8 best antennas for a car

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.

An automotive antenna is a device that can pick up waves despite the movement of the vehicle. Further, depending on the connected equipment, these vibrations are converted into a radio or TV signal. There is a special type of GSM antennas for communication with cellular repeaters to enhance their signal, regardless of the location of the car. Our experts, having analyzed the characteristics and reviews, have selected the best products, dividing them into categories. This will simplify your choice and help you quickly find what you want for your car.

Rating of the best antennas for a car

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Car Antennas for Radio Communication	1	Sirio ML-145 Mag	2 355 RUB
	2	ALAN ML-145	RUB 1,980
	3	Optim big	RUB 1,499
The best car antennas for listening to music on the radio	1	BOSCH Autofun pro	766 RUB
	2	Triad T-55 Turbo	604 RUB
	3	Triad BA 69 ELECTRONIC	RUB 1,035
Best car antennas for TV	1	AVEL AVS001DVBA 017A12	RUB 1,900
Best Car GSM Antennas	1	Triad MA-997 SOTA 3G GSM	1 280 RUB

Best Car Antennas for Radio Communication

Antennas for the car category 'C D' are intended for the civilian range and do not require certification, as well as a license from users. They are used by truckers among themselves, so as not to get bored or learn operational information about the condition of the road. It is also an effective way of quick communication between the courier vehicle and the warehouse, especially if the delivery of goods is carried out in rural areas, where the coverage of the cellular network is poor.

Sirio ML-145 Mag

Rating: 4.9

The antenna is available in three blade lengths – 1250, 1350 and 1450 mm. The device is mounted on the cover and catches waves in the range of 27 … 28.5 MHz. Short and medium waves are captured at 1340 kHz. The set includes a cable with a length of 3.6 m, which is enough to secretly lead to a communication device in the cabin. A rubber pad is included to secure the base to protect the car paint from scratches. The manufacturer recommends keeping the speed no higher than 110 km / h for high-quality communication. Buyers in the reviews like the communication range of up to 20 km, where you can talk without interference, which is provided by a base power of 600 W and a short-term power of 900 W.

Our experts considered this antenna to be the best one due to the ease of mounting. It has a powerful magnetic base and does not require drilling a hole in the roof. Installation takes 5 minutes, of which most of the time is spent laying the cable under the sheathing. The model is notable for the fact that it can be used periodically, as a temporary measure, and the rest of the time, lie in the garage. Or it can be rearranged from one vehicle to another.

Advantages

• the magnetic base holds the antenna well at a speed of 120 km / h;
• screws in the housing are fitted with rubber grommets to prevent moisture ingress;
• the coil of thick copper wire will not overheat;
• the elastic canvas will not break off when hitting obstacles.

disadvantages

• high cost among analogues;
• difficult to disassemble for repair;
• the canvas rises strongly above the roof of the car;
• the cable entry into the base is protected only by a rubber tube.

ALAN ML-145

Rating: 4.8

In second place is the CBC antenna from Alan. The ML145 is 146 cm long and is roof mounted. All metal parts are made of either stainless steel or chrome plated, so they are not subject to corrosion. To protect the car body, the manufacturer has provided a wide rubber base. The model is accompanied by a coaxial cable and a radio connector. The device is able to pick up frequencies in the range of 26-28 MHz and broadcast up to 90 channels. The model has its own amplifier with a factor of 4.5 dB. Unlike the previous antenna, which weighs 1.2 kg, this one weighs 500 g.

Our experts singled out this radio model as the best in terms of flexibility. She has a steel pin equipped with 15 turns of a spring, which allows it to tilt almost 30 degrees relative to the base. Due to this, the antenna will not break off when it collides with an obstacle at speed, and the driver will not have to constantly remember about the increased dimensions of the car. Another advantage of the product is the maximum power of 1000 W, which allows you to use the walkie-talkie at a distance of up to 30 km. In this case, the interlocutor will hear you well.

