If you need to buy a scanner antenna but are too confused about where to start from then, you have come to the right place. Some people might think of antennas as an outdated tool but in reality, these are still common. In fact, there are hundreds of good scanner antennas present in the market.
But this is also the reason that when we want to buy a scanner antenna, it is very difficult to choose one. You have to go through numerous products, trying to find an excellent antenna based on your needs, and it can be really disappointing that even after spending so much time, you are not satisfied with the antenna’s performance.
To avoid all of that, we have analyzed several scanner antennas and listed the 7 best scanner antennas in the market. These are the ones that are highly trusted by their users. Also, we have provided a buying guide that will help you choose a unit that is as per your needs.
Table of Contents
7 Best Scanner Antenna Reviews
1. Bingfu VHF UHF Ham Radio Police Scanner Antenna Amateur Radio Mobile Radio Scanner Antenna Magnetic Base BNC Male Antenna Compatible with Uniden Bearcat Whistler Radio Shack Police Scanner Ham Radio – Top Pick
Bingfu is among the best manufacturers of good quality scanner antennas at reasonable rates. This antenna from Bingfu comes with a double spring oscillator that ensures that the signal is always steady.
The scanner is portable and thereby can be carried easily. This scanner comes with a magnetic antenna base and has a RG 174 cable that is 10ft long.
The scanner is built with BNC connectors of good quality. This equipment is compatible with CB Radio, Car Mobile Two way Radio, Amateur Radio, and many more. The temperature of this antenna, while storing should be between 30 degrees Celsius and 85 degrees celsius.
Why is it unique?
This scanner antenna provides a stronger signal and reception of better quality. The frequency range of this scanner is 20MHz to 1200MHz. It is not directional specific. This scanner works perfectly at a temperature between 20 degrees Celsius and 80 degrees celsius.
Buyer’s Experience
Most of the buyers have given satisfactory reviews and ratings. The features like easy installation and assembling have impressed a lot of buyers. Plus, it is good value for money.
Best Fit For
This scanner is an ideal choice for your homes as it offers you high-quality signals and is compatible with most radios, thereby making it a good buy.
Pros
Cons
- Frequency Range: 20MHz - 1300MHz; Compatible with: Public Radio Scanner, Ham Radio, Two Way Radio, Walkie Talkie, Mobile...
- Compatible with Uniden Radio Scanner: SR30C, Bearcat BC125AT, BCD436HP, BC75XLT, BCD325P2, BC355N, BCD996P2, BC365CRS,...
- Compatible with Whistler Radio Scanner: WS1040 WS1088 WS1010 WS1080 WS1025 WS1065 TRX1 TRX2;
- Compatible with Radio Shack Radio Scanner: PRO-2018 PRO-197 PRO-650 PRO-163 PRO-405 PRO-528 PRO-668 PRO-94 PRO-404...
2. Tram 1410 Broad Band Discone/Scanner Base Antenna – Best Choice
Tram is a trusted brand that focuses on offering good quality antenna components that are durable and offer good performance. All the antennas are designed after a lot of research to ensure that the performance is not compromised.
Why is it unique?
This antenna scanner can receive receptions from frequencies between 25 and 1300 MHz along with transmitting bands of 144-220-440-900-1290 MHz. It has a stainless steel body that is free from the occurrence of rust. The antenna scanner has a UHF Female type connector.
Buyer’s Experience
Most of the buyers are highly satisfied with their buy. They have liked the build and design of the scanner. The durability is a plus.
Best Fit For
This antenna scanner can receive receptions over a good range of frequencies. If you are looking for a scanner that would last for a long time, then this is the perfect one for you.
Pros
Cons
- Wideband reception covering 25MHz–1,300MHz
- Transmit bands 144MHz/220MHz/440MHz/900MHz/1,290MHz
- Rust-free stainless steel structure
- 200W max power
3. Pro Trucker Scanner Radio Mini Magnet Mount Mobile Scanner Antenna with BNC Connector – Black – Best Mobile Scanner Antenna
Pro Trucker is quite famous for its high-quality accessories of antennas. This brand has designed the best small-sized magnetic mount. The scanner comes with a BNC connector along with a coaxial cable that is 12 ft long and is made of good quality materials.
This black-colored scanner can be used indoors and for your vehicles. For better performance, it is recommended to install this scanner on an open space or windows.
Why is it unique?
This scanner antenna offers an impressive height of 15 inches with a slim design. The frequency range of this scanner is 25MHz to 1200MHz. It has an RG-174 cable with BNC connectors that can be connected with any other scanner with a BNC connector.
Buyer’s Experience
Buyers are quite happy with their purchase. Most of them have given good ratings and reviews. They have recommended these antenna scanners to others as well. The impressive features offered by this antenna have gained a lot of buyers.
Best Fit For
This antenna is compatible with your vehicles and can be used indoors as well. Therefore this product can be an ideal accessory for your house. It has a compact-sized design, that makes it easy to place it anywhere you want.
