Welcome to Part 4 of our Complete Antenna Beginner Course. This section is designed to help you choose the right antenna for your needs—whether that’s TV, WiFi, HF radio, UHF/VHF communication, 4G/5G cellular boosting, or satellite reception.
We’ll cover antenna types, compatibility issues, recommended models, major brands, and how to avoid costly mistakes when purchasing your next antenna.
Before buying anything, you need to clearly define **what signal you want to receive or transmit**, at what distance, and under which environment.
Your specific needs determine the antenna category you should consider.
Below is a simplified breakdown of antenna types and best applications:
| Antenna Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yagi Antenna | WiFi, TV, Ham radio, 4G/5G | Long-range directional, high gain |
| Parabolic Dish | Long-range WiFi, Satellite | Very high gain, narrow beam |
| Omnidirectional | Routers, indoor TV, VHF/UHF | 360° coverage, short/medium range |
| Log-Periodic | Wideband TV, 4G/5G | Directional, extremely versatile |
| Dipole / Inverted-V | HF Ham radio | Simple, proven, great for beginners |
| Panel Antenna | WiFi, 4G, 5G | Medium-range, easy to install |
Not every antenna works with every device. Here’s what you must check for guaranteed compatibility:
Match the antenna’s frequency with your device or service. Examples:
Common connectors include:
Long cable? Use LMR400, RG11, or low-loss coax.
Below is a practical comparison of major antenna brands across the world based on performance, value, durability, and support.
| Brand | Best Known For | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | WiFi antennas & CPE units | Reliable, affordable, easy setup | Not suitable for long-range HF/VHF |
| HRO / Comet / Diamond | Ham radio antennas | High quality, durable, optimized for radio | Premium pricing |
| Winegard | TV antennas | Excellent range, strong build | Bulky outdoor units |
| Antennas Direct | UHF/VHF TV antennas | Strong signal pulling power | Higher price point |
| Ubiquiti | WiFi bridges & long-range links | Professional quality, very long range | Requires some technical knowledge |
| Hawking / Alfa | Long-range WiFi antennas | High gain, powerful reception | Can overload cheap routers |
| Poynting | 4G/5G cellular antennas | Rugged, wideband, excellent for modems | More expensive than competitors |
Below are recommended antennas based on reliability, real-world performance, and user reviews.
If you’re still unsure which antenna to buy, follow this simple formula:
Short distance → Omnidirectional Medium distance → Panel / Sector Long distance → Yagi / Log-Periodic Extreme distance → Parabolic Dish
And remember: Bad cable = bad signal. Always invest in the right coax and weatherproofing.
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