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.
Amazon Customer –
CAN’T be updated to support Laser jammer technology.
Uniden lied. Uniden now says the R8 can not be updated to support their new laser jammer technology. What other lies were told about the R8 by Uniden?
stin –
Uniden R8
I have always been a Escort guy, for years I have bought them faithfully but when my Escort 360C was messing up I said that it’s time to move on so I sold it and bought this R8, so far I am impressed with the Uniden R8. It let you customize the setting to your area and the type of threat you will run in to. This Uniden is a better performer hands down, yes better than the Escort 360C.
Amazon Customer –
Love this radar detector
This is a great radar detector. Love it.
Erika Jimenez Jaramillo –
Best radar i’ve bought in a while
The media could not be loaded. The noise level could be louder but the radar in general is super good honestly best money spent. The build quality is plastic but it’s not like you’re going to be throwing it around or something. To be honest for accuracy it does get a lot of false alerts but that’s probably because i got it and then put it straight in my car with no adjusting the settings. i think it works really good especially for the price definitely would recommend just adjust the setting how you need them is all i say( im trying to figure it out for my liking)
Peugeot –
Very nice detector
I bought this radar detector based upon some reviews I read in a newspaper. I have had other major brand Radar detectors. I prefer this detector for several reasons. First, it has a fairly long sensitive range and I don’t worry about being caught off guard due to the detector not picking up the radar signal. It also has some very good alert sounds that are not obnoxious, but let you know that it has detected radar. I also like the screen and the ability to change colors on the screen. I installed the companion application on my iPhone and use it regularly in conjunction with the radar detector. I have configured the radar detector or the app to my specifications. Most of the time this works very well. For some reason, it loses the configuration settings and that may be because I am doing something wrong. I highly recommend this detector. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
gary hankins wants to send it back, but i lost box. –
Works real good
I drive with no worries
Amazon Customer –
Horrendous quality
Within one month the screen went dim, essentially blank even in its brightest setting. I still tried to use it, but then the on/off button became stuck and now won’t turn on at all. This is very disappointing for the premium price of those product.
Kiera Fountain –
Works at the wrong time
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
Charles Smith –
UNIDEN R8 Extreme Long-Range Radar/Laser Detector is Great
Works very well and even if you try not to go over the speed limit, it is nice to know where they are. I mainly disregard the K and X band, but when the KA alerts, I like to see how far away that it detected. When in Colorado, it picked up the KA over the hill and around the curve before we were even in sight. Picks up long distances away. I even bought a second one for my other vehicle.
D. Hauser –
So far, so good
Don’t drive a lot, but my city has started to put up stop light cameras. So far this detector has found them. Gives me better situational awareness.
Alex Davis –
Cool buddy speed radar
It can be used from simple to advance high tech speed radar. It’s pretty smart with it’s marking & memorization features. It can cover from city, highway & auto. Also it can detect K, Ka, laser radars. Comes with sturdy container plus bag of it’s own. Also I accidentally dropped this but still work. The price is worth it!!!
RS –
Really good at new radars
Still need to figure out community data servers. Any radar that depends on an app will get 1 star from me. At this price it should be a complete stand alone unit. I don’t feel it is 100% there. Maybe I still need to figure out some features.
Jc –
Does exactly what its designed to do like a champ!
Great product! Has paid for itself time and time again. Wish the bluetooth option was readily easy to get going but till this day I still cant find this said plug online to download for the bluetooth option.
StenoPete1911 –
Awesome detector…
Great product and worth every penny. High quality and reliability. Very satisfied customer.
Hryhorii Poliakov –
Money saver
Quality product, which was made in Korea. If you adjust it properly, it doesn’t make even 1 false alert, high range, perfect functionality and ergonomic design. Ive been using it for about 6 months, it worth every dollar.
