The 2 Best Laser Jammers of 2023 – Comparison & Reviews
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- Radar and Laser Jammers
- The 2 Best Laser Jammers of 2023 – Comparison & Reviews
Table of Contents
Top Laser Jammers Reviews
1. Escort ZR5 Laser Shifter
What’s in the box:
- 2 Laser ShifterMax Sensors
- ShifterMax Bridge Max
- Controller
- Interface with built-in speaker
Overview
First on our list is a product from Escort. If you have a radar detector [1] right now, you’ve probably heard of the Escort brand. It’s one of the well-trusted companies in the market that produces entry-level to high-end products. The Escort ZR5 is a popular radar jammer in their line. It replaces the Escort Laser ShifterPro, a jammer that’s been already discontinued. Basically, the ZR5 is a wired version of the ZW5. As such, it’s more complicated to install. It’s more reliable though, so that is definitely a better trade-off for users who prioritize performance over ease of installation. If you have no issues with running cables through your cabin, then the Escort ZR5 is the perfect mid-range model. There are two compact heads installed to the grill part of your vehicle, then wires are run through the engine bay and firewall. Finally, it connects to your windshield-mounted radar detector. Should you want rear coverage, you can also place two jammer heads at the back of the vehicle and run the cables back.Having the capability to install four laser shifters gives you a full 360-degree shield from threats.
Once everything is integrated, you have one control hub for avoiding police radar and police laser guns. As for its jamming capabilities, the Escort ZR5 has been tested and proven to work against many police LIDAR devices used by law enforcement. Its reliability reflects in our tests as well. In terms of performance, this is one of the most advanced defense systems against laser guns and it can detect the pulse rate of a speed gun. Simply put, a pulse rate is the frequency of taking distance measurements by the gun. This product effectively detects when a police officer is getting a read, so you have enough time to reduce your speed and avoid that dreaded ticket. It also shifts laser signals to further lower potential threats.- Effective defense against any LIDAR gun
- Compact size
- Reliable even against variable pulse rate guns
- You can manually terminate the operation, great option for areas where a jammer is illegal
- Best when integrated with Escort detectors
- Access to Escort Live
- Mounting isn’t as neat compared to the wireless option, ZW5
One of the best features that set this laser jammer apart from its competitors is the ability to access ESCORT Live, the exclusive driving community of Escort.
You can also use this with the Escort Live app, so you get to share alerts and receive them as well. Getting the latest threat locations in real-time from fellow Escort users takes laser gun protection to another level so you’re always protected on the road. As mentioned, the ZR5 and ZW5 have similar circuitry. And it’s exactly for that reason that they have the same issues. There are times that the ZR5 can stop jamming with no warning, even when an out-of-date laser gun was used. This product also has no automatic disarm function, so you have to double-tap the mute button on your radar detector to manually disarm the jammer. We also would’ve liked to hear or read a message that confirms that the jammer has been successfully disabled. Info on what kind of laser gun was used would’ve been useful too. Then again, if you compare the ZR5 and ZW5 jammers, you’d get more reliability from the ZR5 because of the wired setup. Overall, the Escort ZR5 is one of the best laser jammers in the market today. It’s reliable and delivers excellent performance. Remember that you can update the firmware through a laptop to keep the jammer up-to-date on the latest technology from Escort.2. Escort ZW5 Wireless Laser Shifter
What’s in the box:
- 2 Laser ShifterMax sensors
- Interface
- ShifterMax Bridge Box
- SmartCord or Direct Wire
Overview
With the ZR5 discussed, it’s only fitting to include the Escort ZW5 on our list. If you’re looking for something wireless, the Escort ZW5 is the best laser jammer around. However, this one requires a compatible radar detector in order to operate, as it doesn’t come with a controller. The ZW5 can be used with the Escort MAX360, MAX360c, RedLine EX, and the iXc. If you already have a compatible model, that’s good because you can get the best performance from the combination of a radar detector and laser jammer. Hassle-free installation makes this product stand out from the rest of laser jammers. Because it’s wireless, you don’t need to run cables or drill holes in the firewall. The interface box in the engine bay can communicate wirelessly with the cylindrical tube in the radar detector’s power cable.So if you change cars often or you’re using a leased car, you would benefit from the convenience of having a laser jammer without too much installation nuisance.
