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Updated July 19, 2023

Best CB Antenna In 2023 – 10 Reviews

CB radios usually come with the worst quality CB antennas attached to them by the manufacturer. That’s why the first thing a CB radio owner should do is to change its antenna to the best CB antenna you can find.

But the question arises, how do you know which CB antenna is reliable and is of the highest quality, as there are hundreds of antenna options available in the market? That’s where we jump in. This article will give you a complete guide on what to look for in a CB antenna, and suggest you some of the best CB antennas in 2023.

Here they are listed below:

Best CB Antennas – Our Top Three Picks

1. Larsen NMO 27C – Our Top Choice
2. Wilson 305-38 Magnet Mount CB Antenna – Runner Up
3. Wilson 5000 Trucker – Best Premium CB Antenna

The best CB antenna is the Larsen NMO 27C antenna. It’s a short but powerful CB antenna.

7 Best CB Radio Antenna Reviews

Now, let’s review these top-performing CB antennas in detail so you can determine the best option for your needs.

1. Larsen NMO 27C – Our Top Choice

Larsen’s mobile whip antenna (part number NMO27C) is quite the catch for CB radio needs, making it our top choice. 

Designed to handle frequencies in the range of 27-30 MHz, this quarter wave-antenna can handle CB needs without any problem.

Though it’s a quarter-wave antenna, the full length there is obviously not 102-inches. Instead, it employs a stainless steel whip standing on a coil for the base. 

The maximum length for this antenna is 52.5 inches. And that’s just fine.

Larsen’s CB antenna is tall enough to get a good range and signal quality. Its construction quality is pretty good too. The steel whip and the base make for a nice and durable combo.

The power rating for this antenna is 150W, which is more than sufficient for most CB uses.

There are many antennas with a much higher power rating but that doesn’t make much of a difference unless the RF power output of the radio has been altered.

The FCC mandates that the maximum power output from a CB radio be limited to 4 Watts. 

Even with SSB, the maximum only goes to 12W. So, this antenna will easily handle whatever power your CB radio throws at it.

Before mounting this antenna, users will need to buy some necessities not included in the antenna package. The NMO mount and coax cable need to be purchased separately.

Personally, I find it a bit disappointing (or even ironic) that an antenna with part number NMO27C doesn’t come with an NMO mount.

Mounting will also require a RG58A/U coax and PL259 connector. The package does include a gasket and O ring.

Larsen calls this antenna “field tunable,” possibly to imply that tuning it, is easy. There is some truth to this statement, but as with any antenna, you will have to put in some work to get it right.

The antenna doesn’t have a tunable tip, so it might require some trimming for best results onVSWR, though managing the cable should be helpful too.

Overall, this is an excellent base-loaded antenna with good power, range, stability, and quality. Mounted and tuned the right way, it will easily last years, providing good CB radio communication.

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2. Wilson 305-38 Magnet Mount CB Antenna – Runner Up

The Wilson 305-38 Little Wil takes the top spot for the best CB antenna overall. The best thing about it, is the short length without compromising performance. At 36 inches, it’s suitable for all kinds of setups from urban roads to tight off-road trails with low-hanging branches.

How Is The Range and Ease of Tuning?

At 3 feet height, the Little Wil is spot on for short-range communications. Thanks to the 14 gauge copper wire coil, the clarity it provides will blow your mind. On the downside, this short height also means that it won’t serve you well if you want long-range communication.

Its frequency range is the regular 26 to 27 MHz for CB radio so it requires only slight fine-tuning to achieve the perfect SWR using an SWR meter or an analyzer.

What Are The Mounting Requirements?

The Wilson 305-38 is a magnetic CB antenna for mounting on metallic surfaces. It comes with a standard PL 259 connector for connecting to any CB radio, a coax cable long enough to give you flexibility regarding where to install it, and a screw to hold the antenna in place. All you have to do is plug it in and secure it.

To protect your vehicle’s paint job from scratches, the magnetic base has a plastic covering.

Key Features

• Low profile 36 inches antenna
• Large 10 oz. magnetic base mount
• 300 Watts power handling capacity
• Low-loss coil with a 14-gauge copper wire
• High impact plastic base construction

How Does It Hold Up?

