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Cobra RAD 490i

Enhanced next-generation performance, connected smart alerts

Choose optional accessories:

Add Premium Suction Mount

Add Easy Hardwire Kit – OBDII to USB Power Adapter with Bypass

Add Hardwire Kit – Fuse Box to USB Power Adapter

$169.95
$169.95

As part of the ongoing Cobra legacy, the Cobra RAD 490i elevates your road awareness with improved range and coverage. Backed by decades of excellence in radar detection, Cobra is empowered by customer feedback, integrating enhanced Digital Signal Processing technology that filters out false alerts while maintaining peak sensitivity to legitimate threats. 

As part of the ongoing Cobra legacy, the Cobra RAD 490i elevates your road awareness with improved range and coverage. Backed by decades of excellence in radar detection, Cobra is empowered by customer feedback, integrating enhanced Digital Signal Processing technology that filters out false alerts while maintaining peak sensitivity to legitimate threats. 

Cobra RAD 490i
$169.95
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Enhanced next-generation performance, connected smart alerts

Advanced, premium detection capability combined with collective driver intelligence, with up to 15% better range and coverage than the previous generation.

Red outline circle with Cobra RAD 490i radar detector mounted on a car windshield inside

1Expanded range and coverage

Up to a 15% improvement in range and a 22% quieter ride than the previous generation

2Extreme mode capability

Unlocks quicker response times with higher sensitivity

3LaserEye® functionality

Detects laser signals from both the front and rear of your vehicle

4USB-C connectivity

Power and data capable, comes with cable and 12V car adapter

5OLED display

Bright white high visibility OLED display

6Bluetooth®

Bluetooth connectivity and Drive Smarter® for connected network access

Additional features

Red circle with a white icon of a book

Adhesive mount

Completely redesigned adhesive mounting system with adjustable angle for more secure mounting

Red circle with a white sound wave icon and a white 'X'

Next-gen filtering

Enhanced filtering for less false alerts from Blind Spot Monitoring and Collision Avoidance Systems

Red circle with a white refresh icon inside

Firmware updates

Ongoing firmware updates provide software support for improved longevity, keeping your detector up to date

What's in the box?

Included with every new Cobra RAD 490i:

  • 1x RAD 490i radar/laser detector
  • 1x Mount adhesive
  • 1x Mounting bracket
  • 1x 12v to USB-C vehicle power adapter
  • 1x USB-C to USB-C power cable
Items included in Cobra RAD 490i radar detector box from left to right: RAD 490i, mount adhesive, mounting bracket, USB-C power cable and 12v to USB-C power adapter

See the data behind the RAD 490i's performance

See the data behind the RAD 490i's performance

Download the Whitepaper
Cobra RAD 490i radar detector mounted on a car windshield with a blurred outdoor background
Cobra RAD490i radar detector mounted on a windshield with blurred outside scenery in the background
Cobra RAD 490i radar detector mounted near the top of a vehicle windshield, shown inside the car cabin
Cobra RAD 490i radar detector mounted on a windshield showing its front display with a blurred green outdoor background
Cobra RAD490i radar detector device resting on a glossy car hood with green foliage blurred in the background

Drive Smarter® App

Upgrade your drive with a Cobra radar detector or dash cam and the Drive Smarter® app. Now compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, enjoy shared alerts, red light and speed camera locations, and real-time road conditions on your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto-enabled display.
Get it On Google Play Download on the App Store

Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™

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Conveniently view and verify shared alerts on your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto-compatible display.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support

Shared network alerts

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Get advance warning of laser and radar alerts from other connected detectors
Shared Network Alerts UI

Device settings management

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Easily adjust your features, alerts, and settings on any supported device
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support
Shared Network Alerts UI

Accessories & upgrades

With 7 parts & accessories available for Cobra RAD 490i, customize your setup and be ready for any journey.

Shop Accessories

Manuals, product assistance, and more

Find the information and product support you need all in one convenient location.

Access Support

User Manuals

RAD 490i Manual - English

RAD 490i Testing Whitepaper

Sell Sheet

Item # 0180020-1

Product Specs 

Unit Dimensions: 4.25” L x 2.75” W x 1.25” H (107.95mm x 69.85mm x 31.75mm) 

Unit Weight (lbs.): 4.8 oz. (136.1 g.) 

Individual Box Dimensions : 2.19” L x 5.10” W x 7.60” H (54.10mm x 129.54mm x 195.58mm) 

Individual Box Weight: 12.8 oz. (362.9 g.) 

Bluetooth: 

Bluetooth connectivity may vary depending on your device. Compatibility with all systems is not assured. 

Power: 

USB-C power input draws 500ma max. RAD 490i is compatible with all standard passenger vehicles and installs easily via your vehicle’s 12V power outlet or USB Type C connection.

Master Case Specs (bulk sales) 

Master Pack Qty.: 4 

Master Pack Dimensions: 5.98” L x 9.72” W x 9.76” H (151.89mm x 246.89mm x 247.90mm) 

Master Pack Weight: 4 lbs. (1,814.37 g.) 

UPC #: 028377 10856 3 

Master Pack Barcode: 10028377108560  

RAD 490i FAQs  

What makes the Cobra RAD 490i different from the RAD 480i? The RAD 490i delivers up to 15% more detection range and a 22% quieter ride than the RAD 480i, with improved filtering and faster response times for more accurate alerts. It also features a redesigned windshield mount for simple, secure installation, along with USB-C connectivity and Extreme Mode capability. 

Does the RAD 490i connect to an app? Yes, the RAD 490i features Bluetooth® connectivity and pairs with the Drive Smarter® app for real-time alerts, red light and speed camera notifications, and shared threat reporting from other drivers. 

