The Radenso Pro M is a really impressive radar detector. It usually sits in the shadow of the Uniden R3, but several things have changed recently that have me taking another look at the detector and asking myself if it could be a better choice than the R3. For many people, I think it very well could be.
Radenso Pro M and Uniden R3
Additionally, Radenso just dropped the price of the Pro M from $549 to $449 (check it out here) which is only $50 more than the R3. So that, combined with the fact that it does several key things notably better than the R3, has me wanting to take a closer look at the two now.
Radenso Pro M or Uniden R3? Which Is Better?
Every radar detector has pros and cons and no one detector is right for everyone. (The same is true for cars or cell phones or anything else.) What are the most important aspects in a radar detector?
- Range
- False Alert Filtering
Long Range Performance
The Uniden R1 and R3 are well known for being the best performers on the market, capable of outperforming the previous king, the Escort Redline. The Pro M doesn’t have quite the range of the R3 and it won’t win the shootouts, but it still performs very well and still offers plenty of range in practice.
Range isn’t the only thing and here’s where we’ll start to see the Pro M shine.
False Alert Filtering
Both detectors are good at false alert filtering, but the Pro M is better. If you’re looking for a quiet detector that won’t annoy you with constant false alerts, the Radenso will make you happier and when it does go off, you’re more likely to pay attention.
Both detectors have manual GPS lockouts and low speed muting. However, the Pro M has way better BSM filtering and it’s capable of filtering out Hondas and Acuras. This is incredible! Radenso is the only manufacturer able to do this. (I’ve only heard one report of it falsing to an Acura. Otherwise this experience is virtually universal and it has been my experience so far too.)
Additionally, some people are reporting false laser alerts with the R3. I don’t, but some people do. The Pro M doesn’t have this issue.
MRCD Detection
This is another big difference between the two detectors. The MultaRadar is a low powered radar gun used for photo radar applications. In North America it’s in use in Alberta, Quebec, Maryland, and NYC. You need a radar detector specifically designed to detect it. (Learn more about the MultaRadar here.)
The Radenso Pro M and Escort Redline EX can both currently detect it, but the Pro M does better. (Radenso has better performance, fewer false alerts, and it has a rampup that progressively gets stronger as you get closer.) Uniden is working on MRCD detection right now too (it’s still in development and currently being beta tested), but Radenso’s is more mature and developed. Both detectors will help you be more future-proof, but Radenso is better in this regard so far too.
R3 Advantages
Let’s look at some more pros and cons for each detector, starting with the Uniden R3.
- Mute button on the front of the detector is easier to press when detector is mounted high by RVM
- Better button feel
- Color OLED display with multiple color options instead of just red
- More useful information on screen such as the ability to see multiple threats simultaneously
- Precise frequency display instead of rounded frequencies
- Allows you to go both forwards and backwards through the menu
- Standard RJ11 power cord
- Remote mute button available
- Headphone jack to plug in an external speaker or for motorcycle riders
- More customizable alert tones
- Alert tones are more attention-grabbing
- $50 cheaper
Radenso Pro M Advantages
- More compact
- Display not subject to OLED display burn-in
- Strength meter goes from 1-9 instead of 1-5
- Radenso offers a speeding ticket guarantee which covers the cost of a speeding ticket (but not court costs or hikes to your insurance)
Purchase the Radenso Pro M here.
Which Is Better?
Ultimately, which one is better?
I’ve been happy running the R3. It offers fantastic performance and constant updates. The Pro M is quieter though and I don’t find myself needing to reach for the mute button as often. The build quality, menu, and button feel may not be as good, but hey, once you set it up (it comes ready out of the box with optimal settings for US drivers), you won’t be bothered with false alerts as much. Plus Radenso also continually updates and improves their detectors so the longer you own it, the better it gets!
Click here to buy the Uniden R3.
Click here to buy the Radenso Pro M.
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21 comments
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I didn’t realize how tiny the Radenso is! I thought the R3 was small compared to my Max2.
