Top 10 best parking sensors of 2021

Long gone are the days when parking in the yard was not a problem. Today, any trip turns into a problem precisely for this reason - the lack of free space. This is also evidenced by inexorable statistics - according to some polls, in the modern Russian metropolis, the percentage of cars without external damage is steadily approaching zero, especially in the category of cars over 6 months old. Parking sensors are designed to facilitate parking, which are rapidly gaining popularity both among automakers and among motorists. Today you will find out what to look for when buying a parking system, as well as get acquainted with the rating of the best parking sensors of 2021, grouped according to the most important criteria.

How to choose the right parking sensor

First, let's take a look at how parking systems work.

The typical composition of such a system is as follows:

• rear / front ultrasonic sensors, usually mounted in the bumper;
• an electronic unit that processes information from sensors;
• a warning / display device that warns the driver of a possible collision with an obstacle.

And now - what affects the choice of parking sensors.

Number of sensors

Four sonar will be enough to detect obstacles behind the vehicle. Six sensors - and the system will be able to monitor the space in front. The most reliable detection of obstacles, including small-sized ones, is provided by a parking sensor with eight sensors.

Directional pattern, coverage area

This parameter is often ignored and in vain. The first characteristic indicates how optimal the location of the sonars will be in relation to the roadway (angular coverage), the second - on the sensitivity of the sensors, that is, at what distance they are still able to distinguish obstacles.

Notification method

Most often this is an indicator in the form of a light strip with a scale, in the middle of which a digital value can be displayed. More advanced systems, along with a visual alert, display a picture of a front or rear view with a scale grid on the head unit screen, which makes it possible to better assess the degree of danger.

Acoustic notification is less informative, especially if it is a signal, the parameters of which change depending on the distance to the obstacle. Voice notification is considered more acceptable.

Parktronic rating with linear indicator light

Such systems are most widespread due to their budget.

AAALine SLED-14 Inside

Not a bad solution for cars in which there is a lack of free space in the cabin. A fairly expensive parking sensor for its category is made in the form of a slim-type LED display unit (only 9 mm thick), so we are not talking about digital display of data here. In addition to saving space, it is also aesthetically pleasing - many models look in the cabin as a frankly alien element, not fitting into the overall interior.

Why does the system cost 5.5 thousand rubles? The fact is that internal sensors are used here, which are placed in a special platform that is attached to the bumper by gluing. But the holes for the sensors are needed, and the corresponding tool is not included in the package, it must be purchased separately. Obviously, many car owners will prefer to contact the service, since the installation of such sensors is more complicated than installing mortise sensors.

The model heads the top of the 2021 model of parking sensors for a reason - it is universal, it can be used in the front in the same way as in the back. The controller has a switch with which you can select the location (rear / front) and the threshold (0.6 / 0.9 m). According to the instructions, the connection from the back is carried out through the reversing lamp, if the sensors are installed in the front, they are powered from the ignition. The sensitivity is adjusted by means of a potentiometer.

The delivery set includes fasteners (spring clip), which allows mounting the information block on the ceiling: it will not interfere at all, but the peripheral vision reacts very well to the indication.

Installation is also allowed from behind, but on condition that the unit is fully visible in the rear-view mirror. There is a separate tri-band volume control (off / quiet / loud).

Airline APS-8L-02

One of the best inexpensive parking sensors for 8 sensors with an eight-channel controller. It is inexpensive, allows you to control the situation on both sides of the machine. Fitting diameter of sensors - 19 mm.

The rear set of sensors is powered by a reversing lamp, this is a classic version, the front is powered by brake lights, which allows you to place the controller in the trunk in the area of ​​one of the rear lights by connecting both inputs to different lamps in one place.

But if you do not want the front parking sensors to beep often when you are in a traffic jam, it is better to place the deactivation button in a more convenient place, and this is fiddling with wires, and more.

Another feature of the model is the lack of priority for the reverse signal, and if you back up and press the brake, the system will switch to the front parking sensors without warning.

The warning block is made in the form of a small segment glued to the torpedo. The light signal is duplicated by the sound signal with an increase in frequency as it approaches the obstacle.

SteelMate PTS410M8

The model name translates as "steel buddy". The Chinese brand in Russia is promoted by ABIKS Technology, which has its own line of professional-level parking systems (Parkmaster).

The information block is strongly elongated here, so it is quite difficult not to notice the glowing LEDs, even if your eyes are on the road. There is a possibility of ceiling mounting. The body has interchangeable panels made in two colors: black and gray, you can choose the one that will look better in a particular car.

This decent quality parking sensor also takes third place in our 2021 rating because of the rather low cost - 4.5 thousand rubles is not so much for a solid parking system.

Manufacturers have chosen an interesting way of mounting sensors - by means of damping rubber bands, rather than classic springs. In their opinion, this protects the ultrasonic sensors from damaging vibration. On the other hand, an inexperienced installer will be tempted to direct the sensor into the area of ​​the emitter, which is absolutely impossible to do, therefore, compensation rings were included in the kit, with the help of which the sensors can be easily mounted horizontally if the bumper has an inclined plane. The sensors are equipped with threaded connectors that increase the level of their tightness.

PARKMASTER 4-FJ-40

This inexpensive domestic parking sensor is among the best, not only because of the price (2200 rubles), it is easy to install, and the accuracy of the sensors is quite high.