Can the RAD 490i be updated? Yes, the RAD 490i supports free firmware updates, allowing you to receive ongoing performance improvements and feature enhancements over time. 

What types of radar and laser signals does it detect? The RAD 490i detects X, K, and Ka radar bands, as well as laser signals from both the front and rear using LaserEye® technology. 

Does it reduce false alerts? Yes, the RAD 490i uses next-generation filtering to help identify real threats while minimizing alerts from automatic doors, traffic sensors, and other non-police sources. 

Is the RAD 490i legal to use? Radar detector laws vary by state. The RAD 490i is legal for passenger vehicles in most U.S. states, but it is not permitted in Virginia, Washington D.C., or for commercial vehicles nationwide. 

Will this work with my car? Yes, the RAD 490i is compatible with all standard passenger vehicles and installs easily via your vehicle’s 12V power outlet or USB Type C connection. 

How do I mount the RAD 490i in my vehicle? The RAD 490i includes a redesigned adhesive windshield mount for a secure, low-profile installation. It’s easy to set up and stays firmly in place. 

Can I customize alerts and sensitivity? Yes, the RAD 490i allows you to adjust sensitivity modes and filtering settings to match your driving environment and preferences. 

What is Extreme Mode? Extreme Mode increases sensitivity for faster response times and improved detection range—ideal for highway driving where early alerts matter most. 

Does it require a subscription? No subscription is required to use the radar detection features. The Drive Smarter® app is free to download and use. 

What comes in the box? The RAD 490i includes the radar detector unit, adhesive windshield mount, power cord, and quick start guide. 

What kind of warranty does it have? The RAD 490i includes a limited 1-year manufacturer warranty.  

See more radar detector FAQs

Compare Models

Model
Overview
RAD 700i

RAD 700i

Flagship performance

Cobra's top detector delivers maximum performance, AutoLearn intelligence, and convenient EZ Mag Mount
RAD 490i
THIS PRODUCT

RAD 490i

Long range detection

Newly enhanced with next-genration technology for up to 15% better performance over the previous generation.
RAD 390

RAD 390

Essential protection

Performance, reliability, and value you can count on. the perfect balance of affordability and capability.
LaserEye® Protection

Yes, Front and rear laser threat detection

Yes, Front and rear laser threat detection

Yes, Front and rear laser threat detection
Extreme Mode Capability

Yes

Yes

Yes
Display

Full-color OLED Display

White OLED Display

7-Segment LED
Power Connectivity

Barrel Connector

USB-C

USB-C
Mount Style

EZ Mag Mount™

Redesigned adhesive mount with installation film

Redesigned adhesive mount with installation film
Digital Signal Processing

Yes

Yes

No
Drive Smarter® App

Yes

Yes

No
Defender® Database

Yes

Yes *With Drive Smarter® App connected

No
Shared Detector Alerts

Yes

Yes *With Drive Smarter® App connected

No
GPS-Based AutoLearn® Intelligence

Yes

No

No
Firmware Updatable

Yes

Yes

Yes
Dual-Language

Yes, English / Spanish

Yes, English / Spanish

Yes, English / Spanish
Learn More
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Overall rating: 4.2608695 / 5 from 23 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [display, performance, connection, feel, upgrade, features, works, alerts, detector, radar detector, unit, set, sensitivity, drive, noise].

Review highlights

Reviews

Unit will not stay connected to bluetooth in car. Newer cars it works fine.

"I have had a Cobra before. I have a PontiacG8 GT that is 18 years old. The new radar detectors do not seem to want to work properly in my car. The Cobra keeps trying to connect, but it will not stay connected. I take the unit out of the car and it works fine. I wish I could just have a standard radar detector that is not trying to find a bluetooth signal. I even had the 12v plug replaced in the car. I have a new $1,000 escort detector also that would not work properly in the Pontiac. It works just fine in my 2025 GMC Acadia. I had an Escort 9500ix in Pontiac for 17 years and it worked fine. It finally just quit working and I have not been able to find just a plain old detector that is not trying to find a bluetooth signal. Any way to turn off the bluetooth and just have the detector come on like in the old days?"

— Amy S. (3/5)

Entry level level detector that packs a punch

"I have owned a few different cobra radar detectors over the years and this has been a really nice upgrade! I think it definitely works better paired with the driver smarter app. I will definitely buy cobra detectors from now on. Cobra I am always willing to test out new products for you!"

— MATTHEW D. (5/5)

Okay

"It reads a speed trap when I’m already just 200ft away"

— Cesar H. (2/5)

Love it

"More intelligent than my Escort"

— MICHAEL M. (5/5)

only tried it out twice so far works good

"works well"

— Gary P. (5/5)

Should I bought another 700i

"Wanted to try the new 490i model radar…. Wish I would have just bought another 700i. They changed the power cord so I will have to find the new style cable kit to tie into the power on my rearview mirror. Seems like it alerts more but goes silent after the 3rd beep but screen still shows radar detected in area."

— Jeremy C. (3/5)

Shouldn't have bought it

"Too many falses, too many restarts. Sorry I bought it."

— Richard P. (2/5)

RAD 490i

"Fantastic option, especially for the money. Works great, and love all the automated settings and the connection to the app."

— Timothy B. (5/5)

Easy simple efficient

"The unit was super easy to set up and had a great conversation with customer support to help answer a few questions i had 10/10 for someone getting into this type of electronics"

— Adrian (5/5)

Overall good, still too many

"Overall good, still too many K false alarms."

— Richard L. (4/5)

Q&A