This antenna is held in place by a strong 10-ounce magnet so you can rest assured it will hold securely even during high-speed rides down the highways or when gusts of wind blow. The whip itself is made of stainless steel, which makes it tough enough if you’ll be driving through overhangs.

The outer shell is made of high impact thermoplastic, which is resistant to heat, moisture, and other weather elements. The low-loss coil is a heavy-duty 14-gauge copper. As for power handling, the Little Wil can withstand up to 300 watts.

Verdict

All in all, the Wilson 305-38 Little Wil is one of the best short CB antennas currently available on the market. It manages to strike the fine balance between convenience and performance.

If you need a high-performance antenna but don’t want the hassles a long antenna will present, it’s hard to go wrong with the Little Wil. It’s the best antenna to install on a semi-truck. The height, magnetic base, and weatherproof construction make it ideal for rooftop mounting.

It’s on the expensive side, though, especially given its short height that delivers only a limited range. Because of the limited height and base-loaded coil, the Little Wil is not the CB antenna for you if you plan to install the antenna anywhere else other than the roof.

Wilson 305-38 Specifications

• Mount: Magnet Mount
• Height: 36 inches
• Power Rating: 300 Watts
• Coverage: All CB Frequencies
• Material: 14-Gauge Copper, Thermoplastic

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3. Wilson 5000 Trucker – Best Premium CB Antenna

Wilson will proudly tell you that their T5000 range offers the most powerful CB radio antennas in the world. Coming from the same series, Wilson Electronics 305550 lays claim to the same performance. It’s partially for this reason, along with its build quality that this antenna is our pick for the best premium CB antenna.

The antenna can handle 5000W RF power output on AM. If you take it to SSB, the RF power output can get as high as 20,000 W. If you ever reach a power output that this antenna can barely handle, there’s a good chance you’d have the FCC looking for you!

Wilson has engineered the antenna to provide good performance. Perhaps even over-engineered it a bit. The result is remarkable performance, but also a price that might give you pause.

Although it’s expensive, it feels that the price is well-deserved. The loading coil for the antenna is a 3/16-inch solid copper wire plated with silver. That’s a combo you want for excellent gain and signal quality.

A special high-impact thermoplastic housing keeps the coil safe and working even in extreme weather conditions. This thermoplastic cover also prevents the coil from breaking or icing up in bad weather.

The coil is removable for safe storage when needed. Removing it also reduces the height of the antenna, making it easier to pull into garages and similar structures.

Since this is a center-load antenna with steel shafts. You could use it with a five-foot or ten-foot shaft, as necessary. The default packaging includes the five-foot shaft, with the base measuring about 10 inches while the whip covers 52 inches. The whip and the shaft are both made from stainless steel.

Apart from allowing excellent signal quality, the length also keeps room for tuning the antenna.

Some trimming might be necessary to manage the VSWR, so the long length of the shaft comes in useful.

Mounting the antenna is simple enough, as it works with the 3/8″ x 24″ threaded mount.

However, it’s worth remembering that though built quite well, this is a heavy antenna. It needs secure mounting with consideration for the shaft during use. 

Any change would require accounting for torque, which might otherwise break the antenna.

Overall, if you want a powerful truckers antenna for a CB radio, this antenna would be more than adequate. For once, a marketing tagline actually rings true, at least in this case. As they say, “You can’t go wrong with a Wilson antenna.”

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4. TRAM 3-B-HC Fiberglass CB Antenna – Best Budget CB Antenna

Value for money comes almost naturally when you pick a fiberglass antenna. TRAM 3-B-HC Fiberglass CB Antenna manages to handle the delicate balance between budget pricing and fulfilling performance roles.

As a fiberglass antenna, this one has a copper wire running on a fiberglass rod and housed in a protective casing. The tip is rubber and forms a tight seal to keep the antenna secure. 

Tram says this is a heavy-duty construction, however, in the world of fiberglass antennas, the term “heavy duty” is somewhat debatable. Fiberglass isn’t remotely as flexible as antennas made from metal, like stainless steel. So, the antenna feels a good amount of torque and wind resistance.

In many cases, this can cause the antenna to break. To Tram’s credit though, the antenna seems to perform fairly well in this category. Using a spring with the mount can add some flexibility to the antenna, giving it more protection against breaking.

The antenna is a 3-foot whip in black color and a red rubber cap with a diameter of roughly 0.3 inches. 