Pete –
A MUST HAVE top shelf detector
I’ve owned numerous radar detectors in my life from different manufacturers and most recently replaced my R4 with this unit. The range for both Ka and K is tremendous and you get to the point where you hope you pass the officer so the detector with relax. The directional arrow helps more then you might originally think because it gives you a big piece of the puzzle when trying to decide where the officer is shooting you from. The GPS memory really helps in eliminating the ever present auto door openers that you pass day after day. And after it learns the location thru use, it will stop alarming for that particular opener. I’ve had this detector for a year now and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants the best of the best offered in today’s market. YOU CAN’T GO WRONG with this detector!!
leanne alvarado –
Top of the line detector
Detects Ka band from miles away. Easily outclasses most top of the line detectors with its auto lockout functions. However, if you live in an area with laser, make sure to get jammers as this will not protect you from laser because laser is hard to detect.
gugnheimer –
Unit works very good
In the descriptions it seemed to indicate that it came with a fuse block adapter so that you could hardwire it in. That did not come but it did come as it would normally with a cigarette lighter outlet and that’s it but it does work well
Amazon Customer –
Life saver, worth every penny
But it!!!
Jason S. –
Died after 2 years
Bought this in July of 2022 and it just died after light use. Pretty disappointing for the price tag. Now to find a different brand detector…
avi –
Unidentified r8
I team used with scratches
Redwalker74 –
great product
I upgraded from the R4 and I really like it . it’s a little bigger but it works great.
Amazon Customer –
Works better than anticipated
All I can tell you is it’s got great range and it is as described. Looking for a good radar detector this is one of the best at this Priceline
MJ –
Must have regardless of speeding
I installed in cybertruck and was able to spot radar pretty easy and accurately. I did buy r8 companion app to reduce false alerts. Also installed settings provided by vertex radar.
Chris –
Great performing detector, sub par build quality
I finally made the transition from Escort to Uniden. I cannot deny that the performance of the detector is amazing. But for the price, I really wish the build quality was better. Compared to my escorts, the material quality and finish definitely feels a bit on the cheaper end, despite the high performance and cost. Unfortunately, after owning the detector for two and a half months, one of the pins in the detector body power port broke, leaving the sector unable to power on or off. I switch the detector between two vehicles maybe once a week, and am pretty disappointed that it couldn’t stand up to the task. Uniden does offer a one year warranty, but they unfortunately have a turn around window of 14-20 business days.
CCDP-721 –
One of The Best Radar Detectors on the Market
I have owned several Radar Detectors, and this is one of the best on the market. The Uniden R8 is very sensitive to the KA and K radar bands. The dual antennas provide the functionality for the directional arrows to determine the direction of the radar source. The R8 can track up to five radar sources, including the signal strength. Radar band KA segmentation and prioritization ensures you will know if traffic radar is operating in your vicinity. The GPS helps block out unwanted radar sources from door openers.
PCG –
Excellent Range
Took out for first road trip and delivered like a champ. Great range. Doesn’t just let you know you’re getting a ticket, but warns well in advance. Definitely worth the price.
Amazon Customer –
You won’t regret
Bought this to replace my Escort Max360. This is a much better detector and have only gotten a few false X Band signals. I can further adjust the sensitivity to eliminate some of false alerts. If you speed this will save you money.
Steven Hensley –
Excellent Detector
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 R8 and the Escort Max 360 were the top choices. Hit youtube and did some research. Decided on the R8. Pretty staggering price, because it always seemed like it takes about $300-350 dollars to get out of a typical speeding ticket, and you logic out how a $300 detector will pay for itself on the 1st time it alerts you and saves you. Well, this one will have to save you a couple times to justify the $700 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. It just confirms a ticket for you. Ive actually been lasered once with this detector. But, the cop had his Ka signal going in the background, so it tipped me off to pay attention that a cop was in the immediate area and make sure my speed was in line, and THEN I got hit with laser. If that Ka signal wasnt going in his car, thier laser would have gotten me. So, once again, laser detection is worthless, its too late if they laser you. Its all about the Ka band. As far as the look, it is chunky. But in a great way. The display window is large and angled towards the driver. I literally like it more and more everyday I use it. All the displays are understandable and easy to quickly reference with your eyes. I can’t imagine the Escort 360 could be better than this. Also, I saw people complain that for this price, the shell of the unit should be metal, and not plastic for the price you pay, and it made it feel “cheap”. I never felt like the plastic was a deal breaker. Looks nice, feels fine. Not an issue for me. The suction cup mounting bracket has been a problem. Been dealing with high heat days and then a cooler night and have come out many a morning to leave and the mount is lying on the floor. The last thing you want is a $700 radar detector falling (maybe the plastic could be a problem?). But i must have gotten a good seal recently, because it hasnt fallen in weeks. Another VERY important thing, my STRONG advice, RUN THE WAZE APP ON YOUR PHONE IN COMBO WITH THIS DETECTOR. They work extrenely well together. When one has a weakness moment, the other covers it. These 2 together are formiddable! And Waze is FREE. So, I would highly recommend this detector. Hope this helps in your decision☺️
Delanie –
Annoyingly good
My old detector was more of a ticket notifier since it would go off so late. My only complaint with the R8 is that it sometimes goes off nearly a minute before I see the radar source. It picks up radar I’m not even driving toward in town, so I had to really tone down the sensitivity while under 45mph and now it is perfect.
