Radenso is an industry leader in radar detector technology. The Radenso Pro M is a trusted device that offers several excellent benefits, but it is an old design introduced in 2017. The Radenso DS1 is the company’s newest flagship offering and it boasts a full complement of awesome tech. Independent testing backs up the claim that this detector has “extreme” long-range capabilities and is more accurate than detectors that cost more.
In this article, we will look at the features of the Radenso DS1 and Pro M side-by-side so that you’ll understand the differences that set these two devices apart. Spoiler alert: we think the Radenso DS1 is the best radar detector on the market today for the average driver (>>> Check on Amazon).
Radenso DS1 vs Pro M Side by Side:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Radenso DS1 | Radenso Pro M | |
| Range | Extreme Range | Extreme Radar Detection Range |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Display | Color OLED | Amber OLED |
| False Alert Filtering | Yes | Yes |
| Red Light & Speed Camera Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Speed-based Auto Mute | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes | No |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Physical Differences Between Radenso DS1 and Pro M
Some of the key differences are apparent just by looking at these two detectors. While the way a device looks isn’t usually a great way to choose between options, the way a device looks also affects its function. Plus, nobody wants some gaudy, ugly device taking up real estate on the windshield, so a detector needs to blend in rather than stand out.
The Pro M is sleeker, slimmer, and smaller, making it an excellent choice for an uncluttered look. The DS1 is slightly larger, though the difference is very slight. It measures approximately ⅝ inches wider and about ½ an inch longer than the Pro M. The major difference is the angular design of the DS1 vs the smoother-looking body of the Pro M.
Displays
Both units provide an OLED display that organizes the information in a similar fashion. The DS1 provides GPS direction and speed in a small box on the left of the display, while the Pro M shows this information on a separate screen.
The Pro M automatically switches between the GPS display and the radar threat display, while the DS1 has a five-character detection display, a threat strength meter, and a multi-band detection indicator on the display at once.
The thing that really makes the display of the DS1 stand out is the ability to assign any one of eight color options to various radar bands, GPS data, and other display information. This makes it super easy to quickly glance at the device and see what you want to see.
Physical Buttons
Both units offer similar buttons with similar features. The Pro M buttons are small, multifunction buttons in a semi-circle on the top of the device, while the DS1 buttons are larger with an additional front-mounted mute button.
The primary difference between the two is the DS1 offers a menu button for selecting the various modes and functions while the Pro M relies on multiple presses or holding buttons down for different time frames in order to turn on and off the modes.
We found that the buttons on the DS1 are easier to use and less distracting. The mute button on the front is an absolute winner for silencing the alarm. The displays are both nice looking, but the options to switch colors make the DS1 superior.
Connections and Windshield Mount
Another big plus for the DS1 is the magnetic mount that makes removing the device from the windshield a literal snap. The mount is strong and adjusts well to compensate for different angles of the windshield. As an added plus, the base of the detector also includes a ¼-20 threaded socket to attach third-party mounts. This makes it simple for motorcycle riders to mount the detector securely in a wide range of positions.
The Pro M uses a less-sophisticated design that uses a physical interlock to connect the detector to the windshield mount. There is no provision for third-party mounts which is fine because this detector isn’t suitable for use on motorcycles anyways. The mount is stable and works well, but it isn’t as nice to use as the magnetic mount.
A Significant Difference in Connections
Both devices use 12v power supplied by an included power cable that connects to an ACC port. They also have a connection for USB, however, the Pro M uses the old-style RJ11 port while the DS1 uses the modern USB-C. The USB is used for updates and power on the DS1, but only for updates on the Pro M which has a separate port for the power supply.
The biggest difference in physical connections to the device is the inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack on the DS1 that allows motorcycle riders to feed the audio directly to their helmet audio. This is one of the few designs that keep motorcycle riders in mind.
Wireless Connectivity
The Radenso DS1 has Bluetooth connectivity that enables the detector to be connected to your smartphone through an app. This lets you connect to third-party apps to wirelessly send audio to an earpiece, adjust settings, and even track a route using the built-in GPS.
Functionality
Next, we will get into how well these two devices actually do their job and why the DS1 has leaped into the front of the pack compared to all other products on the market right now.
Range
Range is important because a detector needs to capture a signal from far enough away to alert you in time to change your speed. The Pro M did a decent job back in 2017, but the DS1 is vastly superior in terms of range. In independent testing on the website VortexRadar.com, the DS1 showed that it could detect all of the covered bands of radar from nearly 1,000 feet farther than the Pro M.
Driving Modes
One of the few things that are very similar between these two is the modes for operation. Both offer a highway mode, city mode, and an automatic speed mode that mutes the device when the vehicle is below a user-defined setting. The modes work exceptionally well to provide the most useful information in any given scenario. Both devices also provide red light and speed camera alerts that are GPS-logged in an updatable database.
The Radenso DS1 has an auto lockout feature that remembers false alerts common on your route and mutes the signals after having recognized them several times. The Pro M requires that you press and hold a button in order to record the location for the lockout to function. Even though the auto lockout feature sometimes is inconsistent, it is still more convenient than having to reach up and press a button so we think the DS1 is better on this aspect of functionality.
Overall, the Radenso DS1 is a vastly superior and much more modern detector than the old Pro M. With both detectors roughly in the same price range, it only makes sense to go with the best, and that is the Radenso DS1.
Individual Product Quick Reviews
In this section, we will give you quick facts about these two devices.
Radenso DS1 Product Review
The DS1 is the flagship model from Radenso. It offers the longest range of detection of any model in the lineup. Audio alerts can be configured in several ways, including as a graduated alert that increases as you get closer to a possible threat. The display has eight color options and individual customizable information displays.
Built-in GPS and Bluetooth open up a world of connectivity options, including for use by motorcyclists. An audio port allows physical connections to earpieces as well. The ability to use third-party mounts or the included magnetic mount makes this a versatile package. For our in-depth Radenso DS1 review, follow the link: https://garagegeektips.com/radenso-ds1-review/
Pros
- The DS1 has the longest range of any radar detector currently on the market
- The adjustable colors, audio alerts, and driving modes make it highly useable
- One of the few that provides options for motorcycle use
Cons
- Bluetooth doesn’t always work very well
- No compatibility with iOS devices
Radenso Pro M Product Review
The Radenso Pro M offers long range and a good selection of features that make it a tried-and-true radar detector. The built-in GPS is useful for physical lockouts, while the driving mode options allow it to function according to your needs.
The bright OLED display is easy to see, while the buttons on the top of the unit are used for selecting the various modes. Alert tones are graduated and the device can alert you to the presence of red light cameras and speed cameras stored in an updatable database. Click here for our in-depth Radenso Pro M review.
Pros
- Sleek look that is attractive and stealthy
- Many good features for reducing false alerts and muting unnecessary alerts
Cons
- Range is shorter than many other options which reduce the effectiveness of the detector
- Buttons are small and require different presses to use which gets irritating quickly
Final Thoughts
The Radenso DS1 would be our top pick simply based on the range alone -since that is the job of a radar detector. The added features, connectivity options, and useable modes make the Radenso DS1 a winner over the Radenso Pro M (>>> Find on Amazon).