The Uniden R3 is the best performing radar detector on the market. It is now THE radar detector to get. The R3 is my top rated radar detector and the one that I personally rely on to keep me protected. Read my Uniden R3 review here.
Because it’s such a good radar detector, demand has been insane and Uniden isn’t able to make enough R3’s to keep up with demand. There’s several different places online where you can purchase one, some places better than others.
#1: Best Place to Buy the Uniden R3: BestRadarDetectors.net
The best way to order a Uniden R3 is from Best Radar Detectors.
Tom of BRD was a big part of bringing us this detector in the first place and continues to be actively involved in its development, improvement, as well as customer service on the forums. He’s contributed a ton and, IMHO, deserves to be supported. He’s the main guy to order from.
Not only that, but Uniden also sends him lots of detectors in each shipment so it’s easier to get a detector through him, plus his timeframes on his website for how long you’ll have to wait for the next shipment of detectors is pretty accurate and updated regularly.
In short, I recommend ordering from BRD. If the R3 is in stock when you look, you’re in luck. Get one. If not, order one and get on the waitlist so that you’ll get one shipped to you in the next batch before they sell out. I’ve noticed that R3’s only last in stock for about a day or two before they sell out, so get on the list if you want one.
Purchase the Uniden R3 from BRD
Once you do, here is your Uniden R3 setup guide.
#2: Amazon
Amazon is a great place to buy different radar detectors too. In fact this is the place I typically link you guys to and their experience is almost always great, plus you can get free shipping there too. You can generally find R3’s available in stock on Amazon.
Purchase the Uniden R3 from Amazon
#3: Best Buy
You can get the R3 from Best Buy as well. Check their website to see if they’re available online or in a local store. If so, that’s a good option as well. Best Buy sells an exclusive “matte black” version of the R3, basically an R3 in an R1 shell, so you have an all black detector instead of one that has some shiny chrome up top.
Purchase the Uniden R3 from Best Buy
#4: Uniden’s website
Uniden sometimes has them available direct on their website as well. Uniden actively encourages sales through their distributors which is why you’ll find it for sale on other sites for $399 while it’s listed for $30 more at full MSRP direct from Uniden at $429. You’ll pay a little more buying it direct, but if they have it in stock, that’s certainly another option to consider.
Purchase the Uniden R3 direct from Uniden
Canada: KMPH
If you’re in Canada, you can order the R3 from Alex at KMPH.ca. You can order it from BRD too, but the CBSA can add a bunch of fees and delays for customs so it’s generally easier to order it directly from a Canadian distributor instead.
Purchase the Uniden R3 from KMPH
Other sites
There are some other places you can find the R3 listed and sold online, but I keep hearing repeated complaints from you guys in terms of some websites lying about availability to get you to order from them, fake tracking numbers being sent out to try and stop people from cancelling orders after missing ship dates, and shady stuff like that. It’s pretty disappointing.
Sometimes when money is involved, unfortunately some people will compromise their integrity to make a buck. This is nothing new, you know? I make money when you use some of these links to buy too (some of them are affiliate links, so full disclosure), but for me personally it’s always been important to tell you the truth and always maintain my integrity, whether or not money is involved. You deserve that.
Anyway, to keep things simple, just buy the R3 with BRD.
| This website contains affiliate links and I sometimes make commissions on purchases. All opinions are my own. I don’t do paid or sponsored reviews.
Click here to read my affiliate disclosure. |
18 comments
Skip to comment form
What is your opinion of Radar Busters. They have a pretty good website. By the way you have some great videos totally impressed. Keep up the good work.
Author
RadarBusters? Not recommended. Looots of complaints. Radar Roy passed away a few years ago and it’s now run by Veil Guy who has poor reputation within the community.
https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?threads/69146/
https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?threads/51616/
https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?threads/67770/
https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?threads/59168/
https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?threads/67867/
do you have the r3 in stock?
