A CB radio is an essential part of many 4WDs and trucks, but when you purchase one for your car, you might not be getting everything you hoped for.
The truth is, most antennas that come with CB radios are of poor quality, and without the right antenna, you won’t get the signal strength or quality that these devices can truly offer.
Choosing the CB antenna to suit your radio and car can be a daunting task, especially for first-timers. Just one look on the market will show you all of the different types and specifications you have to consider when all you need is one that will outperform the rest without breaking the bank.
What is the best CB radio antenna on the market, though?
CB antennas come in three main styles: magnetic, fiberglass, and whip, although there are other styles out there that are less popular. The best CB antenna is one that suits your car, offers a stronger signal, is made by a reliable brand, and within an affordable budget.
If you don’t have time to search the hundreds of options out there, we’ve done it for you
With our hand-selected group of the best CB antennas on the market today and a little more about what they offer that’s so unique, you’ll have a much smaller crowd to choose from and a better chance of getting something worth spending money on.
Our Recommendations for the Best CB Antenna
Without a good antenna, your CB radio will be useless, and it’s a cheap upgrade you can make that will have a huge impact on the quality of your communication.
We’ve scoured far and wide to come up with our recommendations for the best CB antenna for semi-truck, pickup, and all other drivers, so check out our top finds.
Best Overall: Luiton CB Antenna
- Length: 28 inches
- Type: Magnet mount
- Frequency: All
The best CB base antenna on the market today has to go to the Lution, offering up 28 inches of strength and power so that you can get the very best range.
This longer than standard antenna ensures your CB radio works at its best and comes with a full kit so that you have everything you need for installation. The Luiton works on a 27Mhz frequency and covers all frequencies, even capable of reaching the weather channel.
By far the best part about this CB antenna is the magnet mount, which gives it strength and reliability that can’t be found with other brands.
Customers have raved about how sturdy it was and that it never came loose even when they were off-roading and using their 4WD to the extreme, so once it’s installed on your truck, you never have to give another thought to it.
On the downside, you’ll have to spend some time tuning it, even though Lution has assured you this isn’t needed in their instructions. This can take some time to get right, especially for newcomers to CB radios, so be prepared to put in the work.
Lution does offer instructions on how to get the job done, but it would have been better if they were upfront at the start about the necessity of having to calibrate the radio.
Within the Lution CB Antenna Kit, you’ll get a magnet mount that can be placed directly on your truck, as well as 10 feet of coaxial cable, a coil load, and stainless steel whip, all of which has been pre-installed for your ease.
All of these parts work together to help you achieve the best in transmission, no matter where you’re driving, and with a massive 28-inch height, there’s nothing it can’t do.
The Lution CB Antenna Kit can be used just about anywhere, so you’re not limited to just your truck or 4WD. As an indoor and outdoor antenna that’s completely portable, it can be mounted and dismounted as needed, provided you’re willing to put in the time tuning it again.
Lution CB Antenna Kit includes Lution’s 12-month limited warranty for peace of mind and free postage from Amazon straight to your door. If you want a reliable, affordable, and strong CB antenna to complete your 4WD setup, this is our favorite choice of all.
Best Magnetic CB Antenna: K40 Model K30 Antenna
- Length: 35 inches
- Type: Magnetic mount
- Frequency: N/A
Having a magnetic CB antenna certainly makes matters easier, and our favorite in this category has to be the K40 Model K30 Antenna.
This is the best CB base station antenna that has a massive 300 watt AM power handling prowess, so you’ll get more out of your radio than ever before. The K30 from K40 has a 35” length made from stainless steel, further adding to its strength and reliability.
What customers loved most about this antenna was its heavy-duty craftsmanship which meant it stayed securely in place.
There was no need to attach a ball at the top because of a 180-degree tip that K40 has designed, which was a huge bonus, and saved another small purchase just to get a CB radio that’s powerful enough to deliver the goods.
There were a few minor setbacks with this antenna that didn’t affect its use in general, with the most annoying is that it takes some work to get it down.
If you’re after an antenna with an easy detach, this isn’t it, so it’s probably not ideal for people who plan on using theirs now and then. For permanent CB radio users who are happy to keep their antenna on the front of the truck, this lack of detaching function won’t be an issue.
The K40 K30 model antenna has a base-loaded coil and a heavy-duty magnet weighing 10oz that stays in place wherever you put it on your truck.