There are 4 sensors with a landing diameter of 18.8 mm, made in three colors - white, black and silver. The sensors themselves are equipped with short cables, and with the help of threaded coaxial connectors it is convenient to attach extension cables to them. The control unit is small in size, it can be mounted under the casing in any convenient place.

But the display unit cannot be called compact, but maybe this is not bad - the LEDs are more noticeable on a wide display. Mounting method - double-sided tape from 3M, the controller is attached with Velcro. The visor is designed to protect the scoreboard from the bright sun. The volume of the alerts cannot be adjusted. There is no compensation for these rings in the kit, which can complicate the installation of sensors.

Cenmax PS 4.1

This frankly budget model entered the top 10 best parking sensors mainly because of its affordability: to pay 1,350 rubles for a car owner with any income, but the quality of performance is appropriate here. For example, the mute switch is located on top, and it is easy to accidentally hit it, although from the point of view of ease of access, this solution is justified. The sensors are not of the worst quality, there are questions about the sensitivity and strength of the fasteners. You can recommend Cenmax PS 4.1 if you do not make excessive demands on the parking system.

Best Display Parking Systems

And now we offer you a rating of the best parking sensors of 2021 equipped with a graphic display. It is clear that their average cost is higher, but so is the level of information content.

AAALINE LCD-18 inside

It should come as no surprise that the list of the best parking sensors for cars in both categories is presented by the same manufacturer. Essentially, this is one and the same model, only with a different information block.

The internal installation of all eight sensors is an excellent opportunity to monitor both sides of the car without spoiling its appearance at all.

The device is controlled by a button located in an easily accessible area. With its help, you can change the volume level of the buzzer and / or voice messages, customize the segments of the display of the situation in front of the cameras. Compared to common 3-position switches, this is much more convenient.

The sensitivity of each sensor can be adjusted individually using special shims and a potentiometer. The central control unit has a switch that can be used to change the distance in front of the vehicle at which the alarm is triggered.

Excellent functionality is complemented by a pleasant exterior, the only drawback of the system is the complexity of installation.

Parkmaster 27-8-A

Parktronic company "ABIKS Technology" - a modern universal parking system that allows you to work in two directions. For this, it contains 8 sensors, but at the same time the possibility of using internal sensors is left, if you do not want to violate the integrity of the bumpers. This functionality is rare. The compatibility of the model with sensors of other series of parking sensors is also encouraging.

The display is mounted on a torpedo or glass using double-sided tape. In addition to visual alerts, there are audible collision alerts. The control unit is equipped with a selector that can be used to adjust the minimum response distance of the sensors.

Standard mount for sensors with a mounting diameter of 18.8 mm - rubber dampers. Note that the SteelMate (marketed as purely Chinese) and Parkmaster series are equipped with exactly the same sensors in 12 color options, so it's easy to match them to the color of your car.

PARKMASTER 234

This budget model of parktronic with a screen is equipped with 4 sensors with fastening on elastic inserts and a mounting diameter of 18.8 mm. The LCD display provides information about the distance to the obstacle and shows, in a rather rough approximation, the space in front of each sensor.

The screen is quite thin, the leg has a hinge to facilitate proper orientation of the display. The sensors are equipped with spacers for easy installation and are compatible with older generations of sensors.

The function of memorizing built-in protruding elements such as a spare wheel or a towbar will be useful. There is a push-button volume control (graduation by three levels or complete shutdown of the buzzer).

The means for adjusting the sensitivity of the sensors and the sensing distance are located on the controller, here is the function of activating / deactivating memorization. There is also an alternative way that you may not want to use - quickly engage reverse gear 10 times in a row to activate and 12 times to turn off the memory mode.

INCAR PT-208S

In terms of the price / reliability ratio, the PT-208S parking sensors deserve to be included in our rating. It has an eight-channel controller with an appropriate number of sensors that are fastened with springs. The only negative point is the non-standard bore diameter (1.85 cm), so problems may arise if you want to change the sensors.

As for the screen, there is too much information displayed on it - someone will like it, but in general, readability, of course, suffers. Seven numbers - you can get confused, but over time you begin to navigate well. Visual information is duplicated by sound notification. There are no complaints about the accuracy of the sensors for such money, but since the level of their moisture protection is low (IP66), you will have to somehow solve the problem of their protection yourself.

The best parking systems with a rear view camera

If the driver receives information in numbers and at the same time a picture, it is clear that over time he will independently determine the distances to obstacles with the required accuracy.

Incar PT-1044B

If the car is equipped with a rear camera, but it does not have a multimedia display or the ability to display images on it, this is another good reason to purchase a parking sensor, the rear sensors of which can work in conjunction with a camera.

Moreover, this model has a small segment screen, and a full-fledged 4.3-inch display. Enough to see everything in detail without taking up a lot of space on the dashboard.

For those who have difficulties with parking when moving forward, this parking sensor is also suitable - you can also connect a second, front camera to it.

The usual digital information with segmentation is also displayed above the picture.

There are no cameras in the kit, but the manufacturers have solved the compatibility problem, so there shouldn't be any surprises in this regard.

So, an inexperienced reader will inevitably have a question, which parking sensor is better? First, decide how necessary the presence of sensors in the front is. If you are a beginner, consider buying a device with rear camera support (the only negative is that the camera lens is not weatherproof).

Models with an LED unit are inexpensive, but not as informative as systems with a digital display. It is worth considering both the mounting of the sensors and their sensitivity. And only after weighing all the factors, go to the store, real or virtual.