Customer Ratings & Reviews

I was always an "Escort guy", most recently owning a Redline 360c, which is a great detector with serious firware issues. After exhaustive research, I settled on the R8. Wow! What a great device. Very different user experience from the 360c. The best analogy when comparing the R8 to he 360c is: When the 360c firmware is good, it is like an iPhone 16 Pro. Super easy to use, quick set up, great aesthetics and build quality. Almost plug n play. The R8 is like Samsung Galaxy S25. You can make a lot more tweaks to customize it and make it the best detector for you. After you have all the settings tuned to your driving area and style, the R8 has unbeatable performance. My pros and cons: Pros- 1, The display. Easy to read and angled towards the driver. 2. The incredible range and quick, accurate alerts. 3. The automatic lock out features. 4. The many display color choices so you can make it match your cars factory lighting scheme. 5. The many other customization features. If you are an IOS guy or just don't like to 'tweak' things, this may not be the detector for you. But if you don't mind taking the time to make a few adjustments on your first few drives, this detector is unbeatable. Cons- 1. Price? 2. Maybe too many features/choices for some that could be overwhelming?

I have used the Valentine 1 for years (V1g1 and V1g2 since it came out). I absolutely loved it and never thought I'd replace it but finally did for the R8. I have also used an Escort Redline which I disliked for the inaccurate ramp up vs. distance alerts and excessively long rear detection alert. My last unit before this was the Escort Max Ci 360 which was beautifully concealed with displays in the rear view mirror and the instrument cluster. It was extremely expensive yet the detection range was woefully short of any of the units discussed here. When I sold my car with the Max Ci 360, I went back to the V1 gen 2 but due to the interior layout of my new cars, depending on a mobile phone for advanced features has become practically impossible. With the V1, it was also difficult to depend on a cell phone speaker for audible announcements. The R8 checks all but one box with a big, bright display that provides all needed information and clear audible announcements (including bandwidth information). Sadly, the V1 has just fallen behind on the technological times. The one thing that the Valentine holds the edge on (for me) is the option of a concealed display. Another plus for the Valentine is a slightly better detection range on Ka but both provide such long range that for me that advantage is inconsequential. I initially ordered a blendmount but I found it impractical because it makes it very difficult to adjust the rear view mirror (and when you do, it moves the detector as well). It also hangs too low for my liking, which makes the presence of the detector very obvious. The single suction cup mount included with the R8 holds the unit firmly on top of my windshield tint strip which hides it very well and with power supplied via a mirror tap, the detector is very inconspicuous. I looked up the Vortex Uniden R8 Settings article and after following his suggested settings, I was up and running in no time at all. (You will need to investigate the bandwidths used in your area for fine-tuning though). I never imagined that Uniden would end up replacing my prior RDs but this unit has proven to be worth every penny. Every function that I need in a RD is contained in the unit - I just wish it had the option of a concealed display.

Review: Uniden R8 Radar Detector – Exceptional Performance and Accuracy The Uniden R8 Radar Detector is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for top-tier performance, accuracy, and advanced features. After using it for a while, I can confidently say it’s one of the best radar detectors on the market. Pros: Excellent Range & Detection: The R8 provides some of the longest detection ranges I’ve seen, giving ample warning for speed traps and radar signals well ahead of time. Directional Arrows: The arrows make it easy to determine where the signal is coming from, improving situational awareness. GPS Lockouts & Auto Learning: The built-in GPS helps mute false alerts from common stationary sources, like automatic doors and speed signs. Customizable Settings: The ability to tweak sensitivity, filters, and alert preferences makes it great for both city and highway driving. OLED Display & Alerts: The bright display and voice alerts provide clear information without being distracting. Cons: Pricey: It’s on the higher end, but you get what you pay for in performance and reliability. Size: It’s a bit bulkier than some other models, but that’s a minor trade-off for its capabilities. Final Verdict: If you’re serious about having a high-performance radar detector, the Uniden R8 is well worth the investment. It offers exceptional range, accuracy, and smart filtering that minimizes false alerts. Whether you're a daily commuter or a road trip enthusiast, this radar detector provides peace of mind and confidence on the road. Rating: (5/5)

The Uniden R8 radar detector is an impressive device that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features. One of its standout qualities is its exceptional range and sensitivity, allowing it to detect radar signals from a significant distance, which helps you stay ahead of any potential speed traps. The dual antenna system enhances its accuracy, minimizing false alerts while still alerting you to real threats. Another great aspect of the R8 is its customizable settings. You can adjust the sensitivity levels and choose different alert types, making it easy to tailor the experience to your driving style. The display is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight, which is a big plus for safety. Overall, the Uniden R8 offers great performance and reliability, making it a solid investment for anyone looking to enhance their driving experience and stay informed on the road.

