Radio antenna in the car is used to listen to different stations on the radio. By using an antenna you can listen to your favorite radio stations. Those who use radio continuously, they may need replacement of factory antenna by an aftermarket model for good reception.
Benefits of aftermarket car antennas
- For entertainment in the car, you get a great reception and sound quality.
- Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio that time a reliable car antenna lets you listen to the radio. It increases your entertainment options.
- If quality communication is good then the driving experience is good. It increases effective communication.
Types of aftermarket car antennas
- Internal :
Inside a vehicle, these car antennas can be placed at various locations. They are also called as stealth car antennas. You can install it at any location where they can receive a clear signal. The main advantage is it is safe from the external elements.
- External :
These antennas are installed on the exterior of the vehicle. The antenna is outside of the vehicle and there is a lot of signal interference. For their protection retractors are included in it.
- Satellite :
This is the ultimate antennas. It has a dashboard dock and unnoticeable antenna which is installed on the roof of the car. It gives you exceptional signals as well as many new signals. You can listen to a premium channel by sitting inside the car.
Following are the antennas arranged in the decreasing order of their prices :
Votex A010
This antenna withstands frequent car washes due to its durable construction and flexible rubber base. It has 2 years of replacement warranty that if in two years antenna breaks, they will replace it with a new one. Car is wash proof. It has stainless steel threading so you can imagine its strength. It has a durable EPDM rubber construction. It is very easy to install applications. It’s the best reception short antenna. This short antenna that will perform closer to the factory antenna.
- Car wash poof
- Stainless steel threading
- Meets or exceeds OEM performance
- Good strength
- Durable rubber construction
- Highly conductive copper core
- Simple and easy installation
- Antenna height is short
Dorman Help 76861
Quality material used for construction is durable and has a long service life. If you lose any part you get a proper replacement every time you need it. Height is up to 30 inches. It is flexible to handle average car wash but doesn’t beyond that.
- Easy to install
- Relatively affordable
- It doesn’t include a base
- Long height makes it look not so good
- Not fully waterproof
Uxcell Universal
Uxcell universal is perfect when you wanted to replace side or roof-mounted models. For the most aerodynamic installation antenna can be adjusted up to 50 degrees. It has a fixed base that is sealed against a body panel and withstands any environmental conditions.
- Can be fitted in 7-millimeter mounting holes
- Comes with 10 feet cable
- 5 and a half inches long
- Doesn’t get a good reception quality as compared to its price
- Sometimes threads don’t match properly but its a rare case.
Jensen JAN139
Jensen JAN139 is mounted on a top side of a vehicle. It is waterproof due to three-foot cable as well as rubber gasket. It has an adjustable nut inside the base which positions at an angle of up to 45 degrees. Due to its heavy designs, it withstands tough environments.
- Low profile design
- It mounts to only one hole
- Near universal compatibility
- It doesn’t include any screws so bring your antenna with you for a correct thread.
- It performs average.
CravenSpeed Stubby Antenna
It’s very easy to install. No need of any tool. Easily installed by hands in seconds. The antenna is machined with billet aluminum and powder coated with a durable black textured finish. That is not gonna fade or break. It is very sturdy. Its threads are corrosion resistant. Height is 3 inch which is compatible with a truck antenna. The antenna uses copper coils which gives an ultimate reception but only it huts your wallet but no doubt about the reception. This is one of the best buy card radio antenna.
- Car wash proof
- Easy to maneuver the car out of garages
- It affords room for fitting other accessories
- The design makes it a universal fit
- Requires professional installation
- Sometimes experiences reception degradation due to inadequate network coverage
AntennaMastsRus
It has stainless steel threading. This antenna is mainly designed to withstand shakes and twists of the tough roads. Height is 6 3/4 inch which quite long and highly conductive copper coil gives the best reception of signal quality. Durable rubber construction which withstands temperatures of 257 degrees Fahrenheit. This 6 3/4″ antenna performance and durability are ultimate.
- Durable rubber construction
- Highly conductive copper core
- Simple and easy installation
- Short and stylish
- Boost car appearance
- If the antenna removed often then gauge connection loosens
- In the areas with weak radio signals reception of antenna dwindles
Herdio Waterproof Marine Radio Antenna
It’s the best car stereo antenna. It’s an inexpensive antenna and functions well. Signalranges up to 10 miles. Gets a strong signal for radio AM/FM. Don’t worry bout the water interference. It is corrosion-resistant and mostly used in marine applications. It is easy to swing back and forth due to the 180-degrees Swivel base for maximum mobility. It has a portable installation that means it has various mounting options that allow you to install the antenna in the locations which are convenient for you. It has rubber dipole and stainless steel nut.
- Excellent performance
- Corrosion-resistant
- Waterproof
- Flexible mast
- Easy to install
- Not so much attractive
- Its mainly made for marine applications so less used in cars
Universal Auto Car Radio FM Antenna Signal Booster
Its reception quality is very stable. It uses automotive amplification components. Universal auto car radio antenna signal booster enhances the radio signal and noise is removed totally. It works nicely for AM/FM radio stations. It’s very easy to assemble. Space and cost required are very less. This antenna has a waterproof blade fuse holder. It enhanced the sensitivity of weak signals and you get good reception without any noise. This is one of the best car radio antenna booster used.
- Enhances the radio signal
- Reduces the noise
- The copper signal wire is used which provides better signal quality
- Antenna booster
- Easy to install
- Saving cost and space
- Portable and high accuracy
- It will fit correctly if the connectors required are of the same type.
- Didn’t work as good as it features
AntennaMastsRus Short
Its made from spring steel for good strength. And when it bent it will spring back to the original position. Eliminates the highway whistles due to wrapped up design. Its mainly designed for appearance enhancement. Its AM/FM radio reception capacity is great for local stations.
- Wind Noise Cancellation Wrap
- Tapered Antenna Rod
- Tapering of the base withstand different terrains that you drive through
- Wind noise can be canceled by an external coil
- Its height and construction makes it susceptible to damage during a car wash
- Height makes it less attractive
ZHOLA New AM-FM Hidden Windshield Antenna
It’s one of the best-hidden car radio antenna used nowadays. It has a new design that enhances performance. Very small in size and you can stick it where you want in any type of vehicle. Due to its size, it is very easy to hide in your car or truck. It’s ground independent. It has very simple hookups, peel, and stick, glass, roof inside the camper, headliner. It can be mounted to any surface.
AM radio frequency range- 535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz
FM radio frequency range – 88 megahertz to 108 megahertz
Zola Operates on all digital and traditional radios.
- Easy to hide the antenna
- Mounted on any surface
- Window tint does not affect radio waves
- Best affordable radio antenna for car
- Poorly made
- Requires an additional adapter cable
- Does not works longer
- Reception quality is not good
Also Read:
Top Small CB Radio Antenna.