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With today’s innovations and all the continuous advancements of technology, everyday life is becoming more and more complicated. With modern radar guns and laser scanners, police and traffic officials can measure a car’s speed from the comfort of their vehicle.
Although this certainly increases law enforcement’s awareness and has its effects on our safety, it is nonetheless an inconvenience to be pulled over without being warned first.
Well, if you are tired of officials and officers sneaking up on you, then you should consider buying a radar detector. The convenience of these nifty little gadgets can forewarn a person if their vehicle is being scanned by some form of radar or laser technology. It’s made convenient, easily portable, and can fit all kinds of vehicles.
With a portable radar detector, you can drive the freeways and highways without any worries or fears of being caught accidentally exceeding the speed limit.
These devices are the responsibility of the owner and are illegal to own in the states of Washington D. C. and Virginia.
If you are interested in owning a portable radar detector, take a look at our chosen selection of what we would consider the best on the market. Choose at your leisure and simply enjoy the benefits of owning a very convenient device.
Best Cordless Radar Detector Reviews
Escort Solo S4
Escort is a company very well known for its car gadgets and accessories. They invest the best quality in their products and supply their customers with the innovation that they demand.
Review
The Solo S4 is perhaps one of their best models on the market. It is certainly one of the better options among all the radar detectors available in 2020. It is our prime selection, and we hope that you would agree too.
The S4 offers the freedom and convenience of cordless portability, making it especially useful for people who frequently change cars. The Solo S4 features nine adjustable programs and saves your preferences so that the data is never lost. It conforms to your choices and is programmed to your own needs. It has an OLED display for clear clarity and wireless connectivity for fast and reliable warnings.
It is the ideal portable radar detector to own because of its great convenience and quality design. The Escort Solo S4 also features the ability to detect a wide bandwidth of signals, including all the common law enforcing scanners. It will ensure you remain aware.
It will also aid in spotting roadside cameras and laser technology to further secure you from being fined by sneaky officials. If you are looking for the one portable radar scanner that would not let you down, the Escort S4 would likely be the best choice.
Pros
- Cordless portable design
- Versatile programming options
- Escort Live Community support
- Long-range detection
Cons
- A few customers complained about receiving faulty products
Escort Solo S3
- Radar Receiver/Detector Type: Super heterodyne, GaAs FET VCO; Scanning Frequency Discriminator; Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
- Laser Detector: Quantum Limited Video Receiver; Multiple Laser Sensor Diodes
- Display Type: High-Resolution Graphic; OLED Display
- Power Requirement: 2 AA Batteries, or Escort SmartCord (Optional)
- Programmable Features: SOLO S3 packs 9-user programmable features, allowing you to customize it for your specific driving style
Escort’s familiar quality and innovation has been developed for years by experience and listening to the driver community.
Review
The S4 is considered the latest and perhaps the best yet among their radar detectors. However, it was built on the success of the S3. The Escort Solo S3 is the slightly older predecessor in the Solo range. Make no mistake, though, the S3 is not an outdated or disappointing product. Simply, if at current the S4 is out of your price reach, then considering anything made prior by Escort would be a perfect choice.
As with the S4, plenty of the same features can be found in the S3. It features the same versatile programming options, and the OLED display is also included with the Escort Solo S3. The S3 is a battery-powered portable radar detector but also features the ability to fit an optional cord. It can detect the frequencies of all known scanners and features Escort’s discrimination technology that will prevent false alerts.
The Escort Solo S3 is also a smart device that learns as you drive, optimizing its warning system as needed to enhance your personal experience. The S3 does not shy away much from the S4 and packs the same efficient range as can be expected from any Escort detector. However, because of its slightly older design, it may not feature either wireless connectivity or the ability to detect POP signals.
Pros
- Wide range of adjustable programs
- Sleek and stylish design
- Portable and compact
- Long-range detection
Cons
- No wireless connectivity feature
- Slightly outdated
Escort Solo

The first portable radar detector sold by Escort was the Solo. It was considered a remarkable device and was much loved by its supporters.
Review
The long battery life conserved by the energy-friendly circuit design of the Escort Solo was perhaps the most celebrated quality. It can give you up to 50 hours of free detection from simple AA batteries. The Escort Solo included the use of advanced laser technology that gave it far smarter detection than any competing models on the market at the time of release.
