13 best parking sensors

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Parktronic or parking sensor – a set of sensitive sensors with electronic communication, designed to assist the driver in maneuvering in a confined space. The tasks of parking sensors include warning about the danger of collisions with objects by giving a sound signal and the distance to the expected interference. Not so long ago, this device required optional installation after purchase: technological holes were cut in the bumper and communication channels (wires and cables) were laid from the sensors to the receiver. However, now car manufacturers are integrating parking devices directly from the conveyor: this approach allows you to avoid outside interference with the integrity of body parts, as well as minimize the risk of incorrect connection.

Due to the oversaturation of the market with constantly updated models of parking sensors, car owners often face the problem of choice, since it becomes more and more difficult to find compromises between quality, price and functionality. The editors of the magazine drew attention to this nuance, and conducted an independent study of the segment. As a result of long-term research, a rating of the 14 best parking sensors was formed, the choice of which was made taking into account the conclusions of staff experts and analysis of consumer reviews.

How to choose parking sensors

When choosing a parking sensor, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to seven key signs:

Method of notification. The standard classification option, according to which all parking sensors are divided into three types:

1. sound – the principle of their operation is based on the supply of an intermittent sound signal when approaching an obstacle. At the same time, the closer the sensors are to the conditional interference, the higher the repetition rate of sound impulses, and when the distance is reduced above the safe limit, the sound becomes completely continuous. The disadvantage of such a system is obvious: if there is a lot of acoustic noise in the car (music or loud conversations), the driver may not react to the signal being given;
2. optical – the role of warning elements in this case is assigned to LEDs, which (usually) are activated at the moment the car starts to move in reverse. As the sensors move closer to interfering objects, the indicators begin to change color: in the standard version, green indicates the absence of any danger, yellow indicates the beginning of the approach to an obstacle, and red indicates a critical reduction in distance and the danger of a collision. To increase reliability, optical parking sensors are often equipped with a parallel sound system.
3. digital – parking sensors, which are characterized by the highest information content. Their receivers are equipped with an LCD display, which shows which side the obstacle is, as well as at what distance. Very often, information from the rear view camera is also displayed on the display, if the parking radar supports this type of integration. Like optical parking sensors, such devices usually include sound alerts to improve the reliability of the system as a whole.

Installation method. Parking sensors can be installed in three design variations:

1. rear parking sensors are an installation method that integrates sensors into the rear bumper of the vehicle. The system as a whole is activated when reversing;
2. front parking sensors – installation is carried out in the front bumper, and the sensors are activated when you press the brake pedal;
3. combined parking sensors – a system that combines the principles of the first two. Reacts both to pressing the brake pedal and when the vehicle starts moving in reverse. Usually the sensors are installed in a '2 + 4' arrangement (two in the front and four in the rear), however the most advanced systems with blind spot monitoring are the parking sensors with a '4 + 4' scheme.

Execution type. A very interesting aspect of the classification of parking sensors, which divides them into two large categories:

1. tape – the approach control field is formed here by means of a special electromagnetic tape, which is glued to the base of the bumper. A very informative, but extremely impractical system: if a tape fails, its complete replacement is required.
2. standard – control in this case is carried out using discrete sensors mounted in special mounting holes on the bumper. They are more practical to use, since if one element fails, the system can continue to work as usual.

Data transfer method. Like most electronic systems, parking sensors are

1. wired – the sensors and the receiver, through the electronic unit, are interconnected by means of wires. Quite reliable performance, but extremely inconvenient in terms of installation.
2. wireless – the electronic unit and the warning system are interconnected by radio frequency modules. Data transmission occurs at certain wave frequencies, and in terms of installation, such parking sensors have very significant advantages. However, their disadvantage is expressed in the susceptibility to extraneous influence on the signal and the possible discontinuity of the action.

Number of sensors. According to this parameter, from 2 to 8 sensors can be installed on board the car – it all depends on the specific model of parking sensors and the buyer's preferences. Of course, the more tracking elements the device includes, the higher the driver's chances of avoiding unpleasant hassles during parking.

Diameter of sensors. A parameter that plays a particularly important role when replacing one or several failed sensors. As a rule, a special cutter is always supplied with the parking sensors, with which you can drill the landing holes in the car bumper. The size of these holes varies from 18 to 22 millimeters.