With a frequency range of 26-29 MHz, the antenna covers the entire citizens band with relative ease.

When it comes to mounting this antenna is simple enough with the conventional 3/8-Inch x 24 thread mounting. However, tuning it is an entirely different story.

Tram takes the tougher route for tuning the antenna since to do so, you’ll have to remove the rubber cap, then cut away at the plastic wrapping. Once that’s done, carefully trim the copper wire as required to get the tuning right.

While it isn’t difficult to pull off, it does seem like a lot of work. Newer fiberglass antenna models like the Firestik II include a screw at the top to make tuning a breeze. Nevertheless that convenience comes with an increase in cost so we can forgive this little problem considering the low price!

Tram rates this as a 1500W antenna which even if it can be theoretically possible, I wouldn’t expect it to get anywhere near that number considering that it’s still a low-cost antenna.

Overall, it’s clear that the TRAM 3-B-HC Fiberglass CB Antenna lacks the bells and whistles seen in several other CB antennas. However, as a value product, it’s tough to beat. 

It has a very attractive price tag, acceptable build quality, and does its job as a CB antenna reasonably well. And that’s more than good enough for a budget cb antenna!

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5. Browning BR-28 High-Performance Broad Band 63-Inch CB Antenna – Most Powerful CB Antenna

With an impressive power handling capacity of 10,000 watts on CB radio, the Browning BR-28 is every trucker’s dream. It’s the best premium CB antenna to consider if you’re looking for an antenna that will really up to your reception and transmission range.

The high power capacity aside, the amazing thing about it is how lightweight it is while still being sturdy. At 1.36 lbs., it won’t add much drag despite the extra height.

How Is The Range and Ease of Tuning?

The Browning BR-28 is a broadband CB antenna with a 25MHz–30MHz frequency range. This means that it covers all CB bands. The SWR is good enough right out of the box.

As for tuning, you can use a tuner, add a spring or trim the whip in order to achieve the ideal 1.1 SWR. Beyond the CB frequency, you can also tune it for the 10M amateur radio bands.

What Are The Mounting Requirements?

The Browning BR-28 utilizes a 3-way mounting system. Its lightweight design makes it very easy to maneuver and install on your vehicle. To ensure the high-profile antenna will stay up without issue, you will get two heavy-duty set screws to secure it with.

How Does It Hold Up?

The Browning BR-28 is also one of the best antennas when it comes to durability. It’s an exceptionally rugged antenna featuring a stainless steel whip and shaft that can resist breakage under pressure. The copper coil is chrome plated to fend off rust and corrosion.

Key Features

• 10,000W power handling capacity
• 49 inch stainless steel whip
• Six inch stainless steel shaft
• Copper coil is triple chrome-plated
• 25MHz–30MHz CB frequency range
• Three-way mount with heavy-duty screws

Verdict

If you’re looking for a high-power CB antenna to go with a high-power CB radio, the Browning BR-28 is worth a look. It will take your reception and range up a notch and look good while at it. The bonus is that you will also be able to use it with HAM radio bands as well.

The Browning is not all rosy though. Some customers complain that the parts easily come apart while on the road. You can prevent this by ensuring everything is nice and tight before you start driving. Lastly, the 63 inches height will not work if you drive in urban areas or through low-hanging branches.

Browning BR-28 Specifications

• Mount: 3-Way Mount
• Height: 63 inch
• Power Rating: 10000 Watts
• Coverage: 25MHz–30MHz, HAM
• Material: Stainless Steel

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6. Tram 703-HC Center Load CB Antenna – Best Budget CB Antenna

When it comes to value for money, the performance and durability the Tram 703-HC offers at an affordable price are hard to beat. It’s the best CB antenna to consider if you’re shopping on a tight budget.

The centre loaded design makes it ideal for pick-up trucks and urban applications. The coil is low enough for clearance below overpasses and street signs yet high enough to not be blocked by parts of the car.

How Is The Range and Ease of Tuning?

While the Tram 703-HC is only two feet tall, the centre-loaded coil maximizes its efficiency so it’s still one of the best performing budget antennas for short-range communication. It covers all CB frequencies so you have plenty of channels to choose from.

Setting the SWR to 1.5 or less across all the channels is easy and fast. You can adjust the top of the antenna using a set screw and use an SWR to tune it. Once you fine-tune it, the transmission and reception are great within a 10 miles radius.

