We Tested 7 Best Coax Cable for VHF Radio 2025.

I’ve spent countless hours trying to squeeze every watt of power from my VHF marine setup, and I quickly realized that a great radio means nothing if you have terrible feedline. Signal loss is a killer, especially over longer runs, significantly impacting your range on the 144–174 MHz bands. That’s why finding the best coax cable for vhf radio isn’t just about connectors; it’s fundamentally about minimizing signal attenuation, maximizing shielding, and maintaining perfect 50-ohm impedance. We took seven top-rated cables and put them through the paces to see which ones delivered maximum performance for demanding amateur and marine VHF applications.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	XRDS-RF KMR 400 UHF Coaxial Cable 25ft, PL-259 UHF Male…	View on Amazon
	YOTENKO RG58 Coaxial Cable 49.2ft, CB Coax Cable, UHF…	View on Amazon
	Superbat PL-259 UHF CB Coax Cable 10ft CB Antenna Cable…	View on Amazon
	MOOKEERF PL259 UHF Cable 25ft, KMR400 PL259 Male to Male…	View on Amazon
	YOTENKO RG58 Coaxial Cable 25ft – with PL259 Connectors…	View on Amazon
	MOOKEERF 15ft UHF Coax Cable, PL259 Male to Male, Low…	View on Amazon
	MOOKEERF 50ft KMR400 PL259 Male to Male Coaxial Cable -…	View on Amazon

XRDS-RF KMR 400 UHF Coaxial Cable 25ft, PL-259 UHF Male to Male Connector Coax Jumper Low Loss 50 ohm Cable for AIS Antenna, VHF Marine Antenna, HAM & CB Radio, Antenna Analyzer, Dummy Load, SWR Meter

This 25-foot KMR 400 cable from XRDS-RF immediately stands out due to its construction, which is a significant step up from standard RG-8X or RG-58 cables. KMR 400 is the equivalent of LMR-400, meaning it offers exceptionally low signal loss, which is crucial for VHF frequencies where attenuation rapidly increases. The connectors are professionally attached using a heavy clamp mount rather than a simple crimp, which adds immense reliability, especially in outdoor or marine environments. It’s an excellent choice for a fixed base station or a boat installation where performance is paramount.

Key features that stand out:
– Ultra-Low Loss Construction: Provides 60% less loss than typical RG58 at relevant frequencies.
– Durable Clamped Connectors: Uses professional heavy PL-259 mount clamp connectors to prevent detachment.
– High-Density Shielding: Features tinned copper braid and 100% shield to minimize interference.
– Weatherproof Jacket: Flexible UV-proof RF-PVC designed for long outdoor exposure.

Pros:
– Superior low-loss performance ideal for VHF/UHF operation.
– Professional-grade, clamped PL-259 connectors ensure longevity.
– Excellent VSWR rating (less than 1.35).

Cons:
– The thicker diameter makes it less flexible for tight turns.

Best for: Permanent, high-performance VHF/UHF installations and marine applications.

Expert Opinion: If you are running 25 feet or more, investing in a low-loss cable like KMR 400 is non-negotiable for maximizing your VHF range. This XRDS-RF option delivers professional build quality and robust performance straight out of the box.

YOTENKO RG58 Coaxial Cable 49.2ft, CB Coax Cable, UHF PL259 Male to Male Coaxial 50 Ohm Coax Low Loss for HF VHF CB Radio, Ham Radio, SWR Meter, Scanner, Antenna Analyzer

The YOTENKO RG58 offers a very long 49.2-foot run, making it suitable for situations where the antenna is far from the radio setup. While RG58 is known to have higher loss than KMR400, this cable compensates somewhat by utilizing bare copper for the inner conductor and a robust shielding setup. A notable feature is the extended 6cm heat shrink tube at both ends, providing extra strain relief and weatherproofing for the connector joints—a common point of failure in cheaper cables. This cable performs adequately in the 0-300MHz range, though signal loss will be noticeable at the extreme end of the VHF band over this length.

Key features that stand out:
– Extended Heat Shrink: 6cm heat shrink tubes provide excellent connector stabilization and protection.
– Bare Copper Conductor: Ensures reliable low-loss signal transmission for an RG58 type.
– Long Length: Nearly 50 feet provides ample reach for diverse setups.
– Broad Compatibility: Suitable for HF, VHF, CB, and SWR meters.

