Best Short Antenna

Category: antenna 👁 385 👍 19 ★★★★☆4.7

Some people like the look of a shorter antenna, and also some factory length antennas extend to high and strike the garage door frame. You can buy a replacement antenna that is shorter, or you can save a few bucks and shorten your existing one.

That being so, do shorter antennas work?

Luckily, antennas work almost (longer antennae do work better, but still) as good if you make them some reasonable fraction of the wavelength you want to get—in the case of most car radio antennae, that's about a quarter the wavelength.

Never mind, are stubby antennas any good? If you have a Ford F-150 truck, the Stubby is the antenna to get. It is not built just for durability, but also for optimal performance. ... If you've been looking for a well-built antenna that fits most Ford trucks, your search may just end today. However, listening to AM radio might be a problem if you have this antenna.

Beyond that, what's the best car antenna?

  • #1. Bingfu Universal Stereo, Best AM FM antenna for SUVs. ...
  • #2. Stubby Ford, Best stylish AM FM antenna. ...
  • #3. AUTOLOVER Gap Filler, Best durable AM FM antenna. ...
  • #4. Herdio Waterproof, Best AM FM antenna for off-roading. ...
  • #5. Aluminum Black 1.4-inches, Best mast/whip antenna replacement. ...
  • #6. ...
  • #7. ...
  • #8.

Why does f150 still have antenna?

The majority of buyers want something that isn't going to interfere with their normal enjoyment with minimal effort on their part. The height of the antenna is the clearance height of your truck. If when pulling into garages, parking garages etc.. your antenna hits, your truck will hit.

BESTSELLER NO. 1 in 2023

AntennaMastsRus - The Original 6 3/4 Inch is Compatible with Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2006-2021) - Car Wash Proof Short Rubber Antenna - Internal Copper Coil - Premium Reception - German Engineered

AntennaMastsRus - The Original 6 3/4 Inch is Compatible with Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2006-2021) - Car Wash Proof Short Rubber Antenna - Internal Copper Coil - Premium Reception - German Engineered
  • CAR WASH PROOF – Car washes are grave yards for antennas! Just time before long factory antennas bend and snap! Our redesigned 6 3/4" (Effective 03/26/2019) now stouts a new level of strength, so much so that we guarantee and replace any that break in a car wash within 2 full years from purchase date. If it breaks, we issue a replacement. Its strength is Tried, Tested and Proven. Same Superb Reception, New Strength Standards!!! (See Details Below)
  • STRENGTH - Durable EPDM rubber construction; Specially formulated flexible rubber specific for the application of an antenna, withstanding temperatures of 257 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • UNMATCHED RECEPTION / PROMISED PERFORMANCE - Our 6 3/4" German Engineered Antenna uses choice quality materials, including a highly conductive Internal Copper Coil. While most short antennas are constructed of aluminum or steel, our copper coil is up to 85% more conductive allowing it to pull in stations most short antennas simply dream of. Simple Science, Real Results. If you're not 100% satisfied with performance, return your antenna for a full refund!
  • EXCLUSIVITY - Our 6 3/4" is exclusively made for us by a premium OEM manufacture, its levels of performance and durability will not be found elsewhere. The authenticity of our 6 3/4" can now be found with our faint logo in the bottom of rubber molding. With countless hours of engineering, it’s important to have an assuring mark knowing you got the real deal. The quality level of our 6 3/4" must not be confused with attempted duplicates.
  • EASY INSTALLATION - Mere minutes is all it takes, with an added minute to step back to admire the new improved looks of your Silverado.
BESTSELLER NO. 2 in 2023

The Original 6 3/4 Inch - Car Wash Proof Short EPDM Rubber Antenna - USA Stainless Steel Threading - Powerful Internal Copper Coil/Premium Reception

