CB radios reached a peak in popularity back in the 1970s. Today, they are still the primary method of two-way communication between truckers, hobbyists, and emergency first responders all over the globe.
CB radios inherently have a limited range--generally around 10 miles. This is because they're limited to just four watts of power. You will need to supplement the scope of your CB radio with a CB antenna.
A powerful CB antenna will boost the practical range of your radio quite a lot. This enables you to connect with others across a considerable distance.
If you need to purchase a CB antenna but aren't sure which antenna to buy, this guide is for you. Read on for everything you need to consider when comparing CB radio antennas.
Then we'll give you our top 5 picks for the best CB antennas.
Why Do I Need a CB Antenna?
Even high-quality CB radios on the market will be offered with a maximum of 4 watts power. No matter how good a CB radio, without a great CB antenna to pair with it, you will have to deal with problems like lost signals, noise and interruptions.
This means that even a budget-friendly radio can become excellent at transmitting and receiving over long distances with a good quality antenna.
If you are driving an 18 wheeler, the body of the truck could block the radio signal. A good CB antenna will let you have a consistent transmission and reduced dead spots.
Besides boosting the transmission, a CB antenna will improve the receiving range. It sends the signal in all directions.
Protect Your CB Radio
A defective antenna not only hinders smooth communication but also causes damage to the CB radio.
This is why it is essential to choose a good quality CB antenna. It will ensure a longer life for your CB radio.
What Makes the Best CB Antennas?
When you are shopping for a CB antenna, you need to consider several factors such as the brand, type of CB antenna, where it mounts, and its height.
The right CB antenna for you must be able to mount to your vehicle and be able to transmit over the distance you need. It should also be easy to attach.
Types of CB Antenna
There are three types of CB antennas: fiberglass, base, and whip.
Fiberglass models are the least expensive types. They are made out of a fiberglass pole wrapped in a copper wire. These can be mounted anywhere on a vehicle.
Whip antennas get their name from the long steel whip they feature. These are mounted high on a vehicle. They can be base or center loaded.
The base antenna has a coil wrapped around the antenna body at the bottom. These often have a thicker coil which provides higher Watt capacity. It also makes for simple mounting.
This type of antenna must be above the vehicle, so there are less mounting positions available. The upside is they are less vulnerable to damage, and they can handle higher power outputs. You'll see police cars with this type.
Consider Warranty and Quality
When you are shopping for the best CB antenna, keep in mind that regardless of how much you spend, something can go wrong.
Take a look at the warranty for each unit you are considering. In general, the better brands offer better customer service and warranty coverage.
So even a mid-line device from a reputable company may be a better choice than the top of the line version from a company you've never heard of.
Consider Your Vehicle
Though most CB radio antennas are universal fits, you should keep in mind what car you have when comparing CB radio antennas.
Magnet, roof or trunk antennas are best suited to cars while fiberglass top -loaded antennas are often used in pick-up trucks. For semi-trucks, fiberglass top -loaded antennas and center-loaded steel whip antennas are commonly chosen used.
Best CB Antennas for 2021
Now that you understand the reasons why you should get a CB radio antenna, we'll give you our top 10 picks.
1. 102" CB Antenna Whip
Yes, it's got an unimaginative name, it's more a description than a name. But the 102" CB Antenna whip is hands down the best CB antenna you can get. Hundreds of CB antenna reviews agree.
This is the right CB antenna for you if maximum range/performance is vital.
It's built from stainless steel and designed to last so make sure to use a sturdy mount and a heavy-duty spring.
One downside is this thing is huge. It measures 102" which is 8.5 feet. Even when mounted to your bumper, this antenna will stick well above your roofline.
Also, it is quite a bit pricier than other options and is more prone to damage if struck.
However, it will give you an added 10 miles of range.
2. FireStik FL3-B
The FireStik FL3-B is a light-weight and CB antenna that is easy to mount. It's a fiberglass model that is 3-feet long. It has excellent reception and transmission.
It has a bare hand's tunable tip which makes tuning easy and gives you better performance. The drawback to this is that the tip is delicate in comparison to other CB antennas.
But if you want an easy-to-tune version, this is a good bet. It even comes in four colors for different looks.
CB antenna reviews recommend this FireStik for jeeps and crawlers.
3. Wilson 305-38
The Wilson 305-38 is one of the best CB antennas for speed. This whip base load antenna can handle whatever you throw at it.
The 10 oz magnet and the high-impact design means that even at 90 miles per hour, this antenna is not going to blow off.
The heavy-duty coil is made out of it 14 gauge copper wire and provides heavy power handling capacity. Yet it is a small and attractive design.
The only con is that tuning can be tricky. But other than that, this is a solid choice for a CB radio antenna.