Mike Preston –
Superior range
First off.. The range of the R8 is insane. I have the Escort Max 3, Escort max360 MKii and the R4. Have run all of them against the R8. The R4 is just as good as the R8 as far as response and range. The Max360 is not as quick and does not have the range of the Uniden’s. Still a solid radar detector. The Escort is a little better on the filtering by your locations you are frequent to encounter that are not real threats. The companion apps for the R4 and R8 are very nice. You can also play the alerts thru your radio speakers if needed. I have picked up Ka bands from LEO from as far as 2.5 miles from the front antenna and over a 1.5 on the rear antenna. Terrain little hilly but flat also. I would trust any of them on str8 a ways. If I was to be in a real hilly and curvy area traveling I would use the R8 and or R4. The directional arrows on the R8 is really the main difference from the R4 except I feel the R8 has just a tad more range sometimes compared to the R4. I would recommend the R4 and R8.
Vince L. –
These have come a long way
I’ve been using detector units since the 1980’s and wow the Uniden R8 is amazing. Awesome sensitivity and full ability to customize each band and setting either on the unit or better yet on the PC with the Uniden app. Really you can customize and adjust everything down to the colors and layout. Having 2 antennas is worth the extra cost. I didn’t think I needed it, but I’m glad I got it. This detector integrates seamlessly into the highway one app as well via bluetooth and I can still play my music. GPS is useful since you can block out alarms below a specified speed as well as mute the location of a roadside radar speed display for example. Great stuff.
Jenny Hoang –
From R3 to this! R8 is the best!
So I tried the r3. Waited too long for custom SE software from mithheru on rd forum. I live in Houston so get WAAAAYY TOO MANY FALSES! With this R8 and the $10 app (r8 companion) for my iOS plus Waze, I haven’t been surprised yet! I see (hear) hpd, hcso, hcco, highway patrol and sneaker metro or motorcycle cops LONG BEFORE THEY EVEN KNOW I EXIST! Love the kit! I’m going to get a dedicated android Samsung for my vehicle with jbv1 and try that over Waze in the future. Super expensive but man’s this thing is awesome! It took me roughly 3 days to understand the iOS app on my 45 mile 1 way trip to work. So getting a minimum 90 miles 5 days a week helped understanding how it works. Then once you start learning the app lockouts (or unit. The app just makes it easier) and user interface with the r8, you are gathering data worth thousands! This r8 IS AWESOME!
jkitchen –
Works quite well.
I had been a long time Escort radar user, but the reviews for the R8 indicated it might be the best solution w/o requiring other services. So far, it works great. Very long range notice so you can adjust you speed. Not too chatty. A bit bulky looking like the Valentine, but with a blend mount and wire tap into the mirror, not bad at all. I have yet to change any standard settings.
wje –
Excellent, but pricey
This is my first detector upgrade in quite a while. I’ve always been an Escort fan, upgraded because of all the false alerts I was getting from the radar units in new cars. It works great, no false alerts so far, great range. Downsides, expensive, pretty bulky. The configuration app works fine, but not very polished. I’d still recommend this if you’re willing to pay for it.
Shen –
UNIDEN R8
Received the goods, genuine, carefully packaged, is a pretty good seller.
Shawn K –
Awesome Radar Detector.
This is the best purchase I have made in a while. This little device has saved my hide a couple of times already and I have only owned it for a few days. Yes I have a bit of a lead foot. This radar detector keeps me honest. Easy to install. Not a lot of false detection and it is easy to setup. A little on the pricey side but it is worth it!