The Original 6 3/4 Inch - Car Wash Proof Short EPDM Rubber Antenna - USA Stainless Steel Threading - Powerful Internal Copper Coil/Premium Reception
  • CAR WASH PROOF – Car washes are grave yards for antennas! Just time before long factory antennas bend and snap! Our redesigned 6 3/4" now stouts a new level of strength, so much so that we guarantee and replace any that break in a car wash within 2 full year from purchase date. If it breaks, we issue a replacement. Its strength is Tried, Tested and Proven. Same Superb Reception, New Strength Standards!!! (More details below)
  • STRENGTH - 304 Stainless Steel Threading; Made in Wisconsin! The connection to your vehicle is crucial, weak brass threading often snaps leaving you extracting broken pieces out of your antenna base. Rest assured our stainless steel threading will confidently secure your new antenna. Durable EPDM rubber construction; Specially formulated flexible rubber specific for the application of an antenna, withstanding temperatures of 257 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • UNMATCHED RECEPTION / PROMISED PERFORMANCE - Our 6 3/4" German Engineered Antenna uses choice quality materials, including a highly conductive Internal Copper Coil. While most short antennas are constructed of aluminum or steel, our copper coil is up to 85% more conductive allowing it to pull in stations most short antennas simply dream of. Simple Science, Real Results. If you're not 100% satisfied with performance, return your antenna for a full refund!
  • EXCLUSIVITY - Our 6 3/4" is exclusively made for us by a premium OEM manufacture, its levels of performance and durability will not be found elsewhere. The authenticity of our 6 3/4" can now be found with our faint logo in the bottom of rubber molding. With countless hours of engineering, it’s important to have an assuring mark knowing you got the real deal. The quality level of our 6 3/4" must not be confused with attempted duplicates.
  • EASY INSTALLATION - Mere minutes is all it takes, with an added minute to step back to admire the new improved looks of your vehicle.
BESTSELLER NO. 3 in 2023

Rydonair Antenna Compatible with Ford F150 2009-2020 | 7 inches Rubber Antenna Replacement | Designed for Optimized FM/AM Reception

Rydonair Antenna Compatible with Ford F150 2009-2020 | 7 inches Rubber Antenna Replacement | Designed for Optimized FM/AM Reception
  • Fits through: 2009-2020 Ford F-150 / F-150 Raptor
  • Flexible Material: Premium Rubber outer construction for weather resistance & durability
  • Low Profile 7” Stylish Look: Improve the look of your F150 by replacing your 31” long metal shaft antenna. The carbon fiber column on the bottom helps the base holding onto the mount and also offers stylish looking
  • Easy Installation: It can screw onto your existing antenna mount in seconds
  • Reception: Designed for either AM or FM bands. It performs better in reception than other low profile antennas
BESTSELLER NO. 4 in 2023

AntennaMastsRus - The Original 6 3/4 Inch Antenna fits Ford F-150 (2009-2021) - USA Stainless Steel Threading - Car Wash Proof - Internal Copper Coil - Premium Reception

AntennaMastsRus - The Original 6 3/4 Inch Antenna fits Ford F-150 (2009-2021) - USA Stainless Steel Threading - Car Wash Proof - Internal Copper Coil - Premium Reception
  • CAR WASH PROOF – Car washes are grave yards for antennas! Just time before long factory antennas bend and snap! Our redesigned 6 3/4" (Effective 02/11/2019) now stouts a new level of strength, so much so that we guarantee and replace any that break in a car wash within 2 full years from purchase date. If it breaks, we issue a replacement. Its strength is Tried, Tested and Proven. Same Superb Reception, New Strength Standards!!! (More details below)
  • STRENGTH - 304 Stainless Steel Threading; Made in Wisconsin! The connection to your truck is crucial, weak brass threading often snaps leaving you extracting broken pieces out of your antenna base. Rest assured our stainless steel threading will confidently secure your new antenna. Durable EPDM rubber construction; Specially formulated flexible rubber specific for the application of an antenna, withstanding temperatures of 257 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • UNMATCHED RECEPTION / PROMISED PERFORMANCE - Our 6 3/4" German Engineered Antenna uses choice quality materials, including a highly conductive Internal Copper Coil. While most short antennas are constructed of aluminum or steel, our copper coil is up to 85% more conductive allowing it to pull in stations most short antennas simply dream of. Simple Science, Real Results. If you're not 100% satisfied with performance, return your antenna for a full refund!
  • EXCLUSIVITY - Our 6 3/4" is exclusively made for us by a premium OEM manufacture, its levels of performance and durability will not be found elsewhere. The authenticity of our 6 3/4" can now be found with our faint logo in the bottom of rubber molding. With countless hours of engineering, it’s important to have an assuring mark knowing you got the real deal. The quality level of our 6 3/4" must not be confused with attempted duplicates.
  • EASY INSTALLATION - Mere minutes is all it takes, with an added minute to step back to admire the new improved looks of your truck.
BESTSELLER NO. 5 in 2023

