Radar detectors can be the difference between getting an expensive speeding ticket and slowing down safely. Radar detectors aren’t just for speeders, either. A radar detector helps to keep drivers aware of what is going on around them, an increasingly challenging task as technology has invaded our cars. Many models feature the ability to warn you of red light cameras and speed traps, areas that are frequently the site of accidents as drivers attempt to avoid getting in trouble.
Our overall best radar detector under $300 is the Uniden R3 (>>> Check on Amazon) It combines useful features with proven long-range detection abilities and is highly reliable.
Best Radar Detector Under $300 – Top Picks for 2023:
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uniden R3 | Whistler CR70 | Cobra RAD 480i | Cobra RAD 380 | Uniden DFR8 | |
| Range | Extreme Long Range | Long Range | Long Range, Front and Rear Detection | Long Range, Front and Rear Detection | Super Long Range |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Display | Multi-color OLED | Multi-color OLED | Multi-color OLED | Multi-color OLED | Multi-color OLED |
| False Filter | K/KA Band Filter | X-band, K-band, Superwide Ka-band Filter | Next Gen IVT | Next Gen IVT | K, Ka-band Filter |
| Red Light & Speed Camera Alerts | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Nod data |
| Speed-based Auto Mute | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Nod data |
| Bluetooth connectivity | No | No | Yes | No | Nod data |
| Price | Find on Uniden.com Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Uniden R3
The Uniden R3 boasts “Extreme” long range. In testing done independently, the R3 has proven to rival models costing twice as much and has some of the fastest response times of any budget device.
The Uniden R3 includes a built-in GPS antenna that allows the detector to alert you to red light cameras and speed traps that are saved in a preloaded database. The R3 allows you to mark locations where you receive false signals so that the detector won’t alarm the next time it encounters the signal.
The best feature about the R3 is the ability to filter false alerts on K-band frequencies. This band is often used by auto manufacturers for driver safety alert systems and is a frequent source of confusing alerts that seem to pop up suddenly.
Pros
- The best range and reaction speed of any budget device
- Simple to set up and use with excellent false filtering abilities
Cons
- The Uniden R4 -which is far superior- is only a little more expensive
Read the full review: Uniden R3
Whistler CR70
When you want a radar detector but you want the lowest price possible, this is the ticket. The Whistler CR70 is the ultimate budget beater and offers good range and detection capabilities, though it lacks most features common to other detectors.
It is capable of detecting the common radar bands and is also tuned to capture LIDAR and laser signals, though it should be pointed out that the nature of these technologies means that if the detector warns you about laser, you are already getting a ticket. Only a laser jammer will prevent laser signals.
This model does not include GPS and can’t monitor red light cameras. It also doesn’t have a false filtering feature, but it does include a dual-direction antenna so it will detect signals from behind or the sides of your vehicle in addition to the front.
Pros
- Insanely cheap price
- Detects laser signals
Cons
- No lockouts and limited false filtering capabilities make this a noisy device
- The lack of directional arrows prevents you from knowing where the signal originated
Full review: Whistler CR70
Cobra RAD 480i
The Cobra RAD 480i is one of the most feature-packed options around under $300. It offers excellent radar and laser detection capabilities and a complete set of filtering technologies to ensure that it only alarms when you need it to do so.
This detector offers front and rear protection from all types of speed detection equipment. It takes advantage of an updateable IVT filter to screen out signals from stationary locations and block alerts that are caused by driver safety systems. It even has an easy-to-use manual lockout feature so you don’t have to hear it every time you drive past the pharmacy.
One of the cool features that we like about this detector is the ability to integrate Cobra dash cam designs into the detector. This connects you with a safety net that will ensure you don’t get tickets and you’ll know just what happened if you are in an accident.
Pros
- Lots of useful features including lockouts and the ability to connect to the Cobra app for real-time alerts
- The ability to connect with dash cameras adds functionality
Cons
- Range isn’t anywhere near as long as our number 1 pick
Read the full review: Cobra RAD 480i
Cobra RAD 380
If you like the features of the Cobra RAD 480i but want to keep your purchase under $100, the Cobra RAD 380 is the detector for you. It features the same range capabilities and IVT filtering as the higher-priced model.
The primary difference between this model and the 480i is what this device lacks. It doesn’t have Bluetooth and doesn’t have the capabilities to update you of threats in real-time without detecting the source. It also can’t connect to Cobra dash cams.
The RAD 380 has a built-in digital signal processor that ensures rapid alerts when radar is detected from either the front or rear of your vehicle. Adjustable sensitivity modes make it a snap to tailor the device to your driving style to reduce annoying alarms.
Pros
- Highly affordable and reliable radar detector with simple features
- IVT filtering is better than most designs, even those costing three times as much
Cons
- Range isn’t as good as higher-priced options
- Small price difference between this model and the RAD 480i that offers better features
Read the full review: Cobra RAD 380
Uniden DFR8
Back in 2018, this was a great option for a low-cost radar detector, but time and technology have moved on. Though you’ll still find this one popping up occasionally from third-party sellers, Uniden no longer markets the DFR-line. While this detector does a good job of just grabbing Ka band, it has been surpassed by the R1, R3, and R4 models that came after it.
The advanced K and Ka-band filtering works for reducing the detection of certain signals, but the device is too old to recognize many of the signals used by car manufacturers for safety signals.
While the detector’s technology is largely out of sync with modern equipment, the range of the detector is somewhat better than some of the budget products on our list. Unfortunately, the lack of a DSP means it is also the slowest of the bunch to send an alert, limiting its effectiveness.
Pros
- Decent effective range
Cons
- Discontinued by the manufacturer
- Lacks almost all features common to budget detectors today
Final Thoughts
Just because you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a radar detector doesn’t mean you can’t have a device that works very well, gives you reliable readings, and filters out false signals you don’t care about. Our overall pick is right at the top of the $300 budget, but it offers longer range and more functionality than anything else in the price range.