Pros
Cons
- Frequency range 25-1200 Mhz receive
- Wide Band Compact Antenna for Scanners & Scanning receivers
- Approximately 15" tall, slim & thin
- Includes mini magnet mount with 12 feet of low loss RG-174 Cable
4. Scanner Radio Mini Magnet Mount Mobile Scanner Antenna – w/SMA Connector – Best Mini Antenna
Scanner Radio Mini Magnet is one of the best antenna scanners you can buy. It has a magnetic mount that comes along with a cable that is 12ft long.
This black-colored antenna scanner is compatible with all scanners with an SMA Connector. It can receive receptions from frequencies ranging from 24 to 1300 MHz.
Why is it unique?
This product comes with excellent packaging and has a small magnetic mount along with it. This antenna scanner has a compact structure and has an SMA Connector on the end of the cable.
Buyer’s Experience
Most of the buyers are pleased with their buys. Some of the customers were unhappy with the quality of the reception. However, the signal strength is a bit weak.
Best Fit For
For anyone who is looking for an antenna scanner that fits their budget can check this product out. Plus, it is easy to install.
Pros
Cons
- Wide Band Compact Antenna for Scanners & Scanning receivers!
- Freq. 25-1200Mhz receive!
- Genuine Procomm Brand item in a Procomm Branded Package! Approx. 15" tall slim & thin!
- Includes Mini Magnet mount with 12ft of low loss RG-174 Cable.
5. Comet Original BNC-W100RX 25MHz-1300MHz Handheld Scanner Antenna Extended Length: 40″: Collapsed Length: 8″ BNC Male – Best Performance
This antenna from Comet offers high performance to its buyers. It can receive receptions from frequencies between 25 to 1300 MHz. The scanner can be extended up to 40 inches and can be used on base model radios and handhelds.
It is compatible with BC125AT, TRX-1 TRX-2, BC-75XLT, BC-355N, GRE, Whistler, and other BNC antenna connectors. This antenna can pull in both stronger and weaker signals.
Why is it unique?
This antenna scanner is best suitable for Radio Police Scanners. It has a unique design, in the shape of a double pivot that can be used on handhelds and desktop scanners.
Buyer’s Experience
The unique design of this scanner has attracted a lot of buyers. This scanner is a good value for money is preferred by many buyers.
Best Fit For
This antenna scanner works the best with Radio Police Scanners, so if you have one of those, then this scanner is perfect for you. It comes with a stylish, unique design.
Pros
Cons
- Frequency Range Dedicated Receive/Scanner Antenna for 25MHz-1300MHz
- Receive Range Double fold-over hinge for convenience
- Length Extended length: 40": Collapsed length: 8”
- Construction Stainless Steel
6. BNC Scanner Radio Receiver Glass Mount Wire Antenna Analog or Digital Reception Includes 2 Suction Cups for Mounting On Glass in Vehicle or Home – Best Suction Power
This scanner radio antenna from BNC is one of the best in the market. It comes with a wire antenna that is 8ft long and has a BNC connector with suction tips attached so that you can attach it to a glass surface or on a smooth metal surface.
This antenna is compatible with Uniden, Kenwood, Radio Shack, almost all brands of radios. The antenna has received positive reviews from the buyers.
Why is it unique?
You can use this antenna as both a mobile antenna or as an indoor antenna depending on your preference. It can cover all bands within the frequency of 25 to 1300 MHz. This antenna can operate with both digital and analog radio scanners.
Buyer’s Experience
While a majority of the buyers are satisfied with the features offered by this antenna scanner, some of the buyers have found faults with the built of this antenna. They feel the materials used are not of good quality.
Best Fit For
This antenna scanner can be a preferable choice for you as it offers to operate with both digital and analog scanners. It’s worth the money as well. If you are looking for a scanner to attach to a glass, then you can buy this.
Pros
Cons
- Use as a mobile antenna or an indoor antenna attached to an outside window for better home reception
- Covers all bands. 25 - 1300 MHz. This antenna works with both digital or analog radio scanners.
- Wire antenna is approximately 8 feet long.
- Includes a BNC connector and suction cups to attach to glass. Wire antenna is approximately 8 feet
7. Tram 1411 Broad Band Discone/Scanner Base Antenna – Most Durable
Tram is a trusted provider of premium components of antennas. They offer products that are durable and have good functionality. All their antennas are developed after proper planning and development to ensure that they offer good performance.
It has a discone base. The scanner has transmitted bands of 26-27-46-49-72-144-220-440-900-1290 MHz. It can offer a maximum power of 300 Watts CB / 200 Watts.
Why is it unique?
This antenna scanner has a stainless steel body that is free from rust. It had a UHF-type Female connector. The height of the scanner can be adjusted. It can receive receptions from 25 to 1300 MHz.
