10 Best Coax Cable for GPS Antenna Tested 2025

When I first started installing extended GPS setups, I quickly realized that signal integrity lives or dies by the coaxial cable you choose. If you’re running a longer lead from your antenna, even a decent receiver can struggle with signal attenuation if you choose the wrong type of wire. Finding the best coax cable for gps antenna requires balancing flexibility, connection type, and crucially, low-loss capabilities. After testing various options across different environments—from maritime setups to mobile vehicle installations—I’ve compiled the definitive guide to the top cables available today.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Superbat RF coaxial SMA Male to SMA Female Bulkhead RG174…	View on Amazon
	Superbat RF coaxial SMA Male to SMA Female Bulkhead RG174…	View on Amazon
	Bingfu Vehicle Car GPS Antenna Adapter Cable SMA Male to…	View on Amazon
	Bingfu RTK Survey GPS Antenna Extension Cable TNC Male to…	View on Amazon
	MOOKEERF KMR240 SMA Male to SMA Male Coaxial Cable 50…	View on Amazon
	Bingfu RTK Survey GPS Base Antenna Radio Extension Cable…	View on Amazon
	MOOKEERF KMR240 N Male to SMA Male Cable – 10FT…	View on Amazon
	Proxicast 10 ft SMA Male to N Male Premium 195…	View on Amazon
	Proxicast 10 ft SMA Male to SMA Female Premium 195…	View on Amazon
	XRDS -RF RG316 SMA Male to SMA Male Coaxial Cable…	View on Amazon

Superbat RF coaxial SMA Male to SMA Female Bulkhead RG174 15ft Cable + 3pcs RF Coax SMA Adapter Kit for SDR Equipment Antenna Ham Radio,3G 4G LTE Antenna,ADS-B,GPS and etc

This Superbat offering is an excellent all-in-one solution, particularly for hobbyists or those setting up temporary field equipment. Because it includes a full adapter kit, you’re essentially buying several cables in one, making it highly versatile for connecting various GPS modules or SDR (Software Defined Radio) units. The RG174 cable type is known for its high flexibility, which is a huge benefit when routing 15 feet of cable through tight spaces in a vehicle or equipment rack. While RG174 is a higher-loss cable compared to thicker alternatives, the inclusion of the bulkhead connector allows for neat, professional chassis mounting.

Key features that stand out:
– Length: 15ft (5m) provides ample distance for most vehicle or remote setups.
– Cable Type: RG174, offering great flexibility.
– Versatility: Comes with 3 extra SMA adapters (M/M, M/F, F/F), enabling varied connection configurations.
– Impedance: 50 Ohm standard compatibility for GPS applications.

Pros:
– Extremely flexible and easy to route.
– The included adapter kit offers fantastic value and utility.
– Ideal for quick setup and connection changes.

Cons:
– RG174 cable has higher signal loss over long distances compared to LMR-style cables.

Best for: Field testing, temporary installations, and users needing maximum connection flexibility.

Expert Opinion: This bundle is the definition of a versatile starter kit. While the RG174 cable type means you’ll experience some attenuation over the 15-foot run, for typical GPS L1 frequency use where the antenna has a built-in LNA (Low Noise Amplifier), it performs adequately, especially given the cost and connector variety.

Superbat RF coaxial SMA Male to SMA Female Bulkhead RG174 6.56ft Cable + 3pcs RF Coax SMA Adapter Kit for SDR Equipment Antenna Ham Radio,3G 4G LTE Antenna,ADS-B,GPS and etc

Essentially the shorter version of the previous entry, this 6.56ft (2m) Superbat cable retains all the benefits of the adapter kit but reduces the length, which in turn significantly reduces signal loss. If your GPS receiver is close to the antenna mounting point, choosing this shorter length is a smart way to maintain signal integrity without needing to upgrade to a bulkier, low-loss cable type. This is particularly useful in small, localized applications like fixed desktop GPS clocks or compact drones.

Key features that stand out:
– Compact Length: 6.56ft (2m), minimizing signal loss compared to longer runs.
– Included Adapters: The same valuable 3-piece SMA adapter kit is included.
– Cable Flexibility: RG174 remains easy to handle and route.

Pros:
– Minimal signal attenuation due to the short length.
– Excellent value proposition due to the inclusion of multiple adapters.
– Great for compact equipment integration.

Cons:
– Limited reach for large vehicle or building installations.

Best for: Short runs, desktop GPS equipment, and compact IoT/SDR applications.