Author
I test and review detectors. I don’t sell anything. I am happy to recommend other sites that do sell detectors which is what this post is about. 🙂
Regarding R3’s, I actually spoke with Uniden yesterday and they just got a shipment of detectors in that they’re now sending over to BRD. If you want an R3, I recommend that you go ahead and order one now so you can get one in the next batch. https://geni.us/UnidenR3-VR
Placed my order with those guys a few moments ago. thks for your help. Didn’t know Radar Roy was no longer around.
Don
Vortex: (what is your real name?) You have me sold on the Uniden R3 but….. I would like a radar detector that displays the posted limit at all times (here in NC you can go for miles or blocks without seeing a posted speed limit), it helps me regulate my speed (usually 5 mph above limit, LOL).
Question: Is Escort my only choice? is the iX a good choice? Thank you in advance for your time and help.
Author
You can always run Waze and it’ll tell you the speed limit too, then you can run which ever radar detector you want. If you really want it on your detector as well, you’ll want a newer Escort detector like the iX, Redline EX, Max360, or Max360c. It’ll show up when connected to Escort Live.
Just curious… I have a Max 2 that I have so far been happy with in OK and part of AR and North Texas. Would the R1 be a significant upgrade? I don’t use Escort Live so would the GPS really be a deal breaker? I’d like to save the $100 if I can.
Author
Big upgrade in terms of range and it’ll give you better blind spot false alert filtering too. Do you use the GPS functionality currently for low speed muting, redlight cameras, or locking out automatic door openers around town? If not, go for the R1 and save yourself the $100. If you use those urban features, the R3 with the GPS would be a better choice.
Will the R3 that I buy from you have the latest updated firmware.
Author
Chances are, because it just got released, probably not. You can update it yourself once you receive it which is a good thing to know how to do anyway.
I have a Uniden R3 but don’t like the coiled cable. Wanted to power it via a USB hub I have in my car (along with my phone charger, dash cam, etc). Will something like the following work? (No hard wiring, no hard wiring) THnkas!
https://www.amazon.com/Console-VANDESAIL-Routers-Router-Windows/dp/B06WW8K5BX/ref=as_li_ss_tl?&hvadid=167140037427&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3370074544810875763&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030983&hvtargid=pla-303096483028&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=vortexradar-20&linkId=244eb44783e4a5765b64e3c03cab9aa5&language=en_US
Author
Unfortunately not. USB operates at 5v while your radar detector requires 12v, so it won’t supply enough power to make it work. Devices that are designed for this usually have a voltage converter built in like this: https://amzn.to/2GIqPqw
I bought a new R3 from Ham Radio Outlet which has several stores for $279.99 plus free shipping and arrived in a day to my doorstep. I think this price is good for a few days but then the everyday price is $329 or $319 can’t remember but these people are the real deal I have done business with them for years.
https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-016276
What about this r3 deal HRO biggest name dealer in HAM radio I think they have this wrong on website?
confirmed via email HRO says they have ONE left r3 279.95.
No I dont work for them just passing on the one great deal
Greetings….
The price has come down a bit on the Uniden R3 & R7 relative to your Amazon listings: ( notice free shipping )
https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-R3-Extreme-Detector-Degree/dp/B0743H6CSN/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2SWVPTMIUMYTP&keywords=uniden+radar+detector&qid=1570819564&sprefix=Uniden+Radar%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-3
And if you apply for an Amazon Visa at the same time:
“Get $50 off instantly: Pay $315.82 $265.82 upon approval for the Amazon Rewards Visa Card. No annual fee. ”
Not too bad for getting a new Uniden R3DSP R3 Dsp Extremely Long-Range Radar Detector/Laser Detector with GPS
Even the R7: ( notice free shipping )
https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-R7-Detector-Dual-Antennas-Directional/dp/B07PJ2ZX6R/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2SWVPTMIUMYTP&keywords=uniden+radar+detector&qid=1570819855&sprefix=Uniden+Radar%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-6
Again, applying for the Visa at the same time:
“Get $50 off instantly: Pay $514.37 $464.37 upon approval for the Amazon Rewards Visa Card. No annual fee. “
Author
Yeah companies are no longer sticking to MAP with Uniden detectors and so the price has been dropping since.