Buyer’s Experience
Buyers are pleased with their purchase. They have liked the structure of this scanner along with the features offered by it. The reviews of this product are highly satisfactory.
Best Fit For
This antenna scanner can be installed anywhere easily. If you are living in a residential or industrial area, this antenna scanner can meet your demands. It can cover a wide range of frequencies.
Pros
Cons
- Wideband reception covering 25-1300 MHz
- Rust free stainless steel structure
- Max power 300 Watts CB / 200 Watts VHF-UHF
- SWR <1. 5: 1.1 3/8" maximum mast diameter.UHF female (SO-239) connector.6 lower radials 32 3/4", 2 lower radials 48"-52"...
Factors To Consider While Purchasing A Scanner Antenna
When there are too many options in front of you, it can be hard to identify which one is suitable for you. This is why a buying guide is necessary. It helps you filter out the antennas that are ideal for you from the rest of them. Given below is the list of such factors:
1. Range
The range of your scanner antennas is one of the key factors of the buying guide. One can speculate the number of channels it can provide and also how it could be affected by the nearby obstructions.
If you get an antenna with a lesser range than required, you might need to purchase an aftermarket antenna. However, you will not need to go through the trouble of buying an aftermarket antenna if you just get a scanner antenna that has an adequate range in the first place.
2. Controls
The way an antenna is operated varies from brand to brand, but there are some units that have quite simple controls. This is important, particularly when you have little to no experience with antennas.
It is recommended that you get a unit that can be handled easily. There are also models with advanced features, which inevitably makes them complicated to use.
But if you are an experienced user, then this is not a problem for you. The bottom line is that you should get an antenna with controls based on your level of experience.
3. Set Up
Scanner antennas require some time and effort to set up. However, the amount of time and the degree of effort may vary greatly. Some need much more attention to set up, which can be frustrating for a novice.
Set up is an important step, and you need to get it right. Therefore, you should get an antenna that includes clear instructions about the installation process.
4. Durability
It is essential for the antenna to be robust. A durable antenna will be able to provide outstanding performance for a long period of time.
It is futile to get an antenna that does not have efficient durability because it will require more maintenance and frequent repairs; hence, costing more in the long run. Thus, make sure you get an antenna made with premium quality materials.
5. Size
Different antennas have different shapes and sizes. You should consider the size of the antenna you are getting. It is important that you get the right size antenna and not just any antenna. The size also depends on where you are planning to install the antenna.
6. Price
We all can agree that price is always an important factor. The same goes for the scanner antennas. It is totally up to you how much money you are willing to spend but no matter how small or big the amount is, you should get the full value in return.
Compare different brands and study the customer feedback to know if a unit is worth the investment or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the benefits of using police scanners?
A1. Police scanners can be very useful in many ways. It allows you to get information in real-time. You can get all the information regarding any incident before it is available on the news. Also, you can get information about any weather disaster and prepare yourself. So, it can provide security and safety.
Another important benefit of this police scanner is that you can get to know about the traffic conditions around your area. It would help you map out a route where you will experience the least resistance.
Also, police scanners can be portable. There are many good handled models that are very similar to radios and can be carried anywhere. So, if you want to keep informed and up-to-date with whatever is happening around you.
Q2. What are the important features of police scanners?
A2. There numerous features in a police scanner. But there are some key features that you get access to police scanners. The number of channels can vary greatly depending on the scanner you have. You can have channels somewhere between 20 to 1000 channels.
The key feature also includes providing information about emergency news. Whether it is about the weather conditions or any incident, you can get to know about it first automatically. This system is actually known as Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME). If you have a police scanner with this system, then you can get local news alerts.
Advanced police scanners have the option of priority scanning. This allows the user to customize the device in a way that scans a selected channel on a regular basis.
Q3. What are the different types of police scanners?
A3. There are three types of police scanners. These are handled, base and dashboard scanners. Out of the three, handheld scanners are the most common one. The reason behind their wide use is that they are compact and portable. You can find one with a rechargeable battery or with a replaceable battery. Though they have a limited range, they have many features such as two-way communications, NOAA alerts, and radio features.
Dashboard scanners lie somewhere between handheld and base in aspects of size. However, these can still be used in the car, but you will have to designate a specific spot for it, such as mounted in the dashboard of your car. These are attached to the car’s DC battery. But there are also dashboard scanners that run on batteries. Dashboard scanners are recommended for weather alerts.
Base scanners are the bulkiest of the three and it has good reasons for it. Its big size makes it less prone to interference. As these are not portable, this is best used in homes. Also, it runs on an AC source. You just have to plug into the power supply and start enjoying all its features.
Conclusion
Antennas that come with scanners are not very reliable. That is why it is better to purchase one separately. But we all know that it is easier said than done. Going through hundreds of options to select is not an easy task.
We totally understand the struggle and frustration, and thus, we have created this article with the intent of helping you. We hope that the information we provided helped you find the best scanner antenna for yourself.
Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API