Rating of the best car antennas for 2022

A high-quality car antenna, first of all, should receive a signal well. However, when choosing this device, the first thing you need to rely on is the needs of the driver. Some people need an antenna only to listen to the radio, others to watch TV programs, and still others to work with a walkie-talkie. That is why before you make a purchase of a car antenna, you should decide not only on the budget, but also on the necessary technical characteristics.

This article will help every motorist choose the right antenna by introducing the best options available. At the same time, given the fact that today manufacturers offer consumers a huge selection of such equipment, the rating will include several of the most successful samples of each class, which can be easily found in specialized stores.

Features of choosing a TV antenna for a car

Not so long ago, one of the main attributes of taxi drivers was a car antenna, the range of which was 27 MHz. The GSM antenna will be a great helper when you need to travel long distances. This device will help maintain telephone communication even on those sections of the route that motorists call “deaf”. If the purpose of using such equipment is to listen to music or watch television programs, you should pay attention not only to the radio antenna, which can improve the quality of the sound output, but also to the television.

When choosing a television, radio, GSM or GPS antenna, you should remember that the broadcasting of a particular model can be carried out in a different frequency range. Based on this, it can be argued that when choosing a television antenna, one should pay attention to multifunctional devices that are able to receive not only TV, but also AM, FM, GSM and GPS signals. This will ensure the correct operation of not only the multimedia center, but also all other gadgets, up to the navigator.

Over time, the presence of a small TV in the car ceases to amaze and becomes a kind of standard.And if this gadget has been used for a long time in such vehicles as a fixed-route taxi, then car manufacturers have added it to the configuration of cars that fit the “comfort” category quite recently.

When choosing an antenna, it should be remembered that they are divided into two categories:

• passive antennas;
• active antennas.

At the same time, active ones are used much more often, since they do not require the use of auxiliary equipment. You just need to connect the antenna to the TV receiver and you can already start using it.

You can place the antenna in the car both on the rear and on the front glass. However, if it belongs to the passive category, then an additional amplifier may be required for its correct operation, which is easily explained by the need to improve the received signal. When connecting the antenna to the battery or the on-board electrical network, it is recommended to use a filter that can smooth out interference due to the operation of the power source.

Despite the seeming simplicity of the choice made, the purchase of an antenna should be taken seriously. By purchasing low-quality equipment, you will not be able to enjoy watching TV. Only after installing and connecting a good antenna, the motorist will be able to use all the functions of the built-in TV, including:

• watch movies and videos from different sources;
• connect additional gadgets (set-top box, navigator, parking sensors).

When giving preference to foreign manufacturers, remember that not all antennas produced by them are capable of receiving a signal with a propagation range of 1 to 3 meters.But with domestic antennas, such a problem will not arise, which is easily explained by the peculiarities of their design. They are developed on the basis of Russian broadcasting standards and will easily cope with this task.

When choosing a radio antenna, few motorists paid attention to its functionality. However, when choosing a television antenna, this factor is one of the most important. Pay attention to the presence of the "city" mode. In this mode, the antenna is able to receive a signal even in the presence of interference due to the operation of mobile, radio communications, transformers, power grids and other energy devices.

The presence of the "turbo" mode will also be a huge plus. It will help to amplify the signal if the car moves away from its source. A great example of this situation is a trip out of town.

The movement of the car, in any case, has a negative impact on the quality of the received signal, which makes it necessary to regularly adjust the antenna. An exception to this rule is the installation of a satellite dish. However, due to its excessive cost, such equipment will not be considered.

How to choose an antenna in a car for a walkie-talkie

Usually, a stable working walkie-talkie is necessary for taxi drivers and truckers. Given the large number of these two categories, the equipment that this requires will not be left unattended.

The main advantage of a walkie-talkie over mobile communications is the ability to use it, regardless of coverage. However, there are many downsides to such a connection. One of the most obvious shortcomings of the walkie-talkie is the congestion of the channels and the small radius of its action.

