Oono Co-Driver number 2 in the test: price-performance winner of radar detectors with CarPlay

The most popular speed camera detector in our tests is the Oono No1 – although we actually liked the Safe Drive Mini better. The Danish manufacturer is increasing competition with No2. It remains true to the inconspicuous, compact design and addresses the criticisms of its predecessor.

The Co-Driver No. 2 is small, compact and, with a price of less than 70 euros, is at the upper end of the test area outside discount campaigns. It costs almost twice as much as the No1 – for some users this surcharge is worth it, while others will probably continue to choose the cheaper predecessor, which remains on the market.

Ooono No2 is round, one centimeter thick and has the diameter of a Cola can. It has no display, no obvious display elements and no clearly visible buttons – a clean, minimalist design that pleases. Intriguing: The entire middle section of the No2 is the most important button, with an almost invisible LED ring running around it that lights up and flashes different colors.

The main attraction of the new Oono is its magnetic holder, which the manufacturer has copied from its electronic parking discs. Two mini metal clips with adhesive pads hold the bottom magnetically. If you want to install Oono discreetly, simply remove the protective film from the adhesive pad and press the speed camera warning device onto the bottom of the steering column, under the armrest or on the side wall of the footwell. Adhesive pads attach the metal clip to the car, magnets attach the Ono to the clip. If you want to take the Oono out to charge the battery or move it to another car, just pull it out. The clips remain in the vehicle – this is exactly how it works with the Oono parking discs and it has proven itself there.

Various options available mounting accessoriesAlso from third-party manufacturers, including other magnetic holders and clips for vents or sun visors.

One of the criticisms of the Oono No1 is its power supply: the device requires a non-rechargeable button cell. The No2 comes with an integrated battery and a USB-C port for recharging. It is more environmentally friendly and has another advantage: if the power goes down, you can recharge it even while driving.

The audio output is also new. While No1 “only” beeps, No2 emits different siren sounds making it easier for us to differentiate between speed cameras and danger spots. If you wish, you can also get an acoustic warning when exceeding the maximum permitted speed. The corresponding settings can be found in the app.

The device turns on three seconds after pressing the small button on the side. A quick press of a button reports the speed camera, a double tap reports the end of a danger spot such as black ice or a traffic jam. What is new is the on switch, which, when pressed briefly, deletes incorrect or expired messages – for example when a traffic jam has been cleared or the mobile measuring point has been destroyed. Once the device is on, you don’t need to worry about it any more. As soon as you get in the car and drive away, it re-activates and gives an acoustic signal that it is ready for use.

Stick it and forget it: Like No. 1, simplicity is the main attraction of No. 2. In Germany, drivers are not allowed to be warned about speed cameras, but they are allowed to be warned about danger spots. There are related setting options in the app. Anyone who doesn’t look at the StVO very closely will certainly be happy with the hidden mounting option. When installed hidden, the colorful flashing is not visible. But it doesn’t matter, because the No2 now plays very different sounds.

The integration of speed cameras into Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is really practical. Until now, only Safe Drive Pro could do this. The price of the device remains the same; Both the Oono No. 2 and Safe Drive Pro come with an annual subscription for in-car app integration. But then it gets exciting: with Sapay the extension costs 30 euros per year, with Oono it costs only 12 euros – very reasonable, in our opinion. If you do not renew your subscription, Safe’s Drive Pro will stop working completely. The Oono No2 continues to warn – but no longer via Carplay or Android Auto.

If you get close to a danger spot, the car display switches to the Oono app and shows the position on the map. It’s very practical, but you have to allow app notifications for it to work.

Ooono No2 is at the forefront of testing. It’s easy to use, well-equipped, smart to set up – and comes with the cheapest speed camera integration into Car Play that we know of.