A good-quality radar detector doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but picking the best mid-priced option means you’ll have to dig through tons of specs and reviews to try and determine whether the device you are looking at will meet your requirements. We’ll take a look at the Radenso DS1 vs Uniden R7 in a head-to-head competition to show how they compare. At the end of the day, we like the DS1 over the R7 and we will explain why. (>>> Find how much it cost on Amazon)
Radenso DS1 vs Uniden R7 Side by Side:
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Radenso DS1 | Uniden R7 | |
| Range | Extreme Range | Insane Long Range |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Display | Color OLED | Multi-color OLED |
| False Alert Filtering | Yes | Yes |
| Red Light & Speed Camera Alerts | Yes | No |
| Speed-based Auto Mute | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes | No |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Uniden.com Find on Amazon |
These are two of our favorite radar detectors on the market today. We are excited to test them against each other to see which one is the best. First, we will take a look at the features these two detectors have in common.
Detection Capabilities
Both the DS1 and R7 have the capability to detect numerous signals, including X,K, KA, and advanced technologies like MultaRadar and Laser. In general, most police forces have stopped using X and K-band frequencies, but these legacy technologies are available to ensure that you don’t miss anything. Both designs can use settings to eliminate the unnecessary bands that often are nothing more than an inconvenience due to the lack of use by most law enforcement agencies.
GPS Technologies
Both designs feature built-in GPS antennas that allow the devices to automatically log and record the location of fixed threats, like red light cameras and speed cameras in the US and Canada. The DS1 uses a single antenna, while the R7 uses a dual-antenna design that allows for more accurate data logging. Click here for our more in-depth Radenso DS1 review.
Both designs use the GPS to remember fixed locations so that you are not left to deal with annoying alerts for signals that don’t matter. In testing, both designs worked well and there was no noticeable difference between the two designs.
Radenso DS1
Pros
- The best looking display on the market
- Excellent false-alert filtering
Cons
- Lacks directional arrows to identify location of threats
- Windshield mount is bulky
Manual and Automatic Lockouts
The GPS feature allows both of these radar detectors to automatically lock out unneeded alerts as you drive, letting the devices learn as you go to ensure you get the most accurate information possible. Both designs also provide a button that lets you manually lock out a signal that you know isn’t of importance.
Display
The display is one of the most key features of any radar detector. In order for the device to be effective, you need to be able to quickly and easily identify what the threat is and where it is coming from. The display is where these two designs depart from one another.
Radenso DS1 Display
The DS1 features the industry’s largest OLED screen that features customizable colors. It is by far our favorite display design on the market today and the customizable colors make it a breeze to quickly identify the threats and whether they are important to you. Find the comparison versus the Radenso Pro M.
Uniden R7 Display
The R7 display is also an OLED design that includes all of the pertinent information you’ll need to know about right up front. It uses multi-colors, but does not have user-definable colors like the DS1. The one advantage is that the R7 includes directional arrows to show you what direction the threat is coming from to make it even easier to identify whether the threat is a real threat.
Detection Range
The DS1 advertises as having Extreme range, the longest range any of the company’s detectors offer. In testing, the DS1 was capable of detecting signals from several miles away under ideal conditions.
The R7 advertises as offering insane long range, and it backs it up in tests. It can capture signals from more than three miles away and quickly alerts the driver to the type of radar in use and the direction the signal comes from. Click here for our list of best laser detectors.
Rapid Alert Speed
The long range of both designs is made better by built in technology that ensures you get the fastest response time possible. There is almost no lag time between when the detector captures a signal and when the unit lets you know about the threat. The rapid response time is similar between the two and is lightning quick.
Uniden R7
Pros
- Industry-leading range and rapid alert notification
- Excellent ability to quickly eliminate false signals from location-based sources
Cons
- Display is somewhat dated looking
- May require extensive adjustment of settings to get perfect results
Alert Types
The DS1 provides only a tonal alert to indicate what a threat is. The tones are unique for each type of radar, so you’ll quickly understand the difference between the two.
The R7 provides both tonal and voice alerts to make it even easier for you to identify the threat and still have plenty of time to respond accordingly. Some people prefer the voice alerts, but for those that do not, you can simply turn them off in settings.
Head-to-Head Tests
Both of these radar detectors hit the high points with ease, giving you unparalleled functionality and industry-leading alerts when they matter most. The detectors both have outstanding range and the ability to detect signals from any direction.
Lockouts and False Alerts
Right out of the box, both units will detect numerous types of false alerts, like automatic doors and lane departure warning systems. Over time, they will both automatically lock out these signals, so that you will have fewer false alarms. Both of these designs work remarkably well when given the time to learn your driving routes and habits.
False alarms decrease with both units, and adjusting the settings to capture only the most relevant signals will make for a peaceful driving experience.
Conclusion
If you are considering these radar detectors, you already know that they are among the best on the market and are ideal for ensuring you can drive safely without getting hassled by the police. We like both designs a ton and it is hard to pick a winner between the two. The display of the DS1 is clearly better and the ability to change the colors gives you an added level of control to quickly understand the information.
With that said, the R7 offers the most extensive range and rapid alert around. The directional arrows give you a great option for quickly seeing where the threat is coming from and lets you have a chance to react in time.
Both designs are excellent, but we prefer the DS1 for its modern appearance and functionality. (>>> Check on Amazon)