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Best Antennas For Handheld Ham Radios

Looking for the best antenna for handheld ham radio?

In this guide, I picked the 3 best antennas for different budgets to help you figure out which is best for your needs.

Our Top 3 Picks

• Nagoya NA-771 – Best Budget Antenna for handheld ham radio
• Comet SMA-24 – Best Premium Antenna for handheld ham radio
• Diamond SRH77CA – Our Top Choice

Things To Consider When Buying an Antenna for Handheld Ham Radios

Selecting the right antenna for your handheld ham radio can significantly enhance your radio’s performance, range, and clarity. Several critical factors should guide your choice to ensure you pick the antenna best suited to your specific needs and usage scenario.

✅ Frequency Bands and Compatibility

Handheld ham radios commonly operate on dual bands (144 MHz and 440 MHz). Ensure your antenna supports these bands explicitly to maximize efficiency.

• Look for antennas labeled as “dual-band” (2-meter and 70 cm).
• Confirm connector compatibility (SMA Male or SMA Female).

Frequency Band	Ideal Usage
144 MHz (2-meter)	General local communications
440 MHz (70 cm)	Urban areas, repeater access

📏 Antenna Length

The antenna’s length influences both performance and convenience. A longer antenna typically provides better signal range but may be less practical for portable use.

• Long antennas (14+ inches): Great for maximizing range, ideal if stationary or hiking in open areas.
• Retractable antennas: Offer convenience by reducing length when not in active use.
• Short antennas (under 6 inches): Best for compact setups, sacrificing some range for convenience.

🛠 Build Quality and Durability

Handheld radios face frequent handling, bumps, and drops. A sturdy antenna construction ensures lasting performance.

• Flexible antennas: Less likely to break upon impact.
• Reinforced bases: Help withstand accidental drops and minimize bending.
• Look for antennas with quality rubberized coatings or protective covers.

🔌 Connector Type

Always match the antenna connector type with your handheld transceiver.

• SMA Female connectors: Typical for Baofeng, Kenwood, and similar handheld radios.
• SMA Male connectors: Often found on Yaesu and some premium handheld models.

📶 Gain and VSWR Ratings

Gain measures an antenna’s ability to amplify signals compared to standard antennas, and VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) indicates signal efficiency.

• Gain: Look for antennas with at least a 2 dB gain improvement over stock antennas.
• VSWR: Aim for ratings below 1.5 for optimal signal efficiency.

⚠️ Authenticity

Counterfeit antennas from popular brands like Nagoya and Diamond are widespread.

• Purchase only from reputable, verified dealers.
• Confirm the packaging and product details carefully upon receipt.

🏞 Usage Scenario

Consider your typical operating environment:

• Urban or suburban: Shorter antennas often suffice due to nearby repeaters.
• Rural or remote: Longer antennas will help increase your range and signal clarity.
• Active lifestyle: Opt for durability and flexibility to handle rigorous outdoor conditions.

Taking these considerations into account will guide you to an antenna that perfectly matches your handheld ham radio’s performance requirements and personal preferences, ultimately providing clearer, stronger communication wherever you go.

Nagoya NA-771 – Best Budget Antenna for handheld ham radio

Nagoya antennas have long been renowned for their aftermarket offerings. These antennas have withstood the test of time and consistently outperform stock antennas, providing a measurable boost in ham radio performance.

The Nagoya NA-771 is particularly well-suited for budget-friendly handheld transceivers like Baofeng, BTECH, Retevis, or similar brands, but even premium handheld transceivers like Yaesu can benefit from using it.

It features an SMA female connector, making it compatible with Kenwood and Baofeng radios. For radios with different connectors, consider a model with an SMA male connector. An extended antenna cover is desirable for the NA-771’s connector, as it offers protection.

The antenna’s 15.6-inch length allows for a quarter-wave whip on the 144 MHz band and a half-wave on the 440 MHz band. This length, however, can be cumbersome for users who carry their handheld transceivers on belt clips. In this case, the Nagoya NA-771R, a retractable version of the antenna, is worth considering. The 771R can be reduced to just 4.25 inches when necessary.

