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Amateur radio enthusiasts and professionals alike can benefit from a good quality vertical antenna, especially if they are interested in expanding their range of communication. With over 750,000 amateur radio use licenses issued in the US alone, there has never been a greater opportunity to explore new heights with your favorite hobby!
If you are considering getting an HF antenna, then this is the guide for you. We have reviewed each of the best HF vertical antennas and included a buying guide so that your decision will be wise.
In a hurry? Follow this table for the top HF vertical antennas.
Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Link |
  | Hy-Gain AV-18VS HF Vertical Antenna | 5 out of 5 | |
  | Super Antenna MP1DXTR80 Tripod All Band MP1 HF Antenna | 5 out of 5 | |
  | Sigma EUROCOM SE-HF-X80 Radial Free Vertical Antenna | 4.5 out of 5 |
Table of Contents
Why choose a Vertical Antenna?
Below are a few reasons to choose a vertical antenna.
Space Requirement
Vertical antennas are easy to install and take up less space than the bulky horizontal ones, perfect for those who live in apartments or have small outdoor spaces.
If you are short on space, a vertical antenna is a way to go. They offer great reception in a compact size and keep your place tidy as well! You can’t go wrong with these!
You don’t need support
For transmitting signals, vertical antennas are better than horizontal ones. They don’t need to be hung from trees or other tall objects, and they can still accurately transmit a signal at the same distance as their counterparts that require “support.” More on this later!
Multiple Options
There are many options to choose from for those of you with a limited budget or simply looking for something that will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing on your roof.
Trap vertical antennas are one of the oldest and most common types. These use “traps” that isolate portions of an antenna when transmitting to work effectively. They need radials to function efficiently!
No-radial vertical antennas are the best choice for those who want to get rid of radials. Mounted at some height above ground level, these HF vertical antennas do not require any radial system and can be installed in residential areas where space is limited or unavailable.
There’s a no better choice for those who want an antenna without all the fuss than “non-resonant” (aka tuned) high-frequency vertical antennas! They too need radials to work at their optimum level.
Our Selection of Top 5 Best HF Vertical Antennas in 2021
You’ve got the best of us at your disposal. We went ahead and selected only a handful for review, ones that have received stellar reviews from real users. So sit back, read on…and get the best out there!
#1. Hy-Gain AV-18VS HF Vertical Antenna
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MFJ Enterprises is a market leader when it comes to making efficient antennas and powerful antenna rotators. They are one of the top players in their industry, and they have been around for decades!
AV-18VS is a vertical antenna with its own stand, and it gets the “A” rating for the build from us. The stainless steel and aluminum body makes this product very durable, so you won’t need any extra support no matter how high your building goes. It can be installed in small spaces as well, which makes it an efficient choice overall!
You can tune this antenna to bands from 10 to 80 meters with its versatility. So you have plenty of options on your hand with adjustability.
Although this is a great vertical antenna, there’s one negative aspect to it. Each time you want to shift bands on the device, you need to go outside and manually adjust the clip at the top of its stand. This can be a hassle for those who are constantly changing the bands.
The signal is surprisingly strong, even if you manage to mount it just slightly higher than the ground.
Highlights and Key Features
- You can manually tune to 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 30, 40, 80-meter bands
- Aluminum Material
- Sturdy, self-supporting base
- Lug type connector
- Can withstand winds up to 80 mph
- Maximum power: 1500 Watts PEP
#2. Super Antenna MP1DXTR80 Tripod All Band MP1 HF Antenna
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This new super vertical antenna is the latest addition to Super Antenna’s popular line of MP1 antennas. This is a portable antenna with all its other qualities intact- meaning you won’t have to sacrifice signal strength or range just because of the portability of this antenna over others on the market!
Making people’s lives easier is a noble goal. Super Antenna, the company that made this MP1DXTR80 antenna, has considered all factors to make it as travel-friendly as possible for their customers’ convenience and is proud of its movability.
The perfect gear for any traveler, the go-bag includes an antenna and all other accessories packed inside. It weighs a mere 5 pounds total with its super mount to place it on virtually anything you want! This is compatible with most amateur radios as well.
