Time for the latest round of testing and comparing all the latest laser jammers! I recently finished a big update on my Audi Q5, upgrading to all the latest custom installed radar detectors and laser jammers. Starting off with laser, I wanted to see how all the top systems compare when installed on the same vehicle to create a test that’s as close to apples-to-apples as I can reasonably do.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/08/2024-seattle-laser-jammer-testing/
They’re not officially for sale in the US at this time, but one RDF member ordered a set on eBay recently. 
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/07/blinder-hp905-ultra-wireless-laser-jammers/
Prime Day 2024 is now here! This year it runs July 16-17 and we always get some really nice deals on radar detectors and dash cameras.
Here are my picks for the best countermeasures available on sale during Prime Day.
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Full Disclosure: The links in this article are affiliate links. I earn a percentage of each sale at no cost to you. This allows me to continue doing tests, tutorials, and reviews for you.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/07/prime-day-2024-deals-radar-detectors-dashcams/
Uniden has released firmware 1.46 for the R7 which brings a number of nice changes. For example there’s a third K Block for Mazda CX-5’s (yay!), 5 new custom K blocks, some lockout changes, Gatso support, and more. Here’s a look at all the improvements, as well as my thoughts about each change.
The update is now available for download on Uniden’s website as well as directly from within their update software. You can also read the full changelog, discuss the update with us on RDF, and order an R7 online.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/02/uniden-r7-firmware-146/
Uniden has released the first public firmware update for the R9, firmware 1.26, and it addresses many of the complaints I shared in my full R9 review. This update primarily adds improvements to the arrow display, adds a bunch of laser improvements, and enables Bluetooth.
Here’s a look at all of the changes:
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/02/uniden-r9-display-laser-bt-improvements-fw-126/
Let’s take a look at how to use your new Uniden R9, what all the buttons and menu options do, and how to configure your R9 for optimal performance and minimal false alerts. (Last updated November 2024.)
This guide is current as of firmware 1.35. You can download the latest firmware from Uniden’s website. (Copy the files to a USB drive and then plug the drive into the R9 to update it.) As Uniden continues to update and improve the R9 and as features are added or changed, this guide will be updated accordingly. You can also reference the Uniden R9 manual and install guide to learn more. This guide will explain things even further.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/02/how-to-setup-configure-uniden-r9-radar-detector-laser-jammer/
Recently Escort released updates for the Redline 360c, including both the International and North American versions.
Here’s the info about the updates:
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2024/01/escort-redline-360c-na-intl-fw-updates/
Black Friday started early this year! We’ve now got some of the best discounts of the year on different radar detectors and dashcams. Cyber Monday is very similar, but we have discounts on some different detectors now.
Here are some of my favorite discounts on the best countermeasures to keep you protected. As new deals arrive and old ones sell out, I’ll keep this page updated for you. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter to get notified of updates.
You’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of many of these deals. Sign up for a Free Trial of Amazon Prime here.
Uniden R8 for $699 $611 (13% off)
Uniden R8 (Used, Like New) for $485 at checkout at Amazon Warehouse
The R8 is my current radar detector of choice with its long range and quick responsiveness. To make it even better, you can pair it with R8 Companion or V1Driver on iOS or Highway Radar on Android.
On Amazon the R8 is $611 new. At Amazon Warehouse, it’s $485 after an automatic 20% off at checkout, though this deal isn’t working for everyone.
Uniden R4 for $379 $279 (26% off) w/ eBay coupon: HOLIDAYSAVES20
This is the best deal in high performance radar detectors today, IMO. The R4 offers very long range performance, bluetooth, autolockouts, photo radar detection, and blows away everything in its price point.
On eBay you can use the coupon code “HOLIDAYSAVES20” at checkout. That’s especially nice given it’s gone back up to $379 on Amazon. (The equivalent deal on the R8 is now sold out, but the R4 is still available.)
Uniden R7 for $499 $452 (9% off)
If you want arrows, the popular R7 just dropped by just over $50. You can take that money and put it towards the upgraded 1.50 International firmware to get improved lockouts, false alert filtering, and RDD immunity.
Uniden R3 for $299 $265 (11% off)
The R3 has been the go-to radar detector under $300 with its long range performance and GPS features. For Black Friday, it’s 10% off. (The R4 around the same price is a better deal though, IMO.)
Expired: Uniden Smart Hardwire Cord for $24.50 $22 (10% off)
If you’re going to hardwire your Uniden detector and you want a remote mute button, you can pick up the smart hardwire cable to make it easier to mute and lock out signals without having to reach up to the detector.
R8 Companion, R4 Companion, DS1 Companion, V1 Companion for $9.99 $7.99 (20% off)
If you’re picking up an R4 or R8, the different Radar Companion apps for iOS help to improve the lockouts, add more BSM filtering, log your alerts, etc. During Black Friday they’ll be on sale for 20% off.
Use the coupon code “MSFT10” direct with Escort to save an additional 10% off any of the Escort detectors, including the ones already discounted for Black Friday!