Pros:
– Highly affordable option for long runs.
– Improved connector durability thanks to the long heat shrink.
– Good flexibility for easy routing.

Cons:
– Significant attenuation at higher VHF frequencies compared to thicker cables.

Best for: Budget-conscious users needing a long run for lower-power VHF or HF applications, or antenna analysis where absolute minimum loss isn’t the primary concern.

Expert Opinion: For a run approaching 50 feet, this RG58 will show its limits on VHF frequencies (144MHz+). However, for shortwave or lower marine VHF frequencies (around 156 MHz), its durability features make it a decent entry-level choice if you understand the loss penalty.

Superbat PL-259 UHF CB Coax Cable 10ft CB Antenna Cable RG8X Coaxial Cable PL259 to SO239 Jumper for Marine VHF Ham Radio Antenna Shack Duplexer Tuner Dummy Load SWR Meter etc.

The Superbat RG8X cable is designed primarily as a sturdy, low-loss jumper cable. At only 10 feet, it’s perfect for connecting shack components like an antenna tuner, duplexer, or SWR meter to your radio. RG8X is thicker than RG58 but thinner than KMR400, offering a great balance between low attenuation and flexibility. This specific model features a unique PL-259 male connector on one end and an SO-239 female connector on the other, making it extremely useful for non-standard connections or extending antenna runs.

Key features that stand out:
– RG8X Coax: Provides better performance than RG58 while remaining flexible.
– Mixed Connector Type: PL-259 Male to SO-239 Female for specialized connection needs.
– High-Frequency Applications: Designed for high-power and high-frequency use.
– Compact Jumper Length: 10ft length is ideal for in-shack connections.

Pros:
– Excellent performance/flexibility ratio for a short run.
– Versatile PL259 to SO239 configuration.
– Robust build quality suitable for high power.

Cons:
– Specialized connector configuration might not be suitable for standard radio-to-antenna runs.

Best for: Jumper cable applications within the radio shack, connecting accessories, or adapting between PL259 male and SO239 female ports.

Expert Opinion: When buying best coax cable for vhf radio accessories, short jumpers are often overlooked. Using a good quality RG8X like this ensures you don’t introduce loss between your radio and the SWR meter, which happens frequently with cheap RG58 jumpers.

MOOKEERF PL259 UHF Cable 25ft, KMR400 PL259 Male to Male Coaxial Cable Low Loss CB Coax Cable for HAM Radio, VHF Radio, SWR Meter, Antenna Analy

This MOOKEERF offering is another strong contender in the KMR400 low-loss category, perfect for serious VHF operators. At 25 feet, it boasts an excellent SWR of ≤ 1.25 and very low signal loss (less than 0.85dB at 450MHZ, meaning loss is almost negligible at VHF frequencies). Like the XRDS-RF model, MOOKEERF focuses heavily on connector durability, featuring a 2.2-inch adhesive-lined heat shrink tube over clamp-designed connectors, ensuring a waterproof seal and preventing structural failure over time.

Key features that stand out:
– Exceptional Low Loss: KMR400 cable equivalent to LMR400/RG8U standards.
– Superior Weatherproofing: Extra-long 2.2-inch adhesive-lined heat shrink tube for moisture sealing.
– Clamp Connector Design: Strong connection that prevents the cable from pulling apart.
– Durable Components: Copper-clad aluminum inner conductor with tinned copper braid shield.

Pros:
– Extremely low signal attenuation, ideal for long-distance VHF contacts.
– High-quality, waterproof construction suitable for mounting outdoors.
– Excellent SWR performance noted in testing.

Cons:
– The cable is relatively stiff due to its thickness.

Best for: High-frequency, permanent outdoor antenna installations where minimal loss over 25 feet is required.

Expert Opinion: This is a top-tier choice for minimizing signal attenuation. The MOOKEERF emphasis on a robust, sealed connector junction gives me confidence that this cable will survive years of harsh marine or rooftop environments.

YOTENKO RG58 Coaxial Cable 25ft – with PL259 Connectors 50 Ohm Coax UHF Male to UHF Male for HF VHF CB Radio Ham Radio Antenna

For shorter runs, the issues of RG58’s higher attenuation become less critical, making the YOTENKO 25ft RG58 a practical and cost-effective choice. This cable is well-made for its category, featuring a bare copper inner conductor and the same lengthened 6cm heat shrink tubing seen in their longer models. This 25-foot length is very popular for temporary or portable VHF setups (like field day operations or temporary testing) where flexibility and ease of winding are preferred over the rigid nature of KMR400 cable.

