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Getting a speeding ticket is never fun, and taking measures to avoid it is a wise move. As such, a quality radar detector on the dashboard has become commonplace among motorists. By using these little electronic devices to detect police radar guns, you can avoid unnecessary fines that may occur, while staying safe. The radar detector is a small electronic device that scans its surroundings, searching for radio frequencies that are emitted by police speed radars and other hazard devices. Upon detection, it will alert you visually, with a sound, or both. Here is our review of the five best cordless radar detectors on the market to help you make the right decision when it comes to safe driving.
What is a battery-powered/cordless radar detector?
Battery-powered radar detectors have all the mod-cons of a regular plug-in device, but they don’t involve those distracting, annoying cables. All you have to do is attach it to your car’s dashboard or windshield, switch it on and drive away. These devices are the perfect accompaniment for the driver who uses multiple cars, as they are small, easy to transport and simple to configure. Some models on the market have a very long battery lifespan, which means they can go for days or even months without having to be recharged. This means, you have more time to drive, and less time pulling over to recharge or switch batteries.
Different wavelengths and bands
X-Band
To get the best results, your radar detector should be sensitive to three main radar frequencies. X-band radar is the lowest in frequency but high in output, with radar waves that fall between 7.0 and 11 Gigahertz. This means it’s easy to detect at longer distances. However, X-band is the oldest type of wavelength used in police speed guns and isn’t widely used anymore.
Devices other than police radars can emit or generate X-band signals; these might include garage door openers, weather monitoring equipment, blind-spot monitoring systems, microwave towers, and other more modern radar technology.
K-Band
Adopted by the police service a few decades ago, K-band is a higher power alternative to the original standard X-band radar. The K-band has a relatively small wavelength, with a frequency of 18 -27 Gigahertz, and is in the microwave range of frequencies. Due to its shorter wavelength, the original K band was been sectioned into three other wavelengths, Ka-band, K-band, and Ku-band.
Ka-Band
Then, there is Ka-band. This band, introduced in 1983, is the new kid on the block. Its frequencies are found in the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Ka-band is slightly more complex than its counterparts – X and K and consists within the frequencies of 26.5–40 Gigahertz, so wavelengths over one centimeter to just 7.5 millimeters. Older police radar guns that operate on either X or K-bands do so only at 1 or 2 frequencies; Ka runs on as many as 5. When purchasing a radar detector, it is wise to get one that can detect multiple wavelengths and has laser detection.
Our Picks for the Top 5 Cordless Radar Detectors – Reviewed
1. Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar and Laser Detector
The Escort Solo S2 is the cordless model that just pops right on your dashboard or windshield. Its slimmer physique of 1.16″ H x 2.90″ W x 5.25″ L means it’s not a visual hindrance while driving. The lack of a power cord is also a bonus. Due to its economical design, this device runs on only two AA batteries, included within the kit, and can provide up to a month of normal driving protection. As with other SOLO radar detectors, it notifies you when it’s running low on battery power, and will conserve energy through the Autopower function.
The LCD screen makes the detector simple and easy to use. It also uses backlight technology that adjusts automatically to keep the screen visible in different light conditions and is fully programmable.
This particular model was redesigned to offer a long-range warning on all oncoming radar bands, operating on X-band, K-band, Superwide Ka bands, and various laser frequencies. It also includes 360-degree laser protection. Akin to other designs of the same make, Solo S2 incorporates its patented Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to give longer warnings. This technology is also claimed to prevent false alarms. This detector is easily programmable, with ten features that get stored on the internal memory, allowing you to customize it to your own driving style.
2. Escort Solo S3 Cordless Radar Detector
The Escort Solo S3 battery-powered detector has an energy-efficient design – using considerably less power than many other corded models. It uses 2 AA batteries, which are included in the kit, and can last for months. A great feature is the inbuilt warning circuit for low battery detection which will monitor the battery’s condition. If you’re getting low on power, a visual or audible alert prompts you, making sure you have enough time to change them. There’s a great new programmable function within this particular model, the Auto Power function, which automatically turns the device off to conserve energy when it’s not in use.
Now, when it comes to radar detection, this improved SOLO S3 model provides a much needed long-range warning on all radar bands, including X-band, K-band and Superwide Ka-band which means you avoid constant false alarms. Warnings appear on the high-resolution, graphic OLED display at the front of the device, which has been described as intuitive and easy to use. Clearly displayed, the radar Safety Warning Signal (SWS) and laser signal messages show up when a hazard is detected, as well as via audible cues, with up to 64 message alerts. The SOLO S3 doesn’t take up too much space either, at 5.25” L x 2.9” W x 1.16” H in it sits neatly either on the windshield or dashboard.
It has nine customizable programs including dark mode, signal strength meter, and city mode. These features allow you to adapt the SOLO S3 to your own driving style, with all your preferences stored in the devices’ memory. If setting it up isn’t your thing, just revert to the factory settings. Switch it on and proceed with your driving.