Jon A. –
Alerts well ahead of the threat.
I like the R8. So far avoided any potential speeding tickets. It alerts to the threat well ahead of it. Giving you time to respond accordingly. Enjoy the quiet ride features that automatically adjust for their specific reasons.
DR –
Nice product
Upgraded from a r3 which worked well for 3+years. The alerts are improved and the arrows help with the direction of the signal.
Michael J. Winter –
Works great!
I originally purchased an R4, but the GPS was defective. So, I decided to return it and upgrade to the R8. I’m so glad that I did. Right from the start, the GPS instantly connected. The features are really good, and I like the directional arrows. The range is incredible. Plus, the GPS auto mute function with its learning capability for false signal is awesome. I recommend this unit!
Amazon Customer –
Not workable
Bad screen
KL –
I don’t speed, this is just for…research.
I’ll just start off by saying the suction power on the windshield mount is good, until it gets cold, and then it tends to give a little. That said: This is a miracle of modern technology. It’s leaps and bounds ahead of some of the other detectors (let me tell you about the app and its ability to locate multiple hits when ‘Ol Smokey decides to set up a speed trap near a shopping center with multiple K band radar units on automatic doors) On the highway, it blows my mind how far it will detect Ka band, WELL BEFORE I can visually see tax collector’s blinky lights. Someone could be pulled over, the radar gun bouncing its signal off of the Good ‘Ol boys that Roscoe P Coltrane haplessly decided to pull-over, and not only is the R8 picking it up, but it’s also showing me where they are located. More than once, it’s pinged on one target ahead while another sneakily approached from the rear. It’s even better after you wire it into your rearview mirror (if yours has power requirement for a compass or garage door opener…etc.) as it becomes less unsightly and just hangs out above. I’ve also notices and improvement in range with it up there. Take my word for it. If you’re a….researcher…like I am, you will be quite pleasantly surprised.
Sean S. –
Need to speed?
I haven’t gotten a ticket using this radar. It gives you plenty of notice of what’s ahead and behind you. I love it
Benjamin L. –
I have the R7. This R8 is about the same speed to a non technical speeder like myself.
The R8 is very similiar to the R7. Everything I read said that and I wanted to try it to see the difference. I waited for a price drop on Amazon and got it cheaper…much cheaper than the $699 price tag. It catches the about the same false alarms, possibly deletes them quicker than the R7 but I don’t fool with fine tuning this detector much. I read you could download information a lot easier with this one than the R7 such as updates. I’ve not done that with either my R7 or R8. Both have saved me some trouble since purchase…but I usually don’t drive much faster than 10 over anyhow and mostly 5 over on the interstate. Get one….they let you know with the arrows what direction to look when it starts to beep. I’ve got this and the R7 in my two trucks.
Mr. Tudball –
Pricey…but will save your hide in the long run!
Yep. It’s expensive. But WELL worth its weight in platinum! Saved my heavy-footed hide many time. Love the directional announcement that lets me know where the signal is coming from. Also love the GPS feature which seems to be able to locate K and KA bands even in mountainous and hilly areas. It’s ability to locate signals very far away is impressive. I have three of these great devices and will continue to keep UNIDEN as my provider for radar detectors.
Machell –
Uniden support blames Amazon
If you Google Uniden R8 screen failure, you’ll see a significant number of people talking about their detector screen failing. So, I call the good folks at Uniden support to see about a warranty repair. They want $99 to fix a known problem AND they go further to tell me not to buy my Uniden products from Amazon. Weird.
Brucifer –
Website/support
Really NOT impressed with the website! It seems Uniden has done everything possible to make updating the firmware as painful as possible!
Alfredo Paramo –
REAL DEAL
This is the best radar detector I have ever used and own. Built in Bluetooth for pairing with a phone. Arrived updated to the latest software. If you don’t have a computer, you can’t update it so keep that in mind.
Scotty –
Hard as HELL to do software updates!!!!
I already have an R7, great detector but it also is virtually impossible to update the software or even check for updates without help. These guys can make an awesome radar detector but cannot set up an ez to use self explanatory method to simplify the software update process. Come on people!!!
Farid Qazi –
great RD
It has a great angle facing the driver and it learns known false alarms I think it is worth the money