Best Radar Detector Under $50 in 2019 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
by David Wright | Last Updated on November 20, 2019
No one is safe from the possibility of getting speed tickets. If you are a frequent traveler on the road, the risk is even bigger. That is why radar detectors are a must-have to avoid such risks. If you are considering to buy one of them, the best radar detector under $50 is among the top options you may consider.
Just as Police technology develops, radar detectors also evolve. These devices are getting better prices every day while adding some of the most outstanding features. Despite its low cost, a radar detector under $50 can protect you in the most efficient ways.
To help you make the best decision we selected the Whistler XTR-265 Laser Radar Detector as the best radar detector under $50. This device does not skimp some of the best qualities as it offers 360° of protection and has visual and tone alerts to warn you. It also provides full protection against all the radar guns and is easy to install.
If you miss some features, there are still 4 more chances to find your best radar detector under $50. Keep reading to find them all.
Best Radar Detector Under $50 in 2018 – our list:
| Model | VG-2 Cloaking | |
|---|---|---|
| Whistler XTR-265 Laser Radar Detector | Yes | |
| Radar Detector, Voice Alert and Car Speed | Yes | |
| Cobra Electronics iRadar 900 | Yes | |
| Whistler XTR-130 | Yes | |
| Whistler XTR-438 | Yes |
1. Whistler XTR-265 Laser Radar Detector – Best Overall
Our favorite choice includes the best qualities. Full protection is guaranteed with its 360° of advance speed detection that covers sides, front and the rear. Its tone alerts will let you keep all the attention on the road, and you still keep visual alerts with distinct symbols if you need them.
Besides protecting you from all radar guns, X-band, K-band and lasers, it also covers VG-2 detection. Its default mode is for the highway with the highest sensitivity, but you can switch it to city mode to avoid false notifications for door openers and alarms. In these cases, you will only receive an initial alert, and it will not get stronger unless it becomes a real one.
It also protects your car as it includes a battery saver mode that shuts off within 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. You can add an Intellicord for a reasonable price to control the radar detector remotely. That is a nice deal that should not be missed.
Pros and Cons
Additional POP mode for a brief burst of police radars
Visual alert is with LED periscope lights that flash when the alarm is turned on
VG-2 cloaking technology to remain invisible from “radar detector detectors”
Available only in one color
Installation is not included
2. Radar Detector, Voice Alert and Car Speed (by Royalsell) – The Most Extended Range
This radar detector stands out for its heterodoxy technology that detects gun radars at extended ranges of coverage. It reaches distances from 250 to 2500 meters. With VG-2 technology is immune to “radar detector detectors”.
It is also able to detect Ku band radar gun and the POP radar gun when set in super instant mode. It has a mute function that allows you to turn off the voice alarm with just one click. The detector has two city modes and the highway mode for maximum accuracy to detect the signals.
This device can remember the settings for indefinite periods of time.
Pros and Cons
Package includes a non-slip mat, detector stand, and car charger
Extra detection ranges up to 2500 meters
It reduces false signals
Convenient price
It is only available in one color and size
3. Cobra Electronics iRadar 900 – The Smartphone Compatible
This radar detector can be connected to your cell phone through an App to display visual alerts. It works with iPhone and Android operating systems. Radar detectors that connect through cell phones foster collaboration with other users as they can set alerts through the app.
With this radar detector, you become part of an iRadar Cobra community, and you can control all its functions from the app too. You can access a map with information about red light cameras, live police location, caution areas, and radar/laser detection areas. This device also keeps its own features such as 360° protection and visual alerts.
If you have Android OS, you can get snapshots of traffic in your area and get route suggestions. It also supports you with a car finder that allows you to find your car at any parking lot. As roads and camera locations are always changing, you will always have the last information available through the app.
Pros and Cons
iRadar community available
It includes a car finder function
You can control music tracks without leaving the Radar App
It warns about red light camera locations
The interface is intuitive and easy to use
It doesn’t include installation kit
4. Whistler XTR-130
With this model, you will get the best deal. A bargain price for a radar detector that has it all. It has 360° of perimeter protection.
Real voice alerts that may vary according to the band received and visual alerts are displayed with symbols. You get it with a power cord, a windshield bracket kit and a user guide for easy use and installation. A quiet/auto quiet mode may reduce the volume after the initial audio alarm and keep the visual alerts still going on.
It also includes an innovative Safety Warning System (SWS) to keep you informed of highway safety and possible situations like road construction issues, road hazards, detours, and similar things.
Pros and Cons
It features laser priority with the following order: laser, VG-2, safety radar
It protects all the bands used for speed measurement
Includes POP detection for a brief burst of radar
It doesn’t include a charger
5. Whistler XTR-438 – The Anti RDD
This is a simple radar detector, but its powerful functionalities offer you full protection. It has 360° coverage for radar and laser for maximum protection, and the VG-2 is the best for “radar detector detectors” (RDD). It covers all the bands and offers battery saving in selectable vehicles.
It has a brilliant text display that lets you easily see all the signals. You will also get three different city modes to avoid false alarms plus a highway mode. You will get a premium device at a minimum price.
Pros and Cons
The quiet mode manages visual and audio displays at your convenience
It covers all the bands
The mute button must be pressed every time you turn the radar detector on
How to Choose the Best Radar Detector
Now that you decided to buy a radar detector, it is critical that you pick the best and most suitable for your needs. In general, you need to choose a device that covers as many bands as possible. Fortunately, most of them include all 4 bands that police patrols use.
If you are familiar with the use of your phone and many Apps, then a radar detector with cell phone functionality is ideal for you.
You should also consider what type of driver you are. Are you constantly on the road? Or are you a city driver?
Usually, radar detectors are very well designed for highways, but city modes are not the rule. Therefore, choosing one with many city modes is essential if you only use it for driving around the city. You would avoid annoying noises and unnecessary false alarms.
Modern radar detectors may also include many functionalities such as car finder, quiet modes and fancy visual and tone alerts. For these elements, it is only up to you what you want to obtain. What really matters are the main functionalities of radar and laser detection.
Additional settings can make it easy for you to handle the device, and those would be important too. In any case, the best detector under $50 will protect you efficiently from getting unwanted tickets.
Is A $50 Radar Detector Better Than A $650 Detector?
Conclusion
A radar detector is a valuable tool. Keeping your ticket record clean is always a priority. But, you don’t have to invest tons of money to achieve this goal.
Although the first strategy is always to follow the rules, it is also true that daily activities can keep you on the edge. For this cases, a radar detector is the best option.
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