Previously I had an R3 and an R7. All were great detectors. I now own a R8w. I'm very happy with the performance of my new detector. My complaints are few but one is a very major complaint. It is about downloading upgrade software from Uniden. I have an Apple computer running the latest operating system, and the steps to do this went from frustrating to now impossible over the last several years. It is now impossible to upgrader my R7 from the Uniden web site. The 3rd party installer no longer works with the last several Apple OS upgrades. This is the reason I purchased the new R8w wi-fi. Hopefully the wi-fi upgrades will be easy. I wish Uniden would back up their Apple compatibility claims. This is a known issue but has not been addressed by Uniden. All my other past experiences with Uniden were excellent.

I have used an Escort Max360 since 2017. I have been a radar detector user dating back to the early 1990's using a Passport then later Beltronics, V1, and Escorts. Decided to upgrade and the Redline was just to expensive. I gave the Uniden R8W a try due to the range it offers. I am still learning the unit and adjusting to how it works and alerts. In time I believe I can fully convert but I still miss my Max 360 (gave it to the wife). R8W is much more sensitive with that comes more false alerts. Can be too much of a good thing. I just hope it does not become like my V1. It gave so many false alerts I could only use it on the highway and not in major cities. The Uniden has what seems to be more custom options for the user to set. As with the V1 the overall design of the unit relates. I cannot speak for over long term dependability and durability on how the unit will hold up being exposed to the sun, heat, and sometimes dropping the unit inside the car. I know the 360 was a tank. I just hope this will hold up as long. Updating it using your phone is great and it performs update very easy. Display is large and easy to see a plus over Escort. Like I said I am still learning it and adjusting the filtering to reduce false alerts. If you want something out of the box that is plug and play and quite go with the Escort. If you are a long time detector user looking for something that gives you many options with very long range this is the choice.

I came from a DFR7 which I liked. Once it came out with the R8W Wi-Fi to update the firmware is when I pulled the trigger cuz I don't like computers would have gave it five stars but the RTAC app does not work with Android I've talked to them about it and they're waiting working on getting it updated other than that I love all the tech of the RAW and look forward to playing with it At first a little overwhelming even too many things to play with but we're getting there.