Key features that stand out:
– Flexible RG58: Easy to route and handle for portable applications.
– Improved Connector Design: 6cm heat shrink ensures PL-259 connectors stay firmly attached.
– Cost-Effective: Excellent balance of price and necessary shielding for shorter runs.
– Bare Copper Conductor: Better conductivity than copper-clad steel alternatives.

Pros:
– Highly flexible and easy to store/deploy.
– Budget-friendly for a 25-foot VHF cable.
– Robust protection at the connector-cable junction.

Cons:
– Not suitable if planning to push signals over long distances (>30 ft).

Best for: Portable VHF setups, short runs, temporary connections, and general lab/testing use.

Expert Opinion: When selecting the best coax cable for vhf radio based on flexibility, this 25ft RG58 is a great choice. For amateur radio operators running under 50 watts over this distance, the performance difference compared to KMR400 is acceptable, especially given the cost savings and ease of handling.

MOOKEERF 15ft UHF Coax Cable, PL259 Male to Male, Low Loss for HAM, VHF Radios & SWR Meter

If 25 feet is too long, the 15-foot version of the MOOKEERF KMR400 cable is arguably the best coax cable for vhf radio jumper length available for low loss applications. Over this shorter distance, the signal loss is incredibly low (less than 0.59dB at 450MHz), ensuring practically zero measurable degradation in signal quality. This cable includes all the premium build features of its longer counterpart: the robust 2.2-inch adhesive heat shrink and the durable, clamp-style UHF connectors. This is an ideal cable for serious mobile installations or connecting roof-mounted antennas to equipment just inside the shack wall.

Key features that stand out:
– Minimal Loss: Near-perfect signal transfer over 15 feet due to KMR400 construction.
– Premium Sealing: 2.2″ adhesive-lined heat shrink for maximum environmental durability.
– KMR400 Equivalent: High-performance cable comparable to LMR400.
– Clamp Connectors: Prevent breakage and ensures a stable, high-quality connection.

Pros:
– Offers the highest performance available for a short to medium run.
– Highly durable and fully waterproofed for outdoor use.
– Low attenuation, even at high UHF frequencies.

Cons:
– Higher price point than equivalent length RG58 options.

Best for: High-quality, low-loss connections in mobile setups, short tower runs, or high-power amateur radio applications.

Expert Opinion: For anyone running high power or simply demanding the absolute minimum loss possible for their VHF setup, this 15-foot KMR400 cable is the benchmark. It’s hard to beat this level of quality over a medium distance.

MOOKEERF 50ft KMR400 PL259 Male to Male Coaxial Cable – Low Loss UHF Cable for HAM Radio, VHF Radio, SWR Meter, Antenna Analyzer

Finally, we look at the longest low-loss option: the 50-foot MOOKEERF KMR400. This cable is designed to solve the critical problem faced by long-distance VHF users: severe attenuation. Even at 50 feet, this cable manages to keep loss at 450MHZ under 2.8dB (and significantly lower on the VHF band), while typical RG58 would likely render the connection unusable at that length. Its durable, waterproof PVC jacket and oxidization-resistant nickel-plated copper connectors ensure it can handle challenging outdoor installations, such as running from a mast antenna down to a basement shack.

Key features that stand out:
– Long-Distance Low Loss: KMR400 construction drastically reduces loss over a 50-foot run.
– Robust Connector Sealing: Features a 2.2″ adhesive-lined heat shrink to prevent moisture ingress.
– Durable Construction: High-quality PVC jacket and corrosion-resistant connectors for longevity.
– Excellent SWR: Maintains a stable SWR of ≤ 1.25.

Pros:
– Best solution for minimizing signal loss over long distances (50 feet).
– Built to handle long-term outdoor exposure.
– Maintains low loss into the UHF band.

Cons:
– Very stiff and heavy; challenging to route in confined spaces.

Best for: Maximum length installations (50ft) for VHF/UHF where antenna placement is far from the radio.

Expert Opinion: If you absolutely need a 50-foot run for VHF, you must use a cable of this caliber. Trying to use RG58 at 50 feet for VHF is essentially throwing signal away. This MOOKEERF KMR400 provides the necessary performance margin.