Purchased this from best buy in the five towns and withing a week of the purchase is has saved me of plenty of tickets from speed cameras red light cameras and cop!!! Definitely the Best Buy the best radar detecter on the market 10/10 must buy

Great detector per the ratings with long range pick up at times. My detections were sporadic and I did find the R8 to be difficult to place on the windshield mount as it is big and clumsy.

So far for the 1 year i own this radar detector it has never fail it a good radar detector i love the features with the arrow that show me where the signal is comming from. But still be aware that some cop can have there radar off and turn it on when you go pass.

Excellent radar detector! Gives plenty of warning ahead of speed traps. The auto mute feature on this device is extremely helpful. It remembered the bands that were false positives and correctly muted them every time I drove past. This detector is well worth the extra money. The menus on the rector allow you to fine tune the sensitivity towards certain bands.

Been having this Radar for the past 4-6 months and it's definitely done it's job! The distance it catches K/KA/Laser is incredible. all the different type of settings/modes, colorways, features, GPS, etc. Most definitely worth the price. Uniden is the way!!

It is very nice, it works very well, it detects very early, its radars have a long position, I liked it very much and also its box and packaging are very good, all the parts are complete, thank you

Best radar I’ve owned hands down, plenty of features and ways to customize to your liking. Performance is top tier

I’m hesitating to write this, I don’t know if it will help my efforts, since someone needs to be the sacrificial lamb for the independent travel tax collectors; I’ve dabbled with various detectors over the past 3 decades of driving, mostly for detection fun only, yet generally in a hurry, and seemed to be a fun little gadget yet annoying. However, I’d rarely receive “go-fast” awards, mostly in my car - until more recently and mostly on my motorcycle. With first award in spring, then summer gave me 2 awards in less than 24 hrs followed for a grand finale of my extra special 25 mph over 70 a year later (and about a half dozen warnings)and no room for even a 1 over award unless I wanted to take long walks, I had to figure out how to not so easily catch attention from the heavies or at least have some means of knowing when to watch it(very easy on a motorcycle to suddenly be going 69 in 55 or 38 in 25 zones just by the most minor of hills or wrist flick and not notice). But to have this work on a motorcycle, it would require some easy means of a smartphone app, Bluetooth and I’d need to learn to know how to tell what’s what - this is exactly why I thought I’d take such for a test drive. Here’s the proof: zero warnings. Zero awards for my rushed driving. And countless instances where I had that edge in checking my swifter movement then correcting before I was given official notice of such and rewarded with a forced donation to the participating municipality’s fund. This is the only and finally perfect solution to my problem- a grippy or twisty wrist!

It's really good at picking up the radar signals at long distances. It required some adjustments to the settings to make sure it doesnt pick up radar signals from other cars or stores (California) that actually use radar for blind-spot signals, etc. Still, once I got it dialed using some online threads, it definitely saved me some tickets from cops. I also attached it to my windshield and hard-wired it, so it's a little bit cleaner, but it still works fine with the included adapters.

[Employee of bestbuy] Works great. Range is absolutely amazing, Ka band is spot on.

I thought it was junk as on a Hwy with NO ONE driving I started getting a bar and about every half mile it would go up a bar. It did this for a good minute until it was screaming and then I see him hiding under a bridge....It gave atleast a 3mi warning in clear line of sight. Its around 1.5mi on hilly up and down roads.

[Employee of bestbuy] Upgraded from the R3. I wouldn’t have believed this one was better till I hit a country road and it warned me. The trooper was over 2 miles away with twists and turns coming opposite direction. I haven’t touched any settings and the auto detect of vehicles and weird local annoyances are mostly gone from the R3. The Chrysler Vans are still a fake beep. But I hear that’s just a setting to drone out. Best purchase for anyone wanting the feeling of truly knowing what’s around the corner or past the next hill.

I was between this and another radar detector. Decided on the R8 after watching a few reviews and comparisons. Having the RD for a couple of weeks, I'm quite satisfied with the accuracy, range, and configuration options. Some recommendations for setup - update the firmware, apply and adjust Vortex Radar config to your preference.

Having owned the R3 and the R7 the R8 adds more distance and better lockout learning capabilities and false alerts. Paired with the app this makes for the total package. R8 companion on ios allows you make quick programming in the expert mode. The R8 allows you to fine tune your detector to limit more false alerts by reducing the sensitivity of the rear antenna.

It's definitely sensitive! I unfortunately live in an area with a lot of fixed radar speed signs so it picks up a lot. I have most of them muted, but now and then it still picks up the sign from a long way off. Perhaps there is a way to tweak settings to better eliminate false alarms, but I haven't figure it out yet, so 4 stars.

An outstanding product that detects law enforcement from miles away. I highly recommend it over the Escort Max 360 MKII. Having owned both, I can confidently say the performance of the Uniden R8 far exceeds that of the Max 360—by a significant margin.