Escort has always been a favorite brand of drivers looking for the protection that a radar detector can provide. Escort makes sure that their radar detectors from entry-level to high-end, come equipped with all the bells and whistles and are easy to use. And these two Escort laser/radar detectors, the Redline EX and the Max360c are no exception.
Head-to-Head Escort Redline EX vs Escort Max360c
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Escort Redline EX | Escort Max360c | |
| Range | Extreme Long Range | Extreme Long Range |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Display | OLED | OLED |
| False Filter | IVT filter | IVT filter |
| Red Light & Speed Camera Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Speed-based Auto Mute | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
What Features a Radar Detector Should Have
Obviously, radar detectors are built with a variety of different features. These are some of the most important features that your choice of detector should have.
Great Detection Range
If the detector cannot reach out and inform you of what lies ahead and provide you with enough time to react to the threat, what good is having it? The farther out a detector can pick up a radar signal, the better it will perform what you bought it for in the first place.
Better Detector for Detection Range: Escort Max 360C
Built-In GPS Technology
A detector that has GPS technology can measure your speed, the direction of a radar signal, and location of speed and red light cameras. Many times the GPS can even automatically adjust the detector’s mode of operation to switch between city and highway modes. This technology should also lockout stationary radars that cause the detector to false alert, like store front door opening systems and highway information signs.
Better Detector for Built-In GPS Technology: Both have GPS Technology
RDD and Instant-On Protection
Radar Detector Detectors (RDD) are being used by police agencies in areas of the country where using a radar detector in your vehicle is illegal. If your detector has the ability to “hide” or turn themselves off when the detector encounters one of these units. You will never have to worry about being ticketed for unknowingly operating your radar detector in an area where it is illegal to do so. Instant-On is a newer police technology that allows an officer to clock your speed before your detector can issue an alert. The detector can’t beat it if your vehicle is pinpointed, but if the detector can detect an Instant-On unit operating in the vicinity, at least it can alert you to that fact.
Better Detector for RDD and Instant-On Protection: Escort Redline EX
Bluetooth/Smartphone Connectivity
It seems like everyone owns a smartphone these days so a radar detector that has the ability to connect with a smartphone is an important feature.
Better Detector for Bluetooth/Smartphone Connectivity: Escort Max 360C
Visual and Voice Alerting
Visual alerts are great if you have younger children sleeping in the back seats and you want to keep noise to a minimum. Adding voice alerting means that you never have to take your eyes off of the road to look at the detector when an alert is displayed.
Better Detector for Visual and Voice Alerting: Both
Escort Redline EX
With the Redline EX, Cobra has stepped up to the plate and delivered one of the absolute best radar detectors that are able hide from police radar detector detectors (RDDs). You can rest assured that this detector is made for ultimate stealth. It is equipped with Cobra’s TotalShield RF technology and is completely undetectable by VG-2 and Spectre radar detector detectors. The Redline EX is known throughout the industry as the “King of Invisibility”.
Because the EX has front and rear antennas, it will provide you with full 360° of protection. It has GPS technology, which when combined with Escort’s advanced IVT filtering and Digital Signal Processing (DSP), will help spot radars long before you reach them and help eliminate false alerts from stationary radar sources like storefront door opening systems or newer vehicles’ Blind Spot Monitoring systems. It also has an AutoLearn feature so that it is able to remember common false alert locations you pass on your daily drive. Another plus is that the Redline EX can detect MultaRadar, a newer type of radar that police departments are starting to use.
Although the EX doesn’t have Wi-Fi capability, there is Bluetooth connectivity that will allow you to access the Escort Live app. That way you can have constant updates about red light/speed cameras and real-time updates from other Escort owners.
Pros
- Stealthy – almost undetectable to RDD units
- Can detect MultaRadar
- Provides 360° protection
- Advanced IVT false alert filtering
- Bluetooth connectivity
- AutoLearn feature that helps reject false alerting
- True Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
- Lack of directional arrows
- Pricy – definitely NOT an entry-level detector
- Heavier than other detectors
Escort Max 360C
Escort has upgraded the older Max360 to the Max360C by adding both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity (the C stands for “connected”). With built-in GPS, AutoLearn technology, AutoSensitivity, and advanced IVT filtering, the 360C can provide a quieter ride by remembering and automatically eliminating false alerts from stationary sources like traffic and construction signs and automatic door openers. It also does a great job of filtering out the BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring) systems on Hondas and other newer vehicles.
The Max360C provides an outstanding range of both radar and laser detection. It can detect all bands or radar, X, K, and Ka, and has four different sensitivity settings to choose from. And like its name says, it offers 360° of protection due its dual front and rear antennas. The addition of directional arrows on the OLED display will notify you of where the radar signal is located in relation to your vehicle.
Wi-Fi connectivity allows the Max360C to access the cloud and constantly update its firmware and information received from other Escort owners via the Escort Live app. Red light and speed camera locations are also constantly updated so that the devices never suddenly surprise you.
Pros
- Long Range of detection
- GPS technology built-in
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Automatic GPS lockouts
- Advanced IVT false alert filtering
Cons
- Not easy to operate for detector beginners
- Price
Our Conclusion
These are both top of the line radar detectors. Your choice will come down to what is more important to you, stealth or better connectivity. The Redline EX is without a doubt the stealthiest detector on the market. So if there may be an issue with legally operating a radar detector, the EX may be your better choice. If your car has built-in Wi-Fi, or if Wi-Fi is important for your detector to have, the Max 360C should be your choice. (>>> Find on Escortradar.com) Either way, the Redline Ex and the Max360C are worth every dollar that they cost. Both will effectively keep you away from a trip to traffic court for driving over the posted speed limit.