Radar detectors help you avoid speeding tickets. However, radar detectors should never be a crutch for irresponsible driving. Just like breathalyzer, radar detectors help you find yourself going faster, they are not a ‘get out of jail free’ card.

The best radar detectors see the radar before the radar gun sees you, help you determine a false alarm, and alert you to different types of speed readers (like lasers). 

You need a dedicated radar detecting devices, which use a special microwave sensor to read the special signal spectrum that cops use. Despite what they claim, a smartphone app can never replace this sensor tech inside a smartphone.

When radar detectors pick up a signal (“Ka” bandwidth that cops normally use), the dash-mounted boxes beep and lits up, and you know this is time to slowdown.  

Even if you know you know you have been targeted by a cop laser, you get time to think up your response for teh cops.

Good radar detectors nowadays also come with apps to supplement their service.

The Best Radar Detector: Valentine One (best range for detection, rear-facing sensor, laser detection,  an arrow-based display that points to the source of the signal -  whether the signal is coming from the front, side, or the rear)

The best radar detector with GPS: Escort Passport Max (remembers false positives and using GPS ignores them, expensive, and you need to subscribe)