What are the Mounting Requirements?

The Tram 703-HC is a magnet mount CB antenna. The magnet mount kit includes a magnetic base, a hex wrench, a 17 feet coax cable, and a conventional PL-259 connector. If you prefer, you can also get it with a power cord or a cigarette lighter plug.

Key Features

• 2 feet tall center loaded CB antenna
• 200 watts power handling capacity
• Easy to mount plug-and-play design
• Magnet mount with shock spring
• Covers all the CB frequencies
• TStrong stainless steel whip and cable

How Does It Hold Up?

The combination of a two feet height and a 10-ounce 3.5-inch magnet makes the Tram 703-HC a sturdy CB antenna. According to reviews by drivers, it has stood up to speeds and winds of 80 to 100 mph.

On top of this, the whip features a shock spring that absorbs the shock from bumps and potholes keeping the antenna stable on rough spots. Finally, the stainless steel whip and cable can resist rust and corrosion and have a static resistant tip.

Verdict

Thanks to the short height and center loaded coil, the Tram 703-HC is a great budget CB antenna for pickup trucks. It’s very convenient to use on urban roads with street signs and overpasses.

The two feet height is also its downside though. It means you will only be able to receive and transmit within a few miles. If you’re looking to listen and transmit over a wider distance, you’re better of with one of the taller antennas reviewed here.

Tram 703-HC Specifications

• Mount: Magnet Mount
• Height: 2 Feet
• Power Rating: 200 Watts
• Coverage: All CB Frequencies
• Material: Stainless Steel

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7. Midland 18-2442 – Best Antenna for Mobile CB Setups

The Midland 18-2442 is the best CB antenna to consider if your radio setup is composed of a car-mounted transmitter and a handheld radio unit you can take out of the car.

You can also use it with a portable scanner or transmitter but you will need to purchase an adapter. The 30 inches height makes it ideal for low clearance situations.

How Is The Range and Ease of Tuning?

The compact size places the Midland at a disadvantage when it comes to performance. At 30 inches, the range is about 4 miles. To make up for it, it uses a centre-loaded coil to improve efficiency. This design means the clarity is good, especially in fair weather conditions.

You can tune it with an SWR meter and you will also get an Allen wrench with your purchase. Once adjusted, you can hear and transmit clearly.

What are the Mounting Requirements?

The Midland 18-2442 CB antenna mounts via a magnetic base and a standard connector. Since the cable and connector are pre-wired right out of the box, it’s one of the easiest to mount CB antennas. You will need a BNC adaptor in order to use it with a handheld scanner or transmitter.

Key Features

• 30 inch mobile CB antenna
• 300 Watts power handling capacity
• Magnetic mount antenna with a center load coil
• 17-7 stainless steel whip with relief spring
• Pre-wired with connector and cable
• Compatible with all Midland mobile CB radios

How Does It Hold Up?

The antenna itself is well-made. The whip is constructed with 17-7-gauge stainless steel and equipped with a relief spring to prolong its lifespan. The magnetic mount is strong enough to hold the antenna sturdy. Lastly, the plastic encasing the magnetic base not only protects your vehicle but also keeps rust at bay.

Verdict

If you own a Midland mobile CB radio, the Midland 18-2442 was built with it in mind. Its application isn’t limited to the Midland brand though. It also works with a wide range of mobile radios and comes ready to use with mobile CB radios where the transmitter is installed on the vehicle.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come ready to use with a mobile scanner or transmitter. You will have to purchase an adapter separately if you intend to use it this way. While the short height makes it a great option where you have limited clearance above your vehicle, it also means you will have to trade off some performance for the convenient size. Lastly, the small magnetic base isn’t likely to hold in the face of high-velocity winds.

Midland 18-2442 Specifications

• Mount: Magnet Mount
• Height: 30 inches
• Power Rating: 300 Watts
• Coverage: All CB Frequencies
• Material: Stainless Steel

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8. FireStik FL3-B FireFly – Best Fiberglass CB Antenna

The beefy yet lightweight fiberglass construction has made the FireStik FL3-B FireFly one of the best CB antenna for jeeps, pickup trucks, and off-road applications.

The 3 feet height is also on point for these applications. With the FL3-B FireFly, you get the clearance you need and peace of mind that your antenna can take quite a beating without snapping.

