Cobra
Cobra RAD 490i
1.4Dashlore Score
Ranked #23 of 26 radar detectors we track. Launch MSRP $169.95.
A budget radar and laser detector with a white OLED, USB-C power and Bluetooth to the Drive Smarter app. It suits drivers who want app-based camera alerts at a low price and don't need built-in GPS.
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Strengths
- Bluetooth to the Drive Smarter app with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- USB-C power and data, plus an Extreme Mode setting
- 3rd-generation IVT filter; front and rear laser sensors
Watch out for
- No built-in GPS; camera alerts need the phone app connected
- No AutoLearn lockouts and no MultaRadar detection listed
- Adhesive mount rather than a quick-release magnetic mount
Score breakdown
How the Cobra RAD 490i scores: 1.4/10Methodology
- Front + rear antennas14% weight1
- Directional arrows14% weightNo
- MultaRadar (MRCD) detection14% weightNo
- GPS14% weightNo
- Auto false-alert lockouts14% weightNo
- Ka segmentation7% weightNo
- Camera database7% weightYes
- RDD stealth7% weightNo
- Phone app / connectivity7% weightCobra Drive Smarter
Full specifications
| Brand | Cobra |
|---|---|
| Model | RAD 490i |
| Released | 2026 |
| X band | Yes |
| K band | Yes |
| Ka band | Yes |
| Laser | Yes |
| Cordless | No |
| Remote mount | No |
| MultaRadar CD/CT detection | No |
| Directional arrows | No |
| Antennas | 1 |
| GPS | No |
| Auto lockouts | No |
| Camera database | Yes |
| App | Cobra Drive Smarter |
| Ka segmentation | No |
| Stealth vs. radar-detector detectors | No |
| Display | White OLED |
| Voice alerts | Yes |
| Launch MSRP | $169.95 |
Specs last checked 2026-10-21.
How it compares
| Spec | Cobra RAD 490i | Cobra RAD 480i | Cobra RAD 390 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 1.4 | 1.4 | 0.0 |
| Front + rear antennas | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Directional arrows | No | No | No |
| MultaRadar (MRCD) detection | No | No | No |
| GPS | No | No | No |
| Auto false-alert lockouts | No | No | No |
| Ka segmentation | No | No | No |
| Camera database | Yes | Yes | No |
| RDD stealth | No | No | No |
| Phone app / connectivity | Cobra Drive Smarter | Cobra Drive Smarter | none |
| Launch MSRP | $169.95 | $149.95 | $119.95 |