3. Escort 0100034-1 Solo S4 Radar Detector, Black
The Escort Solo S4 cordless radar detector is a great option for those drivers that move in and out of various cars. Its long-range, 360-degree detection and the VG-2 Alert System protects against different frequencies and bands, such as X, K, Super Wide Ka (33MHz bandwidth) and laser (904nm). You can receive the longer warnings, as this particular model features the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Ultra-Performance Laser Protection, reducing false alarms from other sources and devices, from longer distances.
It uses two standard AA batteries, which are also included, and is able to provide up to a month of driving protection without replacement. A warning feature within this radar detector informs you when you’re getting low on power through visual and audible notifications. Need to replace the batteries but don’t want to lose your programmed settings? No problem. Your preferred settings become stored directly in the device’s memory.
A smart function of the SOLO S4 is the Auto Power feature, which is fully programmable and switches the device off to conserve battery life. With a newly updated OLED, high-resolution, easy-to-read display, this model is intuitive to use and clearly displays each radar, laser or SWS signal. This particular model includes nine customizable and user-programmable features such as SpecDisplay and ExpertMeter modes, which means it’s adaptable to your own driving style. The device is a bit bulkier than the Solo S3, at 5.44” L x 3.06” W x 1.25” H; however, that does not take away from the quality of this model.
Extra little features that just add to this models’ versatility are an easy mount slot, 12-volt power jack for the optional Smartcord, easy release button, mute button, earphone jack, and distinctive power button (PWR).
4. Whistler XTR-440 Laser/Radar Detector Battery Operated
The Whistler XTR-440 battery-powered radar detector can deliver up to 15 hours of continuous use on just a single charge. With a power cord and 3 rechargeable batteries included, you won’t be left without a working detector.
With Whistler’s patented VG-2 cloaking technology, this model makes you almost invisible to radar detector detectors. The 360-degree protection mode means this particular radar detector picks up signals from every angle of your car- front, back, and sides. It has selectable total band protection, meaning it provides band coverage of most laser and radars including, X-band, K-band, Ka-band, VG-2, as well as Safety Radar bands. This is a customizable mode so you can switch certain band alerts on or off.
A great feature of this particular model is the Twin Alert Periscopes which warn the driver with a unique visual alert, consisting of two bright LEDs that flash to express alarm. Alongside this, the audible alerts will notify you about oncoming threats. Its three city and highway modes mean you can customize your alerts depending on where you are driving. When in Whistler Filter Mode it can discern false or illegitimate signals. Don’t panic if you switch your detector off and then on again, your previous settings become saved on the device’s memory. Another warning feature is the Stay Alert Alarm that tests your alertness when driving on long journeys.
The brilliant blue backlit text display provides you with a concise and distinctive visual cue to any signals detected and the signal’s strength. The display can be dimmed according to your preference; whether you would like it lit all the time, dimmed while driving at night, or light up just for alerts.
While this relatively new radar is not for speed detection, there is a useful safety warning system (SWS) that notifies you of highway hazards, prompting you to reduce your speed if necessary. It also detects and informs you of hazards such as stationary or moving emergency vehicles, oncoming road hazards, road construction or even detours. For overall driving protection, this is a great model to have at your side.
5. WHISTLER XTR-543 XTR-543 Battery-Operated Laser Radar Detector
The XTR-543 has a 360-degree laser and radar detection, meaning you receive coverage from all angles. You will be alerted by various, distinctive real voice audible warnings for X, K, Ka band radar as well as safety radar, laser, and VG-2.
Safety Alerts, Pulse Warnings, Traffic Warnings, and leading edge lasers are detected through its front and rear radar antennas and high-gain optical lenses, adding increased sensitivity. Its non-distracting red alphanumeric text display shows clearly any oncoming hazards. If a threat is detected, two red LED periscope lights situated at the top of the device will flash upon receiving an alert.
The incorporated three city and highway modes allow you to customize how and when you receive alerts, reducing the risk of false encounters in urban areas. An extra feature is the Alert Priority Mode, which only displays the most important warnings, particularly if your radar detector receives multiple signals at one time.
The Whistler XTR-543 cordless, battery-powered device has a built-in charger and compartment designed to hold 3 NiMH (rechargeable) batteries. It can hold a charge for up to 15 hours, but it has been said that 6 hours is more accurate.
Conclusion
No two people drive the same, so looking for a cordless radar detector that is adjustable to your driving style is advisable. We sincerely hope this review has guided you towards your ideal cordless radar detector.
Thank you for your ratings.
Which one of these 5 is the best?
Solo S-2, S-3, S-4
Whistler XTR-440, XTR-543.
Most of my driving is City, although I do some Hwy, driving.
Thank you in advance.
Kevin.
Thanks for your ratings of these products.
Kevin.
I have a escort S3 for around 10 years, I never search for a radar detector ever since.