How Is The Range and Ease of Tuning?

The Firestick FL3-B FireFly has a high-efficiency coil design that delivers top-notch performance as far as fiberglass CB antennas go. While the range on the short side at about 5 miles, the reception is quite clear once you adjust the SWR readings.

Thanks to a tunable tip, the FireStik is one of the easiest to tune antennas. The tip has a screw you can use to attune the antenna to your radio. You don’t have to go through the hassle of trimming the antenna.

What Are The Mounting Requirements?

Like most fiberglass CB antennas, the Firestik FL3-B FireFly doesn’t come with a mount. You will need to buy a chassis ground mount suitable for the vehicle and surface you will install it on.

It utilizes a 3-way mount so you have a lot of flexibility regarding where to install it. You can mount it on fiberglass, wood, plastic, and even metal surfaces.

Key Features

• Strong yet lightweight fiberglass construction
• Non-magnet mount for non-metal surfaces
• Practical three foot antenna height
• High-performance coil design
• Flexible yet resilient fiberglass tube
• 100 watt power handling rating

How Does It Hold Up?

FireStik antennas are made in the USA and have established a solid reputation for quality. The Firefly FL3-B FireFly lives up to this reputation. It’s constructed with premium quality materials and components and the attention to detail is meticulous.

Construction with fiberglass makes the antenna strong enough to withstand a lot of punishment without breaking yet lightweight and flexible. The three-way mount also provides a sturdy attachment to your vehicle.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a tough antenna you can count on to withstand snagging by branches when driving on tight trails in the woods, the FireStik FL3-B FireFly fiberglass fits the bill. You can’t go wrong with it as a CB antenna for a jeep or pickup truck, off-road or town applications.

Its disadvantage is that the coverage is only about five miles so it isn’t suitable for long-range communication. And if you like it for the inexpensive price tag, keep in mind that you will have to purchase the mount and spring separately as they don’t come with the antenna.

FireStik FL3-B Specifications

• Mount: 3-Way Mount
• Height: 36 inches
• Power Rating: 100 Watts
• Coverage: All CB Frequencies
• Material: Fiberglass

9. K40 K30 – Best Magnetic CB Antenna

With a 35 inches height, a base-loaded coil, and a heavy-duty magnet base, the K40 K-30 is one of the best magnetic CB antennas for mounting on car roofs. This height is tall enough to ensure a good reception range yet short enough for clearance.

How Is The Range and Ease of Tuning?

Right out of the box, the K40 K-30 comes tuned on the high end. Its frequency range is 26-30 MHz. The good thing is that it comes with a long whip that you can trim to get it to the frequency range you will be operating on.

Trimming the whip will get the SWR down to the desired 1.1 and ensure the reception is clear. The range with this CB antenna ranges from 6 to 10km.

What Are The Mounting Requirements?

As a magnetic mount antenna, the K40 K-30 CB antenna comes with all the hardware you need to mount it on your car roof. You will get a magnet base and an Allen key for screwing the antenna onto the base. You also get a long enough (15 feet) coaxial cable with a PL-259 connector.

For ease of attachment, the cable comes pre-attached to the base. The coax is just the right diameter (about 1/4 inch) to easily pass through windows.

Key Features

• Base-loaded magnetic mount CB antenna
• Ground plane antenna
• 17-7 stainless steel whip
• Pre-wired and 95% shielded coax cable
• 300 watts power handling capacity
• 180° tip, no need for an anti-static ball

How Does It Hold Up?

As you can expect with a CB antenna made in the US by a reputable brand, the K40 K30 is of top-notch quality. The whip is made of high-gauge stainless steel that can resist rust and corrosion, even in very humid weather conditions.

The 4 inches wide heavy-duty magnetic base does an excellent job of securing the antenna in place even at 70mph speeds or winds. The antenna has a 300 watts power rating and features a 180° tip that prevents discharge without the need for an anti-static ball

Verdict

Overall, the 35 inch height and strong magnetic base make the K40 K-30 magnet mount CB antenna one of the best CB antennas for mounting on the roof. With a frequency range of 26 to 30 MHz, you will enjoy clarity over a wide range of channels.

Tuning is where the K40 K-30 falls short. It comes tuned on the upper end so trimming it to bring the SWR down is necessary. But since the whip is made of tough stainless steel, it’s very difficult to trim and requires the use of a hacksaw..

