Product Features and Description
- Exceptional Range and Sensitivity: This device offers unparalleled performance and advanced false alert filtering, making it the go-to choice for drivers who require top-tier protection against speeding tickets.
- Innovative GPS Technology: The R3 leverages GPS to recall and mute recurrent false alerts (like those from retail store automatic doors) on your frequently travelled routes, so you won’t have to endure the same false alert more than once.
- Alerts for Red Light and Speed Cameras: This device comes preloaded with Red Light and Speed Camera locations. With free Database and Firmware updates, your detector will always stay up-to-date.
- Multi-Color OLED Display: The easy-to-read display allows for more information to be shown at once, enhancing your overall situational awareness.
- Voice Alerts: The voice warning feature supports hands-free operation and ensures clear communication. Voice Alerts can be programmed to suit your driving style, allowing you to focus on the road without distractions.
- Advanced False Alert Filtering: The R3 features advanced K/KA Band filtering, providing minimal false alerts from Blind Spot monitoring and Collision Avoidance systems in other vehicles.
- Customer Support: Uniden offers a user-friendly customer support website to guide you through product setup and troubleshooting. Visit https://uniden.com/pages/support-1 or contact customer support at [email protected] or 1-800-297-1023.
The Uniden R3 is a premier radar detector, equipped with an integrated GPS feature. This innovative device allows you to earmark geographical locations where you frequently encounter radar signals. Such locations could be school zones, red-light cameras, or areas where law enforcement often monitors traffic. Once these points are marked, the detector will alert you with a notification, “User mark ahead,” as you draw near. The R3’s distinct Voice Notification feature adds another layer of convenience by announcing your approach towards a radar and specifying its type, such as red light or speed. A key feature is the Ka Frequency Voice Alert, which keeps you informed and safe on the road. The Uniden R3 radar detector’s built-in GPS feature is particularly beneficial for frequent drivers, making it an essential tool for road safety and law compliance. By integrating advanced technology and user-friendly features, the Uniden R3 is not just a radar detector—it’s a driving companion that keeps you alert, informed, and prepared for any potential radar encounters. With its ability to mark commonly encountered radar transmission points and its unique Voice Notification system, the Uniden R3 goes above and beyond to ensure you have the most secure and worry-free driving experience possible. 
- Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.81 x 1.25 inches
- Item Weight: 1.65 pounds
- ASIN: B0743H6CSN
- Item model number: R3
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required.
- Best Sellers Rank: #6 in Radar Detectors
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Special features: Displays Signal Strength and Vehicle Battery Voltage; Max. Speed Warning System, Voice Notifications; Radar Band Frequency Displays; Up to 500 GPS Lockouts
- Other display features: Wireless
- Color: Black
- Whats in the box: R3
- Manufacturer: Uniden
- Date First Available: July 20, 2017
Under the Microscope: Evaluating the Product’s Pluses and Minuses
The Uniden R3 radar detector comes highly recommended by several users, as it is easy to install and use. Its long-range detection has been particularly praised. An anonymous user expressed satisfaction with the product stating, “Love this radar detector! Very easy to install and use. It has a really long range as well.” The product also features an advanced false alert filtering system, ensuring minimal false positives after adjusting some settings. This has helped users gain more confidence and reliability in the product. A user named Matthew T. confirms this by saying, “there are minimal false positives after changing a couple of quick settings.” Other highlights include the device’s clear and bright display, which makes it easy to read even under bright sunlight. It also provides an impressive detection range, with one user reporting detection from as far as 1.5 miles out, even with multiple obstructions. The product has also been described as a good value for money, with a user named Harrison noting that, “based on its price, I think it is a good value for the options provided.”
