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.
Roman –
Not Good
Got hit by a laser a few days ago and had no alert on the R8 what so ever. I received a citation which confirmed the cop was using a laser gun to record my speed. I made sure the Laser setting on the R8 was selected to ON both before and after I was pulled over. I called Uniden customer support and they really did not have a good answer for me, other than “it happens sometimes when the laser is too close”. I’ll be going back to Escort radar detectors. I’m not sure why I ever switched; big mistake on my part. Escort pays for your citation if you receive one, and in 15 years of using their radar detectors I was never pulled over for speeding.
Josh –
Doesn’t get any better than this.
The average ticket after insurance rates go up is $1200. Uniden R8: $699. it doesn’t 100% exclude you from getting a ticket, but it will highly decrease your chances of receiving one.
ian –
Better than the MAX360
I have been driving with the R8 and an Escort MAX360 next to each other on the windshield. Considering the gap in price between the two, the gap in performance is notably greater. The R8 has been going off about 5 seconds before the 360 detects anything. It also updates significantly faster and is way more accurate about my current speed. When I leave my car parked, and with the heat in my area, it’s been able to stay attached to my windshield while the 360 falls off from the heat inside the car.
Kenny –
“GPS Error”
Constantly announces “GPS Error” Worked amazing for almost a year, and then the GPS stopped working properly. No matter where it is placed on the windshield, or even just laying on the dash, it’s constantly announcing the GPS Error message and speed will show three dashes.
AR –
The best of the best
The best bang for your buck for optimal performance. I would stay away from junk like Valentine and Escort as there is not lots of video of it working in the real world, while Uniden has plenty of real world videos to show off its phenomenal performance.
Casey Cohen –
Works great
So far so good, this was pricey but it saved me a speeding ticket the 1st week. So it paid for it self.
EvF –
Works
Still haven’t got hit by a laser so I don’t know if the laser works or not. live in Florida and daily driver
Carlos –
Overpriced (as all others) but phenomenally good
This is probably the best on the market. $700 is an abuse though.
John Noel –
Extreme Long-Range is correct
The R8 has the longest range of any radar detector I have ever used. It picks up Ka band at twice the range of my older Passport. It has GPS to auto mute fixed radar. I would rate the Passport better at auto mute. Advanced options can be set by a USB cable to a Windows PC. If you don’t have a laptop I recommend a 12v power supply of some sort in order to power it while connected it to a desktop PC. Overall I’m very impressed.
Jorgey –
Uniden R8 Radar Detector – Love It!
The Uniden R8 is an awesome radar detector. I have been running Uniden detectors for many years and was waiting to get this one when the price was right. The R8 has not failed to impress me. It has great detection and super long range, the directional arrows are the best. Really nice to be able to see the direction the threat is coming from. Although I’ll be changing the mounting method, the included suction cup is super sticky and holds extremely well. I also really like the larger display and all of the configuration options. The only drawback to this detector is that it is a little bit bigger than most (not a deal breaker), but that is to be expected as it has the larger screen and more importantly it has a head facing front and rear to able to tell where the radar is coming from.
Capt Kirk –
Radar Detector Missing Parts/Missing Support
The web description indicates it comes with velcro tape for mounting. All the reviews I read (outside of Amazon) indicate this as well. THERE IS NO VELCRO TAPE FOR MOUNTING. Uniden website has no link to getting missing parts? Amazon support is NOT. The chat bot tells me to return it. A $700 unit is being returned either because the factory can’t include all the parts. I could find velcro tape but for the price this should be a complete unit. All combined this makes me wary of Uniden. Going to look at the Escort MAX 360c MKII detector instead.
scoobalover –
Reasonable price and quick shipping
I just installed the Uniden R8 so have no personal experience yet on performance, although it comes very highly recommended: check out VortexRadar channel on YouTube. However, this seller was reasonably priced and shipped tbe next day so I got the detector very fast and am happy with their service.
Texas Bigfoot Rangers –
Paid for itself
No doubt it works like it should. Extensive reviewed before purchasing
Happy Camper –
Damaged box before shipped
The Uniden box was clearly smashed and taped before it was shipped. Hopefully the contents are damaged. Will find out tomorrow.
Pete –
Accurate
Exactly what I wanted. Haven’t had a radar detector since ‘86. They’ve changed a little. Hahaha 😂
Nick –
Outstanding Performance and Customization.