Comparison Short Insights: Choosing Your Cable Type

Choosing the best coax cable for vhf radio comes down to length, flexibility, and budget. Here are the main takeaways from comparing these tested models:

• For maximum performance, KMR400 (LMR400 Equivalent) is the required standard. The MOOKEERF KMR400 (all lengths) and XRDS-RF KMR 400 cables dominate in terms of low attenuation, making them the superior choice for runs over 20 feet or any high-power setup.
• For short jumpers or high flexibility, look to RG8X and RG58. The Superbat RG8X 10ft jumper is excellent for shack connections, providing better performance than thin RG58 while being more flexible than KMR400.
• RG58 is acceptable only for short, low-power VHF runs (under 25 feet). The YOTENKO RG58 25ft cable is a decent, inexpensive option, but be aware that using the YOTENKO 49.2ft RG58 for high-frequency VHF will result in significant signal attenuation.
• Always prioritize high-quality connectors. The models featuring clamp-style connectors and adhesive-lined heat shrink (XRDS-RF and MOOKEERF) offer drastically better durability and weatherproofing than standard crimp-on connectors.

Final Verdict

Instead of crowning a single champion, the best coax cable for vhf radio depends entirely on your setup’s geography.

Best Overall Low-Loss Performer (25ft): The MOOKEERF PL259 UHF Cable 25ft, KMR400 PL259 Male to Male Coaxial Cable edges out the competition due to its outstanding low-loss specifications and superior connector sealing. It offers the ideal balance of length, performance, and outdoor durability for most fixed VHF installations.

Best for Long-Distance/Base Stations (50ft): If you require maximum distance, the MOOKEERF 50ft KMR400 PL259 Male to Male Coaxial Cable is the only cable on this list built to effectively handle 50 feet of VHF feedline without catastrophic signal loss.

Best Value for Short Runs (Under 25ft): For portable setups or short distances where flexibility matters most, the YOTENKO RG58 Coaxial Cable 25ft offers reliable construction and excellent connector reinforcement at a highly competitive price point.

Common Questions About Best Coax Cable for VHF Radio

What is the difference between RG58, RG8X, and KMR400/LMR400 for VHF?

The primary difference lies in the diameter and construction, which directly affects signal attenuation (loss). RG58 is the thinnest and most flexible but has the highest loss, especially above 100 MHz. RG8X is a mid-size cable, offering a better balance of lower loss and flexibility. KMR400 (or LMR400) is the thickest, offering the lowest signal loss, making it the preferred choice for VHF and UHF runs longer than 20 feet. For a high-performance VHF radio, you should aim for KMR400 if possible.

How much signal attenuation is acceptable on a VHF cable run?

Ideally, you want minimal attenuation. For VHF (144–174 MHz), anything over 2–3 dB of loss for the entire cable run is considered detrimental to reception and transmission efficiency. Using a thin cable like RG58 over a 50-foot run on the VHF band can easily introduce 4–5 dB of loss, which is why low-loss cables like KMR400 are necessary for longer distances.

Do I need special connectors for VHF frequencies?

Most VHF radio systems use 50 Ohm impedance and require UHF PL-259 connectors (male) to connect to the radio and the antenna (or antenna connector, often an SO-239 female). While the PL-259 connector works well for VHF, ensure the connectors are professionally attached, preferably clamp-style and properly sealed, to maintain impedance matching and prevent moisture ingress.

Should I use copper-clad steel (CCS) or bare copper inner conductors?

Bare copper conductors offer better conductivity and tend to perform slightly better, especially in high-power applications. However, many quality cables, including the KMR400 equivalents, use copper-clad aluminum (CCA), which is significantly lighter and still offers excellent performance. For low-loss VHF operation, the quality and thickness of the dielectric and shielding are generally more important than the exact inner conductor material.

Does the SWR of the coaxial cable matter?

Yes, the Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) indicates how well the cable maintains the required 50-ohm impedance. A good VHF coax cable should have an SWR rating of 1.3:1 or better. High SWR (e.g., above 2.0:1) on the feedline indicates poor quality or faulty connectors, which can reduce transmitted power and potentially damage your transceiver.

Can I use my best coax cable for vhf radio on the UHF bands as well?

Yes, cables rated for VHF (like KMR400/LMR400) typically perform well into the UHF band (400–470 MHz). However, signal loss increases significantly as frequency rises. A cable that works perfectly at 150 MHz might suffer twice the loss at 450 MHz. Always check the manufacturer’s attenuation charts for your specific cable type at the target UHF frequency if you plan dual-band operation.