6 best small antenna for radio

Small antennas for radios, often referred to as "shortwave antennas" or "portable antennas," are compact and convenient antenna solutions designed for portable or mobile radio receivers. These antennas are commonly used with handheld radios, portable transceivers, or car radios and are essential for improving reception quality in areas with weak signal strength. Here are some key points about small antennas for radios:

  1. Types of Small Antennas:

    • Telescopic Whip Antennas: Many portable radios come equipped with telescopic whip antennas. These antennas can be extended for better reception and collapsed for easy storage or transportation.
    • Wire Antennas: Portable radios may also have a built-in wire antenna that can be extended. These are often simple and cost-effective solutions.
    • External Antennas: In some cases, users may attach external antennas to their portable radios or car radios. These antennas can include various designs, such as dipole antennas or loop antennas.
  2. Purpose: The primary purpose of a small antenna for a radio is to enhance the reception of radio signals. They can help capture signals more effectively, especially in areas with interference or weak signals.

  3. Frequency Range: Small antennas are designed to work within specific frequency ranges. It's essential to choose an antenna that matches the frequency band of the radio you're using. For example, AM radios typically operate in the medium-wave (MW) band, while FM radios operate in the VHF band.

  4. Size and Portability: Small antennas are designed to be compact and portable. This makes them suitable for travel, outdoor activities, or emergency situations where access to a larger fixed antenna may not be possible.

  5. Installation: Installing a small antenna for a radio is usually straightforward. For telescopic whip antennas, you extend the antenna to its full length. For external antennas, they are often attached to the radio using a coaxial cable and connected to a suitable mounting point, such as a car roof or a window.

  6. Improving Reception: Using a small antenna can significantly improve the reception of radio signals. By extending the antenna or using an external one, you can capture more signal energy, reduce interference, and improve the overall listening experience.

  7. Antenna Accessories: Some small antennas may come with accessories like suction cups or clips to help users position the antenna for optimal reception.Additionally, signal boosters or amplifiers can be used in conjunction with small antennas to further enhance signal strength.

  8. Maintenance: To maintain good performance, regularly check the condition of the antenna and its connections. Clean the antenna periodically to remove dirt or debris that could affect signal reception.

In summary, small antennas for radios are essential accessories for improving radio reception, especially when using portable or mobile radios in areas with challenging signal conditions. They come in various forms and can significantly enhance your ability to receive clear and consistent radio broadcasts, whether you're in your car, on a camping trip, or listening to a handheld radio.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best small antenna for radio on the market
  

E-outstanding 1 Pair AM FM Radio Universal Antenna, 62.5cm 24.6" Length 4 Section Telescopic Stainless Steel Replacement Antenna Aerial for Radio TV

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mainly used in television, radio, electric toy, remote control, lamps and lanterns, VCD, and other special configuration communications antenna and iron and tools antenna and other electronics products.

Great replacement for your damaged TV antenna or FM radio antenna.

Unstretched Length : 21cm / 8.3"

Max. Diameter : 0.6cm / 0.24"

Sections : 4 Sections

Full Length : 62.5cm / 24.6" Replacement 60cm 4 Sections Telescopic Antenna Aerial for Radio TV

* 4 sections telescopic antenna aerial.

* Replacement part for radio equipment, television, car antennas, phone antennas, etc.

* Mounting Hole Diameter : 0.3cm / 0.118"

* Material : Steel, Brass

* Color : Silver Tone

* Weight : 20g

* Package Content : 2 x Antenna

  • E-outstanding 4 Sections Telescopic Antenna made of Stainless Steel and Brass Great replacement for your damaged TV antenna or FM radio.
  • Installed easy and have multiple uses replacement part for radio equipment, television, car antennas, phone antennas, etc.
  • Unstretched Size : 21cm / 8.3",Full Length : 62.5cm / 24.6"
  • Max Diameter : 0.6cm / 0.23",Mounting Hole Diameter : 0.3mm / 0.11"
  • Package Content : 2 x Telescopic Antenna