Expert Opinion: When dealing with RG174 cable, minimizing length is key to minimizing loss. This 6.56ft variant is highly effective for close-range applications, delivering reliable connectivity without the rigidity of larger cables.

Bingfu Vehicle Car GPS Antenna Adapter Cable SMA Male to Fakra C Male Blue Coaxial Pigtail Cable 15cm 6 inch for Vehicle Truck SUV Car Stereo Head Unit GPS Navigation Receiver System GPS Tracker Modem

This Bingfu pigtail cable is not meant for extension, but rather for conversion. If you’re installing an aftermarket GPS tracking device or an SMA-equipped navigation unit into a modern vehicle that uses the standardized Fakra C Blue connector, this short pigtail is essential. At a mere 6 inches, signal loss is irrelevant, and its sole purpose is to provide a durable, professional link between two different connector standards common in automotive electronics.

Key features that stand out:
– Connector Type 1: SMA Male (Standard for many aftermarket GPS antennas/receivers).
– Connector Type 2: Fakra C Male Blue (Standard for automotive GPS head units).
– Length: Extremely short (15cm / 6 inch).
– Application: Direct connector conversion for vehicle stereo integration.

Pros:
– Essential for interfacing aftermarket GPS antennas with OEM car stereo systems.
– Very short length ensures no signal degradation.
– Professional, sturdy Fakra connector locking mechanism.

Cons:
– Only serves the niche purpose of converting SMA to Fakra C.

Best for: Vehicle integration, connecting standardized Fakra C GPS inputs to SMA receivers.

Expert Opinion: Anyone working on vehicle telematics knows the importance of the Fakra standard. This cable is a crucial adapter, ensuring a stable, vibration-resistant connection in the demanding environment of a car dashboard. It’s a vital piece of the puzzle for the best coax cable for gps antenna setups in automotive contexts.

Bingfu RTK Survey GPS Antenna Extension Cable TNC Male to Female Bulkhead Mount RG58 Coax Jumper Cable 1m 3 feet for Vehicle Trimble Topcon Leica Sokkia GNSS RTK Receiver Marine Boat GPS Navigation

For users operating professional grade RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) or high-precision GNSS equipment, the TNC connector is commonplace. This Bingfu cable uses the reliable RG58 coax, which is a step up from RG174 in terms of shielding and loss performance, though still more flexible than LMR-style cables. At 3.3 feet, it’s perfect for connecting the high-end GPS antenna to the RTK base unit, often seen in surveying, marine, and commercial asset tracking. The included TNC Female Bulkhead mount allows for clean panel installations.

Key features that stand out:
– Cable Type: RG58A/U 50 Ohm Coax, offering a good balance of durability and low loss for short runs.
– Connectors: TNC Male to TNC Female Bulkhead Mount.
– Application Focus: Designed specifically for RTK Surveying Instruments (Trimble, Topcon, etc.) and marine navigation.

Pros:
– High-quality TNC connectors standard in professional GPS/GNSS.
– Good durability for harsh outdoor environments.
– Bulkhead mount provides a clean, protected pass-through connection.

Cons:
– RG58 is still susceptible to higher loss than LMR equivalents if extended much past 10 feet.

Best for: Professional surveying, marine applications, and base station connections requiring TNC interfaces.

Expert Opinion: The choice of RG58 for a short 3-foot run is smart here; it’s robust enough for fieldwork yet remains flexible. For high-accuracy differential GPS systems, maintaining impedance match and signal integrity right up to the receiver is critical, and this cable does that well.

MOOKEERF KMR240 SMA Male to SMA Male Coaxial Cable 50 ohm Coax Ultra Low Loss Antenna Extension for 3G/4G/5G/LTE Network Equipment, GPS, RF Radio (6FT)

When signal loss is your primary concern, moving away from RG cables (like RG58 or RG174) and towards LMR-style equivalents is mandatory. The MOOKEERF KMR240 cable is an excellent, budget-friendly substitute for LMR-240. The 6-foot run of this ultra low loss cable ensures your GPS signal strength remains high, which is essential when the antenna signal is being shared or routed long distances, or when working with high-frequency GNSS bands. The connections are also reinforced with a thick adhesive tube, preventing connector strain.

Key features that stand out:
– Loss Profile: KMR240 (LMR240 equivalent), offering significantly lower attenuation than RG58.
– Build Quality: Pure copper inner conductor and tinned copper braid for stable signal.
– Reinforced Connectors: Fixed with 2.2″ adhesive tube for heavy-duty, outdoor use.
– VSWR: Kept very low (≤1.15).