Detection distance. Another important aspect of the choice, focused on the degree of driver caution. The minimum obstacle detection range in modern devices can vary from 10 to 30 centimeters, and the maximum – from 1.5 to 2.5 meters. If you do not have a rich driving experience, we strongly recommend choosing parking sensors with the widest detection interval.

In addition to the mandatory list of parameters, it is worth paying attention to the additional functions of parking radars, such as:

1. self-diagnostic capabilities – the device automatically checks the sensors, and in the event of one or more failures, it signals the driver about it;
2. volume controls – control buttons for adjusting a comfortable level of sound notification;
3. voice scoring – the standard impulse signal here is replaced by a female or male voice;
4. function 'towbar' – a special setting of sensors, which allows you to adjust the distance to an obstacle, taking into account the protruding parts of the car. Also eliminates false positives;
5. connecting a rear view camera is one of the most recent integrations that allows you to track the situation behind the car.

Rating of the best parking sensors

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best parking sensors with LED display	1	AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE	7 320 RUB
	2	PARKCITY Ultra Slim	RUB 4,990
	3	SteelMate PTS410M8	RUB 5,300
	4	ParkMaster 34-4-A	RUB 4,850
	5	AVS PS-128U	RUB 2 889
The best parking sensors built into the rearview mirror	1	SPARK 8M	RUB 8,120
	2	Parkmaster 22-4-A	RUB 3,790
The best parking sensors with a rear view camera	1	AVS PS-842U	RUB 4,990
	2	ParkMaster 4-ZJ-50 cam	RUB 7 750
	3	Sho-Me Y-2835L	3 400 rub.
The best parking sensors with display	1	AAALINE LCD – 18	RUB 11,973
	2	ParkMaster 238	RUB 9 490
	3	PARKCITY Paris	RUB 4,550

The best parking sensors with LED display

AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE

Rating: 4.9

The honorary leader of the rating is AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE parking sensors – a kind of AVS PS-128U iteration that uses internal sensors to minimize the risk of their failure. The digital indicator got a lot in common with the above model, but added in clarity thanks to small 'cosmetic' changes. The number of sensors has not exceeded 4, and they are located on the rear bumper.

The scanning distance of AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE has slightly decreased due to the peculiarities of the location of the sensors (0.3 – 2.0 meters), but the measurement accuracy has increased to 1 centimeter, which is a good result and is suitable for beginners from driving. Together with LED and digital indication, a voice warning system is implemented, as well as flexible adjustment of sensor sensors to adjust the distance relative to protruding body elements. In view of the desire of the developers to reduce the cost of the final product, perhaps the biggest miscalculation was made: namely, the wireless communication system of the receiver and sensors was not implemented. However, this annoying nuance is leveled by a high degree of reliability of the device – we are talking about 5-7 years of stable operation.

Advantages

• internal sensor positioning system;
• acceptable level of cost;
• pleasant appearance;
• the ability to fine-tune sensors;
• high reliability of the device as a whole.

disadvantages

• lack of wireless connection of working elements.

PARKCITY Ultra Slim

Rating: 4.8

PARKCITY Ultra Slim uses a 'lightweight' visual concept that is very pleasing to the user, which partly explains its high popularity. The familiar display scale has acquired a rounded shape, and only the central segment with a digital display remains unchanged. The scanning distance in the model is 0.3 – 2.5 meters – quite standard and found more than once in the course of our rating.

Only the space behind the car is subject to tracking using a parking radar, and control is carried out by a standard number of sensors – four. The diameter of each of them is 14 millimeters, but the size of the bore is 18 millimeters. As with the previous two nominees, the bar can be screwed to the ceiling as the digital display supports 180 degree rotation. The cost is low, which is the main advantage in the case of PARKCITY Ultra Slim. In general, the model is interesting, functional and moderately durable, for which most users love it.

Advantages

• possibility of placement on the ceiling;
• attractive design;
• good scanning range;
• favorable combination of price and quality.

disadvantages

• lack of sound notification.

