Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog may earn a commission if you purchase the products below. This comes at no additional cost to you. These radar detectors were supplied to Automoblog by Cobra Electronics. The opinions below are my own based on my personal experience with them.

How much should you spend on a new radar detector" It partly depends on how you drive and where you live. While high-end models are available for upwards of $700 to $800, some units under $200 offer good performance for the price. Specifically, the RAD 380 and RAD 480i, made by Cobra Electronics, provide a little extra peace of mind without breaking the bank. 

Cobra RAD 380 vs. Cobra RAD 480i: Quick Take

We recommend the RAD 380 over the 480i. While the 480i offers Bluetooth connectivity via the iRadar app, it’s not as functional or user-friendly as something like Waze. In heavy traffic and on the highway, the RAD 380 performs better and issues fewer false alerts. When it comes to locking out false alerts, the RAD 480i can be a bit stubborn (if it locks them out at all). As of this writing, the RAD 380 retails for $100 on Cobra’s official website, with the RAD 480i going for $150.
This Cobra RAD 380 vs. Cobra RAD 480i comparison guide will discuss the differences between these units and why the RAD 380 is the better choice.

Our Pick More Images9.2/10 Our ScoreThe Cobra RAD 380 is not fancy, but it has all of the...