K40 K-30 Specifications

• Mount: Magnet Mount
• Height: 35 inches
• Power Rating: 300 Watts
• Coverage: 26 to 30 MHz
• Material: Stainless Steel

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10. Solarcon A-99 CB Base Station Antenna

The Solarcon A-99 is the best base station CB antenna for stationary applications. It towers 17.5 feet high, which means the range and clarity is as good as it gets.

Besides being a powerful CB antenna, it also works great on 10 and 12M amateur bands and can handle shortwave frequencies as well.

How Is The Range and Ease of Tuning?

The 17.5 feet height of the Solarcon A-99 CB antenna means that the reception range and the signal strength are exceptional. The CB reception is spot on and the reception for the HAM and SW bands is also good once you tune the antenna. The tuning rings on the base make adjusting the antenna easy.

What Are The Mounting Requirements?

Despite the 17.5 feet height, the Solarcon A-99 is easy to mount. This is because it only weighs about 5 pounds making it maneuverable by one person. Getting the optional ground plane kit is a great idea, as it will improve the stability and performance of the antenna.

Key Features

• 5 feet long base-station CB antenna
• Compatible with 10M-12M amateur bands
• Reliable US-made construction quality
• 2000 Watts power handling capacity
• Tunable to achieve the lowest SWR reading

How Does It Hold Up?

To go with its versatility, the Solarcon A-99 is designed to handle a lot. It can withstand a whopping 2000 watts and up to 14,500 volts. The mast comes in three sections and the coil is positioned on the upper end, which enables it to repel static.

The fiberglass construction and heavy-duty mounting plate also enable it to remain standing in the face of storms. It can even stand up to saltwater damage should you decide to use it on a boat.

Verdict

When it comes to performance, versatility, durability and value for money, the Solarcon A-99 base station CB antenna blows the competition out of the water. In addition to loud and clear performance on CB frequencies, you will be able to use it with Ham and Shortwave bands.

The Solarcon A-99 is, however, too tall if you plan to install on a truck or vehicle. The package also doesn’t include everything you will need to mount it. You will have to spend more money to purchase the mounting kit.

Solarcon A-99 Specifications

• Mount: Non-Magnet Mount
• Height: 17.5 feet
• Power Rating: 2000 Watts
• Coverage: All CB Frequencies, 10M-12M Ham, SW
• Material: Fiberglass

Solarcon A-99 CB Base Station Antenna Manual

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How To Choose A CB Antenna?

Are you looking for an antenna to use while cruising on the open road or do you intend to install it on a 4×4 jeep for off-road adventures? Will you be installing it for the long haul or is it just a temporary setup for an upcoming trip?

With the answers to these questions in mind, below are the features and specifications to pay attention to so you can get the right antenna for your CB radio.

Materials

CB antennas should be able to withstand weather elements and other beatings they will be exposed to when mounted on vehicles. Because of this, they are usually constructed with high-strength materials such as fiberglass and stainless steel. These materials are also lightweight and flexible so they won’t create too much drag.

Fiberglass CB antennas are rugged yet flexible so they can withstand impacts and high winds. They are a great choice for rough terrain. One attractive feature of fiberglass antennas is that they are inexpensive.

However, there is a catch here. With most options, you have to purchase the mount separately so be sure to take this into consideration. The performance of fiberglass models is also usually not as good as other options.

Stainless steel CB antennas usually have a center-loaded coil, which makes them the best CB antennas for truckers and other highway applications. However, you can also find bottom-loaded options where the coil is positioned at the bottom inside a plastic case. Unlike fiberglass antennas, you will find everything you need to mount the steel antenna inside the package.

Mounting System

There are two types of mounts: magnetic and non-magnetic.

Magnet mount CB antennas are held onto the vehicle by heavy-duty magnets. Because of the ease of installation, this mounting system is ideal for casual users and for elevating the range of a handheld CB unit. It’s also the most convenient option if you will be using one antenna on different vehicles. You can easily clip off the magnetic base and stick it on another car.

Non-magnet mounting requires you to purchase a suitable CB antenna mount depending on where you plan to install the antenna. You can install it on the roof, the bumper, or the trunk.

Frequency Bandwidth

Most CB antennas on the market cover CB frequencies ranging from 26.965 – 27.405Mhz. After all, the 40 CB channels are within this band. However, it’s possible to get antennas with coverage beyond this.

