10 Best CB Antenna Reviews 2023 – Newbie Buying Guide

Ever heard the phrase, "If you have a $200 CB radio and a $10 CB antenna, then it's safe to say you have a $10 CB radio system?" However ridiculous this might sound, it's true. The type of antenna you hook up your CB radio system directly affects its performance, regardless of whether you're using a high-end radio.

With this in mind, you should be mindful when choosing the best CB antenna for your unit. The different antennas you'll find out there have varying build qualities and performance. And you can easily get confused on which one to buy. This guide will lift all the confusion that comes with shopping for a CB antenna and act as your shortcut to the top-rated CB antennas available.

Top CB Antenna in 2023 by Editors

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  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Browning BR-28 High-Performance Broad Band 63- Inch CB Antenna
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Aries Automotive ARIES 10822 SINGLE 4` FOOT 500 WATT CB RADIO ANTENNA KIT W/MIRROR MOUNT...
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  WILSON 305-497 3500-Watt Trucker Antenna (White)
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 4
  
  4ft Black Firefly (3-Pack)
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 5
  
  RoadPro (RP-711) 24" Magnet Mount Stainless Steel CB Antenna Kit
  Rating:

  
  

Types of CB Antenna

If it's your first time buying a CB antenna, you first need to understand that they come in various types. In this section, we'll give you a quick outline of the 5 most popular types of antennas you'll find on the market.

1. Fiberglass CB antenna

This antenna features a fiberglass antenna rod, hence its name. The antenna wire comes wounded along the outside of the rod, underneath a plastic wrap. And the coil is usually comes situated at the top of the antenna. These are the most durable type of CB antennas and will hold up to off-road rigors and abuse-making them the best choice for off-roading. Because they work with multiple types of mounts, you can mount them just anywhere on your vehicle.

2. Magnet mount CB antenna

A magnet antenna comes with a magnetic base that secures it to the metallic parts of your vehicle. These antennas usually come as an all-in-one package, with everything including the coax, whip, and magnet mount included in the box. These antennas are popular due to their straightforward installation process and the exceptional performance they deliver.

3. Center-load CB antenna

This type of antenna is usually referred to as a trucker antenna as it's more popularly used in semi-trucks. A typical center-load antenna has a stainless steel shaft going up to about a third from the bottom while the coil sits above the shaft, in a plastic housing. The rest of the antenna is a long, thin whip made from steel. These antennas offer excellent performance compared to other similarly mounted antennas. However, they tend to hang on the higher end of the price spectrum.

4. 102" whip CB antenna

This antenna sets itself apart from the other antennas in that it doesn't use a coil. This is simply because the 102" whip translates to a perfect ¼ CB wavelength. The coil you see in the other antennas is simply a 102-inch wire tightly wound up in an attempt to achieve a 102" whip. The antenna gives you incredibly top-notch performance while featuring an attractive price tag.

5. No-ground plane (NGP) CB antenna

A traditional CB antenna is designed such that it uses the metal chassis of your truck as a ground plane; lack of a proper ground causes it to perform poorly. What if your vehicle no metal chassis? This is where an NGP antenna comes into play. It performs without metal, enabling you to use it any vehicle without metallic chassis, e.g., a boat, RV, or any vehicle dominated with fiberglass.

10 Best CB Antenna Reviews:

1. K40 K-30 Magnet Mount CB Antenna

Our list kicks off with this great mag mount antenna, ideal for a simple magnetic CB antenna at a fair price. The all-in-one package comes with a 15-ft long, high-quality coax long included, enabling you to hassle-freely install in your truck or any larger vehicle.

The antenna means real performance. It comes with a great whip length of up to 35 inches to ensure it intercepts more reliable signals for your CB radio. Not to forget the excellent power handling capacity amount to 300 Watts for unmatched quality transmissions.

As it's the case with all the magnetic CB antennas, mounting this K40 K-30 on your vehicle is a breeze. It comes with a super-strong magnet that securely holds your antenna in place even when riding at high speeds or in strong winds.

Note that the included 15ft coax cable is made of quality and features additional shields to prevent potential breakage that can lead to poor antenna performance. The cable also comes pre-wired for quick connections. As a bonus, the cable also comes with aPL259 connector for easy assembly.

