You may or may not have heard of OOONO, but it’s a relatively niche firm specialising in radar detection equipment. The most notable products are the circular-shaped warning devices from the Co-Driver series; these warn you of speed cameras and other potential hazards. They do so by displaying a series of LED lights and making a sound, informing you of upcoming hazards, speed cameras, and speed zones.
Of course, you might be wondering whether radar equipment like this is legal in the UK. The answer is yes; there were discussions about banning them, but for the time being, you can buy and use them. This doesn’t, however, extend to laser jammers. These are illegal, and you could be faced with a fine or even imprisonment if you’re caught using such a device on the grounds that you perverted the course of justice.
Albeit only available in Denmark at the time of writing, OOONO also offer a pocket-size personal safety device. Say, if you’re walking along at night and you don’t feel safe, you press it, and a signal to potential helpers is sent, who will then come and find you. It’s called the Sirene and was introduced at the tail end of last year. So, clearly, this is a brand that’s also looking to innovate in the world of consumer tech away from cars.
The best OOONO devices at a glance:
The best OOONO device: OOONO Co-Driver NO.2 – buy from Amazon
Editor’s pick: OOONO Co-Driver NO.1 – buy from Amazon
The best budget alternative: Saphe One+ – buy from Amazon
What can an OONO device do?
The idea is OOONO devices remind drivers of changing road conditions and warning them of potential hazards. They don’t display information via a heads-up display, but they share real-time information on speed limit enforcement and road hazards either by themselves or when paired to a phone, and this enables drivers to become more aware of changing road conditions and subsequently adjust their driving behaviour. It all sounds very advanced, but in reality, it’s just a little light dance and sound from the device, warning you of things ahead.
The best OOONO devices 2024
The best OOONO device
And if the device has picked up, say, an accident that has since been cleared up when you go past, you can let other OOONO users know and their devices will pick up the information accordingly. There are also changes to the LED lights and sounds compared to the NO.1, but a big update is compatibility with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, making alerts even clearer, should you want them displayed through a screen.
Pros
- Compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
- Improved LED and sound indicators over the NO.1
- No subscription or app fees to worry about
Cons
- No magnetic holder is included
Editor's pick
It does this simply by displaying LED lights around the outer ring as well as making a sound so you can keep your eyes on the road. There isn't even a subscription either, which makes things massively convenient for many users. The bonuses that make the NO.2 a tempting choice aren't included here, such as the USB-C charging port as well as the ability to connect with Apple Carplay or Android Auto.
Pros
- No subscription required
- Easy to use with just one button
- Better value than the NO.2 due to it being the predecessor
Cons
- Not quite as advanced as the NO.2
- No USB-C charging port
The best OOONO phone holder
It can also hold the Co-Driver devices securely in place, making for a much simpler and more convenient installation that can be taken off at any time.
Pros
- Holds Co-Driver devices securely in place, making for simple installation
- Holds phones securely in place, thanks to two magnetic plates
- Very affordable at under £10
Cons
- Isn't as advanced as Quadlock phone holders and similar
The best OOONO radar alternative
It can display the speed you're doing, how far away a speed camera and/or zone is, as well as the ability to tell you what's coming up in more detail. If you pair it to your phone, you can be told what exactly is coming up, such as 'Mobile Speed Camera in 1.5 miles' as well as display the speed limit for that road and the speed you're going at. Sadly though, a charging cable is not included in your purchase and has to be bought separately, which is a bit of a let-down.
Pros
- More detailed commentary of upcoming hazards than the OOONO products
- Can easily be paired with your phone for a better display
- Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible
Cons
- Subscription required after 12-month free trail
- Not as compact as OOONO products
Best budget OOONO alternative
Like the Drive Pro, it can be paired with your phone to give you the same live information and display. But unlike the Drive Pro, a subscription isn't part of the package with the One+. You simply set the thing up and enjoy, albeit without the ability to pair up with Apple Car Play or Android Auto.
Pros
- No subscription unlike the Saphe Drive Pro
- Compact device makes it subtle and easy to place
- Feeds you all the information you could need
Cons
- Not as advanced as the other Saphe products
- Not compatible with Apple Carplay or Android Auto
OOONO: FAQs about radar detectors
Where are and where is it illegal to use radar detectors?
Rather bizarrely, radar detectors are legal to purchase in a number of countries but illegal to use. So, for the focus of these lists, radar detectors are fully legal to use in the following European countries: the UK, Slovenia, Hungary, Iceland, Denmark, Cyprus, and the Czech Republic.
They are illegal to use in the following: Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden.
The penalties can be harsh if you’re caught using such a thing and/or related devices in some European countries. In France for instance, you can face a fine of up to 1,500 Euros as well as confiscation of the device. Penalties in Spain and Italy are also pretty severe. In the UK though, you can legally buy and use such products, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on future legislation.
Why should I buy a radar detector?
Where it’s legally permitted of course, they do have a place on car journeys – especially longer ones where you’ll encounter unfamiliar roads. There might be times when you fail to spot a speed camera or another hazard coming up, and the OOONO will help you out. Of course, nothing can ever replace the hazard perception and focus of a human being, but at times when things become a bit confusing, these devices are quite neat to have. And for long journeys and breaks away in general, a good power bank is a great thing to have.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
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