It featured the legendary long-range and is more than capable of detecting the most common frequencies. Of course, the innovation spent on the Escort Solo has long turned out of date, but for the tightest budgets, it would be the ideal choice. Even now, with older technology, the superiority of Escort’s creation still shines. The energy efficiency is a major selling point.
It may be battery powered for portability, but its consumption is extraordinarily economical and will not cost more than necessary. It may also not be connected to a wireless signal, but the integrated warning systems are designed to be efficient and versatile. Included in the software is a safety warning system that alerts the driver to any known or detected hazards.
Despite being a bit outdated, perhaps more than the S3, we would still consider it an ideal option if you are looking for the best in portable radar scanners. The Escort Solo is an ideal option as an entry-level product, or for the convenience of saving money.
Pros
- An affordable, convenient alternative
- Energy-saving circuitry design
- Compact and super portable
- Long-range sensitivity
Cons
- On/Off button tends to wear and operates with difficulty
- Outdated detection technology
- No wireless connection
Whistler XTR 440
Last but not least, we have included the next best model from Whistler as our final entry. The Whistler XTR 440 is the earlier version of the other featured model, the XTR 543.
Review
When compared to the younger model by Whistler, the XTR 440 does not fall too far short. Although it does not feature the latest technology added to the XTR 543, Whistler’s famous and beloved features are all included. After all, this was the model on which the latest innovations were added. The primary difference is only the inclusion of detecting POP signals, not featured in the XTR 440.
Pop signals is a new technology and not as frequent as one would suspect. The technology of the XTR 440 is still worth the investment and will not let you down or leave you disappointed. Included with its design is the same rechargeable battery-powered operation, as found in the newer model. It will offer up to 15 hours of operation on a single charge to provide free mobility.
As with most Whistler detectors, the blue LCD screen is a mandatory inclusion trademarked as Whistler’s clear-text communication software. It also makes use of LED lights and a mix of tones to indicate precise and accurate warnings.
With its periscope technology, it dramatically reduces false alerts and negates warnings from other radar signals like house alarms and the like. The Whistler XTR 440 is also host to Whistler’s patented cloaking technology that hides its signal from other scanners. This VG-2 feature is included in all of Whistler’s top models. The XTR 440 features the same safety warning system and pre-operation test that is adored in the latest XTR 543.
There is no need to mention what can be improved about the XTR 440 since these improvements are included with the XTR 543 at a higher cost. If you want the innovation familiar to Whistler technology, but don’t have the money to buy their latest creation, then the XTR 440 would be an ideal choice. It comes a bit cheaper but features the same efficiency and detection sensitivity that you will find in the XTR 543.
Only POP signals or more advanced radar guns may elude discovery, but as a portable radar detector, it will not disappoint. As an extra, it is sold with a one-year warranty for your convenience if the product is found to be unsatisfying.
Pros
- High-quality radar detecting technology
- Durable and tough by design
- Versatile full program ability
- Powered by rechargeable batteries
Cons
- Technology is a bit older
- No wireless connection
- May not fit on all dashboards
Conclusion
Choosing the convenience and ability of the portable radar detector that will best suit you is, by all means, your choice. Do feel free to consider any of these products mentioned. They are what can be regarded as the top options available.
Each was chosen not only for being a quality device with high standards but as ideal for various reasons. If you are on a tight budget, the older models would be a better fit. They will not disappoint and guarantee bang for your buck.
If money is not an obstacle, and you are in search of the best, try either the Escort Solo S4 or the Whistler XTR 543. Both are immaculate devices that sport the latest in detection technology. These top two models also include features that you will enjoy and benefit from. If wireless connection is an ideal attraction, then the S4 is the one for you.
If POP signals in your area are growing into a hazard, then the advancement of the XTR 543 would put you that step ahead.
One last note. The use of these devices is sold under the agreement that it will be used with responsibility. It may prevent you from getting fined, but not keeping to the laws and regulations of road safety endangers your life and those around you.
Stay safe for the sake of everyone’s good interest. These machines are illegal to own in the States of Virginia and Washington D.C., where sales are prohibited. Before finalizing your purchase, make sure owning a radar detector is legal in your area.