SteelMate PTS410M8

Rating: 4.7

The third line of the rating goes to … in fact, a complete analogue of ParkMaster 34-4-A. The only difference is that the model from SteelMate costs about 1,000 less. The arsenal of the PTS410M8 also includes the ability to rotate the display of indicators to fix the strip on the ceiling, and the same spacers to compensate for the angle of the bumper, and even the lack of voice guidance for digital announcements.

The scanning distance of the 4 sensors on the rear bumper here is 0.3 – 2.5 meters with an error of 10 centimeters unchanged. The stability of work is high, as well as the quality of workmanship. But self-diagnosis is not declared – perhaps SteelMate failed to copy competitors completely. In general, there is nothing more to tell here: we have already seen everything else, and this descriptive spectacle cannot cause boredom.

Advantages

• low purchase price;
• the possibility of hanging the plank on the ceiling (with the turn of the indicators);
• wide scanning range;
• a kit is available for the correct installation of the sensors in the sockets.

disadvantages

• lack of sensors on the front bumper.

ParkMaster 34-4-A

Rating: 4.6

The essence is the same as AVS PS-128U, ParkMaster 34-4-A is more expensive and has a slightly later release date, and therefore has not yet lost its relevance among consumers. But objective “weaknesses” make themselves felt: firstly, unlike the named competitor, the device can only scan the area behind the car (using 4 sensors), and secondly, the measurement distance is several points less.

However, ParkMaster 34-4-A also has its unique advantages. This is the ability to rotate the indication for the possibility of attaching the strip to the ceiling, and a flexible system of setting the sensors for triggering, and even self-diagnostics. The sensor kit also has bumper angle compensators that can be fitted and secured in the 18.8mm bore holes. All this and much more forms the final cost of the product at 4.5 thousand rubles (minimum price), which is quite comfortable for most consumers.

Advantages

• acceptable level of cost;
• the ability to mount the strip on the roof;
• duplicate digital / indicator board;
• kit for more flexible installation of sensors (angle compensators, spacers, etc.).

disadvantages

• the inability to control the front bumper (compared to competitors).

AVS PS-128U

Rating: 4.5

As is often the case, over time, market leaders leave their once occupied positions, giving way to more modern and functional devices due to the notorious obsolescence. Exactly this situation befell the AVS PS-128U parking sensor, which offers users to monitor the situation in front and behind the car. The scanning distance was also at the highest level: from 0.3 to 2.5 meters, regardless of the measurement accuracy.

In parallel with the LED indication, the AVS PS-128U offered only a voice notification, which was more than enough for parking in a hectic and hectic environment. Despite the fact that the device is still showing excellent results, the hype around it began to fade rapidly. Especially after the release in every sense of the enchanting AAALINE LED-14 INSIDE – but we still have time to get to it. Be that as it may, but the former remnant of glory plays its role, and nothing can cancel the relevance of the PS-128U even now.

Advantages

• wide scanning range;
• very low price;
• visual display of marks of approach to the obstacle.

disadvantages

• a small number of modern options;
• outdated design and fading popularity.

The best parking sensors built into the rearview mirror

SPARK 8M

Rating: 4.9

Surface-mounted parking indicator of the middle price segment, which is a worthy alternative to the standard rear-view mirror. The 'SPARK' 8M system provides detection of possible obstacles not only behind, but also in front of the car, supporting the installation of sensors according to the '4 + 4' scheme. Unfortunately, without a radio module, so you should pretty much torment yourself with neat laying of wires through the entire interior – it's good that the reliability of the system allows you to do without replacement and repairs for a long time (3-year warranty).

The detection interval of 'sPARK' 8M varies from 0.1 to 2.5 meters with a measurement error of up to 10 centimeters. This is the best option for inexperienced drivers who have a poor feel for the dimensions of the car, but at the same time, and quite 'cunning', since such an error can play a cruel joke. The diameter of each sensor is 21.5 millimeters – a rather unusual size, but there is a cutter for making the mounting holes in the kit. It is also worth mentioning the joint work of sound and optical notification, the presence of a sound and memory control for the remote elements.

Advantages

• optimal cost level;
• long warranty period;
• sensor installation diagram – 4 in front, 4 in rear;
• wide range of obstacle detection;
• the presence of sound and optical warning systems.

disadvantages

• a lot of connecting wires.

