Product Features and Description
The UNIDEN R8 Extreme Long-Range Radar/Laser Detector is designed for drivers who prioritize safety and awareness on the road. With its dual antennas and directional arrows, this device provides comprehensive front and rear detection, making it ideal for highway travelers seeking to navigate roadways with confidence.
Besides its primary use in detecting radar and laser signals, the UNIDEN R8 excels in urban settings thanks to its built-in GPS for real-time alerts and its ability to notify users of nearby red light and speed cameras, enhancing city driving safety.
Readers can look forward to an in-depth description of the product’s features, user opinions, reviews, comparisons, and attractive market offers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the UNIDEN R8’s capabilities and value.
- Unsurpassed Range and Sensitivity: The R8 is a new platform with dual antennas, providing exceptional range and sensitivity. It can detect threats from all four directions, with voice alerts indicating the direction of the threat. It also displays the band and signal strength for each threat.
- GPS Technology with Auto Mute Memory: The R8 has GPS technology that can remember and automatically mute false alerts, such as retail store doors, along your routes. This ensures that you never have to listen to the same false alert twice.
- Red Light and Speed Camera Alerts: The R8 comes preloaded with red light and speed camera locations. It includes a free database and firmware updates to ensure that your detector is always up to date.
- Large Multi-Color OLED Display: The R8 features a large, easy-to-read OLED display. It can show more useful information at once, improving your overall situational awareness.
- Voice Alerts: The R8 provides voice alerts for hands-free operation. You can program the voice alerts to fit your style, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road without distractions.
- Advanced False Alert Filtering: The R8 has the best K/KA band filtering, minimizing false alerts from blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance systems in other vehicles.
- Package Includes: The package includes the radar detector, single and double window mount brackets, a zippered carrying case, a neoprene carrying case, Velcro tape, a power cord, a data cable, and an owner’s manual.
The R8 represents a groundbreaking advancement in detection technology, offering an exceptional blend of range and sensitivity. Engineered with an innovative Dual Antenna system, this device is specifically designed to detect threats from all four directions. For the user, this means an unprecedented level of awareness and security while on the road. The R8 doesn’t just signal the presence of a threat; it provides clear, actionable intelligence, showing both the band and signal strength for each detection. This meticulously crafted device ensures that drivers receive precise and timely information, enhancing overall driving safety.
What truly sets the R8 apart is its intuitive design that goes beyond traditional detection systems. It uses voice alerts to indicate the direction of the threat, ensuring that important information is conveyed even if the driver is unable to look at the device immediately. This function adds a layer of convenience and safety, minimizing distractions and effectively communicating critical details. The R8 exemplifies how technology can seamlessly integrate into daily routines, making driving not only safer but also more efficient. With its commitment to excellence, the R8 takes the concept of protection to an entirely new level, proving that perfect can indeed get better.
The stars speak of…
Opinions about this product were divided in such a proportion among the buyers.
Hadnt owned a radar detector in decades Read something about detectors and was curious what was on the market these days Looked like the Uniden R and the Escort Max were the top choices Hit youtube and did some research Decided on the R Pretty staggering price because it always seemed like it takes about – dollars to get out of a typical speeding ticket and you logic out how a detector will pay for itself on the st time it alerts you and saves you Well this one will have to save you a couple times to justify the price tag Have had it for a couple months now The main redeeming part on this expensive purchase is Ka band detection It is beyond good The range of pickup is exceptional They stole the idea of arrow display to tell you which way the radar is coming from from the original Valentine One detector but it is essential in helping fine tune your conclusion of which way the threat is coming from X and K band are probably only good if you are traveling through Mayberry where older technology radar guns are probably still in existence Laser is worthless
Goes off for every stupid thing but when I’m actually passing a cop it waits until the cop is whipping around to pull me over to start blaring like crazy. $700 useless device
Question Bank: Providing the Answers You Seek
How does the dual antenna feature improve the performance of this radar/laser detector?The dual antenna setup significantly boosts the detection capabilities by monitoring threats from all four directions. This means the device can detect the presence of radar signals coming from both the front and rear, thus offering comprehensive coverage. Directional arrows also indicate where the threat is coming from, providing valuable situational awareness.