The range of this portable device varies from 5 to 20 km and is directly dependent not only on the radio itself, but also on the antenna used. At the same time, if the device itself can be purchased at a sufficiently low price, then it is impossible to save on the antenna.

Taxi drivers working on cars most often prefer magnetic antennas. This tool is quick to install and is ideal for these types of vehicles. However, it is worth noting the fact that such antennas will simply be useless for trucks. In this case, it is better to give preference to mortise antennas. Due to its secure mounting and stable response to vibrations, such an antenna is considered the best option for trucks.

When installing car antennas, their vertical metal parts should be avoided. Otherwise, they will negatively affect the quality of the received signal, degrading it by at least 30%.

When choosing a car antenna, give preference to those models whose pin length is no more than 2 m. Such devices have a large range and perfectly receive the signal. However, in this case, you can not do without drawbacks. The large dimensions of the device increase the risk of its deformation due to a collision with one or another obstacle. Antennas with a length of 80 to 150 cm can solve this problem. But those options whose length is less than 70 cm will not be able to provide a long signal reception range, although they look as attractive as possible, given the aesthetic side of the issue.

Installing an antenna for a walkie-talkie is no different from the rules that were described above. But their setting requires special attention.To do this, the motorist will need special equipment, which in this case cannot be dispensed with.

The best car radio antennas

Alan X-Turbo 80

One of the main problems with antennas that are used for car radios is their length. Unfortunately, this issue cannot be resolved, since the length of such a device must be equal to an integer number of half-waves of the radio range (11 m for 27 MHz).

The length of the presented model is 1.8 m, which is an excellent compromise between safe and efficient use of the antenna.

The main distinguishing characteristic of the Alan X-Turbo 80 is the quality of its workmanship. The stem and mounting base are made of high quality stainless steel. Another advantage of this model is its weight. This indicator is only 690 g, which can significantly reduce the load on the mount.

The power rating declared by the manufacturer is 1 kW. Of course, other companies indicate a large rated power, but is it worth paying attention to this indicator, if 1 kW may well provide an excellent communication radius.

CHARACTERISTICS	MEANING
frequency range	26-28 MHz
Max input power	1700 W
Maximum antenna length	180 cm
Connector	3 piece

Cost: 4200 rubles.

• high quality equipment;
• high-quality fasteners;
• the ability to adjust the angle of inclination;
• low SWR.

• high price.

MegaJet ML-145 MAG-160

This model is very popular among car drivers, has a relatively short length and is attached to the surface with a magnetic base.Each of these features makes it easy to dismantle the equipment and put it away at night. At the same time, the built-in coil provides an SWR of 1.2 even after the antenna has been dismantled and installed back.

With this model, the SWR value primarily depends on the correct installation. Without the use of the foil that comes with the antenna, the communication quality will deteriorate significantly.

CHARACTERISTICS	MEANING
frequency range	27-28.5 MHz
Max input power	900 W
Maximum antenna length	148 cm
Connector	UHF male/PL-259

Cost: 1 900 rubles.

• high-quality fastening;
• maintaining an acceptable SWR at the edges of the MW range.

• excessive bending of the rod.

The best radio antennas for a car

Bosch Autofun PRO

This car antenna model is especially suitable for those motorists who prefer to install such devices in places where they will be invisible to prying eyes. It can be positioned under the silkscreen, which eliminates the risk of loss or damage to the instrument. However, it is worth noting the fact that for some cars such an antenna is not suitable, since its sensitivity to distance is quite high.

In the event that the Bosch Autofun PRO has been installed correctly, it will be able to receive FM radio stations at a distance of no more than 70 km from the city limits, which is the limit for the ultrasonic range.

The Bosch Autofun PRO antenna comes with all the necessary accessories, including an alcohol wipe, which is necessary to degrease the surface before gluing.

CHARACTERISTICS	MEANING
Range of received radio frequencies	0.145-108MHz
Max input power	900 W
Maximum antenna length	1.6 m
Gain	3 dB

Price: 800 rubles.