Parkmaster 22-4-A

Rating: 4.8

The parking sensor in the form of a dummy rear-view mirror was included in the rating of the best as the most budgetary and affordable option among its kind. According to the established tradition of the Parkmaster company, 22-4-A is produced in various color variations, one way or another suitable for the basic colors of car bodies. It scans the area only behind, and only at a distance of 0.3 to 1.5 meters. But at the same time it has a very accurate calibration of sensors, the measurement error of which does not exceed 1 centimeter.

Of the more specific, but therefore no less pleasant functions of Parkmaster 22-4-A, users highlight the joint action of digital and voice notification systems, as well as the ability to self-diagnose with warning about the 'blade' of one or more sensors. The connection of the device is wired, which makes the installation very problematic, but everything is in order with reliability in the long term – there is no need to constantly bust the wires. As a result, the model cannot boast of outstanding performance parameters, but it does have a couple of top-end functions. The accuracy of the work did not disappoint either, which in conjunction with the price is an unequivocal benefit.

Advantages

• high measurement accuracy (the error is only 1 centimeter);
• low price for a set (varies depending on the color of the sensors);
• there is a self-diagnosis function;
• digital and voice notification;
• high level of reliability.

disadvantages

• small range of work (0.3 – 1.5 meters).

The best parking sensors with a rear view camera

AVS PS-842U

Rating: 4.9

AVS PS-842U has been present on the domestic market for a long time, but it is still not going to lose its high quality brand. Made in the form of a 4.3-inch display on a stand, this parktronic transmits video to the salon from a camera installed either under the glass in the passenger compartment or outside the car. In addition, the upper part of it is occupied by a standard digital indicator that is superimposed on top of the video sequence – a controversial idea, since it is very difficult to separate one from the other at a quick glance. Fortunately, manufacturers have provided a pleasant voice notification for this case.

As for the quantitative indicators of work, the AVS PS-842U is active at a distance of 0.5 to 2.5 meters, giving an error of 10 centimeters. Provides scanning exclusively from behind, assuming that the driver feels the dimensions of the front of the car well. The connection is standard, wired, eliminating the effect of interference, but forcing you to tinker with the laying of cables in the passenger compartment. Frankly speaking, this model seems rather boring, but this 'boring' provides a high degree of reliability, proven by years of successful sales.

Advantages

• high quality and time-tested reliability;
• obstacle detection distance (0.5 – 2.5 meters);
• the presence of a pleasant voice notification;
• the ability to view the broadcast from the rear view camera.

disadvantages

• a digital indicator is superimposed on top of the broadcast video, which causes visual difficulties.

ParkMaster 4-ZJ-50 cam

Rating: 4.8

The second line of the rating goes to the mounted ParkMaster 4-ZJ-50 cam, which surpasses the leader in the component of the obstacle detection distance. Here it ranges from 0.1 to 2.5 meters with an error of no more than 10 centimeters. This parameter left its mark on the total cost of the model, as well as the 'built-in' diagnostic function for the health of the tracking sensors. There are 4 of them in the set, and the diameter of each is 22 millimeters.

All other things being equal, the owners of ParkMaster 4-ZJ-50 also note one annoying nuance, revealed during the operation stage in conditions of heavy traffic. The fact is that digital displays and video sequences are not accompanied by sound alerts, which makes it very difficult to navigate in space if you need to monitor the situation on the road from several sides at once. A small plus in the device's piggy bank is the presence of memory for the sensors – their calibration for the detection distance is saved in the unit settings, which allows you not to resort to it over time. In terms of quality, the parking sensors turned out to be very good, but the performance aspects do not allow raising it to the leader.

Advantages

• fairly high quality workmanship;
• detection distance from 0.1 to 2.5 meters;
• the presence of the possibility of self-diagnosis;
• sensor memory effect.

disadvantages

• lack of sound indication;
• wide range of prices in retail.

Sho-Me Y-2835L

Rating: 4.7

One of the most budget-friendly parking sensors with a rearview camera, earning a place in the ranking due to high demand in the retail market. The built-in display of Sho-Me Y-2835L has a diagonal of 3.5 inches, which is why the presence of a rear-view camera can be called purely nominal. To analyze what is happening behind the car, the driver needs to look pretty closely at the picture, leaving control of the situation on the other side to chance.