Despite its impressive features, the Uniden R3 radar detector has some downsides. One of the most common complaints is about the product’s lifespan and durability. JNAragon mentioned that his product’s screen went blank just a few days after purchase and he had to return it. Similarly, a user named Dave B. complained about the display screen starting to show little lines after just two months of use, with the screen barely functioning eight months in. Other users have reported issues with the sound. Michael Clark shared his disappointment when the sound on his device quit working three years after purchase. Similarly, Smartshopper1233 expressed dissatisfaction with the product’s speaker failing past the warranty period. A few users also complained about the product not being able to remember when it was muted from a previous time. Another downside noted is the device’s false alarm frequency. While it does an excellent job in rural settings, in city settings with lots of businesses with automatic doors, it tends to give a lot of false alarms. A user named Megan Bryant shared this concern, “This one may be great for a rural setting, but in a city with lots of businesses with automatic doors, it will drive you crazy.”
What do the stars speak of?
Opinions about this product were divided in such a proportion among the buyers.
The most helpful positive feedback Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2023 by JDRanger, and is titled “Good detector. Small display”
I’ve been using my R3 for about three weeks. I went with this model over the R7 because I didn’t really see the value of the arrows and the higher price. It could be a real headache to set up but if you go to YouTube and enter “ Uniden R3 setup”there’s a guy named “Vortex” that does an excellent job of explaining things. Even better, he has a link to his webpage that lists exactly how to set things up. I’m really only scanning KA band and Lidar. The alarm goes off about a mile from the police car and it’s easy to hear with my top down and my music cranking. The display is small and kind of hard to see. You can’t make out any detail in direct sunlight but that’s par for the course. I’m using the two small suction cups and it’s staying put. I’m assuming the larger one even works better but it’s pretty large and I haven’t used it. Overall I would definitely recommend the R3.
Customer Rating: 4
Helpful Rate: 7
Variation purchased:B0743H6CSN
People find the following negative one quite helpful. Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2023 by JNAragon, titled “Wasn’t working right out of the box”
I plugged it and worked a couple of days then the screen went blank. I unplugged it and tried to reset it an the screen would update. I returned it
Customer Rating: 1
Variation purchased:B0743H6CSN
Available Product Variations
Style: Radar Detector + Smart Hardwire Kit $338.46
338.46 $
Today only price
Uniden R3DSP R3 Dsp Extremely Long-Range Radar Detector/Laser Detector & RDA-HDWKT Radar Detector Smart Hardwire Kit
- ASIN: B0822WY2F8
- Best Sellers Rank: #84 in Radar Detectors
- Other display features: Wireless
- Manufacturer: Uniden
- Date First Available: November 27, 2019
Variation’s Features
- Advanced Digital Signal Processor: Equipped with a state-of-the-art digital signal processor for superior performance.
- Enhanced Radar Sensitivity: Provides extreme radar sensitivity for increased detection range.
- Integrated GPS with Red-Light Camera Alerts: Comes with a built-in GPS that provides red-light camera alerts for enhanced safety.
- Complimentary GPS Database Updates: Offers free updates to the GPS database, ensuring you always have the latest information.
- Compatibility with Select Uniden Radar Detectors: Works seamlessly with specific Uniden Radar Detectors models including R3, R1, DFR6, and DFR7.
- Easy Installation Process: Enables you to hardwire your radar detector quickly and effortlessly.
- Uniden Hardwire Kit with Mute Button: Comes with a Uniden hardwire kit that includes a mute button for select windshield mount radar detectors.
- Power Connection Hardwiring for Extra 12-Volt Outlet: Allows you to hardwire your radar’s power connection, freeing up your 12-volt outlet for charging other portable devices.