Pros:
– Excellent performance for minimizing signal loss over distance.
– Highly durable PVC jacket, suitable for long-term outdoor installation.
– Reliable connection build quality.

Cons:
– Less flexible and thicker than RG174, making routing slightly harder.

Best for: Permanent outdoor GPS installations, shared antenna systems (GPS/LTE), and applications requiring minimal signal drop.

Expert Opinion: If you are serious about maintaining signal quality, especially if you have a non-amplified GPS antenna, choosing a KMR240/LMR-240 equivalent like this is the best coax cable for gps antenna link. The low VSWR ensures minimal reflected power back to the device.

Bingfu RTK Survey GPS Base Antenna Radio Extension Cable RP-N Male to RP-TNC Male RG58 Coax Jumper Cable 3m 10 feet for GNSS RTK Survey Receiver Trimble 51980 GPS SPS855 SPS 855 851 852 SNB 900 850

This specialized Bingfu cable addresses a very specific need within the professional surveying world: connecting Trimble’s base station equipment (like the SPS series) which often utilizes Reverse Polarity (RP) N and TNC connectors. The cable utilizes RG58, which is robust enough for field use over the 10-foot run, perfect for connecting a base radio antenna to a base GNSS receiver. Crucially, users must note the RP (Reverse Polarity) designation—it’s not interchangeable with standard N or TNC connectors.

Key features that stand out:
– Connector Specification: RP-N Male to RP-TNC Male (Reverse Polarity connectors).
– Compatibility: Specifically designed for various Trimble GNSS RTK Receivers and Base Radios.
– Length: 10 feet (3m), suitable for base station proximity.
– Cable Type: Standard RG58 50 Ohm Coaxial Cable.

Pros:
– Essential component for specified Trimble survey systems.
– Good flexibility for use in the field.
– Durable construction tailored for demanding RTK environments.

Cons:
– Highly specialized connectors make it unusable for standard GPS applications.

Best for: Specialized RTK base station connectivity requiring Reverse Polarity connectors.

Expert Opinion: This is a mission-critical cable for RTK operators. The primary consideration here is ensuring the exact RP-N to RP-TNC pinout matches the expensive Trimble equipment; signal loss from the RG58 over 10 feet is acceptable for the radio link in these dedicated systems.

MOOKEERF KMR240 N Male to SMA Male Cable – 10FT Ultra Low Loss SMA to N Cable 50 ohm for WiFi Router/GPS Receiver/Antenna/Signal Booster Use

If you want to use a large, high-gain antenna (which often employs an N-Type connector) with a standard consumer or professional GPS receiver (which typically uses SMA), this MOOKEERF KMR240 adapter cable is the answer. Combining the low-loss benefits of KMR240 over a generous 10-foot distance with a crucial N-Male to SMA-Male conversion, this cable is built for performance. Its construction includes a pure copper conductor and a heavily shielded jacket, designed for long-term outdoor exposure.

Key features that stand out:
– Cable Type: KMR240 (LMR240 equivalent) Ultra Low Loss.
– Connectors: N Male to SMA Male, ideal for antenna adaptation.
– Outdoor Durability: Waterproof PVC jacket and adhesive-lined heat shrink for 20-year exposure rating.
– Shielding: 100% shield performance, minimizing RFI/EMI interference.

Pros:
– Outstanding signal transfer due to the low-loss KMR240 cable type.
– Excellent solution for adapting N-Type antennas to SMA receivers.
– Extremely robust and professional construction suitable for permanent mounting.

Cons:
– Thicker cable requires more effort when routing compared to RG types.

Best for: Connecting high-gain N-Type antennas to GPS receivers or signal boosters, especially over medium distances (10+ feet).

Expert Opinion: For anyone transitioning from a high-gain N-Type cellular or multi-band antenna to an SMA-equipped GPS modem, this is the best coax cable for gps antenna adaptation. The 10-foot run with KMR240 minimizes the inevitable loss associated with any run of cable, ensuring the powerful antenna signal makes it to the receiver intact.

Proxicast 10 ft SMA Male to N Male Premium 195 Series Low-Loss Coax Cable (50 Ohm) for 4G LTE, 5G Modems/Routers, Ham, ADS-B, GPS to Antenna or Surge Arrester Use (Not for TV or WiFi) (ANT-140-020-10)

Proxicast delivers a high-quality, professional-grade solution with their 195 Series cable. The 195 series is equivalent to LMR-195 and, according to the manufacturer, offers up to 23% less loss than standard RG58 coax. At 10 feet, this SMA Male to N Male cable is perfect for connecting professional-grade external antennas or integrating a surge arrester into the GPS line—a smart safety addition for outdoor installations. The use of gold-plated signal pins further enhances signal transfer quality.