US: Escort Redline 360c For $799 $719 (10% off) w/ Escort coupon: MSFT10
Canada: Escort Redline 360c for $1299 $1199 (7% off)
This is a high end option for long range, minimal false alerts, photo radar detection, and RDD immunity. It’s my favorite choice for a high end set-it-and-forget-it detector.
Escort US has a coupon code “MSFT10” that saves 10% off the Redline 360c. It’s the first time I’ve seen the Redline available for a discount in the US. It also comes with a free service package level 3 (3 year warranty) and a 3 year defender database subscription for RLC/speedcam alerts.
Escort Canada is selling the Redline 360c for $100 off, no coupon needed.
US: Escort Max 360c Mk II for $699 $629 $566 (19% off) w/ Escort coupon: MSFT10
Canada: Escort Max 360c Mk II for $1,149 $1,049 (9% off)
If you don’t need the RDD immunity and are okay with a slight reduction in range, you can consider the Max 360c Mk II instead of the Redline and save yourself over $150. Use the coupon on Escort’s website to drop the price down lower than their Black Friday price.
US: Escort MaxCam 360c for $849 $729 (14% off)
Canada: Escort MaxCam 360c for $1399 $1299 (7% off)
The MaxCam is like the Max 360c Mk II, but it adds a 2K camera built in as well for both radar and dashcam protection.
Expired: US only: Escort Max 360 Mk II for $549 $479 $431 (22% off) w/ Escort coupon: MSFT10
If you don’t have WiFi in your car, you can go for the bluetooth only version on sale.
Radenso XP for $249 $189 (24% off)
The Radenso XP is a reasonable city detector. IMO it’s slightly outmatched by the Uniden DFR7 which is $10 cheaper, but the Radenso XP is finally on sale at a price I think it makes sense. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for a detector under $200.
Viofo dashcams offer a solid bang for the buck. If you’re looking for good video quality and the core features for driving and parking recording, Viofo’s are my go-to recommendation.
Tip: For Black Friday, you can save an additional $10 off any order of $100+ from Viofo.com using the code BlackFriday2023. Sometimes the price is cheaper on Amazon, other times from Viofo with the discount code.
Viofo WM1 for $95 $69 (27% off)
For a very affordable dashcam, the WM1 offers some solid specs including a 2K Sony Starvis sensor, driving and buffered parking recording, as well as WiFi to transfer videos to your phone. For a cleaner install, here’s the hardwire cable.
Viofo A119 Mini 2 for $139 $98 (30% off)
The A119 Mini 2 is an easy choice for an excellent front only dashcam with its new Starvis 2 sensor, 2K video quality with HDR, compact size, and WiFi. For Black Friday it’s finally under $100. If you want a dashcam in this price range, this is the way to go. It’s a big jump over the WM1. For a cleaner install, here’s the hardwire cable.
Viofo A229 Plus 2CH for $259 $179 (31% off)
For a solid front/rear setup, the A229 Plus Duo is a great choice. It’s got 2K Starvis 2 sensors for both the front and rear, HDR, buffered parking recording, and more. You can get it in different configurations including 1CH front only, 2CH front/rear, & 3CH front/interior/rear. For a cleaner install, here’s the hardwire cable.
Once you get your dashcam, be sure to grab the latest firmware to help fix some of the bugs they had at launch.
Viofo A139 Pro 2CH for $299 $259 (13% off)
The A139 Pro is a popular 4K Starvis 2 dashcam and it’s the one I run in my wife’s car and it’s the main one in mine. You can pick up different versions on sale including 1CH front only, 2CH front/rear, & 3CH front/interior/rear. For a cleaner install, here’s the hardwire cable.
Viofo A229 Pro 2CH for $329 $279 (15% off)
For a high end 4K Starvis 2 setup, the A229 Pro is Viofo’s latest dashcam. It’s got some nice improvements over the A139 Pro including an LCD, voice controls, 1440 rear cam, upgraded optional interior cam, and HDR in every camera. You can get it in different configurations including 1CH front only, 2CH front/rear, & 3CH front/interior/rear. For a cleaner install, here’s the hardwire cable.
Once you get your dashcam, be sure to grab the latest firmware to help fix some of the bugs they had at launch.
Vantrue N4 3CH for $289 $181 (37% off)
For rideshare drivers looking for an inexpensive front/rear/interior setup to capture all different directions, plus an integrated LCD screen so passengers know there’s a camera rolling, the original Vantrue N4 is a popular pick.
Vantrue N4 Pro 3CH for $379 $279 (30% off)
For a high end 3-channel dashcam, the new N4 Pro is an even better pick. This is one of my favorites form Vantrue with a 4K Starvis 2 sensor up front, an upgraded mount, voice controls, and buffered motion detection parking recording. For a cleaner install, here’s the hardwire cable.
(The Viofos have better parking recording and a detached interior cam for more placement options, but the N4 Pro integrates the front/interior ones to slightly simplify the install.)
