Radar detectors vary in price because of their different features. With that, it’s important to know which features you want for your radar detector.
The first thing to look for is detection coverage. While one sensor can detect any radars in front of your vehicle, two sensors will give you 360-degree coverage. With that, radar detectors with two sensors tend to be more expensive.
Next, sensitivity and selectivity are two terms commonly thrown around when talking about radar detectors. Both of these terms have to do with false alert filtering. Of course, no one wants their radar detector to constantly be sounding false alarms.
Sensitivity refers to how easily a radar detector is able to pick up signals. With that, the more sensitive the radar detector is, the more likely it is to pick up signals.
Selectivity refers to the radar detector’s ability to detect signals that come from false sources such as blind spot monitor systems on other vehicles or automatic door openers in town. With that, selectivity is the detector’s ability to actually reject specific signals that should not alert you. A signal that has high selectivity may even be able to tell you what kind of signal they are alerting you for — such as an emergency vehicle passing through. K-band filters allow for the least amount of false alerts.
Next, you may want a radar with RDD (Radar Detector Detection). Police use RDD to know when a radar detector is in use. With that, a lot of newer radar detectors have technology that will shut down your detector when an RDD system is detected. However, the use of a radar detector is not illegal in most states and provinces, so you don’t need to worry about the police detecting your use of a radar detector.
Other important features to consider when purchasing a radar detector is whether it is corded, cordless, or a permanent remote mount. In addition, take into consideration the different voice and visual alerts. You may have a preference for how and where the detector is mounted, so look into the specific model that fits your needs.
Nowadays, a lot of radar detectors have radar detectors with GPS. This allows the device to notify you of red light cameras and speed cameras. Some detectors are even smartphone compatible.