For the accuracy of determining obstacles in the path of a car, 4 standard sensors are responsible, which are sensitive enough for a budget model. The warning range in them is from 0.3 to 2.5 meters, with an error within 10 centimeters. In addition to transmitting video sequences, the Sho-Me Y-2835L is equipped with a sound notification system – not the most pleasant one, but giving an understanding of how close the jamming object is when parking. Of course, in this case it is impossible to speak of leadership – even the top models from Sho-Me do not reach such a high status. However, the fact of people's love is obvious: the Y-2835L is purchased almost as often as the AVS PS-842U.

Advantages

• low price;
• correct operation of sensors (high sensitivity);
• notification at a distance of 0.3 to 2.5 meters;
• the presence of a sound supply system.

disadvantages

• the camera is added to the list of features often nominally – due to the small display and the resolution, it is not always possible to view the situation behind the car.

The best parking sensors with display

AAALINE LCD – 18

Rating: 4.9

AAALINE LCD – 18 – a device that combines all the principles of notification and adds much greater clarity to them, deserves an indisputable leadership in the rating of parking sensors with a display. The color display with four color marks, digital distance indicator, and blind spot tracking is recognized by users as the most convenient among their kind. The situation is monitored from the front and rear of the vehicle thanks to a '4 + 4' arrangement of sensors.

The detection range of obstacles in AAALINE LCD – 18 is 2 meters, and the minimum distance to an obstacle is limited to 0.3 meters. This is not bad, even with a 10cm error. In general, of the entire set of advanced technologies, this parking sensor lacks only wireless communication – the number of wires and the need for their neat laying is very annoying. In terms of the combination of price and quality, this model fits into the category of the best in the entire segment, and in terms of reliability it significantly surpasses its closest competitors.

Advantages

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• obstacle detection distance (0.3 – 2.0 meters);
• 8 touch sensors included;
• availability of 'smart' indication, control of blind spots and voice notification.

disadvantages

• abundance of wires.

ParkMaster 238

Rating: 4.8

The second place in the rating goes to the visually magnificent ParkMaster 238 parktronic, made in a strict black and white style with a large selection of colors for masking sensors. It provides the ability to monitor blind spots both in front and behind, activating sensors by pressing the brake pedal or when reversing the car. At the same time, the distance of detection and signaling is very modest 0.3 – 1.5 meters. But the measurement accuracy is beyond praise: the magnitude of the possible error is only 1 centimeter.

Of the additional functions of ParkMaster 238, users emphasize the presence of self-diagnosis, which in the case of eight sensors is a very useful thing. It is also good that the visual part received a soundtrack – all notifications from the device are sounded in a pleasant, not annoying voice. The quality of work raises no objections, as well as the durability of use. The cost, in this case, also matches expectations, but they tend to vary greatly in the retail market.

Advantages

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• high degree of durability;
• extremely accurate distance measurement (the error does not exceed 1 centimeter);
• the presence of the possibility of self-diagnosis.

disadvantages

• abundance of wires.
• rather modest range of obstacle detection.

PARKCITY Paris

Rating: 4.7

An extremely cheap representative of display parking sensors, which until some time occupied exclusively leading positions in all kinds of consumer ratings. PARKCITY Paris offers users to monitor the status of passages behind the car through 4 sensors, each of which sends a signal to the dynamic interface of the receiver. At the same time, the distance of detection and signaling about an obstacle varies from 0.3 to 2.5 meters with an error of 10 centimeters.

The most important advantage of PARKCITY Paris over its competitors is the wireless connection type. Installation is carried out by simple milling of the 18 mm diameter seats on the bumper, as well as the subsequent activation of the signal display unit. At the same time, the digital notification is duplicated here by voice commands with the ability to adjust the volume. All control indicators are displayed on the blue field of the display, which also adds clarity and some kind of species diversity. From the point of view of 'price / quality', this parktronic is the best offer on the market, albeit in a number of aspects and is inferior to more complex competitors.

Advantages

• availability of wireless communication of sensors and receiver;
• wide range of warning about approaching interference;
• intuitive interface;
• high popularity with consumers;
• the best device in terms of price and quality ratio.

disadvantages

• allows you to control the situation only behind the car.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.