Highlighted Features:

• 5 feet pre-wired coax cable
• 35-inch 17-4 stainless steel whip
• 300 Watts power handling capability
• Strong magnet for secure mounting
• Comes with extra-long 15ft. coax

2. Midland 18-2442 Mobile CB Antenna

If you're looking for the best mobile CB antenna, this Midland should appear on your list of top choices. Designed by the respected Midland brand, this antenna will work with all Midland mobile CB radios…and just about any mobile CB unit similar that's similar to the Midlands.

Featuring a center loaded coil design, this antenna will offer you higher efficiency. And this makes it the CB antenna for truckers who have CB radios in their trucks. It comes with a magnetic mount that translates to an easy and fast installation process.

It comes with a 30-inch stainless steel whip that's tall enough to capture strong signals while being able to withstand the rigorous off-road rides and harsh weather conditions.

You'll also notice a relief spring fixed along the whip length. This goes a long way in preventing possible damage to the whip, adding to the overall antenna durability.

Remember that this antenna comes with a quality 17-feet coax cable pre-wired to the antenna for easy assembly. A connector is also included in the cable end for easy assembly.

As for the installation, this antenna has a magnetic base for super-easy installation. The magnetic features plastic coating that prevents rusting and scratching of your vehicle paint.

Highlighted Features:

• Compatible with all Midland mobile CB radios
• Center-loading mag mount antenna
• 30-inch 17-7 stainless steel whip
• Comes pre-wired with 17ft. cable and connector
• Plastic coated magnetic base

3. TRAM 703-HC Center Load CB Antenna Kit

If you're looking for the best CB antenna for semi truck with magnetic mount, consider this TRAM antenna. Just like all the other magnetic mount antennas in this list, this model presents you with everything you need to install and use it right out of the box.

It comes with a 17-feet coax cable that's an excellent length for use in your truck, wheeler, and any larger vehicle that requires a longer coax cable. The antenna length is adjustable/tunable, enabling you to easily optimize your VB radio for your desired frequency.

The antenna itself measures 2-feet tall, which is an adequate length for enhancing quality signal reception for your mobile CB radio. Note that this antenna is designed to cover all the CB radios to ensure you don't miss a single station when driving your truck.

You'll be pleased with how strong a magnet mount this antenna comes with. It securely holds the antenna in place, making it feel like part of your car. The antenna will remain in place even when driving at high speeds of up to 120mph. Even the strong winds won't knock it down.

Highlighted Features:

• Covers all the CB frequencies
• 2ft tall stainless steel whip
• 17-feet cable with PL-259 connector
• 3.5-inch magnetic mount included
• Shock spring prevents whip breakage

4. Browning BR-28 High-Performance Broad Band 63-Inch CB Antenna

Rated as one of the best CB antenna for truckers, Browning BR-28 is a high-performance antenna that's sure to transform the quality of your CB signal reception. It comes at a fair price tag to ensure its affordable for all truckers.

The performance-oriented antenna has the unmatched ability to handle a whopping 10,000 Watts of power on the Citizen Band-making it a real deal antenna, and a dream for every trucker!

The antenna looks really good on your truck. It's high-profile mount due to its 49-inch stainless steel whip plus a 6-inch stainless steel shaft. It boasts a triple chrome-plated copper coil that sits 6 inches above the shaft. This coil position is crucial as it sets the coil to clear the roofline, where it could be blocked from efficiently receiving and transmitting a signal from your CB unit.

Given its enormous size and weight, you'll need a heavy-duty mount to support this beast on your truck. Luckily, the manufacturer understands this pretty well and ships it with a sturdy stainless steel 3-way mount for extremely secure mounting on your truck.

Highlighted Features:

• Up to 10,000 Watts power rating
• Durable stainless steel shaft and whip
• Triple chrome-plated copper coil
• Extra-long length of up to 63 inches
• 3-way mount CB antenna
• Frequency response: 25MHz and 30MHz

5. Wilson 305-492 T2000 Series Black Mobile CB Trucker Antenna

We also have this black CB Trucker Antenna from Wilson as one of the best mobile CB antennas. For beginners, Wilson is a top-rated brand that produces some of the best-performing CB antennas known by CBers all over.

The Wilson 305-492 CB Antenna is a center loaded antenna, and it's a popular choice among truckers. It comes with thick lower steel made from stainless steel. A larger coil housing sits right above this shaft. The larger house increases the power handling capacity of this antenna, resulting in increased clarity of the signals it captures.

Right above the coil housing is a lengthy 49-inch stainless whip that does a great job at intercepting strong signals to ensure you enjoy quality communication with your CB unit.

