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Remember when cars had huge antennas to get radio and GPS reception? Well, although they're more rare than in the past, some cars still have them. For those that still use a vehicle with an antenna, it may need to be replaced or upgraded over time. With the help of an aftermarket antenna, you can increase the reception and reliability of your FM and AM signals. Here are the best car antennas that are available on Amazon.
Basiker 7-Inch Antenna - $19.99
Key Features
- Compatible with select Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM models
- Fast installation
- Made with durable rubber and high-quality copper
- Anti-interference
This Basiker Antenna fits various Jeep and Dodge models, so if you own one of these there’s a good chance this antenna will suit your needs. Its matte black finish makes it relatively low-profile, and it’s pretty durable, this antenna can handle all sorts of weather conditions. This antenna is fairly easy to install, and the manufacturer offers responsive customer service support.
Herdio Waterproof Marine Antenna - $15.99
Key Features
- 16.9” mast
- Angle mounting options
- 180° swivel head
- Corrosion-resistant
- Angled mounting options
Most antennas are designed with a specific car make in mind, but the Herdio Waterproof Marine Antenna caters to a wider range of vehicles. Along with cars it’s compatible with ATVs, and boats, and can even be used at home if you so desire. The antenna has a 16.9-inch mast, making it fairly tall, and this connects to a 55-inch cable that helps with any necessary wiring. It offers up to 10 miles of range, allowing for a decent connection from pretty far away.
Votex 6 3-4-Inch Antenna - $24.99
Key Features
- Can withstand temperatures up to 257°
- Stainless steel treading
- EDPM rubber construction
- Won’t affect Bluetooth, GPS, Satellite or AUX inputs
One major difference between modern antennas and ones made in the early 2000s is that they’re generally a lot shorter today. Manufacturers are now able to fit more powerful technology into smaller spaces, and the need for long and collapsible antennas is (thankfully) a thing of the past. This Votex antenna is a great example of how a shorter size doesn’t come at the expense of high performance. Despite its small size, this antenna allows you to receive signals from dozens of miles away with little to no issue. It has a highly durable build, allowing it to withstand any weather conditions it faces, and offers the benefit of a risk-free purchase-- if you’re not satisfied, send the antenna back and the manufacturer will fully refund your purchase.
Rydonair 7-Inch Antenna - $24.99
Key Features
- Low-profile design
- 1 minute to install
- Weather-resistant
- Strong AM and FM reception
If you find yourself in the market for a new antenna for your pickup, consider this Rydonair 7-Inch Antenna. It’s compatible with all F-150 models, from 2009 up to the latest 2024 model, so even if your truck’s a little old, you should be just fine. This antenna is pretty easy to install-- it’s just a matter of screwing it in. Its optimized build allows it to work well with both FM and AM radio channels, and its low-profile design won’t change the look of your F-150 by too much.
AntennaMastsRus 6 3/4-inch Antenna - $24.99
Key Features
- Stainless steel treading
- All-weather construction
- Free replacement if damaged in the car wash
- Low-profile design
If you’re looking for an antenna that matches the color of your vehicle, then look no further-- this antenna by AntennaMastsRus is a classic antenna design with a modern touch. It’s not as large as older antennas, and it can stand on top of your vehicle without obstructing your view too much. An interesting thing about this antenna is that it comes in eight different colors, ranging from black and silver to more colorful options, among them blue, yellow, and green. The colors may not always perfectly match your car’s paint job, but in most cases, they should be close enough not to make too much of a difference.
How to install a car radio antenna
Before buying a car antenna, make sure that the one you choose is compatible to with your vehicle. Also, make sure the vehicle is turned off before starting the installation process. Here is a YouTube tutorial from AutOdometer on how to replace a broken antenna in 10 minutes.
How many cars still use antennas?
Most new cars have a shark fin antenna that blends in with the rest of the vehicle so well that you don’t even notice them. But there is still a select amount of pickup trucks on the market that still use traditional antennas.
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