The 6 Best Radar Detector Apps for Android
Driving over the speed limit is wrong by all means. After all, speed limits are there for your own safety and the safety of other drivers. However, if you’re driving in a new city, you might accidentally miss a road sign, or hit a speed trap, and before you know it, you have a ticket.
Nobody wants that. Luckily for us, there are radar detector apps for Android that we can use. But what are radar detector apps for Android? Radar detector apps are apps that let us know radar positions based on data that other users upload. They are constantly updated with fresh info and will help you know what’s in the area while driving. And, it can be even more effective if you use the apps with an Android Auto.
I made a list of the 6 best radar detector apps for your Android phones, these are apps that will help you find your way, or give you directions and information about the road. Check them out!
Related: Complete List of Android Auto Compatible Cars
Best Radar Detector Apps for Android
There are many radar detector apps available for download. However, not all of them are worth your time and some don’t perform well. I’ve tested and reviewed the best radar detector apps for Android in case you’re interested in trying one out:
1. Speed Camera Radar
This app is designed specifically to detect cameras on the road such as speed cameras, red light cameras, and so on. With the latest update, all the countries in the world are now supported. The app is nicely designed, and you also have a night-mode feature. In addition, you have a Map and Radar view mode, which doesn’t require the internet to render data.
The map has an auto-zoom and auto-rotation function as you drive, and also shows your current speed on the dashboard. It supports voice alerts, and can also work in the background if you want to use other apps.
The database is updated almost every day.
2. Cobra iRadar
According to its developers, Cobra iRadar is the world’s largest community-based radar detection system. It allows you to receive and share radars from other iRadar users.
For the finest experience, you can purchase the Cobra iRadar device on their website. The app also shows you the exact position of vehicles on the radar – whether they’re on the left or on the right side of the road, behind you, or on a lay-by.
Of course, the app offers voice alerts.
3. Escort Live Radar
This app has already won a few awards for its design and functionality. Since the awards are from 2012, the app looks a little bit dated, although the actual interface is still intuitive. The app has a built-in compass, vehicle speed limit counter, colored warnings, and voice notifications. You can also mark a potential threat on the map and receive a notification every time you get near.
The app offers a subscription in order to gain access to its premium features. The subscriptions fees are $4.99 monthly or $49.99 per year.
If you have no problem with the interface looking a bit old, then I recommend this app for you.
4. Radarbot
The free version of this app has over 10 million downloads on the Play Store, which vouches for its efficiency. You can also buy a pro version for a few dollars, which grants you access to premium features.
Radarbot will warn you about all kinds of cameras, including traffic light cameras, ANPR cameras, and even tunnel cameras. You will also be notified when/if you enter a dangerous traffic area.
The interface is simple, functional, and easy-to-use. You can also choose between 4 different themes. The app includes a vibration warning for motorcyclists.
You can get the free version of Radarbot by clicking the button below:
If you want to buy the premium version, you can get it from the following link:
5. Waze
Besides being a GPS app, Waze is also a great radar detector app. It works pretty well and it won’t leave you disappointed. All the data is streamed in real-time, including information about accidents, hazards, and etc. It can also locate speed cameras, law enforcement officers, and police radar locations.
The app will give you alerts about traffic and even preferred routes, which work pretty well. It’s a battery efficient app, compared to many similar apps. You can even listen to music directly from the app by connecting it to Spotify, allowing you to use GPS at the same time.
If you want to save on gas, you can let Waze find which route will save you the most gas! The app supports Android Auto, which allows you to see the app on your car’s dashboard.
6. Radar Beep
What I like the most about this app is its interface – plain, smooth, and nicely colored. All the details are big enough for you to see while driving. The actual functionality of the app is similar to the apps above. Radar Beep will show you the exact distance to the radar, as well as the speed of your car.
You can configure the auto-start feature via Bluetooth. The app will start automatically when the phone connects to a car’s Bluetooth. Once you turn the car off, the app will turn off automatically. More than 15 languages are supported by the app.
FAQs
Do I need an internet connection to use radar detector apps?
Yes. You will need an internet connection so that the app can connect to its database. GPS (location) must also be enabled.
What is the difference between Radar detector devices and apps?
Most of the apps can show radar positions based on data that other users upload. Although it is very precise, it can’t replace the actual Radar detector device, which detects frequencies on its own.
Are we allowed to use radar detector apps?
The act of using radar detector apps is not illegal. However, in most countries, it’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. In some countries, it’s against the law to have a smartphone placed or visible on the car’s dashboard. If you need the assistance of a navigation system, then we highly recommend Android Auto instead.
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For your safety, I strongly advise you to use these apps on Android Auto instead of on your phone while driving. Remember that using a mobile phone while driving is forbidden in many countries. Besides that, it’s also a big health hazard. If your car doesn’t support Android Auto, be sure to take a look at this device.
You can connect your phone to this device and use phone apps on it. Since it serves as a car dashboard, you won’t get fined. Also, it’s much easier to use than having to use a mobile phone.
Which app is the best for me?
All the apps I reviewed will perfectly serve their purpose. It all depends on what you’re specifically looking for in the app. In our opinion, Radar Beep seems to have the best (simple and user-friendly) interface. On the other hand, Waze offers the most features and the most accurate real-time data streaming. You can’t go wrong by installing and trying out any of the apps on the list.
Do you use any of the apps from the list? Which one is your favorite and why? Let me know in the comments below!
I learned by chance that Google maps has speed trap detection. I was using GPS and all of a sudden it said “speed trap ahead” (at about a 1 or 2 mile distance…then reminded about 1000 feet before you pass the trap)
Unfortunately some of the cars ahead of me were not using google maps…lol…