Beltronics vs. Escort Radar Detectors: Which Brand is Better?

Beltronics and Escort produce popular radar detectors. It can be difficult trying to decide which brand to get. This review will look at Beltronics vs. Escort radar detectors to find out which one will suit your needs the best.

Beltronics Vs. Escort Radar Detectors

We will base our review on the top-selling radar detectors for each brand. For Beltronics, it’s the Magnum model, and for Escort, it’s the Redline model. Both detector brands are essentially the same, but there are differences between the two manufacturers that you should be aware of. It’s important to note that both Beltronics and Escort are related as Escort is the parent company of Beltronics.

About Beltronics Detectors

Beltronics has up-to-date radar detectors. They are high-performance detectors, and their top model is the RX65i. They use TotalShield technology to make the detectors invisible to detection by other radar detectors. You’ll avoid costly traffic tickets when you use one of these detectors in your vehicle. They are compatible with Escort Live Bluetooth technology. You will know where there are speed traps and fixed position cameras so you can slow down in these areas. These detectors help you drive smart and avoid costly tickets and a bad driving record. They are easy to set up and program so that you can get the most out of them.

About Escort Detectors

Escort features premium detectors that have a ton of great features. They can connect to the Wi-Fi in your vehicle and can be operated hands-free. They have IVT filtering and Auto-Learn technology, so you avoid false alerts. The display is easy to set up and work with. Icons are nice and visible in daylight as well as night environments. You get signal strength as well as band identification on display. Like Beltronics, you can use the Escort Live app features. You can add your own locations and hot spots where there are speed traps to be avoided in the future. Get voice alerts about your speed so you can adjust as you enjoy hands-free driving.

Performance

Both Beltronics and Escort use the M3 detection platform for their detectors. They use the same circuitry, antenna, and have similar features. They also use the same computer firmware in their construction. The newer Beltronics detectors have a lower noise amplifier, more range, and extra sensitivity. This drops the performance of the Magnum detector a bit when you compare it to the Escort models. You’ll get a lot better performance out of the Escort model.

Materials for the Case

The Beltronics Magnum detector has a magnesium shell that is solid and sturdy. The Escort Redline model uses rubberized plastic, although it used to be made with magnesium. The plastic doesn’t get as hot as the magnesium, so the internal components of the Redline are protected a bit more than with the Magnum detector, and less heat can improve performance. The plastic case on the Redline can be harder to hold and slippery, while the Magnum is easier to grip. Due to the case design, the Escort Redline makes it harder to see the display of the detectors, while the Magnum from Beltronics is easier to see from all angles.

Mounting the Detector

On the Beltronics Magnum, you can invert your display. This is a nice feature if you want to mount your detector upside down. The escort redline doesn’t have this feature. You will still be able to see the display if you mount it this way. In some vehicles, you may need to mount your detector upside down due to space limitations.

Detecting Signals

The detector can display information about various brands. The Beltronics band is called “Threat Display.” On the Escort, this is called “Expert Meter.” The Threat Display on the Beltronics gives you three signals. You get signal ranges for X, K, and Ka. You also get the signal strength in a range that goes from 1-9.

Escort meters don’t provide signal strength. They tell you how many of each signal you’re getting. It can display up to eight signals which are 4 for X, 2 for K, and 2 for the KA signals. You get a bar graph that shows the strength of each signal group.

Updates

You need to send Beltronics detectors back to update the firmware. With Escort detectors, you can send them back, but you can also update them via your phone with Escort Live, which saves you time and hassle. Beltronics has this app, but some models can’t be updated via this app. These updates are required for older models that don’t have the updated firmware. Newer models don’t need updates, but that may change when new firmware gets released. Older models require updates to work effectively.

Sounds

Beltronics and Escort have different sounds. The Beltronics models feature a male voice, and the Escort models have a female voice. They both use different tones for the laser and the various bands. The sounds are all a personal preference, and there is not much difference in the sound that each detector produces. The Escort grabs your attention a bit more than the Beltronics models do.

Overall Comparisons

The materials and the design of the detectors are about the same. Escort models have a plastic case as it performs better than magnesium on the Beltronics models and keeps more heat at bay, which protects vital components on the detector. Beltronics detectors provide signal strength; you won’t find this on Escort detectors. Escort detectors perform a bit better than Beltronics ones. Escorts are easier to update than Beltronics models, thanks to a phone app. Escorts tend to cost more than Beltronics models. Escort has a female voice, while the Beltronics models use a male voice.

Tips

• Check with your state to see if a radar detector is illegal; some states have different rules. In other states, you may not be able to hang them high in your windshield due to laws that prohibit obstruction of the windshield area.
• Read all instructions before you mount your detector in your vehicle.
• Program your detector according to instructions to reduce false alerts and other problems.
• Update when new firmware is released to ensure proper operation.