This detector is high quality, has great performance and allows a lot of customization to dial it in best for your use case. My only gripe would be the mute memory stopped working properly for my normal commute after I took a 1,000 mile road trip. This is a known issue however, that should get fixed via software update, which you have to do manually by plugging it into your computer. However, after deleting the mute memory in the spots where it wasn’t working and re-adding them, it’s working well again. I especially like that there’s a 3rd party R8 companion app you can add to you smartphone for only $10 so you can more easily change settings from your phone. The app can also add more advanced false alert filtering and “Spot Locks” which are like Auto Mute Memory locations but overcome the memory glitch in the detector because they’re managed by the app. If you turn the volume of the detector off and run audio through the app, then most audio alerts should he real threats instead of the other way around, which keeps you sensitized to chirps. The only thing this detector want do much for is Laser detectors because by the time that narrow beam hits you it’s too late. The best protection for laser is a jammer. The best on the market is the ALP laser jammer and the Uniden R9 laser jammer, but the latter requires the Uniden R9 detector system instead of the R8. If you don’t want to shell out up to $2k for a legit laser jammer, then just keep a car or two in front of you. If the laser is far enough away, the beam will mostly hit them but can spread enough for you detector to detect.
Terry S. Hodges –
Uniden R8
I bought this product and within one day it broke. Attached it to the windshield ( after cleaning it with alcohol pads) it fell off and broke the power port so now I will have to find a new way of keeping the plug in.
T –
Never Fails
Radar is very good at what it does. There are plenty of false alerts (IN MY AREA, but it’s good at filtering and isn’t bothersome), however, it’s very easy to distinguish a true positive with the way the radar picks up frequencies. There is room to tune this radar and minimize false alerts, though I haven’t. I have yet to pick up Laser, but that’s not the radar’s fault, I just don’t drive near the state line much. Overall: The radar does exactly what it’s supposed to do better than it needs to. Super long-range signals, directional arrows are accurate, radar volume is easily adjustable with good ranges, and the mount is very strong. I do think that this can be overkill for most people, I purchased this one for two reasons, it is really long-range and it has future support for laser jammers. Otherwise, this is a very reliable and respectable radar. I’d recommend the Uniden R4 if this radar is to pricey.
Rachael E. –
This was not excellent refurbished
.The shipping box was fine, open it and the product box looks like it was stepped on by a horse. Open the box and the detector lcd screen has a spiderweb break not so I can feel the glass is broke but I can see it in the display even before I plug it in to power. The usb c port on the side was smashed. Idk how that happened as it’s inside the device. But when I plugged it to power the audio functionality was there but no lights or back lit screen. Buyer beware quality control is going bad with refurbished. And now I have to wait 30 days for my 540$ refund to my card.
Tony –
Truth about advertisement .
It is not radar/laser detector. It does not pick up any laser what so ever great radar detector sucks when it comes to laser detection they falsely advertised it.
User –
Product quality
$650 for this poor quality? Micro USB in 2024, are you serious? This product looks cheap, like I bought something for 50 bucks, not for $650. I don’t know how well it works, but if they are using cheap materials, I’m not sure it will last for a long time.
cory haizimsque to –
Great product
Love it so far
Heath A. –
After 5 days the display is not working.
After 5 days the display is not working. Everything else seems to work fine but no display. Way too much money for this to happen in just a few days of use. Redline c may be a better choice.
Amz Customer –
Very little/no difference over R7
Returned this due to separate issues I had with it but the main reason is the performance of this isn’t that much greater than the R7’s to justify the price difference. The R7 works extremely well and despite the features the R8 has over it, it’s not very well executed to be a worthy upgrade over the R7. The Bluetooth function (as of writing) doesn’t do much of anything and they still haven’t released the option to add on laser shifters to the R8 as they originally said they would. Updates are still a huge pain to install and honestly it just isn’t worth the money. I really genuinely have no issues with the detector itself it works excellently but I can’t reiterate enough just how much it’s not worth the price difference to the R7.
Amazon Customer –
Mount system is shaky
For the amount of money you spend on the unit, it should have a solid window mount. Simple road vibrations made the unit vibrate and rattle in the window.
Mdnc –
Best Radar Detector!!
First RD in a long time and this one lives up to the reviews. Highly recommend for long range/quick response time and if used with the companion app it will quickly learn your area and only yells when you need it to.
CU –
Uniden-where are the promised laser jammers?
Yesterday, I called Uniden about availability of the long promised laser jammers for the R8. They told me t they know nothing about the jammers and don’t plan on offering them. This was why I picked the R8 over the competition
Buckley –
Easy Set Up
Set up was easy and it’s already saved me from at least one Smokey Bear. Highly recommend.
Michael S. –
Flawless. Considered the best for a reason.
Blows every other detector I’ve had out of the water. I wish I’d upgraded earlier. Every option you can dream of and then some.
Todd Chiles –
One of the best in the market.
Love it can’t say no more.