What makes the GPS technology in this detector particularly useful?The built-in GPS technology enhances the functionality by providing real-time alerts and automatically updating to mute known stationary false alert sources. This feature also includes alerts for red light and speed cameras, adding an extra layer of protection against unexpected penalties.
How effective are the voice alerts on this detector?The voice alerts are designed to deliver clear and concise notifications about detected threats. They inform users of the band and signal strength without needing to take their eyes off the road, which significantly reduces distractions and enhances safety.
Is it compatible with smartphones and does it offer any connectivity advantages?Yes, the radar detector is compatible with smartphones, allowing for seamless integration and extra features through the associated apps. This connectivity can provide users additional control over settings and access to community-sourced updates about traffic conditions and threats.
Does this radar detector support all the necessary frequency bands?This detector supports crucial frequency bands such as K and Ka, which are widely used by law enforcement for speed measurement. By covering these bands, it ensures reliable warnings about potential radar threats, giving drivers ample time to adjust their driving if needed.
What distinguishes the OLED display of this detector?The large multi-color OLED display provides clear visibility of all relevant detection information, including the signal strength, detected band, and direction of the threat. Its easy-to-read interface enhances user interaction, making it simple to interpret alerts and notifications even in low-light conditions.
How does the ‘Auto Mute Memory’ enhance the user experience?Auto Mute Memory is engineered to recognize and remember false alert locations automatically. This feature helps reduce the number of false alerts over time, improving the detector’s efficiency and ensuring that real threats are given full attention, thus enhancing driver confidence and comfort.
Nathan –
Amazing detector! Set it and forget it!
I cannot say anything bad about this detector it does great at filtering out the false K band coming off of cars on the road and even in the city! The KA band segmentation does amazing at detecting specific bands of the radar and doesn’t give any false positives! I love this detector definitely watch reviews on how to set it up! Very good set it and forget it deteftor
Carson B. –
Doesnt even work
When I got it I detected one sheriff, but after a week of driving with it, it just gives at least 20 false pickups and literally does nothing when a cop passes. Useless garbage for an extreme amount of money, very upset.
Richie –
Amazing!
I have 2, as well as about 5 other R line detectors in other vehicles, this one by far takes the cake! They’ve all gone coast to coast multiple times now without a single stop or hiccup
Stuart R. –
The R8 is a superior product.
The R8 is great and I give it a 100% rating, awesome product and it really works. I want to send the DFR7 back that I purchased prior to the R8. The box hasn’t been opened, how do I do this?
Stuart R. –
The R8 is a superior product.
The R8 is great and I give it a 100% rating, awesome product and it really works. I want to send the DFR7 back that I purchased prior to the R8. The box hasn’t been opened, how do I do this?
Luis –
Bluetooth does work
The device is not broadcasting a Bluetooth signal. There does not seem to be a fix for this. Disappointed.
Erik J. Natkin –
Broke after 3 months
Seemed to work okay. Not any better than any of my Escorts. The difference is that it feel like low quality. I have had 3 Escorts without any issues for years. Uniden R8 had some good reviews so I thought I would give it a try. Mistake. Screen went out within months of using. Why would I return it for another low end detector. Waste of money. I should have just stayed with Escort.
Mr. Gray –
Range
Best you can buy
PlayBirdieGolf –
Works but false positives
A lot of false alerts, item is very bulky. I’m going to go back to valentine one. The GPS feature can create some blind spots. Still beats getting a ticxket.
Keyser Söze –
Detection!
I drive like Batman and this is the best device I could have purchased. It has saved me from day one! Just get it!
KOwebsites –
Pricy, but…
It’s paid for itself easily in one month.
Tom F –
Best ever
Had this over a year and am really impressed I’m one of those people that have a heavy foot I have had over 100 speeding tickets and endless attorney costs this has saved me so much money, I had mine hard wired to the rear view mirror so I cant rate the suction power. Just 1 speeding ticket will cover the cost forget the time and aggravation.
Salathiel Torres Colon –
Worth every penny.
It has a really good signal and its very accurate. The arrows sometimes confuse you but the reading its accurate. Totally worth it.