RONIN FACTORY - Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Denali Short Antenna 4" Anti-Theft Design - Replacement Antenna - No Adapters Needed (M7 Thread - Check Fitment Guide Below)

RONIN FACTORY - Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Denali Short Antenna 4
  • PLEASE CHECK FITMENT GUIDE BELOW! ✔ FITS: Most 2008 & newer models (2008, 2009+, etc) but check fitment guide below! CHEVY Silverado & GMC Sierra /Yukon / Denali Trucks with a long whip antenna. 4 Inches Long
  • PLEASE CHECK FITMENT GUIDE BELOW! ✔ MODERN APPEARANCE - Add a 4" short antenna to your truck for a sleek, modern style that won't flap around on the trails or highway.
  • PLEASE CHECK FITMENT GUIDE BELOW! ✔ ANTI-THEFT DESIGN - Comes with tough thread locking compound to deter people from taking your new antenna
  • PLEASE CHECK FITMENT GUIDE BELOW! ✔ EASY INSTALL - Unscrew original antenna and screw the new short antenna in by hand. Ready to go in under a minute! Replaces the hood mounted antenna.
  • PLEASE CHECK FITMENT GUIDE BELOW! ✔ CARWASH SAFE - Perfect for users who use Bluetooth or Auxiliary audio inputs. GPS & Satellite radio compatible!
  • Will fit most 2008-2019 Chevy/GMC trucks. Will fit 2020 Chevy/GMC 1500 trucks.
BESTSELLER NO. 6 in 2023

RONIN FACTORY Antenna fits Ford F150 F250 F350 Super Duty, Raptor & Dodge RAM Truck Short Antenna - Anti-Theft Design - 4 inch Long

RONIN FACTORY Antenna fits Ford F150 F250 F350 Super Duty, Raptor & Dodge RAM Truck Short Antenna - Anti-Theft Design - 4 inch Long
  • ✔ FITS: Fits FORD F150 (Any F-Series F250, F350, Super Duty) & Raptor 1990-Current AND Dodge RAM Trucks 1994-2018. 4 Inches Long.
  • ✔ MODERN APPEARANCE - Add a short antenna (4") to your truck for a sleek, modern style.
  • ✔ ANTI-THEFT DESIGN - Comes with tough thread locking compound to deter people from taking your new antenna
  • ✔ EASY INSTALL - Tools Included! Unscrew original antenna and screw the new short antenna in by hand. Ready to go in under a minute!
  • ✔ CARWASH SAFE - Perfect for users who use Bluetooth or Auxiliary audio inputs
BESTSELLER NO. 7 in 2023

Car Antenna, 4.7 Inch Sports Short Antenna for Truck, Carbon Fiber Bullet Antenna for Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, VW, Audi, Mazda