Most manufacturers don't bother to shield their antenna against weather, which leads to a lot of static affecting your communication. However, this Wilson features a static reducing weather cap the minimizes the statics for crystal-clear transmissions.

The build quality for this antenna is top-notch, which is no surprise for a "Made in USA" product. The coil housing boasts high-impact thermoplastic construction. The 10-gauge silver-plated coil wire and the stainless steel shaft and whip increase the durability of this antenna.

Highlighted Features:

• 5" stainless steel shaft
• 49" stainless steel whip
• Standard 3/8″ x 24 chrome-plated ferule
• Larger coil housing for increased power handling
• Higher (3500 Watts) power rated
• Static reducing weather cap
• Frequency range: 26MHz to 30MHz

6. TRAM 3-B-HC Fiberglass CB Antenna

TRAM 3-B-HC is a top choice for you if you're looking for the best fiberglass CB antenna. It's constructed from heavy-duty fiberglass for unmatched durability. This sturdiness enables it to withstand various off-road abuses and beatings for maximum longevity.

This antenna delivers a frequency range of 26-29MHz, so it covers the complete CB band and will give you access to all the channels. It has a power capacity of 1500 Watts, which delivers a pretty dependable range.

At a length of 3 feet, this is tall enough to capture and transmit quality signals while being short enough to give you the clearance you need to easily take your vehicle through short entrances, tunnels, etc.

The fact that you can mount this antenna just anywhere on your Jeep or off-road vehicle makes its installation hassle-free. Although the antenna doesn't come with its own mount, it works with all standard/8-Inch x 24 thread mounting and will make a suitable replacement for your current model.

Highlighted Features:

• Heavy-duty fiberglass construction
• Measures 3-feet tall
• Covers all the CB frequencies
• 3/8-Inch x 24 thread mounting
• 1500 Watts power rating
• Frequency response: 26-29 MHz

7. Nagoya CB-72 28″ CB Antenna

If you're still looking for a mag mount CB antenna for semi-truck, then this Nagoya is also a perfect choice. It can also be used with pickup trucks, tractors, and vans. And it works with all mobile CB radios with UHF (SO-239), including Unidens, Cobras, and more.

The antenna is made for easy installation. When you mount it vertically, it achieves an omnidirectional performance that enables it to receive signals for all the directions. It comes equipped with a heavy-duty rear earth magnet mount that assures you of secure mounting to your vehicle.

Since the antennas length of 28 inches, it has a low-profile nature-tall enough to capture strong signals but tiny enough to let you drive through areas with low clearance.

When you order this antenna, you'll also receive an extra-long (18ft.), premium coaxial cable. Such an extended-length cable gives you the flexibility you need to set up your antenna in just any vehicle application.

Unlike most of its competitors featuring a thickness of around 2.5mm, this Nagoya is 4mm thick for the ultimate durability and long-lasting service.

Highlighted Features:

• Easy to install omnidirectional antenna
• Extra-long 18ft. premium coax
• Solid brass NMO mount
• Includes PL-259 connector
• Heavy-duty magnetic mount

8. ARIES 10819 4` Foot Fiberglass 500 Watt CB Radio Antenna

If looking for the best CB antenna for 18 wheeler, this is your part. The Aries 10819 CB radio antenna comes as a pair at the same affordable cost. This makes it suitable for use in your 18 wheeler or any other long trailer where installing dual antennas is recommend as using a single antenna tends to obstruct the signal.

The dual antennas come with an excellent length of up to 4 inches. This is good news because antennas with a longer whip tend to capture stronger signals and deliver a better performance.

The Aries boast a power handling capability of 500 Watts each. This translates to a combined power rating of 1000 Watts, which means a really good range.

After you install this antenna, you won't need to do any tuning since both antennas come already tuned. Using an SWR meter will display good SWR reading, confirming they're pre-tuned. Nonetheless, this antenna is field adjustable to allow you to optimize your radio for the best range.

Don't forget that this is a fiberglass CB antenna. Both rods are made using fiberglass materials to make the antenna last for many, many years when used in the harshest conditions.

Highlighted Features:

• Power rated 500 Watts
• 4ft. ¼ wave fiberglass antenna
• Comes factory tuned
• Filed adjustable
• Shipped as a lot of 2
• Works with standard 3/8 X 24 Thread mount

9. PRO TRUCKER Fiberglass CB Radio Antenna

You don't need to spend a lot of money to find the best fiberglass CB antenna. Pro Trucker designed this antenna as a budget-friendly high-performance antenna for nearly any application and in all weather conditions.