Patriot Pet Cleaning Service –
Its a very nice radar detector
My R7’s LED screen went black after 2.5 years. Had Amazon insurance so got refunded. Upgraded to this R8. It is very sensitive and will pick up bands from all over. Still working on getting the chatter down. The setting can be set using the computer, so not just the buttons on the detector. Definitely picks up KA band even farther then the R3 & R7.
Jag är nöjd 👌 –
It is not applicable in Sweden🥺
Hello friends, I was really satisfied with the device, but I was very upset that it does not work in Sweden because the radio channels or the police frequency in Sweden are different. I wanted to enter these frequency codes manually, but there was no way to do it. Enter these codes or frequencies🥺
Edouard piquet –
Ser up too complicated. It has to learn all the false positives
It rings every minute. So you can’t tell what is real.
Amazon Customer –
Best one yet
No false alerts. Long range . Like the mute button in n the front. Direction arrows are a must
D. Junior –
Too much false alarms
No doubt it’s a great radar detector, but after all the updates, setting adjustments and hours on the phone with tech support I didn’t get a desired result. Tooooo many false alerts regardless of mode selection or settings. Ended up with escort 360 and very happy
GLENN SEALS –
Worth the money!
This product was one of my favorites. No more tickets since I bought it! It is very active and dependable! I recommend this to everyone who rides in my car!!!
Rural Bama Guy –
Critical malfunction – GPS error
This unit was awesome until it broke. While it was working, it was fantastic. Zero complaints. Right at 90 days, I received a “GPS error” when I turned on the unit. After much frustration, this error could not be resolved. I have returned the unit and replaced it with another identical unit; fingers crossed that this one doesn’t have the same malfunction.
Ramin A. –
takes for ever to get a refund, huge case, no software – get the R4
According to Amazon chat agent, it apparently takes over 30 days to get a refund on this. I haven’t seen my refund after 3 weeks yet. Overpriced for an Uniden R4 with arrows. I just don’t see how the arrows (which btw are not accurate) are worth $300. Also, the case is very large and flimsy. It doesn’t weigh much but they decided to put it in a large, cheap plastic case. I have an R3 that works well but wanted to get the bluetooth support and configuration ease. However, there is no software app to configure this and you have do your own research to configure this correctly for your area. IMO, it’s not worth the premium price over an R4.
Jon Anderson –
The Best
Top shelf unit, pricey, but worth it.
Reviea –
Works like a champ!
Combined with the Highway Radar app which uses Waze and other services to alert to police and aircraft- it’s pretty epic. The app also let’s you set additional blocking parameters and set most settings (then you have to “push” the settings to the R8). It also can import the settings into the app, in case you program the R8 without the app. I don’t always speed, and never excessively, but I believe in the information age we should be aware of our surroundings, and this combination accomplishes that objective. Being it’s compatible with upcoming laser jamming products, makes it a bargain compared to the R9.
ArJ –
Cant ask for better performance
Works perfect
Tom –
Will pay for itself
This has paid for itself many times over.
Daniel rodriguez –
Too many false alerts
Too many false alerts that the real alerts are rare. Not worth in city.
Robotic –
Too many false alert
I really do wish that the R8 would be good, but unfortunately it’s really bad. Original settings that came with it had way too many false alert on K band, even in city mode. Attempted to adjust it with absolutely no luck. False K band would go off at least 4 times in a 45 mins drive on interstate 95. I think it’s really not worth the price.
SPRACK –
Won’t last
Just after warranty and it is done to …Not a reliable product
Sean S. –
So far, eh
We must just live in a sensitive world anymore, but this thing goes off all the time and I’m constantly hitting mute on it because there’s nothing (to my eye), maybe there’s hidden cameras or things we can’t see, which isn’t too far fetched, but definitely no cops scoping me out, yet. Smaller than I thought it would be, considering some comments were it was big and bulky. Tucks in nicely behind my rear view mirror and hardly notice it. Built extremely well and very bright visible screen. All in all, happy with it so far, just wish it didn’t go off 20 times a day haha
Jeremy M Gibson –
Save your money.