Car Antenna, 4.7 Inch Sports Short Antenna for Truck, Carbon Fiber Bullet Antenna for Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, VW, Audi, Mazda
  • 【CAR WASH RESISTANT】 – Worry about your car antenna getting bent by violent car washing? How about give this 4.7inch truck antenna a try! Zoizocp short antenna is specially designed for sports cars. It is short yet robust to withstand the car wash, and will not easily be bent or damaged, which can become a long-term companion for your car!
  • 【EASY INSTALLATION 】– It only take you a few minutes to install your new Zoizocp car antenna. Simply unscrew and remove the old antenna on your car, then choose an applicable screw for your car and install the antenna. No need to visit a car repair shop, you can simply do it yourself and save money!
  • 【ONE FITS ALL】 – There are 4 different screws included in the package, which is enough for almost all car models. Zoizocp universal car antenna is applicable for Ford f150, Toyota 4runner, Toyota Tundra and other brand models like Mazda, VW, Chevrolet, Audi, Honda, WRC, Mini, Nissan, Mitsubishi, etc.
  • 【EXCELLENT RECEPTION & PERFORMANCE】 – Zoizocp antenna uses high-class carbon fiber material for the case and includes a highly conductive Internal aluminum coil, which means that the antenna is not only durable, but also provides high-quality signal reception. Enjoy your drive better with Zoizocp car antenna.
  • 【WORRY-FREE SHOPPING 】– At Zoizocp we focus on product quality and value the shopping experience of each customer highly. Every product purchased form us comes with a life-time warranty and a 24/7 friendly customer service. Whenever you have questions, please turn to us first, we are glad to help you out!
BESTSELLER NO. 8 in 2023

Rydonair Antenna Compatible with Ford F150 2009-2021 | 13 inches Flexible Rubber Antenna Replacement | Designed for Optimized FM/AM Reception

Rydonair Antenna Compatible with Ford F150 2009-2021 | 13 inches Flexible Rubber Antenna Replacement | Designed for Optimized FM/AM Reception
  • VEHICLE FITMENT: The RYDONAIR rubber antenna fits Ford F-150 Raptor 2009+ (All Ford F-150 models 2009 thus 2021, but not for older year models).
  • HIGH QUALITY: Allows shape memory so antenna springs back into shape when bent. This Ford F150 antenna is made of premium rubber which can sustain under extreme weather conditions.
  • STYLISH LOOKING:The Low Profile 13” antenna can Improve the look of your Ford f-150 by replacing your 31” long metal antenna. The real carbon fiber column on the bottom offers great looking and also helps the base holding onto the mount. Besides, the antenna is short enough that you have no need to worry about the antenna scrapping your garage door any more!
  • EASY INSTALLATION: No tool needed, the antenna can be easily screwed onto your antenna base within seconds.
  • RCEPTION PERFORMANCE: Through thousands of experiments, we worked out the preferable structure for short antennas that performs better in reception on either AM or FM bands. Compare with the other short antenna with normal structure, our 13” antenna is much closer to the OEM antenna in reception. If you're not satisfied with the performance, just simply return it and we will have you full refund!
  • CAUTIONS: Though packaging says 2009-2019 , the Antenna fits 2020 and 2021 Ford F150 model as well.
  • WARRANTY POLICY: We guarantee and replace any that break within 1 full year from purchase date.
BESTSELLER NO. 9 in 2023

AntennaMastsRus - The Original 6 3/4 Inch is Compatible with GMC Sierra 1500 (2006-2021) - Car Wash Proof Short Rubber Antenna - Internal Copper Coil - Premium Reception - German Engineered