Key features that stand out:
– Low Loss Rating: 195 Series (LMR195 equivalent), significantly better than RG58.
– Connectors: SMA Male to N Male, specifically for antenna adaptation or arrester integration.
– Professional Quality: Gold Plated Signal Pins and heat shrink reinforcement.
– Recommended Use: Optimized for high-frequency 4G, 5G, and GPS signals.

Pros:
– Superior signal loss performance compared to standard RG cables.
– High-grade materials designed for longevity and reliability.
– Excellent choice for integrating lightning/surge protection.

Cons:
– Higher cost than standard RG58 options.

Best for: Professional fixed installations requiring surge protection, or maximizing signal integrity over 10-20 feet.

Expert Opinion: The Proxicast 195 Series is a reliable benchmark for low-loss connectivity in this length category. When setting up a permanent GPS reference point or base station, using a cable that exceeds LMR-195 specifications provides great peace of mind regarding signal reliability.

Proxicast 10 ft SMA Male to SMA Female Premium 195 Series Low-Loss Coax Cable (50 Ohm) – Antenna Lead Extender for 4G LTE, 5G Modems/Routers, Ham, ADS-B, & GPS (Not for TV or WiFi) (ANT-140-001-10)

For those who already have a decent GPS antenna cable but need an extension without sacrificing signal quality, this Proxicast 195 Series SMA extension cable is the ideal choice. As a direct extension, the SMA Male to SMA Female configuration is standard for most GPS receivers. By utilizing the LMR195-size low-loss coax, this 10-foot extender prevents the massive signal drop that would occur if you used a cheap RG174 extension cable. This is critical for maintaining the necessary signal-to-noise ratio.

Key features that stand out:
– Function: SMA Extension Cable (Male to Female configuration).
– Cable Loss: Very Low-Loss 195 Series (LMR195 equivalent).
– Compatibility: Highly compatible with popular modems and routers from manufacturers like Pepwave, Cradlepoint, and Digi.
– Build: Pro-grade quality with gold-plated pins.

Pros:
– Minimizes loss when extending existing SMA cables.
– Highly reliable for both indoor and outdoor use.
– Connectors are robust and designed for longevity.

Cons:
– Adding any extension, even low-loss, requires careful calculation of total attenuation.

Best for: Extending existing short GPS antenna leads while minimizing signal degradation.

Expert Opinion: If you have to extend your existing run, you must use a low-loss cable like this 195 series. Trying to save money with an RG-58 extension will negate the performance of a good antenna. This Proxicast option is easily one of the best coax cable for gps antenna extension purposes available.

XRDS -RF RG316 SMA Male to SMA Male Coaxial Cable 6FT, Flexible SMA Extension Antenna Cable for WiFi Antenna, Router, SDR, FPV, GPS, Test Equipment

The XRDS-RF RG316 cable offers extreme flexibility in a 6-foot run. RG316 is a miniature coaxial cable known for its excellent handling in tight spaces and high heat resistance. While its attenuation is higher than RG58 or LMR-style cables, its key benefit is superior flexibility and smaller diameter, making it perfect for custom enclosures, FPV drones, or test equipment where space is severely limited. The connections are professionally reinforced with black heat shrink and internal adhesive for longevity.

Key features that stand out:
– Cable Type: RG316, renowned for its small diameter and exceptional flexibility.
– Build Quality: Professional connection reinforcement to prevent connector detachment.
– Application: Ideal for tight spaces and compact setups (FPV, SDR, internal device wiring).
– Impedance: Standard 50 Ohm.

Pros:
– Incredible flexibility, easy to bend around sharp corners.
– Suitable for high-temperature applications.
– Very durable and reliable connections.

Cons:
– Signal loss profile is higher than most other options reviewed here.

Best for: Internal equipment wiring, drone applications (FPV), or extremely tight enclosures where flexibility is paramount.

Expert Opinion: You choose RG316 not for its loss profile, but for its physical characteristics. If you are building an OEM solution or a custom box where space is extremely limited and the run is short (under 10 feet), this is an unbeatable choice for the best coax cable for gps antenna integration due to its handling properties.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When evaluating the best coax cable for gps antenna, the cable type and length are far more important than the brand name.