It comes with a 15′ pre-wired coax cable that’s shielded up to 95 percent and a PL259 connector, giving you every piece you need for setup, and with detailed instructions on how to get the job done.
K40 makes all of their communication devices in the USA, so you can feel good about buying from a local brand that understands what US truck and 4WD owners need.
With 35 inches of length possible, you’ll get far greater reception and transmission that your CB radio could get on its own, and with minimal fuss during setup.
K40 M30 Model Magnetic CB Antenna includes free shipping from Amazon, but unfortunately, there’s no mention of a warranty from the K40 brand which is a shame. If you’re after quality and heavy-duty magnetic antenna to transform your CB setup, the K40 K30 is our top pick.
Runner Up: Nagoya CB 72 Antenna
- Length: 38 inches
- Type: Magnetic mount
- Frequency: All
The Nagoya CB 72 Antenna is another great choice for a magnetic mounted antenna, giving you improved connectivity and transmission for your truck, 4WD or SUV.
This simple antenna connects easily to your car and has a massive 38-inch stainless steel construction, taking you places that other shorter antennas can’t. The CB 72 can reach all CB frequencies and does so with ease, featuring all of the parts you need to get started.
According to the happy reviews, the price of this antenna is amazing for how much power you get. If you’re looking for a low budget setup but don’t want to sacrifice on range, the Nagoya CB 72 is one of the top performers.
For a first-time radio setup, it’s also ideal, showing you what these devices are capable of without breaking the bank.
Some customers have commented on the antenna feeling a little flimsy compared to others they’ve used in the past. If you’re someone who drives in tough terrain and need the best mobile CB antenna to stay securely in place, you may want to reconsider.
Although it does a good job of improving transmission, it’s not exactly a rough-riding antenna equipped to handle a thrashing.
The Nagoya CB 72 Antenna is easy to install, even for beginners, and comes with full instructions for every step.
Included in this kit is the extra-long 18″ coax cable, enabling you to reach all CB frequencies with the one device. The solid brass NMO mount measures 3.5″ and adheres to your truck with a magnet, using a plunger-type pin to stay in place.
You’ll also get the PL-259 connector included with the Nagoya Antenna, and this enables you to reach all common connections. This antenna pairs with most of the popular CB radios, so you should have no problem with connectivity, including popular brands like Bearcat, Uniden, and Cobra.
The Nagoya CB 72 Antenna offers free shipping with your first purchase and free returns should anything be wrong with it. Unfortunately, Nagoya doesn’t offer a warranty on this antenna, but if the customers are anything to go by, you’ll be thrilled at its power and prowess for such an affordable antenna.
Best Fiberglass CB Antenna: Tram 3-B-H-C Fiberglass Antenna
- Length: 24 inches
- Type: Fiberglass
- Frequency: 26 – 29Mhz
A fiberglass antenna is considered one of the strongest types, and if you’re after this kind of CB setup, our top pick is the Tram Fiberglass CB Antenna.
Affordably priced, this antenna is still very capable and has a frequency range of 26 – 29MHz which means it’s able to pick up all of the CB channels while you’re on the road.
The sturdy fiberglass antenna is fixed and strong, which means you can drive just about anywhere without having to worry about whether it’ll stay put, and it does a fine job of improving your communication abilities.
According to customers, though, the best thing about this antenna was how efficient it was for something only three feet long.
Unlike other antennas that measure 24 inches, it’s capable of picking up clearer signals and from further away, which can be a huge bonus if you have an already oversized truck and want to keep your height down.
Although shorter, it doesn’t miss out on clarity of transmission and improves your range significantly.
A few things are missing that could make this a better product, but for something so affordable it’s not as much of a big deal. You’ll have to purchase the stud mount separately to attach it, and know a bit about these types of antennas, as the instructions are light.
This is probably not an ideal choice for someone looking for their first CB setup, but rather for an experienced radio user.
The Tram 3-B-HC Antenna has 1500 W of capacity and has a 3/8″ x 24″ thread mount. It’ll blend in seamlessly with your car with its all-black design, and will add a whole lot of your power to your existing CB setup.
The heavy-duty fiberglass used to make the antenna adds strength to its construction and ensures that even over the toughest terrain, everything will stay put and in the best condition.
Tram 3-B-HC Antenna also doesn’t offer a warranty on the antenna so it’s a risk you have to take, but for this low price, it’s worth giving it a shot. If you’re after a sturdy and affordable CB antenna and fiberglass is your preference, the Tram 3-B-HC is the way to go.