AntennaMastsRus - The Original 6 3/4 Inch is Compatible with GMC Sierra 1500 (2006-2021) - Car Wash Proof Short Rubber Antenna - Internal Copper Coil - Premium Reception - German Engineered
  • CAR WASH PROOF – Car washes are grave yards for antennas! Just time before long factory antennas bend and snap! Our redesigned 6 3/4" (Effective 05/02/2019) now stouts a new level of strength, so much so that we guarantee and replace any that break in a car wash within 2 full years from purchase date. If it breaks, we issue a replacement. Its strength is Tried, Tested and Proven. Same Superb Reception, New Strength Standards!!! (See Details Below)
  • STRENGTH - Durable EPDM rubber construction; Specially formulated flexible rubber specific for the application of an antenna, withstanding temperatures of 257 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • UNMATCHED RECEPTION / PROMISED PERFORMANCE - Our 6 3/4" German Engineered Antenna uses choice quality materials, including a highly conductive Internal Copper Coil. While most short antennas are constructed of aluminum or steel, our copper coil is up to 85% more conductive allowing it to pull in stations most short antennas simply dream of. Simple Science, Real Results. If you're not 100% satisfied with performance, return your antenna for a full refund!
  • EXCLUSIVITY - Our 6 3/4" is exclusively made for us by a premium OEM manufacture, its levels of performance and durability will not be found elsewhere. The authenticity of our 6 3/4" can now be found with our faint logo in the bottom of rubber molding. With countless hours of engineering, it’s important to have an assuring mark knowing you got the real deal. The quality level of our 6 3/4" must not be confused with attempted duplicates.
  • EASY INSTALLATION - Mere minutes is all it takes, with an added minute to step back to admire the new improved looks of your Sierra.
BESTSELLER NO. 10 in 2023

RONIN FACTORY Bullet Antenna for Dodge RAM & Ford F150 F250 F350 Super Duty Ford Raptor Trucks - Anti-Theft Design - Short Replacement Antenna 1990 - Current

RONIN FACTORY Bullet Antenna for Dodge RAM & Ford F150 F250 F350 Super Duty Ford Raptor Trucks - Anti-Theft Design - Short Replacement Antenna 1990 - Current
  • ✔ ADD ATTITUDE to your pickup truck with this 50 Caliber Bullet Style Antenna! This Aluminum Bullet Antenna has the same dimensions as a real 50 Caliber bullet! Your buddies will Ohh & Ahh when they notice this new accessory!
  • ✔ SIMPLY install this Bullet antenna to your Dodge Ram / Ford F-Series ( F150, F250, F350, Super Duty, Raptor) Bullet Antenna in minutes by unscrewing your existing antenna and screwing this in place.
  • ✔ CONVENIENT INSTALLATION - Comes with the necessary hardware and also includes the required allen wrenches.
  • ✔ LONG LASTING - All Stainless Hardware and 6061 Solid Billet Aluminum construction with Hard Anodize Black finish that will not chip or fade.
  • ✔ CARWASH SAFE - this fits all Dodge RAM Trucks 1994 - 2018 and Ford F-Series 1990-current. Perfect for users who use Bluetooth or Auxiliary audio inputs.

6 More Questions Answered

Can a car radio work without antenna?

Car radios are well shielded, so you will not receive any radio stations without an antenna connected.

What is the best hidden car antenna?

List of the Best Hidden Car Radio Antennas
  • ZHOL AM-FM hidden windshield antenna – the best hidden car radio antenna. ...
  • BOSS Audio MRANT10 Hideaway Antenna. ...
  • Jensen Marine AN150SR. ...
  • AntennaX hidden antenna. ...
  • Metra Amplified Antenna. ...
  • Tune Trapper Hidden Car Stereo Radio Antenna.

Why do car antennas have a spiral?

That spiral shape actually helps the antenna slice through the wind more easily, so it's quieter. When an antenna is mounted on the front fender, as the wind comes off it, that noise is actually directed right at the driver. These spiral-type antennas direct the noise off to the side of the car.

How do you shorten an antenna?

Can I take my car antenna off?

Whether you have a telescopic or fixed antenna on your car, over time it can wear out or become bent. If you don't drive a car with a collapsible antenna, then chances are that you can unscrew it and remove it from the exterior of the car before you go through the car wash. ...

How do I remove Ronin antenna?

To remove your antenna use a towel, leather belt, or thick rubber around the antenna, and vice grips or pliers to screw it off.