Although the jammer heads themselves are wired, it doesn’t defeat the purpose of this jammer being wireless. If you simply have a vehicle that’s difficult to work on, then the ZW5 will save you the trouble of a wired installation. This laser jammer model works with two heads, meaning you only get frontal coverage. But when you look at the ShifterMax Bridge Box, you’ll see a total of four ports, with the third and fourth port covered with removable rubber caps. While it is physically possible to connect four jamming heads into this jammer, Escort doesn’t recommend doing so. Customers have tried doing it and the results were just fine, but Escort says it poses a power draw issue. The reason is that the wireless interface box needs power too, and it will be too much for the jammer to power four heads and the interface box all at once. As such, this wireless device is best installed on smaller vehicles that would find frontal radar laser protection enough. But then again, officers commonly shoot the front instead of the rear, so you’re still getting the function you require from this laser jammer.- Compact, so you’re free to use this on smaller cars
- Wireless design makes installation super easy
- Includes DragonEye coverage
- Shifts laser for maximum protection against a laser gun
- Good for small to mid-sized vehicles
- Escort Live access
- Reliable customer service
- Installing it yourself might take a minimum of 1 hour
- Needs a radar detector to work
Escort offers two power cable options for the ZW5 — SmartCord or Direct Wire.
SmartCord easily plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter socket for convenience. Direct Wire, on the other hand, is preferable if you want a more permanent installation. Like the ZR5, this laser jammer also comes with free exclusive access to ESCORT Live. As such, you’re able to see real-time updates on new threat locations from Escort users across the US. Additionally, you may share your own updates as well to help the driving community stay protected against speed tickets. While the Escort ZW5 is reliable, there are a few drawbacks similar to the ZR5. It’s missing the automatic disarm feature, and it would’ve been more convenient if the laser jammer would automatically disarm after 4 seconds or any user-set period of time. Lack of info on the laser gun being used is also another thing we would’ve liked to see in this model, or any other devices at that.How to Choose a Laser Jammer
To prevent a police officer from getting a read of your speed, you need a reliable laser jammer. But how do you choose the best radar jammer from all the products available in the market? Here are some things to consider:Coverage
Coverage is the first thing you should look out for. A good laser jammer should be tested and proven to be effective against new and latest technology used by law enforcement agencies. Some models claim to be reliable but fail to deliver, so it helps to read reviews like this.Performance
Laser jammers have different performance levels and jamming capabilities when you use them on the road. That’s another reason why it’s important to read and research the products you’re buying before you make the purchase. Read a review or two in order to see how the laser jammer’s performance is tested and if it works against new police devices. For instance, check out feedback or comments before buying a K40 electronics jammer, but the same goes for all brands. Knowing feedback from customers who’ve actually installed and used the laser jammers will be extremely helpful in finding the best model.Number of heads
Some laser jammers protect only the front, but it’s ideal if you choose something that can cover the back too. Front laser jammers must be able to protect the headlights, license plate, and other reflective surfaces. While in the back, the jammers should protect the taillights and the plate.Sensitivity
For a worry-free drive, pick a laser jammer that’s been tested to have reliable sensitivity. The laser jammer will immediately alert you of any threat, giving you ample time to reduce speed and thus avoid a ticket.Size
Laser jammers are illegal in some areas. If you don’t want to get into trouble with the law, buy a laser jammer with compact transponders so you can go stealth mode. Sensitivity also plays a role in this, because if the transponders are reliable, you’d have no trouble installing the laser jammers deeper in the grill area.Our Top Pick – Escort ZR5
In our books, the best laser jammer in the market is the Escort ZR5 Laser Jammer. Armed with reliable performance and great features, this product ticks all the right boxes. It provides a wide coverage, ESCORT Live Access, and a tried-and-tested performance that stands out from competitors.FAQ
Are laser jammers legal?
Currently, there are no federal laws prohibiting the use of laser jammers in cars, but federal laws prohibit radar jammers. The US regulates the transmission of radio waves, so that means radar jammers can’t be installed if you want to avoid police trouble. However, there are several states that have laws against the use of laser jammers, including California, Illinois, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Utah, and the District of Columbia. But don’t worry, you can still use laser jammers. Just choose one that can switch to parking-assist mode if you need stealth.How much does a laser jammer cost?
Laser jammers range between $500 – $2000. Still, you may find a reliable model even at $600. Make sure its performance is tested and approved by users, and read our tips to help you select a laser jammer. Check out a new laser jammer in the form of TMG Alpha 15, next.William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.
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