User questions & answers

Question: will this work for a Bose FM radio
Answer: This antenna is a replacement part for devices that originally come with built-in telescoping antennas. The Bose Wave radio (I think this is the one you mean) doesn't have this kind of built-in antenna -- its FM antenna is in the power cord. So, I don't believe this antenna would work with a Bose Wave radio. You can attach an external FM antenna, but a different kind. The radio manual suggests contacting Bose Customer Service for one. Searching here on Amazon for "fm antenna for bose wave radio" will turn up more appropriate choices.
Question: Does this antenna rotate as well as swivel
Answer: The antenna can extend out three sections and will rotate 360° in all directions, from horizontal to full vertical. The antenna functions the same as the original OEM version, although the collapsed length is a little longer the one it replaced on my stereo.
Question: Will this antenna fit the sony cfd s21 boonbox
Answer: I can't answer for sony - but they did not come close to fitting my Sangean - and ended up in the recycle bin. They are generic junk - cheapest crap you can find - i'd try to order from sony or a sony dealer
Question: Does this antenna come with the screw? If not what size screw is required
Answer: The antenna did not come with a screw or other fastener. For the radio I used it on there was a screw in place holding the original that was broken. If the mount is a thru-hole you could use a brass nut and bolt 3/32 diameter, length wouldn't matter as it could be snipped off. If the mount is already threaded you'll have to find something that fits, or perhaps check with the manufacturer for correct size. Web searches usually have the answer you're looking for.

I'm Radio-Active With Tower Antenna Funny Ham Radio T-Shirt

Ham Radio Shirts Apparel

Based on 42 reviews Check latest price
  • Solid colors: 100% Cotton; Heather Grey: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester; All Other Heathers: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
  • Imported
  • Machine wash cold with like colors, dry low heat
  • I'm Radio-Active Funny Ham Radio Design With Tower Antenna
  • Are you a ham radio operator? Love all of amateur radio - a good ragchew, CW, QRP, DX / DXing, contests, HF / VHF/ UHF or other frequency, digital radio and digital modes? Have your own rig, maybe even a nice tower or antenna? Great ham radio gift!
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

User questions & answers

Question: Will it be able to use SSB capabilities
Answer: As long as the max power is not exceeded, the antenna is usable for SSB. Note though that this antenna is designed for vertical polarization and most operators using SSB on 2m/70cm use horizontal. If your contact uses either circular or vertical polarization, you'll probably do fine. Horizontal on their end could spell as much as 20db loss both ways.
Question: It says gain is 3.5db on 2 meters and 6.8db on 70cm,, is that "dbi" or "dbd
Answer: To answer your question dBi is the gain over an isotropic antenna, dBd is the gain over a dipole..........both in free space. Isotropic antennas radiate in all directions uniformly and has no gain, where a dipole radiates off the side with two lobes of equal power, with little to no gain........most antennas are rated against an isotropic antenna. just FYI for the future when buying antennas :-)
Question: Can i tilt it if it won't stand all the way up in my attic
Answer: Depending on the angle of tilt, you would lose radiated power horizontally. That would mean lost distance in both transmit and receive. If you live close to a repeater, this would not mean much. If you hit the repeater, you will hit everyone else who can hit the repeater. I have many friends who live in restricted neighborhoods who use some kind of antenna in their attic. You could also try the quarter wave 2 meter antenna for mobile operations in your attic and you should be able to position it straight up vertically.
Question: How is the SWR on UHF? I have had problems with a dual band J pole with a 3:1 SWR on the high side UHF. Cant get the swr down. 73s AC2ND
Answer: the UHF side is the lowest (sometimes 1:1), VHF is noticeably higher, all depending on the Fq. None have been over 1.8:1. I'm going to bend the ground plain rods down around 40 degrees, this should bring down the SWR.