Variation’s Description
The Uniden R3 Extreme Long Range Laser/Radar Detector is a premium device featuring built-in GPS capabilities. This feature allows you to pinpoint and mark common areas where radar transmissions, such as school zones, red-light cameras, and frequent police traffic monitoring locations, are often found. The device will alert you with a “User mark ahead” notification as you approach these marked locations. Furthermore, its Voice Notification feature not only warns you of an upcoming radar but also identifies the type of radar (e.g., red light, speed). Uniden’s hardwire kit, the RDA-HDWKT Radar Detector Smart Hardwire Kit, is designed for use with the R1, R3, DFR6, and DFR7 radar detectors. This kit allows for a direct, clean connection of your radar detector to your vehicle’s fuse box. It also offers easier control and enhanced functionality. The kit’s highlight is the Mute Button, which enables you to mute alerts and activate the mute memory feature (upon double-pressing) for GPS models. Additionally, the hardwire kit includes an Alert LED, which flashes upon receiving an alert, and a Power LED, which illuminates when powered on. This compact unit, which is black in color and measures 1.57 inches in length and 1.25 inches in height, is manufactured in South Korea and comes with a one-year warranty. Installation of the Uniden Radar Detector Hardwire Kit is straightforward, providing a simple and uncluttered set-up for your compatible Uniden radar detectors.Get it for 338.46 $ Limited Sale
Ask & Know: Your Questions Answered
1. What is the range of the Uniden R3 radar detector? The Uniden R3 radar detector is known for its extreme long-range detection. While the exact range can vary depending on factors such as the environment and weather conditions, the detector has been praised for its exceptional performance in identifying radar signals from miles away. 2. Can the Uniden R3 radar detector detect all types of radars? Yes, the Uniden R3 radar detector is capable of detecting all three main types of radar signals used by law enforcement, including X, K, and Ka bands. The detector also comes with a voice alert feature that notifies you of the type of radar detected. 3. What is the purpose of the built-in GPS feature? The built-in GPS feature allows you to mark geographical points where you commonly encounter radar transmissions, such as school zones, red-light cameras, and places where police frequently monitor traffic. When you approach these marked points, the detector will announce “User mark ahead”. 4. Does the Uniden R3 radar detector display the strength of the radar signal? Yes, the Uniden R3 radar detector displays the strength of the radar signal. This feature helps you to understand the proximity of the radar source, allowing you to adjust your speed accordingly. 5. Is the Uniden R3 radar detector wireless? Yes, the Uniden R3 radar detector features wireless display capabilities. This means that it does not need to be physically connected to your vehicle’s systems to function. 6. Does the Uniden R3 radar detector require batteries? Yes, the Uniden R3 radar detector requires 1 Lithium Ion battery to operate. However, the detector also comes with a power cord for connecting it to your vehicle’s power supply. 7. How does the Max. Speed Warning System work? The Max. Speed Warning System alerts you when you exceed a pre-set speed limit. This feature helps you maintain a safe and legal speed while driving. 8. Can the Uniden R3 radar detector be discontinued by the manufacturer? No, as of the product’s last update, it has not been discontinued by the manufacturer. The Uniden R3 radar detector is still available for purchase and receives regular updates from Uniden.
KD –
Must have
This thing is great, I’ve already saved what I’ve paid for it. Super easy to use, and can detect well up to 2 miles. Pretty easy to figure out false alarms most of the time
TVail –
Longevity questionable
I bought this in 2022. Stopped working 2024. Was it worth it?
Raiford D Clemons –
It works great
It works great even over a hill and around a curve and long distance. It also lets you know what radar frequency is being detected.
RL –
Great detector
Great LR accuracy and you can set up options to curb false alerts. Great product
Teresa Baldwin –
Defective
Display screen stopped working after first use. Attempted recommended fixes using Uniden troubleshooting suggestions. Nothing worked. Returned for refund. I own a different Uniden with same features, just couple years older, that still works fine.
Yudel –
Bueno
Gracias
Rose –
100% worthless : doesn’t detect ANY radar
drove past a cop with a radar gun zero signal worthless
Thomas Harris –
A great value for the money.
It seems to have a long range detection. The distance that it picks up the “Your Speed Is….” radar signs in just amazing. It must be close to a mile. The other interesting feature is that it uses GPS to let you know what speed you are driving. I had not expected it to tell me how fast I am driving.
