track speed.

Laser Radar Detectors: These can scan for both laser and radar guns that are used to spot speeding motorists. They can also alarm a driver if there is a traffic light camera or if the upcoming intersection is dangerous. This feature dramatically improves road safety.

Dash Mounted Radar Detectors: These impermanent detectors can be moved from vehicle to vehicle easily. Or can be taken down easily, if you are entering a state where they are not legal.

Permanent Radar Detectors: These are permanently installed in the car but are small enough to be concealed from view to avoid detection or theft.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

1. Detection range: the longer the detection range, the more efficiently the detector will detect speed traps in advanced time. High-end detectors offering longer distances are reviewed better than those that don’t. Look for a detector that has gotten good detection range reviews.
2. Display: Being able to read the display easily and quickly ensures buyer satisfaction. A good radar detector should have a readable, clear display in both night and day. This is not only important from a usage point of view but ensures maximum road safety on those long trips as you can easily keep your eyes on the road at all times.
3. Functions: The more the radar detector can do, the better the owners’ comments. GPS features that allow you to track speeds, alert you to possible speed traps picked up from other drivers, and give you valuable driving information like road speeds and how sensitive you need to be to the limits, are rated very high by consumers.
4. Interface: Your new radar detector should be easy to use and operate and offer user-friendly interface. This will ensure that easy adjustments like muting or turning the unit on or off can be done without distracting the driver.

• Radar detectors that can be switched between ‘city’ and ‘highway’ modes will reduce the risk of false alarms. When in city areas, switching to the ‘city’ mode will let the detector know that you are in a more dense area and it will prevent picking up non law enforcement radars and alerting you unnecessarily.
• Radar detectors that offer voice activation are very popular and can be used with bluetooth and your smartphone for much more convenience. This is much safer as you can change settings without having to take your hands off the wheel.
• For a much wider coverage and more peace of mind, buy a radar detector that offers front and rear speed trap detection. This way you will be alerted even if the speed detection device is approaching you from behind.
• A very handy feature to a radar detector is built in GPS. This function allows you to access a database, from other GPS enabled radar detectors, alerting you to possible speed traps during your journey as well as tracking your speeds to make sure you are always within the limit.
• For much easier use, choose a model that offers a touch screen. These units allow adjustments to be made simply without too much driver distraction.
• An emergency vehicle warning alert will give you more use out of your radar detector. This feature allows you to set up unique warning sounds (or visuals) for different kinds of emergency vehicles. This means you will know ahead of time if a firetruck, police car or ambulance is approaching, and to move out of the way appropriately.
• Your detector should have a minimum range of 1 mile advanced warning on open roads, and ¼ mile in urban areas to ensure that you are adequately covered.

Top-Rated Brands

ESCORT: Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, Escort Inc. has been designing, engineering, and manufacturing radar and laser detectors and other automotive accessories for over 30 years.

Valentine One: Valentine Research, Inc. has been designing and manufacturing radar detectors since founder Mike Valentine engineered his first Escort Radar Warning Receiver in 1976.

Cobra: Cobra Electronics is headquartered in Chicago and their radar detectors can be found in more than 75 countries and 55,000 storefronts globally.

Beltronics: Beltronics Radar, founded in 1967, is located in Cincinnati, OH, and designs, manufactures, and markets all of their radar, laser, and safety detectors in North America.