I’ve had this detector for almost a year now. Generally speaking its a fine detector, but not sure it is worth the cost. I do like its completely configurable and now it is fairly easy to update the firmware. The speaker has already gone out. Virtually useless without the speaker. Looked online and it seems to be a common problem across their entire line. Ive had much cheaper detectors last more than a decade, for nearly $800 the speaker shouldnt go bad. I understand things happen but it seems to be a common problem with Uniden. I wouldnt be upset but Uniden doesnt seem to sell replacement speakers and I have tried contacting them; however, their site contact form is a dismal failure and whoever developed it should be fired. I eventually was successful in submitting a support request via their form and they have yet to contact me. They dont seem to care. Ive heard from others that they want $100 to replace it but it took me < 5 minutes to do so. Not sure If that last part is true as I havent been able to reach them. I was able to find a replacement speaker on amazon but it is not as good and you can barely hear it at full volume but I guess it is better than throwing away an expensive detector. [EDIT] I tried reaching out to Uniden again, this time I received a confirmation that they received my email and would reach out to me. Nearly a week later and still nothing.
Darren –
Just get it. It’s the best radar detector ever!
This is seriously the best radar ever. I’ve used this on my road trips recently and it has detected every single speed trap/radar perfectly. Yes, it’s expensive, but it is 100% worth the price. You’ll get your money’s worth out of this Uniden R8 in no time. The detection of the Uniden R8 is seriously impressive. It can detect radar way before you even get a chance to see the source of the radar. It’s also really good at telling you which direction the signal is coming from. There’s a lot of customization options with colors, tones, bands, etc. so you can have it how you like. I currently have only KA band enabled as CHP uses KA band exclusively. The included suction mount works really great and has never failed. Overall the Uniden R8 is the best radar detector ever!
Protective! –
Worth it
The price is worth what you get. It’s gana tell u about any and everything. The mute memory function is amazing for ur daily route that has false alarms. The Ka band reading is absolutely spot on and has no need to be filtered. Its honestly the best thing to put in your car.
Will S –
Weak anti collision filtering
This detector does not filter out anti collision radar from other vehicles that well and constantly goes off in traffic. Very disappointed I waited too long to try it out and missed the return deadline.
Mick –
Won’t connect to computer to upgrade firmware
Got this unit today first thing to do is try to upgrade firmware, try with multiple computers and different versions of windows software no luck at all, return the unit, product cost this much and don’t work right out of the box are unforgivable . Good thing is buy this from Amazon returning the product is easy as 123
Oswaldo –
i love it
great tool, it gives you enough time to slow down and super easy to update and setup
Randy Banks –
Awesome Radar
Let’s me know where the Fuzz is everytime.
JJ Smith –
This thing is a beast.
I had an older V1 that I replaced at one point with the R3. After using that for almost a year, I decided it was time to get back to something with arrows. Between supply issues with some other brands, and the overall high ratings lately with Uniden, I opted for this R8. It has been great so far, and the arrows are nice to have again. There are a ton of settings for this as well. My only complaint is the lack of a remote display for this or any of the other windshield mount Unidens. No, not the flashing red light and mute button, but a real remote display like the V2 has. Still I opted for this due to the performance for what threats I see in my area. The other bonus is that I don’t need an app to monitor and customize the features. Everything can be tweaked from the menus on this. I did order a windshield bracket mount elsewhere for this that uses double sided tape. It has been great, and no worries about the suction cups failing after a short time. (Had that same issue with the R3, so I had ordered that same type of bracket for it and it never failed.)
Marissa Kressman –
Would buy again
Works amazing
Marty Z. –
Works as Intended
It’s been able to flag police officers lurking in the bushes or hidden behind objects. So far it’s worth the cost.
Dewayne –
Started having issues with under two months of use.
The media could not be loaded. This r8 radar detector is the fourth radar I bought from uniden Never had any issue with any of their products. However, this one started acting up about two days ago. Not only is the GPS not communicating for the miles per hour window over half, the detections are being detected. When I noticed this I put my R7 in the truck as well. R7 worked flawlessly y, however the r8 only detected about 50% of the KA bands in 10% of K bands. With the return window closed 14 days ago I’m not sure if it’s fixable or just an expensive paperweight now. I’ve updated it reset it and nothing changes. Like I said, these radar detectors are the best I’ve ever used and I never had an issue until now.
rujudan –
Arrived on time and as expected! Ty!
Arrived on time and as expected! Ty!