Antenna for Motorola APX 764-870MHz Singla Band and 7-800 GPS (NAR6595A Stubby) by KCTIN (1 Pack)

KCTIN

Based on 758 reviews Check latest price
  • 4inch Broadband Antenna with GPS Can be Used for both 800 and 900 MHz Applications
  • Short and Non-obtrusive,Stubby Antennas are Ideal when the Radio is Worn on a Belt
  • Band:800 MHz, 700 MHz; Frequency range 764-870 MHz; Type:Stubby 4 inch
  • Compatible for APX 1000 APX 4000 APX 6000 APX 6000XE APX APX 7000 8000XE
  • Compatible for SRX 2200, 30 Days Free Return and Fast Return, 180 Days Warranty

User questions & answers

Question: I ordered one and it broke after two months, so you guys warrantee the product
Answer: Sure, could you please send Email to me with your Order no so that the replacement can be sent you? thanks.
Question: Will this work on apx 6000li
Answer: Dear: yes, this antenna work for Motorola APX Series walkie talkies. Thanks
Question: What is the long of this antenna
Answer: It’s described as a 4” stubby antenna.
Question: Does this antenna get same reception as the 8 inch antenna
Answer: The one I ordered worked for about 15 minutes. After that I was unable to transmit or receive at all. Had to send the antenna back for refund.

Product features

For APX 8000XE
For APX 7000
For APX 6000
For APX 4000
For APX 1000
For SRX 2200

CB Antenna 28 inch for CB Radio 27 Mhz,Portable Indoor/Outdoor Antenna Full Kit with Heavy Duty Magnet Mount Mobile/Car Radio Antenna Compatible with President Midland Cobra Uniden Anytone by LUITON

LUITON

Based on 754 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This Cb radio antenna has 28 inch long and it is compatible with all CB Radio

Uniden: BEARCAT 880 CMX760 PC78LTX PC787

Cobra: 29LX 29LTD 29NW

Miland: 75-822 5001Z 1001LWX

Galaxy: DX-959B DX-949

President: McKinley USA ect



Magnetic mount

Center coil-loaded heavy duty spring

2 sections

Cable: 10 Feet(3M)

Extends to 28 inch(0.7m)

Magnetic base: 88mm

Impedance: 50Ω

Frequency: 27Mhz



Warning! Observe the maximum height on roads where will drive so that the antenna does not touch any installations or construction.

  • 1.Long Antenna - TALLER ANTENNAS = BETTER RANGE! 28 Inch long for ultimate range & receiving!
  • 2.FULL KIT - includes magnet mount with pre-intalled 10ft of coaxial cable, coil load, and stainless steel whip.
  • 3.Magnetic base - Improve reception by harnessing large metal surfaces.
  • 4.Weather Channel Capable, Covers all CB frequencies.
  • 5.Warranty would be valid for 12 months against manufacturing defect.

User questions & answers

Question: how come swr plays tricks sometimes! weather- atmosphere- like clouds- ect
Answer: Because radio waves, AM,FM,HF are all Electromagnetic.
Question: my antenna fluctuates at times checking the swr- after a couple of 2- 3 seconds it settles on a number and stays- not high swr- 1:5 or 6 - a problem
Answer: 1:5
Question: Can you trim this to tune it? My swr is way to high during calibrating and wont go down
Answer: never had to. my swr is 1.0. but i believe there is a tuning port on the base, uses a hex driver.
Question: my antenna fluctuates at times checking the swr- after a couple of 2- 3 seconds it settles on a number and stays- not high swr- 1:5 or 6 - a problem
Answer: Yes : A problem,If it's 1.5 or 2 that's cool but 6..NO do not key your mic at 6

GF-link Am Fm Hidden Windshield Antenna vehicle Car Radio Truck

QIHAN

Based on 276 reviews Check latest price
  • This is a hidden built-in mini car radio antenna
  • Small and sleek so you can stick it anywhere in almost any vehicle
  • Line long: approx. 118 in;Package includes: 1 x Radio Antenna
  • Antenna size: 4.53*0.85*0.22 in
  • EXCLUSIVE FEATURE: Includes Velcro Mounting So You Can Adjust The Location Of The Antenna For Best Reception EXCELLENT SOLUTION FOR MOTORCYCLES, CARS, STREET RODS, SHOW CARS, HOT RODS, CLASSICS, BOATS, CAMPERS, GOLF CARTS