Nagoya NA-771 antennas boast excellent quality control and construction. The flexible and soft design ensures durability, even during rough use or accidents.

With a 50 Ohm impedance and optimal VSWR of less than 1.5, the NA-771’s average gain compared to stock antennas is 2.5 dB. The maximum power output is 10W, which is adequate for most handheld radio users.

Furthermore, like Diamond antennas, Nagoya antennas often have counterfeit counterparts on the market. To avoid purchasing a knockoff, buy from trusted outlets.

In summary, the Nagoya NA-771 is an outstanding radio antenna for its price for compatible handheld transceivers. It generally offers significantly better performance than stock antennas.

To sum up, what we like is that…

• Easy to connect with HT
• Offers noticeable improvement in Tx and Rx
• Good build quality
• Plenty of options to suit HT and individual needs.

On the downside…

• -Retractable antennas are more convenient than conventional whips for handheld transceivers
• -Finding genuine Nagoya antennas can be difficult

Comet SMA-24 – Best Premium Antenna for handheld ham radio

First off, the SMA-24J stands out immediately because of its slim and lightweight design. It’s definitely thinner than competitors like the Signal Stuff Super Elastic and Diamond SRH77CA. Personally, I find this thin profile handy because it’s less intrusive when you’re using your handheld transceiver while walking around. Unlike thicker antennas, you’re less likely to be annoyed when it inevitably hits you in the face!

Performance-wise, the Comet significantly improves your signal compared to typical stock antennas. You will notice an immediate difference, especially on the 70 cm band, with clearer signals and improved repeater access. If you’ve got something like the Yaesu FT-60R, you’ll absolutely see improvements over your stock rubber duck antenna.

But here’s where we need to be real. The Comet SMA-24J isn’t exactly a powerhouse on the 2-meter band. Compared to some stock antennas from Chinese brands like Wouxon or even improved Baofeng antennas, the difference might be negligible.

When looking at durability, here’s a heads-up: the SMA-24J feels delicate. Many hams, including myself, have noticed a tendency for it to bend permanently or even break near the base after minor drops or knocks (source 1). If you’re tough on your gear—maybe you’re biking or hiking a lot—expect this antenna to potentially fail sooner than you’d like. Comet really needs to reinforce that base area to withstand typical mobile ham use.

In direct comparison to similar antennas like the Diamond SRH77CA, the Comet generally wins out in terms of slimness and usability but falls slightly behind in durability. Compared to Signal Stuff’s offering, performance is about equal, but Signal Stuff edges out in ruggedness. Yet, for everyday pedestrian use, I’d argue the Comet’s balance of performance, comfort, and price makes it a better choice for most average users.

The price point, is fair. It’s not the absolute best bargain out there—you can find cheaper options from brands like MFJ—but for this price, you get a reliable upgrade from your stock antenna without needing deep pockets.

So, should you get it? If you’re primarily operating on the 70 cm band and appreciate a slimmer, lighter antenna, the Comet SMA-24J is definitely worth your consideration.

However, if you’re looking for something robust to withstand rugged use or noticeably improved VHF performance, you might want to look elsewhere.

To sum up what we like is the…

• Lightweight and slim design
• Noticeable improvement over stock antennas on 70 cm
• Good overall upgrade for casual use
• Fair price point

On the downside…

• Fragile build; prone to bending or breaking
• the Minimal improvement on the 2-meter band
• and the Mixed performance compared to other quality antennas

Finally the best handheld ham radio antenna for the average user is the Diamond SRH77CA

Diamond SRH77CA – Our Top Choice

Diamond and Nagoya antennas have long been top choices for enhancing handheld transceiver performance. Typically, Diamond antennas outperform Nagoya models, albeit at a premium price. Both brands usually surpass stock antennas in performance.