Thinkware U3000 1CH for $429 $359 (16% off)
Thinkware U3000 2CH for $549 $479 (13% off)
The U3000 is my favorite for a Starvis 2 dashcam with low powered long term parking recording. Using its energy saving radar mode, instead of recording for maybe 1 day like other dashcams, it can record for a week or more. It also has bluetooth, WiFi, cloud features, etc.
Cansonic UltraDash Z3+ Standard Edition for $199 $149 $135 (32% off)
The Z3+ is a dual lens dashcam with a second telephoto lens specifically designed to zoom in and help capture license plates. Check the 10% off coupon box to get it for lower than the listed Black Friday price.
Escort M2 for $199 $139 (30% off)
The Escort M2 is a 1080p dashcam that connects onto the side of your Escort radar detector, giving you one mount and power cable for both your radar detector and dash camera. The WiFi makes it easier to aim your dashcam and transfer videos to your phone.
Pro-tip: It’s also compatible with both Escort & Uniden detectors when installed on the Blendmount using this kit.
Expired: Cobra SC 400D for $399 $292 $282 (29% off)
The SC 400D is a 4K dashcam that integrates with Escort’s Drive Smarter app to give you realtime police spotted alerts right from your dashcam. Check the $10 off box on Amazon for Black Friday to get the the 2CH setup with a 1080p rear cam for an even lower price.
512 GB SanDisk Extreme MicroSD for $39 $31 (21% off)
Dashcam videos are critical when you need them and now good memory cards have gotten very affordable.
Pick up a 512 gig card for $31 or a 256 gig card for $27.
(I keep extras in my glove box in case I forget to bring the card back from my computer.)
Blackvue B-130X Parking Mode Battery for $359 $304 (15% off)
For parking recording, instead of wiring your dashcam to your car battery, you can pick up this dedicated dashcam battery pack and hardwire it to any brand of dashcam.
Adaptiv TPX Automotive Laser Jammer $949 $854 (10% off w/ coupon “Vortex”)
For an affordable and simple laser jammer, pick up the Adaptiv TPX laser jammer.
Save 10% with the coupon “Vortex”
TMG Alpha-17 Laser Jammers for $1664 $1498 (10% off w/ coupon “Vortex”) 
For a feature-rich jammer with bluetooth and a customizable Auto-JTK (auto disarm) timer, pick up a set of the new TMG A-17’s.
Save 10% off a set of quads w/ dual VPR’s with the coupon “Vortex”
Samsung Galaxy S23+ for $999 $749 (25% off) via Shop Samsung app for iOS & Android
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for $1199 $899 (25% off) via Shop Samsung app for iOS & Android
Apple AirTags 4 Pack for $99 $79 (19% off)
Apple Series 9 for $399 $329 (18% off)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $799 $739 (8% off)
Apple M3 MacBook Pro ($150-$200 off)
AirPods 2nd Gen for $129 $89 (30% off)
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen w/ USB-C for $249 $189 (24% off)
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Headphones for $299 $228 (24% off)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 for $399 $344 (14% off)
GoPro Hero 12+ & Free Accessories for $449 $349 (22% off)
Ecobee Smart Thermostat $249 $219 (12% off)
AeroGarden Indoor Garden Kit for $99 $79 (20% off)
Logitech 4K Pro Webcam for $199 $149 (25% off)
Check out ALL of the Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals here.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2023/11/black-friday-cyber-monday-2023-discounts-radar-detectors-dashcams/
If you’re an iPhone user running a Valentine 1 Gen2, Radenso DS1, Uniden R4, or Uniden R8, there’s two options for apps to connect to your detector and add more useful features: V1Driver and the different Radar Companion apps. Both are excellent and help extend the capabilities of your radar detector.
V1Driver (left) and R8 Companion (right) alerting to Ka and K band signals
Both of these apps originally started as V1 apps and then later added support for the bluetooth capable Radenso and Uniden detectors. Let’s look at the key benefits of the different apps, as well as the advantages of each to help you decide which one is better for you.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2023/11/v1driver-vs-radar-companion-apps/
Escort’s Drive Smarter app recent received an update that adds support for Apple CarPlay. With this latest update, you can now use your vehicle’s display for not only turn-by-turn navigation, but also to display your radar detector’s radar and laser alerts, cloud alerts shared with other drivers, and red light camera & speed camera alerts.
Other than Waze, this is now the first countermeasure app that properly supports Apple CarPlay (beyond simply outputting app audio through your car stereo). Currently the Android version of Drive Smarter doesn’t support Android Auto (yet?), but I’d imagine one will be coming soon to match.
I took it for a spin this morning and while the initial release is pretty buggy, here’s a look at what the new features are like.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.vortexradar.com/2023/11/drive-smarter-adds-carplay-support/
Best Performing GPS Radar Detector
Best for Radar Detector Enthusiasts
Best bang for the buck with arrows
Uniden R4
Best non-arrow detector
Best performance under $300
Best under $200
The best performing and top laser jammer on the market
Tiny heads for stealthy installs, great for exotic cars, expensive, poor track record of updates
Best affordable laser jammer (Save 10% with coupon “Vortex”)
High performance radar detector & laser jammer combo
Affordable custom installed radar detector, integrates with AntiLaser Priority