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work with a standard motorcycel radio and antenna
Answer: This set includes the following: 1-Quart Saucepan with Pour Spouts, 2-Quart Covered Saucepan, 3-Quart Covered Saucepan, 3-Quart Covered Saute Pan, 8-Quart Covered Stockpot, 8-Inch Skillet, 12-Inch Covered Deep Skillet with Helper Handle
Question: What do you need to have to hook this up in a car
Answer: Yes. Lids are included.
Question: Will it plug into a jcv radio
Answer: No, the Anolon Advanced cookware set is not dishwasher safe.
Question: Can this be mounted exterior? Is it weatherproof? I want to use it for my Polaris slingshot
Answer: Here is what the packaging says about oil ...-- Nonstick sprays: Do not use ... an invisible buildup will impair the nonstick release system and food will stick in your pan.-- Oil: Oil is not needed ... but if you prefer oil for flavor, olive oil or peanut oil is recommended. Heavy vegetable oils my leave a residue that can affect nonstick performance. Use a low heat when heating up oils.Now that bit about olive oil vs. heavy vegetable oils makes no sense to me as olive oils can be among the heaviest oils. There are many variations of olive oil. I have used a very light application of light oils with no apparent ill effects, but perhaps I haven't been doing so long enough for it to see the ultimate results. I heat the oil first then wipe the pan clean with a paper towel. This leaves some visible oil in the pan. I really don't think the oil is necessary, though. I think the important thing is to have the pan at temperature before putting anything in it so have stopped using oil. I think the only thing the use of oil did for me was to make sure the pan was at temperature! I have ONLY used it for eggs so use a low heat.

Product features

Installation location

This auto hidden fm antenna is not installed in a single location. It can be installed in many places, such as the cab of a car, the side of the windshield, the A-pillar, etc. When selecting the installation location, you can select several places to test and find A good position without affecting the appearance.

Installation steps

  • 1. First unmount the cd radio, find the jack position of the original antenna, and pull out the original antenna.
  • 2. Insert the new antenna into the antenna jack of the cd radio.
  • 3. Turn on the radio, move the antenna to test the effect at different locations, and find the right location.
  • 4. Install the extension cord of the antenna to the appropriate position and finally install the cd radio.

Note:This product does not contain cd radio!

Easy installation

Test a few more positions, find a good position, tear off the 3M sticker and stick it.

Antenna size

This is a small and thin hidden am fm antenna

Antenna size: 4.53* 0.84 *0.22 inch

Bingfu Car Antenna Car Stereo FM AM Radio Antenna Car Adhesive Mount Hidden Patch Antenna for Vehicle Truck SUV Car Stereo in Dash Head Unit CD Media Receiver Player Audio HD Radio Tuner Amplifier

Bingfu

Based on 937 reviews Check latest price
  • Universal Car Stereo AM FM Radio Antenna,Hidden Adhesive Mount AM FM Car Radio Patch Antenna for Vehicle Truck SUV Car Audio HD Radio Stereo In Dash Head Unit CD Media Receiver Player Amplifier
  • Working Frequency: FM 80MHz-108MHz, AM 520KHz-1710KHz;
  • Feature: Car Windshield Window Glass Adhesive Mounting; Cable Length: 3m / 10 feet; Antenna Connector: DIN Plug Connector;
  • Compatible with car stereo receivers media head units such as Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Pyle, JVC, Jensen and etc. Compatible with Car Stereo Receiver Media Head Unit, Marine Boat Radio Stereo Receiver;
  • Package List: 1 x Antenna; (As the Picture Shown)

User questions & answers

Question: Where do you plug this into
Answer: Separate the cords. One plugs back of the radio. Rest adhere to steel body of the car
Question: This antenna is compatible with p.l.z mp-900 stereo
Answer: I dont know why not, I am using mine on a newer Sony Marine radio and it works good.
Question: Hi, will this held with noaa weather radio
Answer: Don't waste your money!! Doesn't work no matter where I put it in vehicle. Nothing but static.
Question: Can the cable length be shortened? I need it for a motorcycle and only need a couple feet of cable
Answer: I didn't have to cut the cable, but antenna cable can be spliced just keep the core wire shield from the outer casing ground wires.

Latest Reviews

View all