Terrible –
Terrible false alert filter
All I have to say is my passport S55 was so much better than this and more importantly it cost less. Albeit it is superior in distance but with it’s false alerts that fact is rendered obsolete
weiqiang –
Accurate diagnosis
good product,but the detection distance is a bit short, i want to change to R7 but it is a bit expensive
Jesse –
Oh the irony
I was so excited to try this out, that right after I installed it I went for a drive. Well 5 minutes into my drive I got pulled over for 10 over the speed limit. I received an alert as I saw the state trooper turning to catch me. Fortunately I was let go with just a warning, but I couldn’t help but feel irritated about the situation. As I continued my drive I received a KA alert for two sheriff’s patrol cars about a mile out. Not sure why I didn’t receive an alert earlier before being pulled over. I didn’t see if the alert was for laser, because if so there isn’t really anyway around that. Maybe I was just unlucky, but I’ll continue to use the R3 and see how it performs over time.
Todd Bauer –
Junk
The front lens fell out on my dashboard after only 2 days in my car
douglas mark olsen –
Works great! No “problems” since purchase lol
Works great! I have not had any issues since I bought it. I have taken it on several long trips and I have even used in on my motorcycle. After using it for a little bit it is very easy to tell the difference between a false alert and something to actually worry about. Works really well for the price. I would recommend this one for sure.
Herbert Dennison Jr –
Great device
I can’t say enough about this device; you will not receive a ticket; it detects everything. I will purchase another in the upcoming years or whenever they upgrade
larry osteen jr –
Dose not detect all radars so its worthless
Got a ticket for 93 mph in a 70mph zone. Radar detector never went off so obviously its worthless no matter how cheap it is. This was a Florida state trooper using a Laser Atlanta/ SN:26073. If it was in the 30 day return period I would send it back but unfortunately its not. If anyone knows if there is a detector out there that actually detects anything I would like to know. Thanks
Patrick –
This thing isn’t loud enough to hear over music
There’s no way to connect it to my car using Bluetooth, & I realized I need a detector with that function.. I don’t even have an audio system in my car, just the stock sound that came with the challenger and I just installed this thing a few days ago. Today I realized I couldn’t even hear it
shah –
Good radar detector
I am liking it. It is working very well. I had the cober one now move to this one. Economical and good alerts helped multiple time and saved me.
Nicholas Pritts –
Best bang for the buck
No regrets going with Uniden, detects radar miles before I can see them.
William Michalides –
No more tickets!
Went from getting 2-3 speeding tickets a year to none in the past 5 years! Absolutely love this thing, second one I’ve owned after my last one was inadvertently thrown away
John –
Not a good investment
I see a lot of reviews like “cheaper than a speeding ticket” or “saved me loads of money” and I genuinely think the only reason this is the case is because those people are actually oblivious. This is hands down one of the WORST products I have ever purchased through Amazon. A majority of the “features” this unit offers are gimmicks in my mind at best. The only thing this unit successfully does is tell me where automatic doors for commercial spaces are. I’ve passed multiple officers who were clearly positioned for speed detection and nothing. Not a beep or blip. The suction cup is made of the cheapest Chinese rubber that one can get their hands on and the range doesn’t really exceed 1 mile. Will be returning this unit ASAP.
Anthony Tibaldi –
Only partially protective
Not sure what type of radar cops use in this area, but this detector only picks up about 50 percent of them. I’ve had multiple occasions where cops have something pointed at me out of their window and nothing got picked up on the detector. It’s just not worth the money for it’s reliability in this area.
Jeffrey Frye –
Very good detection range and timing! BEST IN CLASS
I was looking for something with good range and price. I had just bought a new car and didn’t want to transfer my old radar detector since it was 10 years old but still reliable. I’ve had this Uniden model for about a month and seems to work great. I’ve gotten Ka alerts from about 3/4 of a mile away. I liked about this one that didn’t require an app subscription for additional alerts. Also could be updated on the computer for any red light cameras
GAllen –
So happy I bought it.