Advantages

• no need to drill the roof for installation;
• All stainless steel tapered antenna post;
• the spring is chrome plated;
• reduction of input noise.

disadvantages

• high price;
• the screws on the case do not have rubber caps – water will get there;
• due to its height of 146 cm, it clings to signs and signs in the underground parking.

Optim big

Rating: 4.7

And here is another car radio antenna from the Optim Big brand. The model has a monolithic base attached to the roof of the car. The operating frequency range varies from 26.6 to 27.6 MHz. The device is able to pick up up to 30 channels thanks to the 2 dB amplifier. The pin is made of stainless steel, but unlike the products described above, it does not have spring coils, so it bends worse. The set comes with a 4 m cable, which allows you to fix the antenna on the roof of the car anywhere, not just next to the windshield. Buyers in the reviews note the good quality of communication for both reception and transmission. Considering the antenna power of 400W, this makes it the best value for money.

Experts marked this product as the best because of the ability to quickly dismantle the receiving part of the antenna. For this, a special key is provided, after turning which the pin with the lower barrel can be unscrewed. Such a separate design of the case is practical if you have to leave the car overnight in the courtyard of the block or you need to drive into a low garage.

Advantages

• long wire 4 m;
• own amplifier 2 dB;
• there is already a plug for the station;
• the ability to quickly disconnect the receiving part.

disadvantages

• high price;
• appearance is less attractive than that of competitors (bulky outdoor unit);
• the 1.6 m pin clings to the branches;
• interference appears after a speed of 100 km / h.

The best car antennas for listening to music on the radio

Music on the road helps to brighten up the time spent in the car and not even fall asleep. You can listen to news, weather forecast or other important information on the radio. Here are the best antennas for capturing VHF FM.

BOSCH Autofun pro

Rating: 4.9

In this category, the first place comes from the German brand Bosch. The antenna is housed in a round body and has two flexible 'arms' that can be positioned along the top line of the windshield or in a corner (one horizontally and one vertically). There is already an amplifier with a 3 dB coefficient inside the case, so the antenna catches even weak waves and transmits them to the radio tape recorder in a 'pure' form. The set includes a power plug with a 1.5 m long cable to be connected to the cigarette lighter. According to customer reviews, the cable size is enough to neatly lay the wiring under the sheathing. The antenna works on AM and FM frequencies. The current consumption is 30 mA / h and is designed for the vehicle's on-board network of 12 V. The device weighs 150 g and does not create a load on the glass. When shaking from a bad road, the antenna does not fall off.

According to experts, this antenna is the best in terms of compactness. Its dimensions are 4x4x1.5 cm, which almost does not take up space on the windshield of the car. Despite its tiny size, the device is active type, so the sound will be without interference.

Advantages

• mounting on an adhesive base without additional accessories;
• long cable 1.5 m;
• interior placement does not require roof openings to be sealed;
• does not obstruct the driver's view.

disadvantages

• only for cars with a 12 V on-board network;
• occupies the cigarette lighter socket.

Triad T-55 Turbo

Rating: 4.8

The second place in the category of experts was given to the T-55 model. Its name is not for nothing that there is a Turbo prefix, since the manufacturer has equipped it with two modes, one of which is designed for intensive radio signal capture. For this, the antenna has a dual amplifier, which is not found in most similar products. When creating the product, three patents registered in the Russian Federation were used at once. There is a 'City-Highway' mode switch on the transmitter body. In the first position, the antenna activates the anti-jamming function to eliminate the influence of electric lines from trams and trolley buses, as well as mobile phones, on the radio wave. Drivers in reviews like the low power consumption of 10 mA, which is practically not felt by the car's on-board network. The antenna can be placed in the passenger compartment not only on the windshield, since the cable length is 2.5 m.

According to the editorial board of the magazine, the antenna is the best in terms of range. She is able to pick up the signal of the radio station, even if the car is located 150 km from the city. This solves the problem with silence on the highway, when the driver did not have time to upload music to a USB flash drive or forgot the drive at home.

Advantages

• low power consumption 10 mA;
• long cable 2.5 m;
• easy installation;
• affordable cost.

disadvantages

• during operation, a red diode is on, which can distract the driver;
• The antenna 'shoulders' do not bend – laying in a straight line only.