Some antennas cover up to 30Mhz while others can even be tuned to the 10M amateur bands and even Shortwave radio.

Power Handling Capacity

In line with the legal 4-watt or 5-watt power output for CB radios, all CB antennas are equipped to handle a 4/5 watt power output.

If you have a high power radio, you will need a powerful antenna capable of handling more power without damage. Luckily, most of the best CB antennas can handle power way beyond this. Some are capable of withstanding 10,000 watts.

Ease of Tuning

The ideal SWR for CB radio antennas is 1.5 and below. Transmitting above an SWR of 2.5 can damage the transmitter. A good antenna will allow you to fine-tune the SWR so you can achieve the perfect SWR readings.

CB antennas with a tunable tip make adjusting the SWR very easy. Some antennas allow you to trim the whip while others let you add a spring in order to adjust the height of the antenna.

Antenna Height

The taller the antenna, the better the reception. 102 inches or 8.5 feet is the ideal antenna height for the best performance possible.

This size is exactly a quarter of a wavelength and it provides a range of more than 10 miles. However, a towering 102 CB antenna comes with some limitations. Having an 8-foot antenna on a vehicle isn’t always practical.

When driving in urban areas or on off-road trails, a shorter antenna is more practical even though the range will be equally shorter. The best short CB antennas strike the right balance between height and performance.

Coil Position

With the best coil CB antennas shorter than 102 inches, the coil is the most active part of the antenna. For optimal reception, it should be positioned above the roofline of your vehicle.

Center loaded antennas are the favorite go-to CB antennas for semi-trucks. In fact, they are referred to as ‘trucker antennas’. What makes them popular with truckers is their top-notch performance. They can achieve a range of 7 to 10 miles.

They feature a thick stainless steel shaft with the coil located on the shaft housed in a plastic case. This centre-loaded coil design is optimal for chassis mounts.

For maximum efficiency, fiberglass CB antennas usually feature a top-loaded coil. This design ensures that the coil is above the roofline no matter where you decide to install the antenna. Last but not least, based loaded CB antennas designed for rooftop installation feature the coil at the base.

Electrical Grounding

There are two types of CB antennas when it comes to electrical grounding. Ground plane CB antennas utilize a magnetic mount or a ground attachment to direct excess power to the metal frame or body of a vehicle.

No-ground plane or NGP antennas do not require grounding in order to function as desired. Instead, they use an NGP coax. Due to this, they are ideal for non-metal surfaces on RVs, boats, and vehicles without a metal chassis. On the downside, the range achieved is not as good as it is with ground plane setups.

Best CB Antennas FAQs

Do CB Radios Need Antennas?

CB radios need antennas for optimal performance. Even a top of the line CB radio is only as good as the antenna it’s paired with. The typical range for CB radios is about 10 miles.

With a good CB radio antenna and the best CB amplifier, you can increase this range and maximize signal strength and clarity at the same time.

How does CB Antenna work?

A CB antenna, like its name implies, is an Antenna that is on the receiver and transmitter end of the radio and receives plus transmits the frequency signals. After receiving, it relays the signals to the transmitter. These are then converted into electric signals in order to be heard as a voice on the radio speakers.

What is a Good CB Antenna?

A good or best CB antenna is one that covers the channels you operate in, provides a good reception range, allows you to tune the SWR easily, and suits the intended application.

What is the Best Height for a CB Antenna?

The best height for a CB antenna for top performance is 102 inches or 8.5 feet. This height is exactly a quarter of a wavelength and has a range of more than ten miles.

Should I Install Dual Antennas?

Installing a dual antenna is a great way to improve the reception range and signal strength. It’s a good idea to install dual antennas if you usually haul a large load that gets in the way of a single antenna. However, dual antennas don’t work well on off-road trails.

Final Verdict

Every smart purchase decision starts with education and knowledge about that particular thing. We structured this article in such a way to help you gain maximum knowledge regarding the best CB antennas with a complete Buyer’s guide. All of our reviews are based on proper research and experience, so you can best rely on our recommendations.

Now that you have enough information regarding CB Antennas, you can choose your own which suits best with your CB setup. We hope that this article was helpful and help you choose the right CB antenna. Check out our other similar guides and reviews.