Do you think the R3 will be updated for better BSM (and Honda/Acura filtering) soon? I’m sure they will have MRCD detection figured out before long. Can they change the font size of the speed readout with a firmware upgrade? That is the only negative with the R3 in my view.
Great review, as always.
I have an R3 and just gave it to my son for his road trip to and from college. I need to replace it now and would like something I can use on the motorcycle. I have a Bluetooth headset (SENA 20s) on my helmet so something that can connect either to the phone or headset would be great. I tried the R3 using my SENA SR 10 Bluetooth hub and it would work, but all of the pairing and pairing preferences was buggy.
I need a recommendation. I have been looking at the Escort ix or Valentine One with Bluetooth module. Maybe I should just get another R3.
I am returning from a trip from OKC to Telluride, CO. The R3 did a nice job and gave plenty of time to slow down, but it seems to false more than I expected. Also, I got two Laser false alerts today… one in the mountains of CO and one just into NM.
Author
Yeah people are sometimes reporting false laser alerts. Cell phones are a common culprit so make sure that it’s not in front of the detector.
I was wanting to purchase a Radenso Pro M (Amazon) but it appears to be out of stock permanently. Is there a reason?? Is it being pulled off the shelves?
Author
Just out of stock for a bit while they wait on their next batch of detectors. https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?threads/82517/page-3#post-1181113
My R3 so far has been great when working, but I have had to send it back for the speaker going out (within warranty). Now I have to send it in due to not alerting on anything, still within warranty. I am re-evaluating this model. Have you heard of such issues or did I just get one manufactured on a Friday\Monday…
Does the Radenso have a rear antenna , I understand the Uniden r3 doesn’t , how does that affect the performance for radar behind you ?
Author
You can still detect radar behind you, but just not as far. The main downside is that you don’t have arrows.
In my non-quantitative experience, I’d sum it up like this:
The R3 has slightly better range, in most situations especially on/near axis. The PRO-M does give enough warning for me and, probably, many drivers. The PRO-M is quieter, but NOT by a lot in the DC/PHL/NYC/BUF corridors.
I have both, and use the R3 unless I’ll be in areas where MRCT/C may be encountered.
Just my $0.02!
Does the Pro M have arrow notifications? I know this was missing from the R3 but a likely update would take care of that.
Author
Nope because it doesn’t have a rear antenna. The RC M with an optional rear antenna can do arrows. A software update is not possible to give a detector arrows if it’s not designed for that. This video explains why: https://youtu.be/Pf6JLd16kWM
The standard RJ11 power cord with remote mute button is compatible between brands? (Escort – Uniden)
Author
Somewhat. Please see this video: https://youtu.be/I8cDslzI7RI
The biggest complaint with the Pro M is no mute button on the cord. I can’t reach the mute button when windshield mounted or visor mounted. So when it does false on bsm I can’t mute it and am forced to listen to it or turn it off completely. Annoying when you’re following someone for miles and it won’t shut up. The size of the Pro M is awesome. I don’t like the ramp up of signal tone compared to my redline. Radenso said they have no plans of making a cord with mute button so I guess I’ll have to live with it or go back to my Redline.
Author
Yeah that’s one of Radenso’s biggest complaints too. The hardware was full set by the time Jon came on board and it would have cost wayyyy too much to retool and create a new shell for it so they’re leaving it as is with the barrel connector. Great detector in general, but you’re right that there is no perfect detector. If only…
Hoping the next model incorporates the mute on the cord. Performance is good though and the small size is awesome. I really like the visor mount as well. I don’t feel the need to hide the detector every time I stop since it’s hard to see on the visor:
with the new guy at rodenso when are the new detectors coming out with arrows????????
Author
For a variety of reasons, companies usually don’t give early information about product releases before the launch.
I was wondering if the R3 is close to Undetectable as the Pro M? Thanks for taking my question and I have recommended you site to at least 15 people..
Author
Sure, you can see my test videos to see for yourself. 🙂
R3: https://youtu.be/9Eizk4gLzOc
Pro M: https://youtu.be/Zc03ITQ2c-w