Setting up the antenna is a breeze! This makes it easy for someone on a trip who’s constantly setting their antenna up in new places because they don’t want to lug around any bulky equipment- all they need is this lightweight and portable vertical antenna.
The performance of this vertical antenna is so astounding; it’s like having a full-size HF station on the go. You can pack up and travel with ease, making this the perfect choice for frequent travelers.
Highlights and Key Features
- The Package Includes a 80-meter coil, go bag, tripod, and universal mount
- Length: 7 feet when fully extended, 12 inches when folded
- All bands up to 80 meters in frequency
- Flexible; made from Titanium alloy
- The UM2 super mount can be clamped to almost any surface, including tables, balconies, railings, and benches.
#3. Sigma EUROCOM SE-HF-X80 Radial Free Vertical Antenna
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Are you sick of struggling to find an antenna that doesn’t require a lot of installation work? Well then consider the Sigma Eurocom, which offers an excellent range without any need for radials.
This compact antenna can reach up to 600 cm tall and is perfect for when you need a lightweight, easy to travel with option. It has 4 cables of different lengths 3-10 feet and weighs only about 4 lbs!
The copper wire is perfect for fast charging, so you can fully charge it in about 2 hours’ time. It also charges Apple products and other Lightning-enabled devices such as Beats pill—so that no matter where you go, there is power for all your needs!
This vertical antenna can help you achieve interference mitigation, but the lack of radials means that frequency identification is challenging.
This is one of the best HF vertical antennas that is remarkably powerful and efficient. So you should be able to pick up signals globally. Just remember not to get too impatient when working with it!
Highlights and Key Features
- Tune to a variety of bands spanning from 6 to 80 meters.
- Through lightning ports, it is compatible with a wide range of devices.
- It comes with four different length cords for various applications: 3 ft., 2 x 6 ft., and 10 ft.
- Stress areas are strengthened with a bend lifetime of 5000+.
- Battery-powered; thick and high-purity copper cable for quick charging
#4. Comet Original GP-3 Dual-Band 146/446 MHz HF Vertical Base Antenna
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The Comet GP-3 is the 4th best HF vertical antenna on our list. This heavy-duty and superior performance antenna is quite popular with hams – read on to find out why this great antenna is worth your while!
The Comet GP-3 antenna is an excellent choice for people who need to connect on a variety of frequencies. It can easily switch between dual-band networks, giving you the necessary coverage and reliability while taking up minimal space.
If you want to connect and expand your network, dual-band antennas are for you. They will open up new frequency ranges that a single band antenna cannot support!
The GP-3 is a professional-grade antenna that will work with a wide range of frequencies. It can handle longer QSOs, all while using less power and making the most efficient use of it!
Fiberglass antennas can be a mixed bag at this price point. The ones that don’t work are often bad, but fiberglass in this vertical antenna delivers exactly as advertised– it’s refreshing!
With its lightweight yet sturdy fiberglass and stainless steel construction, this product feels like an investment you can count on. It is a perfect choice for those who need a robust antenna for the most challenging conditions because it stands up remarkably well against stormy weather.
Highlights and Key Features
- 2-meter coverage
- 5 feet 11 inches (70 cm) in length,
- made of heavy-duty stainless steel and fiberglass
- Maximum power output: 200 watts
- Female UHF connector
- The exclusive “split thread” bolt lock facilitates the mounting process.
#5. HYS VHF UHF Multi-Band Mobile Radio Antenna
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There are lots of great HF multi-band vertical antenna options out there. But if you’re specifically looking for an option that will work with your car radio, check this one next! This HYS model is perfect for car radios and can be used in any vehicle.
With a simple, compact design and easy installation process, it is no wonder that this wireless antenna will mount to any surface of your car. With its 3-foot length, you can adjust the HF antenna direction without removing it from your vehicle.
The HYS is one of the few mobile radio antennas on the market that has both a UHF male connector and an SL-16 female connector. This means you can connect it to your radio with no worries about compatibility.
The range of frequency is so great that I experience clear signals even from a moving vehicle. It’s lightweight and made with stainless steel, which means it doesn’t struggle to pick up the signal when there are windy conditions on the road or highway.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best HF vertical antennas for cars.