4. K 40 K-30 Stainless Steel Magnet Mount CB Antenna
Here comes a 35-inch, stainless-steel whip antenna. You'll get a 15-foot coax cable to protect the K40 K-30 from damage. Add to that a flexible design, and you've got a durable CB radio antenna.
It comes with a magnet that is 4 inches 10 ounces magnet strong. This will keep your CB radio antenna in good shape even at high speeds.
This unit works well for your pickup truck or car and gives you a good 5 miles of reception and transmission.
The con here is that installation needs to be done carefully as the magnet can cause scratches to the body of your car. Do it carefully, and you're good to go.
5. Tram 703-HC Center Load CB Antenna Kit
If you are looking for the easiest to use CB antenna, take a look at the Tram 703-HC. It is a 2-foot CB antenna that comes with a 3'' magnet mount and the shock spring. It'll work with any CB radio easily.
It can give you up to 9 miles of range which is excellent for this price point.
The downside some CB antenna reviews mentioned is that the wind noise was loud and obnoxious.
Overall, this CB radio antenna is a solid choice to maximize your communication efficiency.
6. MIDLAND 18-2442 Mobile CB Antenna
If you want a durable antenna you can use for many years, go for the Midland 18-2442.
The Midland 18-2442 is a center-loaded antenna that can be mounted on various areas on your vehicle from the roof to the trunk.
The whip is made of 17-7 stainless steel which makes it robust and able to stand strong winds and high speeds. A relief spring protects the whip from shock.
The cable and connector are prewired which makes this unit sturdy. This CB radio antenna is ideal for cars and jeeps.
When you install the unit, just watch out for your car's power wiring. Those electric currents may interfere with the antenna's signals.
7. WILSON 1000 SERIES MAGNETIC MOUNT CB ANTENNA
This Wilson 1000 series CB antenna is a whip antenna with 3000-watts of power.
3000-watt antenna means range - you won't have to worry about being in range for miles and miles. Plus, the 62.5-inch removable whip lets you capture signals over long distances.
Being a bottom-loaded antenna, the Wilson 1000 Series gives you limited options where you can mount it to your vehicle. But the excellent warranty, customer service, and range will make up for that.
This antenna is ideal for jeeps which are ready to get some miles under their wheels.
8. Cobra HG A 1000 base-load Small Mount CB Antenna
At less than $50, the Cobra HG A 1000 might be just what you are looking for. It is 21 inches tall and has a sturdy magnetic base to make it easy to mount on your roof or fender.
The antenna is very sturdy. The magnetic base is scratch resistant and heavy enough to avoid sliding along the body.
The braided coax cable makes this unit durable and long-lasting. The coax cable includes a 239 connector for linking with the CB.
If you need a budget-friendly base-loaded CB antenna that provides you with all the channels, the Cobra HG A 1000 is an excellent choice.
9. Browning BR-28 CB Antenna
If power is your number one criteria, the Browning BR-28 delivers all that and more.
This antenna is not just for truckers; it's for anyone who needs to communicate over large areas.
This CB radio antenna features a 49-inch stainless-steel whip antenna with a 6-inch shaft. That gives you a total height of over 51 inches. If you choose to do a dual installation, you will have over 102 inches of adjustable height.
Now add 10,000 watts power handling capacity, and you've got a truly effective CB radio antenna.
Both the whip and shaft are made of stainless steel for excellent durability and reduces the chances of breakage, damage, and rust.
The coil is center-loaded, made of copper and is triple chrome-plated for increased efficiency. This antenna is also manufactured in the US state of Oklahoma.
So if you want superb quality and incredible reception, look no further.
10.Tram WSP1198 Glass Mount CB Antenna With Weather-Band
The Tram WSP1198 supports both FM and AM signals so that you can communicate with anyone on the road. And this is one of the few models that allows you to talk while still being able to listen to the radio. This is a huge perk that is seldom found in CB radio antennas.
At just 50 watts, it's pretty low on the power capacity compared to some of the other heavy-duty models we've discussed. However, it's a great choice for beginners just getting started with CB radios.
It provides a super long whip so that you don't need to worry at all about gain and bandwidth.
The center-loaded coil in this antenna means you have plenty of options when choosing a mounting location. Installation is easy because no drilling is needed. Just stick the base to any glass on your vehicle such as the back window.
Here you'll get a 17-feet coax cable and a PL259 connector included in the kit which means you don't need to buy anything else. This is ideal for first-time buyers as it takes out all the guesswork.
Conclusion
We hope you have found this guide comprehensive and informative. You should now better understand why a CB radio antenna is a vital investment not only to protect it but also to get the most out of your radio. And you should be able to consider all the factors when deciding which option is right for your needs.
There are thousands of choices out there for CB radio antennas. We hope that our list of top 10 best CB antennas gives you an idea of what to look for when doing your shopping.