Runner Up: ProStick 2′ Fiberglass Antenna
- Length: 16 inches
- Type: Fiberglass
- Frequency: 26-29Mhz
The beauty of a fiberglass antenna is that it’s capable of doing so much more with a shorter length, and that’s exactly what the ProStick has to offer.
This amazing two-foot antenna can be mounted to your truck to deliver improved transmission, better range, and a better communication experience, and all without being too much of an eyesore.
Strength is paramount with this fiberglass antenna, and that’s what makes it such a popular choice with customers.
People loved how tough it was and mentioned the anti-breakage design they’ve patented, called the “VibraSorb” which keeps it in prime condition for longer, and saves you from having to buy a new one every time you take your truck off-road.
However, as a more expensive fiberglass antenna, some minor problems could do with fixing. As it only has 1000 W of power, it’s not as high as other brands that cost half the price and might not be suitable for all CB radios.
Having something with a bit more of a punch would have made the price worthwhile with the ProStick, but unfortunately, it fell short here.
The ProStick 2′ Fiberglass Antenna has been factory tuned to save you time and can reach between 26.000 to 29.500 MHZ frequencies.
You might want to spend some time recalibrating to get the best results, but if you’re brand new to CB radios and would rather not attempt it, the factory tune has done a good job instead.
This is a seriously tough CB antenna, thanks to the fiberglass mast design that’s been adhered to a nickel-plated brass ferrule.
With both of these elements working together, there’s nothing you can do to get it off once it’s been installed, so it’s ideal for people who like to travel off-road and give their trucks a workout.
To get your hands on the ProStick 2′ Fiberglass Antenna, you can buy one for around $20 from Amazon, but unfortunately, there’s no mention of a warranty from the brand.
Although more expensive than other fiberglass antennas we’ve seen, it packs a powerful punch for something so small and does a great job of keeping you connected. ProStick is a good choice for those who like compact fiberglass antennas, and don’t mind spending a little extra to get it.
The FAQs of CB Antennas
A CB antenna is just as crucial as the radio system itself, but an often overlooked part of the whole setup that can seriously impact its performance.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your antenna but want to know more about why they’re so important, we’ve got the answers to these commonly asked questions that you’ve been looking for.
How Does A CB Antenna Work?
A CB radio antenna has two jobs that make it very important for people needing communication on the go.
Firstly, it captures the radio frequency signals that are being sent and converts them into signals so the receiver can take them, and then it takes the signals being sent by the transmitter and converts them to radio frequency signals so that other people can receive your messages.
How Do I Increase The Range Of My CB Radio?
There are a few things you can do to increase the range of your CB radio including checking the station location, adjusting the height of your antenna, and changing the frequency output.
However, if none of these seem to make a difference, investing in a new CB antenna that gives you greater range has the best effect and is affordable enough for everyone to do.
How Far Will A 4 Watt CB Transmit?
A 4-watt CB transmitter is standard in the United States and something that most trucks rely on. With this type of power, you’ll be able to transmit up to 20 miles which should be enough for adequate transmissions.
However, the range can sometimes be impacted by factors like environment, terrain, and line of sight communication, with certain devices sometimes allowing for even further lengths possible.
Is A Longer CB Antenna Better?
Although there are some exceptions to the rule, it’s generally accepted that a longer CB antenna is a better one in terms of transmission range and quality.
Choosing one that’s practical for your application and the CB radio you’re working with will ensure you get the most out of an antenna.
How Tall Should My CB Antenna Be?
The height of a CB antenna is governed in the US by the FCC, so the length of them cannot be unlimited and will depend on things like the height of your car and where you’re traveling.
In general, an antenna that’s around 8 ½ feet in height is best for a car so that it receives and sends better signals, however, this might not be possible or safe for all vehicles to achieve.
The Key to a Reliable CB Radio
A good antenna is a key to a better CB radio, and whether you’re getting one for a brand new system or trying to amp up your old one, you’ll be amazed at the power they have. With this one device, you’ll transform your existing radio and reach ranges and clarity that you’ve never had before.
There are so many options out there for antennas that it can be hard to know where to start, especially if you’ve never used this type of device before.
We each have our specifications for what’s needed, whether it’s something portable or a durable, heavy-duty antenna that’s going to stay put, no matter what.
With our recommendations, every type of CB radio user will find their perfect fit and all without having to spend hours looking through reviews themselves.
Our hand-selected picks represent some of the most affordable and efficient antennas on the market and are reliable enough to make any CB user happy.