Amazon Customer –
Best radar detector on the market
It is long range for sure. It picks up around curves and over hills. I have tried them all .
Natalia Merolle –
How do you rate it when it doesn’t turn on ?
Ummm …waste of money – doesn’t turn on in any vehicle….
BigTwinRider1964 –
Lives up to the YOUTUBE reviews – but better.
The R8 is the 1st radar detector I’ve bought in about 10 years. The last being an Escort- that I believe was the first advertised undetectable radar detector. Driver STi, I think was the model name It was a GREAT detector for it’s time, but over the years it became nearly unusable with all the false alarms it gave. Flash forward to this last week. It arrived on a Tuesday, it’s Saturday morning now. 3 days of commuting to and from work in use. At the end of day 2 it had the GPS lockouts set. Perfectly. It’s a 20 mile drive each way. About 4 miles are street traffic driving, the rest is interstate. Some YouTube reviews observed issues with the GPS lockouts feature. Maybe the firmware was updated for mine? IDK. But no issues with that whatsoever. Until I got the R8, I was – and still am- using the WAZE GPS navigation app.. WAZE is a fantastic app to notify drivers of road hazards and police presence in moderate to heavily trafficked streets and highways. But it’s not that great in more remote areas or the wee morning hours for police alerts- or what if YOU are the 1at person to come across a freshly set radar trap? It’s virtually useless then. That’s where the R8 is worth it’s weight 8n gold. UBIDEN engineered the R8 to have future Bluetooth connectivity to work with 3rd party app developers AND they are also working on a laser jammer add on device for the R8 as well.. Laser jammers aren’t legal in all states. Do your homework on your area before you let that feature become a purchasing factor. In my area, X Band isn’t used, so I turned that band off. I have it sweeping the entire K and Ka bands, including POP alerts. I keep it on the HIGHWAY mode. False alerts are very minimal and very shortlived. I suspect that the falses are coming from other cars using those bands for their own driver safety assistance features. There’s filters for those band segments, but those alerts are weak and shortlived, I would rather have a hundred of those unobtrusive alerts than miss 1 real alert. I highly recommend watching the YouTube set up videos on the R8 and check out the recommended settings links that explain all the different settings use caaes to optimize your R8 experience. It really is a fantastic detector. I bought it through Amazon with the optional 3 year warranty. I don’t expect problems with it, but you know the saying – Is rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Again, check out the YouTube reviews, they’re spot on, but now with excellent GPS lockout performance, where that has apparently been an issue before. If you can afford it, get it. It’s really all you need. Plug and play with a few minor tweaks, set it up once or twice and forget it. No app necessary.
uriel casim –
Not working as advertised
It did not detect laser from a cop car. It is very sensitive to K band from all other sensors such as automatic building doors and what not. not recommended
Jose Gonzalez –
Everything
This device saved me from a few tickets the best purchase I have made so far I highly recommend it 👌
Nic Latifi –
Does not detect the cop holding radar gun right at your car
I was really excited and hoping for this to work but it did not detect the cop holding radar gun right at my car. It does detect K-band in all strip mall doors, Mazda and Acura/honda but not actually cop radars.
LAWRENCE J BIASOTTO –
R8
I bought it and took a 16 hr trip on I 95. The unit gave a beep every second for the whole trip. I would hit the mute button and it would stop for 30 seconds and start beeping again. It drove me crazy. I called support and they gave me a link to up date the firm warte. When I tryed that my computer got hacked. I am a few days past the return 30 days so I am stuck with a $700. unit that is terrible. My last unit was an Escort. They work and there support people are great. I bought the Unidon R8 because it is suppose to have the longest range. Junk
Dave –
Worked great when it worked
I ordered this and it was a fantastic radar detector when it worked. For some odd reason it would just shut itself off at different times. Could be 25 minutes could be an hour might night shut off at all. I returned it for a refund. I may try to purchase again to see if it is across the line or just one defective unit. I’ve had great luck with uniden in the past so I’m sure it was just a faulty unit
Mark –
Great!
I absolutely love the R8 and R7, these things can pick up a state trooper way before you’re even close to them. I don’t speed but I always like to make sure I’m going at least 1 under that way my dash cam gets me going under when going around them. Highly recommend the R7 and the R8