Highlights and Key Features
- 144/ 245/ 430 Megahertz frequency range
- Gain: 3.5/4.5/6.0 dBi
- Maximum power output: 100 watts
- Stainless steel is used as the radiant element.
- Works well with a mobile car radio
Buying Guide for the Best HF Vertical Antenna
We have taken the time to review some best HF vertical antennas, and below we will list some essential features you should consider before buying a vertical HF antenna.
Space Requirement
Have you ever wanted to install an antenna but didn’t have the room for it? Do not worry; vertical antennas provide a solution. For example, they are perfect if space is low. First, measure your area to find out what type of placement will work best, and then mount as high or far away from other electronics as possible!
Vertical antennas save people who don’t have ample amounts of floor space by providing them with multiple options in terms of where their installations should be mounted: on roofs (ideal), trees outside/in yards (depending on location relative to buildings around), or walls inside depending how tall ceilings get taller than rooms). The height matters because some models require more power at higher altitudes.
Installation
Installation is an essential factor to consider when choosing a vertical antenna. Would you be mounting the antenna indoors or outdoors, traveling with it often, setting up and taking down your device frequently to change out antennas at a whim? These answers will determine what size and weight are necessary for an antenna and its band.
Frequency
Radio antennas are devices that transmit and receive data using frequencies. High-frequency radio waves have a wider bandwidth than low frequencies, so you would want to reach the broadest range of this available for your needs.
As you search for the perfect model, think about your preferences regarding how many bands it has. Multiple band/antenna options will cover a broader range than single-band models and give you more versatility with different signal strengths.
Power Requirement
Without electricity, the antenna won’t work, and so you’ll need to find alternative power sources to get it working! Different antennas have different requirements for how much energy they can handle- some may require plugs while others are powered by batteries (especially important if you’re going for mobile!)
Durability
If you live in a region with high levels of precipitation or summer storm activity, get an antenna that is designed to withstand rain and wind. When thunderstorms roll through town, it’s easy for any homeowner to forget about securing their outdoor antennas before winding down – but this can lead to sudden damage such as bent metal rods from unexpected gusts.
Portability
If you’ll be traveling with an antenna, then portability is an important factor to look for when choosing a vertical antenna. Look at how heavy they are and their power source (plugged into outlet or battery powered). It should also need little installation work since no one wants to spend all day on antenna installation while on the move.
Signal Transmission
Vertical HF antennas avoid ground-level interferences, which makes it easier for them to transmit radio signals. Vertical antennas are particularly helpful in environments with a lot of noise and can give you an edge over competitors when it comes time to go on air! Look for the signal transmission capability when choosing the vertical HF antenna.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between vertical antennas and horizontal antennas?
The difference in these antennas is where they are oriented. The horizontal antenna has an electric current moving parallel to the ground. In contrast, the vertical antenna works at a 90-degree angle, which comes at more costs but less ground interference and less loss of information. Your best bet is a vertical alignment because there are fewer losses in this configuration.
What is a dual-band antenna, and how it works?
Dual-band means your antenna is capable of catching different frequencies. If you have a multi-band antenna, the number of bands that are active at any given time is determined by what frequency your radio is tuned to. For example, suppose the station I’m listening to has its signal broadcasted on both 98 and 107 FM frequencies when my car turns off into an underground parking garage with no reception from there until it reaches ground level again. In that case, one band will be inactive while the other continues broadcasting uninterrupted.
Can I Build A Vertical Antenna By Myself?
Yes, you can build a vertical antenna by yourself. But don’t expect it to last like one company manufactured because outdoor environments wear down materials quickly. And it will cost you around the same amount as they are selling in the market.
Is it necessary to ground the antennas?
Yes, antennas must be grounded for lightning protection. If the antenna you have doesn’t use radials, it will need a separate connection to the ground.
Conclusion
No one can deny the importance of having a reliable antenna. The Super Antenna MP1DXTR80 is perfect for those who are always on-the-go, as it’s lightweight and durable in any weather conditions!
For more heavy-duty tasks requiring power handling capabilities, I would recommend checking out Comet GP3 HF vertical antenna instead, which will not disappoint you with performance regardless of your needs or budget.
We hope you find this article helpful for buying the best HF vertical antenna.