• small size;
• the presence of reliable double-sided tape;
• excellent signal reception.

• poor signal reception when the antenna is located under some types of silk-screen printing.

SUPRA SAF-3

The main positive characteristic of this car antenna is its wide distribution in specialized stores. It can be found on the windows of many car dealerships, while its price will please every motorist. The SUPRA SAF-3 has several "whiskers", which are presented in the form of elastic pins with tips. This can be seen not only on car antennas, but also on radio alarm modules. This is what allows the motorist to independently install the antenna, without any difficulty.

Despite the low cost of the presented model, it is distinguished by a fairly high quality of VHF / FM band reception. However, adhesive tape and a napkin are not included with the antenna, you will have to purchase them separately.

CHARACTERISTICS	MEANING
Received frequency range	LW/MW/HF/VHF
Supply voltage	12V±30%
Maximum wire length	2.5 m
Current consumption	< 12 mA

Price: 320 rubles.

• low cost of goods;
• wide distribution of goods;
• hard mustache.

• savings on equipment.

The best external GSM antennas for a car

TRIAD-2696

This type of car antenna is not suitable for all car brands. The cable and mounts of this device provide for the presence of special holes on the car. Without them, this antenna cannot be installed.

Technical characteristics of TRIAD-2696 are worthy of the attention of every motorist:

• the ability to work in standard GSM bands 900/1800 MHz;
• the ability to work in the range of 3G and 4G;
• support for 2.4 GHz Wi-fi range;
• the minimum gain for GSM is 900 (4.9 dB), the maximum for LTE (5.8 dB).

CHARACTERISTICS	MEANING
Received frequency range	GSM-900\1800 MHz, 3G-2100 MHz, WiFi-2400MHz and WiMAX-2600MHz
Supply voltage	12V±30%
Maximum wire length	0.2 m
Connector	RG58 A/U, N-F

Price: 2,000 rubles.

• small size;
• wide range of work.

• stationary installation.

Antey 914

This model is manufactured by a domestic manufacturer, has an affordable price and does an excellent job with the task in the 900/1800 MHz bands. However, the performance of the Antey 914 deteriorates in other ranges. It is for this reason that experts position this model of car antennas as a device for confident reception of a mobile network signal.

In standard ranges, the signal power of this model increases by more than 3.5 times, which is a very good indicator. On store shelves, this antenna can be seen with connectors of different types, which allows you to choose the option that is suitable for any model of car, without the need to purchase additional adapters.

Mounting this car antenna will not cause any problems. It has a 65mm magnetic base, making it easy to mount the antenna on a car roof. The manufacturer positions this model as windproof, which can be called another plus.

CHARACTERISTICS	MEANING
Received frequency range	GSM 900/1800
wind load	150 km/h
Maximum wire length	2 m
Connector	FME-F

Price: 470 rubles.

• good fastening;
• excellent reinforcement.

• This model can only be purchased online.

Triad 690

Many motorists, when installing car antennas, are faced with the need to complicate it. Without such manipulations, it is simply impossible to maintain its effectiveness in some cases.

This car antenna model has a fairly wide functionality, including:

• reception of analog MV/UHF broadcasting;
• digital TV reception.

However, outside the city limits, the signal weakens, the gain is significantly reduced, and the level of interference increases.

The amplifier that is built into this antenna is quite good. It practically does not add its own noise and has a built-in noise filter that can be controlled by a special switch.

CHARACTERISTICS	MEANING
Received frequency range	DVB-T, DVB-T2, UHF (UHF), MV (VHF)
Supply voltage, V	12
Maximum wire length	3m
Reception range	50 km

Price: 1,000 rubles.

• simple installation;
• the presence of a noise filter.

• deterioration of signal reception on 1-5 MB channels.

Modern manufacturers offer motorists a wide selection of car antennas. However, their characteristics usually differ little. It is for this reason that the issue of choosing such equipment is relevant for many people, and it is simply impossible to implement it without familiarizing yourself with the best models.