As its typical across all the top-end fiberglass antennas, this model features heavy-duty fiberglass construction. This enables it to withstand various abuses and weather elements for maximum longevity. And unlike most of its competitors, this antenna also incorporates a super-flex technology that keeps it from breaking when riding on those rough and bumpy roads. If you want to, you can also add a medium spring to make it even more resistant to breaking.

With an incredible length of 4 feet and a good mounting spot, you'll mount this antenna high on your car that it'll intercept nothing short of strong signals. You don't need to struggle with the tuning part since this antenna comes factory pre-tuned and ready to use.

Installing this antenna in your vehicle is easy and straightforward. It easily screws into standard 3/8″-24 threaded antenna stud. This affordable Pro Trucker antenna is suitable for Jeep, SUV, van semi-trucks, RV, and trucks.

Highlighted Features:

• Covers all CB radio frequencies
• 4ft. heavy-duty fiberglass construction
• Super-flex technology prevents breakage
• Standard 3/8-Inch x 24 thread mounting
• Comes factory pre-tuned
• High-performance in all weather conditions
• Lightweight construction

10. LUITONCB 14 Inch Handheld CB Radio Antenna

Our list comes to an end with LUITONCB 14 Inch CB radio antenna. This is a magnetic mount type antenna designed to work with your handheld CB radio. Like all the other mag mount antennas mentioned above, this model, too, comes as a complete package featuring a CB antenna, 13ft. Coax, PL-259 connector, and a magnetic base.

The 14ft RG-58/U coax cable is just the right size for your handheld unit and will let you put the antenna in the best position for a quality signal interception.

Unlike most of the antennas out there, this one comes with BNC to SO-239 adapter. This connector enables you to hassle-freely connect it to your portable CB radio and start enjoying enhanced signal reception and quality transmissions.

It also comes with a robust magnetic mount for secure mounting. Mind you; the mount has a rubber protector to prevent the magnet from leaving ugly scratch marks on your car. You'll also appreciate the spring that comes affixed to the antenna whip as it adds to the overall durability of the antenna.

Highlighted Features:

• Strong magnetic base w/rubber cover
• Easy to install in roof/trunk of any vehicle
• Comes equipped with PL-259 connector
• Features BNC to SO-239 adapter for handheld CB
• 14ft coax cable included
• 12-months warranty against manufacturer defects

What Makes The Right CB Antenna?

With all the brands and models of CB radio antennas out there, knowing the right one to choose for your CB system might not be an easy task. Below, we'll roll out the key factors that define the perfect antenna for your CB radio to help you make a more educative decision.

Antenna length

One of the most important factors to look for when shopping for a new CB antenna is its overall length.

As you might be already aware, how long the antenna goes up affects the range boost it gives your CB radio. The longer it goes, the farther you can get your messages out there. You'll also be able to receive messages from far away.

With that said, the ideal length for a CB radio antenna is 102 inches (or 8 ½ feet) since it translates to the ¼ wavelength for CB radios.

However, such a length might not be ideal for some users, especially if you wish to take your vehicle through low clearance entrances. It can also make it hard for you to park your vehicle. In this case, you might consider going for the shorter models of around 3ft. which are designed for high-performance.

Durability

Another crucial factor to keep in mind when purchasing a new CB antenna is the type of materials used to construct it. These will directly dictate its durability and longevity.

From our top antennas reviews above, you might have already noted that manufacturers employ different materials to manufacturer the antennas. Some products have shown the ability to stand the test of time better than the others.

All models made from heavy-duty fiberglass have proved their place as the most durable types of antennas you can get on the market today. They're able to withstand all sorts of punishment-including holding up to the off-road rigors. They're simply made to last.

Antennas with stainless steel shafts and whips also tend to hold up well to harsh weather conditions and abuse.

TIP: Antennas that have a stiff feel (less flexibility) can easily get broken when they get caught up in various obstacles. For this reason, you should make your antenna comes with a relief spring that helps minimize potential breakage.

Mounting method

We can divide the mounting techniques for CB antennas into two broad categories: permanent and temporary.

The permanent mounting style is where you need to screw your antenna onto your vehicle as opposed to the temporary (magnetic) mounting.