I haven’t had a radar detector in 10+ years and my brother in law had this one and talked me into buying one also. So glad I did. This thing works great and is amazing. Can’t believe how far out this detector picks up radar. One of my favorite purchases.
Rock girl –
Radar
Seems to work very well
Wolf’s-Den –
My buddy
Works like a charm. Many times it has saved me from a cop hiding. Long range, I picked up a cop over 1/2 a mile. Love it and definitely worth the money
Brock –
Good but didn’t last
I’ve had the product for nearly 3 months and it worked amazingly but out of nowhere it started to have issues with the start up sequence and now it no longer works. Be sure to get it with a warranty or you’re going to be screwed.
MJ FEARN –
Uniden R3 is excellent – Make it even better with the R3 SE update.
You want a decent radar detector, but limited on budget. Get the R3 it is fantastic! There is also an R3 SE firmware update available. The R3 with the SE update together make this a stunning radar detector which has superb performance and very minimal false alerting. The SE update in particular removes almost all BSM false alerts from other cars. The R3 also still has manual GPS lockouts for any fixed false alert locations. GPS updates are also available for the R3 (SE) so it can also be used pretty much anywhere in the world. So even if you go on holiday, you can take the R3 with you and have it know more about the local dangers than you would otherwise be able to know.
Joey Delly –
The audio / speaker doesn’t work correctly
The media could not be loaded. in the video the r3 is at volume 6 already to begin with , it’s hard to hear and it doesn’t sound loud. . But for some reason when i click the volume button up its loud for a couple seconds then it goes back to being quiet .
JD Ogle –
Quality Detector
Has been a good detector and survived in and out of different vehicle usage. Bought a replacement suction mount. Would buy again.
Katelyn –
Does as it should
I had a Uniden r8, and got this one and I love that it has the gps system helps a lot where I live.
Ramon g. –
After passing dozens of police monitoring traffic, not a single alert
The information on the page says that it warns you of red lights and police radars, in this case mine did not work that way.
Greenman96 –
Good Detector
This a great detector however the much better and newer R4 is available for 50-100 more. It IS worth the upgrade.
David Carey –
Great detector Poor speaker
The radar detector is great. Unfortunately it comes with a poor quality internal speaker that fails within a few months. It must happen frrequently judging by the repair videos online. I solved the problem by adding an external speaker with an amplifier.
natca1 –
Great radar detector!
I have owned radar detectors for many years and this one is by far the best one I have ever used. It’s just the right sensitivity and its alert are clear and easy to control. I highly recommend this one, and ESPECIALLY for the fact that its price is reasonable .
Jess C. –
Good
Love this so much I purchased TWO!
Peterzo –
Best Long range detector out there for the money
Have two of these units, and they are flawless. Loved my old Escorts, but bang for the buck I am an RD3 for life guy now.
K. Y –
Totally Different
This is my second R3, something was wrong with the first one. It couldn’t connect to GPS, always says” GPS error”; there was no current speed listed at the lower left-hand side corner, instead it was a symbol of “–“. I learnt from the reviews and Youtube videos, that the firmware (my version was 159. 219) needs to be installed. It was not a easy job for me, finally I did it with my son’s help, It was successfully updated to 160. 219. I had high hope for the problem went away, but sadly, it didn’t work out, I still had all the problems. So I returned the first one, and order the second one. This R3 is a totally different experience for me. First, the current speed was listed on the screen. Also, it remind me Speed Camera ahead 800 feet in advance, and there was a symbol of small camera showing on the center of the screen. After passing it, it chimes to tell you that you’ve passed. No GPS issues, it’s easy to use. I’m very happy to have this little magic box on my dashboard. (Version is 160. 219) I just ordered the third one this morning for my husband. Hopefully it will be a good one as well.
Manda S. –
If you speed, you need this.