Bigdaadio –
The arrows are a deal MAKER
Bought this detector after purchasing an R4 for a friend, I’m really glad I went the extra money and bought the one with the arrows makes all the difference in the world. I’ve been an escort man for 25 years. I’m sold on Uniden. You won’t be disappointed
DouglasB –
Fantastic radar detector.
Excellent radar detector. I have this mounted on a visor clip on my Model Y, and it saves me constantly. Directional arrows and GPS lockouts are handy. Grab it when it’s on sale.
James Z –
What could or can’t I say 💯%
It does another and had many different set ups. Takes a while to get to know all the features but it worth it! Always had Escort radar detectors before this one. In my opinion I think this is much better the top of the line from Escort. You may feel different but that’s ok. Either way you go it’s your decision.
People get tickets b cuz the cops lie and get you to admit it –
The freaking best radar protectorJust pay attention to your surroundings and be a smart defensive driver especially if you’re gonna speed. Be kind and courteous!!Variation: Style: Laser Radar Detector / Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2024
Andy Chiu –
Buy new but come an used one
It says new on the web and have a discount. But come with a used one. Got stretch marks all over it. The mount even have cat hairs on it.
George –
Excellent Radar Detector, Modified Installation
First, I’d like to say I’m completely satisfied with the radar detector, but The radar detector comes with various window mounts and power cables. They could have saved me some money and kept all of those items because I used none of them. I’m using a spare cell phone magnet mount I already had by simply attaching the self-adhesive plate to the bottom of the radar detector. Using the magnet mount makes it so much easier to take the radar detector on and off rather than the clip mount they provide. Also, rather than using the large spiral cigarette lighter power cable I purchased a USB-A to RJ-11 power cable. Hope that helps…
Old C programmer –
Great nightlight
If you live in Wisconsin, this will not detect any state patrol radar. Waze will do a better job, for free. On the other hand, it does an exceptional job at finding the entrance to any Costco warehouse.
wahoo wah –
Best radar detector I have owned
When paired with the R8 iPhone app this performs great. Virtually no false alarms from car-based sensors. Mine came updated with the latest firmware and maps. I have had Escorts, Bels and other Unidens. This is simply the best!!!
Hale Namkcir –
Very nice device
I have only used this very limited so far. I do like the extra info i get about red light and speed cameras around NYC. I was getting a number of speed camera violations in the past, so this is useful for me. Seems to give fewer false alerts than the last detector I’ve had. I like it, no regrets on this purchase.
AlexLovesAmazon –
Great detector
Works great. Right now I have it on dash with suction cup, But I will hardwire it soon to rearview mirror
G.K –
Best one so far
Top quality, detects very good. There are lots of customizations if you like to get into it. Already saved a couple of tickets.
Joshua Lowe –
Horrible condition
Unit arrived without packaging, mount, or power cable. $600 for a paper weight. Unacceptable.
Brad –
Customer Service
This is an upgrade from the R7 detector. I don’t see much difference from the R7, but I got a good deal from Amazon. I do understand the range is better. Hopefully, you won’t have issues that need to be resolved by Uniden. They have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. Keep your fingers crossed!
Carlos –
Best windshield radar detector
9/10 radar detector. Works alone great but lacks app support compared to other radar detectors. I recommend the R8 if you want the best performing detector. Shipping was fast and discreet. Unboxing was simple and easy to set up but my specific unit came dirty with some scuff marks on the front sensor. I was disappointed to find imperfections on a NEW unit and wonder if the scuffs negatively affect performance. But other than that the R8 works as intended and out performs everything out currently.
TAYLORCANNON –
AMAZING at detection
picks up everything but laser.
Sarah –
Not new!
Recieved box with seals taped over. Pull it out of the box and mount was in a sandwich bag with animal hair stuck to it. Clearly not new but someone’s returned unit
Nate –
Awesome Detector
Better than expected.
jeff revill –
Very long range sensor
I replaced an escort 360 because I could no longer see it in the oncoming sun. The digital display of the unit in is much easier to see in bright sunlight. It is also louder if you wish it to be and I believe it is more sensitive to long range detection. I travel to work on a long straight highway and I can pick up radar much further with this detector. It does have trouble remembering where faults alerts are takes longer than an escort 360 in my experience I think it’s probably more sophisticated and requires more tuning less plug-in play as is the escort.
Evan –
Great Unit
Great false alert filtering which gets even better with mobile app, it is crazy sensitive and warns you so far ahead to ka and k letting you know about speed checks.
Quentin Krengel –
Firmware Updater 4 years out of date
The Uniden R series firmware updater does not run on the current MacOS. It uses Kernel extensions. Apple announced the depreciation of Kernel extensions in 2019. Uniden support’s only solution was to buy a Windows PC to update the firmware or send the unit to them for an update for a fee.