As you can easily guess, the temporary mounting method has more benefits compared to bolting it to your vehicle. For instance, you can easily remove the antenna when not in need, move it around to find a better reception, etc. You also won't need to drill any holes in your vehicle.

The permanent mounting method means maximum security of your antenna and the ability to withstand strong winds or high-speed driving.

Cable

Manufacturers are now including coaxial cables in their CB antenna packages, especially the magnetic type antennas.

If you go for such a package, then you should check that you're not just getting any cable but one made of quality. This is because a poorly made coax can easily affect the performance of your antenna and leave you frustrated. Since the cable will be exposed on your vehicle, it should also be sealed to prevent water, snow from interfering with it.

Besides quality, you should also check the length of the included cable. In most cases, the length stretches from 7 to 20-feet. And the ideal length for you will depend on the type of vehicle you wish to use it in. Bigger vehicles, such as trucks and 18-wheelers, will definitely require longer cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need an antenna for my CB radio?

Yes. You need to hook up your radio to an antenna if you want to have a better transceiver power and range. The maximum emission power of a CB radio legally allowed by FCC is 4 Watts, which means hooking it up with an antenna is your only option for determining its transmission power and range.

Is it wise to install dual CB antennas?

It is a wise decision to install dual antennas in your vehicle if you wish to improve your range or want to prevent signal blockage associated with pulling large trailers such as the 18-wheelers.

However, keep in mind that dual antenna installation isn't recommended for off-roading.

Also, there are some factors to consider when installing them to ensure they yield the desired results. For instance, you'll need an absolute minimum of 5ft. between them. You'll also need a special co-phase CB coax to correctly wire them up.

Where should I mount my CB antenna?

The mounting location can seriously affect the effectiveness of your CB radio antenna. Generally, experts recommend that the higher you mount the antenna, the better position it'll be to capture and transmit signals.

When mounting your antenna, you also want to ensure you place it vertically. The coil and most of your antenna should also clear the roofline of your vehicle to prevent possible interference or having too much of the signal reflected back into your antenna. The higher your antenna sits above the roofline, the better the reception/transmission.

Above all, ensure you mount your antenna where it can't break off easily. You don't want to keep spending on a new antenna every other month just because they keep breaking.

What's the best CB antenna for 18 wheeler?

If you're looking for the perfect antenna for an 18-wheeler, then you need to look for the most powerful antenna you can get. This is crucial as it helps prevent potential signal blockage by your large trailer. In some cases, you might also consider dual antenna installation for your 18 wheeler to minimize signal blockage.

The ideal antenna for 18 wheeler should also be able to enhance the range of your CB radio. It should be able to boost the receive and transmit arrays. Look for omnidirectional antenna that receives and transmits signals in all directions-giving you an even greater range.

Do I need to tune my CB antenna?

Tuning your new antenna is crucial as it helps optimize its performance and prevent potential damage to your radio due to high SWR readings. To correctly tune your CB antenna, you'll need an SWR meter (if your radio has one built into it, then you can use it).

Some antennas come factory pre-tuned, saving you from having to tune them on your own. These are your go-to choice if you're a starter in this field and want something easy to use right out of the box.https://www.youtube.com/embed/YwFPKIjweP8

Can I adjust my antenna physical length?

Sure! You can adjust the length of your antenna to make it shorter or longer to suit your unique needs. This process is usually easy if you purchase an adjustable model. This features a tunable tip that uses small screws to let you easily adjust its length to your desired frequency.

Final Verdict for CB Antenna Readers

Choosing the best CB radio antenna for your CB radio is easier when you know what to look for. Ultimately, you want to ensure you get a high-performance, easy to use, and durable antenna that will serve you for a really long time. We have included everything you need to know before buying your first CB antenna in the above guide. After reading this info, you'll have an easy time navigating through the multiple brands and models of CB antennas on the market to get the most suitable one for your needs.

Buy them at Walmart, Etsy, eBay (subject to availability)

Browning BR-28 High-Performance Broad Band 63- Inch CB Antenna - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Aries Automotive ARIES 10822 SINGLE 4` FOOT 500 WATT CB RADIO ANTENNA KIT W/MIRROR MOUNT - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

WILSON 305-497 3500-Watt Trucker Antenna (White) - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

4ft Black Firefly (3-Pack) - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

RoadPro (RP-711) 24" Magnet Mount Stainless Steel CB Antenna Kit - Walmart, Etsy, eBay