I got this as a gift and I am now thinking of getting another for myself…
jean s. –
great buy
excellent works excellentt
Day day –
Great fit
Della –
Nice
Works as described
G Mann –
Couldn’t take it…
Radar detectors hopefully are one of those items that you own that are ‘seen and not heard’. While researching charts, reading reviews, and comparing specifications and features are all important, the MOST important thing is the ability to live with your chosen unit. Unfortunately with this Uniden R3 EXTREME, I could not. I have had several radar detectors all the way back to the birth of the idea. (I was an early adopter to the original “FUZZBUSTER”). I have never bought ‘cheap’, sub-$100. detectors either, you just can’t get a decent, reliable one for less than a Benjamin any more. Technology requires expenditures. While I claim no expertise in knowing how to build one, I know what a good one should and shouldn’t be. The Uniden R3 EXTREME is noisy. All the time. Sometimes for reasons that can be determined, but unfortunately, most times not. It falses waaaaaayy too much; so much that you tend to start ignoring it. That isn’t good. I completed some days of suburban and city driving in different locales, followed by a multi-day cross -country trek. The Uniden R3 EXTREME would sing out when I was crossing pastures with only cows in sight and no other roads for miles. (You gotta watch out for those cows with radar guns I guess). But I would get much the same responses driving around a suburban mall (to be expected), and sometimes bridge abutments. One pattern that over time I did eventually notice was the Uniden R3 EXTREME appears to not like Honda automobiles. It would warn me when I got within about five car lengths of way too many of them to be a coincidence. Bizarre. You would not expect this out of a somewhat mid-premium unit. Sad. I can say, however, that it DID respond to ACTUAL radar and laser sources like it should. But like I said, after weeks of solid driving in multiple states, my ears hurt so much I could not recommend purchasing this unit.
Kimberly Warner –
Saves my tail
I admit I have a lead foot and this radar detector has saved my tail many times. It is easy to use and there are lots of videos online to help. This is my 2nd one. I have one in my other car and I had wanted to try a different brand and style, but ended up sending it back and ordering another R3.
Gary C –
Best radar detector I’ve owned
This is by far the best radar detector I’ve ever owned. Does a great job of picking up Ka band which is the one used widely in Arizona. Picks up a lot of K band which isn’t used much by police here so you can either ignore the K band or shut off sensitivity to K band
Krystian –
Great Radar
Originally bought this for myself 3 years ago. Works great to this day. My brother, girlfriend and a few friends liked it so much they’ve also bought the same one.
Joyce B. –
Price and Features
So far, I have not found anything I do not like about the item. I use the item for my speed regulation and radar detection.
Mastermindz –
Worth it
Just purchased a sports car so definitely worth every penny
paul –
You get what you pay for.
For the $$ it does an ok job. You het what you pay for!
Ryan Mowell –
BUY THIS
I purchased this radar detector four years ago sept 2019. The only complaint is that the speaker stopped working. I have driven 130,000 miles at well over the posted speed limit and have not received a ticket since my purchase. Prior to having this I had collected 12+ speeding tickets. This radar usually picks up cops miles before you see them. You can trust it and just seeing one cop at 20mph over will pay it off. I’ve seen hundreds that wished I wouldn’t have had it.
Beast Mode, LLC –
This is a MASTERPIECE — costs less than a speeding ticket
This radar detector is my best purchase of 2023. The value this device adds to my life is immeasurable and i should have bought one years ago. Overall it took about 10 minutes to set up. I like to drive fast, I’m not even gonna lie about that. The Uniden R3 detects police radar at incredible distances, giving me a solid heads up long before the police are in visual range. It is 100% accurate in detecting police radar, red light cameras, and any device on the road that is measuring speed. Thanks to Vortex Radar (Google search “How to Program and Set Up Your Uniden R1 and Uniden R3 Radar Detector”) setting up the R3 couldn’t be easier. Skip the manual and just get into the Vortex Radar videos and write up. If you are at all on the fence about purchasing the Uniden R3, this is your sign to go for it. It is an investment that will be useful for years to come and will save you from costly tickets.