The Diamond SRH77CA is ideal for handheld transceivers with a male SMA connector, such as Yaesu radios. For radios with a female SMA connector like most Baofeng models, the Diamond SRJ77CA is the better choice. Apart from connector compatibility, both antennas are identical.

The antenna receives frequencies from 120 MHz to 900 MHz and performs optimally on the 144 MHz and 440 MHz bands for transmission. Its 15.6-inch length serves as a quarter-wave or half-wave setup, significantly improving transmission and reception capabilities.

Diamond antennas boast superior build quality and rigorous quality control compared to most aftermarket options. The low-impedance design, combined with heavy-duty air-wound base coils, minimizes RF losses and enhances performance.

Designed to be flexible and soft, this tall antenna is less prone to accidental damage or breakage. Diamond antennas are so durable that users are more likely to lose them than break them.

While the Diamond SRH77CA can function as a scanner, its capabilities shine brightest on a dual-band handheld transceiver. With a maximum power output of 10W, it’s suitable for most handheld radios.

Although Diamond antennas are more expensive than Nagoya models, their exceptional performance justifies the price. One significant issue with Diamond antennas is the abundance of counterfeit products on the market. It’s essential to buy from trusted sellers to ensure you’re getting a genuine product.

In conclusion, the Diamond SRH77CA is a high-quality and effective antenna for compatible handheld transceivers. It’s likely to provide a noticeable gain in performance for most handheld radios.

To sum up, what we like is that…

• Easy to connect with handheld transceivers
• Offers noticeable improvement in Tx and Rx
• Excellent quality.

On the downside…

• Retractable antennas are more convenient than conventional whips for handheld transceivers
• Difficult to find genuine Diamond antennas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a dual-band antenna for handheld ham radios?
A dual-band antenna for handheld ham radios is an antenna designed specifically to operate efficiently on two common frequency bands, typically the 144 MHz (2-meter) and 440 MHz (70 cm) bands, allowing users versatile access to local communications and repeaters.

2. Does antenna length affect handheld ham radio performance?
Yes, antenna length directly impacts handheld ham radio performance. Longer antennas generally offer greater signal range and clarity but may be less practical for portable use compared to shorter or retractable antennas.

3. Can I use any antenna connector type for my handheld ham radio?
No, antenna connectors must match your handheld ham radio’s connector type exactly. Common types include SMA Female (typical for Baofeng and Kenwood radios) and SMA Male connectors (typical for Yaesu radios).

4. Why is antenna gain important for handheld ham radios?
Antenna gain is important because it measures how effectively the antenna amplifies signals compared to standard antennas. Higher gain (around 2 dB or more) improves both transmission and reception performance noticeably over stock antennas.

5. What is VSWR, and why does it matter for handheld radio antennas?
VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) measures how efficiently an antenna transmits power from the handheld radio. An ideal VSWR is below 1.5; higher values indicate less efficiency and reduced transmission quality.

6. Can a better antenna increase my handheld ham radio’s transmission range?
Yes, upgrading to a quality aftermarket antenna typically increases your handheld ham radio’s transmission range significantly, improving your ability to clearly communicate, especially in rural or challenging environments.

7. Are retractable antennas worth using for handheld ham radios?
Retractable antennas are worth using if you need both convenience and decent performance. They offer improved portability by reducing length when not in use, making them practical for users who frequently travel or move around.

8. What makes a handheld radio antenna durable?
A durable handheld radio antenna is usually flexible, has a reinforced base to handle accidental drops, and is made from materials such as quality rubberized coatings to prevent damage during regular outdoor activities or rough handling.

9. How can I ensure I buy an authentic handheld radio antenna?
To ensure authenticity, buy handheld radio antennas from reputable and verified dealers, carefully check packaging details, and compare product information with official sources since counterfeit antennas from popular brands are common.

10. Do shorter antennas perform worse than longer antennas on handheld radios?
Generally, shorter antennas offer slightly reduced range and performance compared to longer antennas. However, they can still provide adequate performance for urban or suburban areas where repeaters are nearby, prioritizing portability over range.