Handheld Ham Radio Antennas (HT Upgrades)

The easiest way to boost your radio's performance is by upgrading your antenna. A high-gain handheld antenna is the #1 "first upgrade" for any new ham, providing a massive improvement in range and audio clarity over the stock "rubber ducky" that came in the box. Whether you have a Baofeng, Quansheng, or Retevis, find the perfect antenna to hit those distant repeaters.

6 products

Amateur Ham Radio Antennas For Handheld Radios

READ THIS FIRST: Choosing the Right Connector

The #1 mistake when buying an antenna is getting the wrong connector. Please check your radio before ordering to prevent returns!

  • SMA-Female (SMA-F) Antennas: These are the most common. The antenna has a hole in the bottom and is used on radios that have a pin.
    Fits: Baofeng (UV-5R, UV-82), Quansheng (UV-K5, K6), Retevis (RT5R, H-777), Ailunce (HD1), etc.
  • SMA-Male (SMA-M) Antennas: The antenna has a pin in the bottom and is used on radios that have a hole.
    Fits: Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, and some Retevis models (RT85, RT87, RA89).

Which Antenna is Right for You?

Picking the right antenna depends on what you want to do.

1. The "All-Around" Daily Upgrade

For most hams, a 15-inch high-gain antenna (like the Retevis RHD-771) is the perfect choice. It's flexible, durable, and provides a significant 2-3x range boost over your stock antenna on both VHF and UHF, all without being too long or clumsy.

2. The "Professional" / Logging Antenna

If you work in a specific band, you need a tuned antenna. Our VHF-Only Logging Antennas (like the HA06) are precisely tuned for the 150-160 MHz range, giving you maximum performance and reliability on Canadian logging roads and other commercial VHF frequencies.

3. The "Long-Range" / POTA Antenna

For maximum range, you need a longer antenna. Our 20+ inch "Tactical" and Foldable Antennas are a favourite for POTA (Parks on the Air) and SOTA (Summits on the Air) operators who need to hit the most distant repeaters possible from a handheld radio.

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