For short distances (under 5 feet), the differences in signal attenuation between RG174 and low-loss cables are often negligible, and you can prioritize flexibility and budget with options like the Superbat RG174 kits. These are easy to route but should be avoided for longer runs.

If you are running a cable 10 feet or more, you must look for LMR-195 or KMR240 (LMR-240) equivalents, such as the MOOKEERF or Proxicast 195 series. These cables are thicker and less flexible, but their improved shielding and dielectric properties drastically reduce signal loss, which is essential for maintaining strong GPS lock. RG58 falls in the middle, offering decent outdoor durability but showing noticeable loss past 15 feet.

For automotive or specialized professional setups, connector type is king. Make sure you match proprietary connectors like Fakra C (automotive) or TNC/RP-TNC (surveying RTK equipment) precisely, as seen in the specialized Bingfu options.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Best Coax Cable for GPS Antenna

Choosing the absolute best coax cable for gps antenna depends entirely on your installation environment. We’ve categorized our top recommendations based on common use cases:

The Overall Performance Winner (Best Low Loss for Distance):

The MOOKEERF KMR240 N Male to SMA Male Cable (and its SMA-to-SMA sibling) takes the top spot for performance. KMR240 offers the best balance of manageable size and superior low-loss performance, ensuring your antenna signal maintains integrity, especially when adapting to larger N-Type antennas over medium runs.

The Best Value and Flexibility Option:

The Superbat RF coaxial SMA Male to SMA Female Bulkhead RG174 (6.56ft version). For short runs, the excellent flexibility of the RG174, combined with the incredibly versatile 3-piece adapter kit, makes this an unbeatable choice for hobbyists and compact temporary setups.

The Best Professional Grade Option:

The Proxicast 10 ft SMA Male to N Male Premium 195 Series Low-Loss Coax Cable. Utilizing the LMR195 equivalent, this cable provides professional-grade durability, excellent low-loss characteristics, and is ideal for integration with surge protection systems in permanent outdoor installations.

Frequently Asked Questions About best coax cable for gps antenna

Why is signal loss (attenuation) so critical for GPS cables?

GPS signals are extremely weak when they reach Earth (around -130 dBm). Any loss in the cable, known as attenuation, further reduces this already faint signal. If the signal drops below the receiver’s noise floor, the GPS unit can lose lock or fail to compute a position accurately. Therefore, choosing a low-loss coaxial cable is crucial, especially for runs longer than 10 feet, to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio.

What is the difference between RG-type and LMR-type (KMR) cables?

RG-type cables (like RG174 and RG58) are generally thinner and more flexible, but they suffer from higher signal loss over distance, especially at higher frequencies. LMR-type cables (like LMR-195 or the KMR240 reviewed here) have a thicker dielectric and better shielding, resulting in significantly lower signal attenuation. While LMR equivalents are less flexible, they are the preferred choice for long runs or permanent, high-performance installations.

Should I choose SMA or TNC connectors for my GPS antenna?

The connector type is almost always dictated by the GPS equipment you own. Most consumer-grade GPS receivers, modules, and vehicle trackers use SMA connectors. High-end professional equipment, such as RTK surveying gear and large marine GNSS receivers, frequently uses TNC or N-Type connectors because they are physically larger, more rugged, and handle high frequencies better. Always verify the connector type on both your antenna and receiver before purchasing a cable.

Does the cable’s impedance matter for GPS applications?

Yes, absolutely. GPS antennas and systems operate at 50 Ohm impedance. You must ensure your cable is also rated for 50 Ohm impedance to prevent standing waves (VSWR) and signal reflections that degrade performance. Cables rated for 75 Ohm (typically used for TV and standard video) are unsuitable for GPS.

What is the maximum recommended length for an RG58 cable in a GPS application?

RG58 offers a good compromise between cost, flexibility, and performance. For most standard GPS applications (L1 frequency), you should generally try to keep the run under 15 to 20 feet (about 4.5 to 6 meters) to maintain acceptable signal levels. If your required length exceeds 20 feet, you should strongly consider upgrading to a lower-loss cable like the LMR-240 or LMR-400 equivalent.

Are gold-plated connectors worth the extra cost?

While the core signal loss is governed by the cable itself, gold-plated signal pins (as found on the Proxicast models) help ensure a highly reliable and consistent electrical connection. Gold resists oxidation and corrosion far better than brass or nickel, which can be beneficial in damp or outdoor environments, providing a slight edge in signal transmission reliability over the cable’s lifespan.