Two of the more popular laser/radar detectors on the market are the Escort X80 and the Uniden R3. Which one should you own? Let’s compare the two units. Before we do though…
Escort X80 vs Uniden R3 side by side:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Escort X80 | Uniden R3 | |
| Range | Extreme Long Range | Extreme Long Range |
| Built-in GPS | Yes (only on a Smartphone) | Yes |
| Display | Multi-Color OLED | Multi-color OLED |
| False Filter | X-band, K-band, SuperWide Ka-band | Advanced K /KA Band Filter |
| Red Light & Speed Camera Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Speed-based Auto Mute | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Find on EscortRadar Find on Amazon | Find on Uniden.com Find on Amazon |
Is a Laser/Radar Detector Worth Owning?
Today’s modern laser/radar detectors are designed for more than allowing drivers to exceed the legal speed limit without getting caught. They are legal (except in commercial vehicles) throughout the United States, with the only exceptions being in Washington D.C. and the state of Virginia. (Always check local jurisdictions, as there may be exceptions.)
A radar detector is designed for more than someone’s desire to exceed the legal speed limit. Distractions occur, and you may lose track of just how fast you are going. Owning a quality radar detector is a passive way of helping you to avoid accidentally exceeding the speed limit and receiving a ticket. Some GPS-enabled radar detectors will even sound a warning if you exceed a predetermined speed or you enter an area where radar is being used to control traffic flow. When a warning is sounded you will be able to check your speed and slow down if necessary.
Laser/Radar Detector Reviews
Escort X80 Laser Radar Detector
The Escort X80 will detect laser and all bands of radar at long range, providing ample time for the driver to take necessary action. It uses Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to provide faster, more accurate warnings of radars being used. It is considered to be Escort’s entry level model.
The X80 uses an OLED display with 3 levels of brightness, but the display area is small, making it hard to interpret. Escort counters this shortcoming by providing easy to understand voice alerts. Also, the display is prone to washout in bright sunlight or when viewed while wearing sunglasses.
The X80’s range of detection is a strong point. On a straight stretch of road it can pick up radar signals at a distance of 2 miles. Around curves and over hills, you can expect a warning ½- ¾ miles in the distance. This is very similar to the ranges of other higher priced detectors. With that being said, the Blind Spot Monitoring Systems (BSM) that are included on many newer vehicles may cause the X80 to false alert. A similar problem occurs if you travel through areas that have stores with automatic door openers.
With built-in Bluetooth, the X80 is able to connect you to the Escort Live app via a Smartphone, so that the community of Escort users can upload information on radar hotspots, changing road conditions, and accident locations to avoid. The app is free with an option to subscribe to an upgraded premium level of service.
Pros
- Excellent laser/radar detection range
- Visual and voice alerting
- Built-in Bluetooth technology
- Escort’s re-imbursement warranty for your 1st speeding ticket
Cons
- Poor BSM performance
- Display can be difficult to read
- GPS only through a 3rd party app on a Smartphone
- Owners of iOS devices report compatibility issues with the Escort Live app
Uniden R3 Extreme Long Range Laser/Radar Detector
The Uniden R3 provides amazing radar detection range, possibly the longest of any detector on the market. It also does an excellent job of detecting instant-on radars that police are beginning to use more and more.
The R3 uses an OLED display with 5 settings to choose from: OFF, DARK, DIMMER, DIM, and DARK BRIGHT. In DARK mode, the display remains off until a radar signal is detected, which is excellent if you prefer stealthy driving, especially after dark. As well as visual alerts, the R3 does come with voice alerting.
A strongpoint for the R3 is its ability to filter out alerts from BSM systems. The R3 isn’t perfect, but very few radar detectors on the market can filter out BSM system false alerts this well. Anther feature of this radar detector is that it is able to detect red light and speed cameras.
The GPS chip will allow the detector to “remember”, and then ignore, stationary radar locations that you pass by on your daily travels. GPS will also warn you as you approach red light and speed camera locations. Yet another benefit of the GPS chip is that it will allow low-speed muting, keeping the detector from alerting when you are driving below a pre-determined speed.
There are 3 sensitivity settings: CITY, ADVANCED and HIGHWAY. HIGHWAY is the most sensitive setting. In ADVANCED mode, the R3 disables X-band completely and reduces K-band sensitivity.
Pros
- Accurate 360° detection
- GPS built-in
- Alerts to red light and speed cameras
- Virtually invisible to Spectre RDD
- Easily detects Instant-On radar
Cons
- Extreme sensitivity causes many false alerts
- GPS lockouts must be manually entered
- Honda vehicles will cause BSM alerts
- Can be difficult to customize sensitivity settings
- Quality issues with power cords
The Better Choice
Sometimes the decision to purchase comes down to bang-for-the-buck. In this case, the Uniden R3 is the better radar detector. (>>> Check on Amazon) You will have to spend virtually the same amount of money for either detector, so it is a simple choice to pick the one with more features. The R3 has built-in GPS capability while the Escort X80 requires access to the Escort Live app to be able to use that technology. Also the Uniden does a better job of detecting instant-on radar and it is virtually invisible to radar detector detectors (RDD).