Triad BA 69 ELECTRONIC

Rating: 4.7

And here is another model from the same brand. This is an outdoor antenna that will need to be embedded in the roof of the vehicle. For this, one hole is drilled through which the pin is pressed with a nut and the cable is passed. The manufacturer has provided for a wire length of 3 m, which is convenient to hide under the ceiling trim, run along the rack and lead it behind the dashboard. The tilt angle of the pin is 75 degrees. The antenna in black with a length of 40 cm looks stylish, enhancing the car's appearance. The device catches channels in the VHF, AM and FM bands. The wide base securely covers the drilled hole in the roof, but buyers advise in reviews to add sealant under it. Drivers report that the signal quality through such an antenna is much better than the standard one, even in new cars such as Volkswagen, Opel and Skoda.

The antenna belongs to the 'Long Range' category and allows you to listen to music on the radio while being far outside the city. The maximum distance is up to 110 km. Experts note especially clear sound thanks to the gain of 24 dB, which is not found in most analogs.

Advantages

• does not take up space on the windshield;
• improves car design;
• short pin 40 cm does not cling to branches;
• weighs only 500 g.

disadvantages

• higher cost than other products in the category;
• you will need to drill the car roof.

Best car antennas for TV

If the car has a 2 DIN radio with a TV tuner, then you can arrange TV viewing, for which you need an antenna with a VHF / UHF range.

AVEL AVS001DVBA 017A12

Rating: 4.9

Here, experts considered the best product from the Avel brand. The antenna is designed for interior installation. The manufacturer has provided a small rectangular base with a self-adhesive surface. The UHF / VHF frequency acquisition antenna itself has a double wavy structure. Due to this, with a short length, the impedance increased to 75 ohms. It can be positioned both vertically and horizontally. Since there is an amplifier inside, the antenna needs a separate 12 V power supply. To connect it to a TV in a car, there is an RG-174 coaxial cable, 5 m long.

In our opinion, the product is the best due to the purity of the TV signal. Since the car is in motion, and various interference is also added in the city (mobile phones, concrete buildings, power lines), a powerful amplifier is required. This active type model implements a technology that produces a gain of 21 dB. This allows you to watch TV in your car without vertical stripes and with sound.

Advantages

• easy installation;
• no need to drill anything;
• installation on the rear car window is allowed;
• active type with amplifier.

disadvantages

• rather large and slightly obstructs the view, especially on cars with a low windshield;
• high price.

Best Car GSM Antennas

The GSM antennas for the car are designed to strengthen the cellular signal. This is true for those who often travel to villages, suburbs or industrial zones where the mobile operator does not install many repeaters. Such an antenna is much more powerful than those found in cell phones, so the quality of communication immediately increases.

Triad MA-997 SOTA 3G GSM

Rating: 4.9

Our experts have chosen only one model in this category, which immediately meets all the requirements and has a relatively low cost. The antenna works in the GSM 900, 1800 bands, and is also capable of transmitting high-speed mobile Internet 3G (UMTS2100 frequency) and even 4G (broadcast to LTE1800). The antenna has a weight of 300 g and a durable plastic housing. It is attached to its own magnet and does not need any additional accessories. The casing is protected from atmospheric precipitation. In the reviews, buyers share that mobile communications in villages have improved, despite the movement on the road with a series of descents and ascents.

The experts liked the product for its compactness. The antenna does not have 'horns', but only a round block, where the receiving loop and pin vibrators are located, as well as a 4.9 dB amplifier. It can be attached to the trunk, roof and even the hood of a car. The 3 m power cable allows for hidden connection. The side of the housing rotation does not matter.

Advantages

• omnidirectional action;
• own amplifier at 4.9 dB;
• cable included, 3 m long;
• easy installation.

disadvantages

• it is difficult to find adapters to connect to the car;
• does not transmit 5G;
• must be placed outside the car – because of this, it can easily be stolen in the parking lot.

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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.