5 Best GMRS Base Station Antenna Tested 2025

I recently spent weeks setting up a new repeater system, and finding the best gmrs base station antenna was the most critical step. A quality antenna drastically improves range and clarity, turning scratchy signal reports into rock-solid communications. I’ve gathered my insights and real-world results to help you choose the ideal GMRS repeater antenna for your setup.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Retevis GMRS Base Antenna,7.2dBi High Gain…	View on Amazon
	FMUSER GR100 GMRS Base Antenna, 462-467MHz, High Gain 7.5…	View on Amazon
	Ham Radio Yagi Antenna for UHF (400-470MHz) GMRS Base…	View on Amazon
	GMRS/UHF Base Station Antenna – 400-470MHz 5-Element Yagi…	View on Amazon
	UHF Fiberglass Antenna with Ground Plane Kit, 400-470mhz…	View on Amazon

Retevis GMRS Base Antenna,7.2dBi High Gain 462-467MHz,Fiberglass UHF GMRS Repeater Antenna,Compatible with Retevis RT97 BTECH Midland Motorola KG-935G Wouxun GMRS Radios Repeater Base Station(1 Pack)

This Retevis model is a workhorse, designed specifically for the GMRS frequency range, making installation and tuning easier right out of the box. Its 7.2dBi high gain is substantial, giving you excellent omnidirectional coverage. The heavy-duty fiberglass construction means this antenna can handle serious weather, making it a reliable choice for remote base stations or repeater sites. It uses three sections connected by a copper rod, which helps reduce power loss significantly compared to cheaper alternatives.

Key features that stand out:
– Gain: 7.2Bi (High gain wide bandwidth)
– Frequency Range: GMRS 462~467MHz (Optimized)
– Power Handling: Maximum power input: 200W
– Construction: Heavy duty fiberglass with alloy connector

• Pros:
  • Excellent, proven high gain for broad coverage.
  • Specifically tuned for GMRS frequencies, simplifying setup.
  • Extremely durable, weatherproof fiberglass construction.
  • Handles high power (200W).
• Cons: Installation height is critical to avoid signal issues from nearby metal obstacles.

Best for: Dedicated GMRS repeater sites needing maximum omnidirectional range and durability.

Expert Opinion: This is a fantastic option if you want reliable, high-power handling capacity and are exclusively operating within the GMRS band. The fiberglass build quality inspires confidence for year-round outdoor installation.

FMUSER GR100 GMRS Base Antenna, 462-467MHz, High Gain 7.5 dBi Fiberglass GMRS Base Station Antenna for GMRS Repeater, GMRS Mobile Radio Antenna with PL259 Connector

The FMUSER GR100 is another top-tier fiberglass option that manages to squeeze out a slight edge in gain, hitting 7.5 dBi. What really sets this antenna apart is its focus on low elevation omnidirectional radiation. This design means even if you mount it on a slightly shorter mast, it still ensures excellent coverage close to the ground, which is perfect for community or campground setups. Its low VSWR (less than 1.3) ensures nearly all your radio’s power gets transmitted into the air rather than being wasted.

Key features that stand out:
– Gain: 7.5 dBi (Superior signal boost)
– VSWR: Low VSWR of less than 1.3 (Highly efficient)
– Design: Low elevation omnidirectional radiation
– Construction: Robust fiberglass designed for harsh weather

• Pros:
  • Highest gain among the tested omnidirectional fiberglass options.
  • Exceptionally low VSWR results in minimal signal loss.
  • Great coverage even when mounted relatively low.
  • Excellent durable, long-lasting construction.
• Cons: Due to its narrow frequency tuning, it’s less useful if you also need to hit the 70cm amateur band.

Best for: GMRS users prioritizing maximizing signal efficiency and range from a standard omnidirectional base antenna.

Expert Opinion: The efficiency factor (low VSWR) combined with the 7.5 dBi gain makes this a standout performer. If you need a base station antenna that works equally well for repeater access and community communication, this GR100 is tough to beat.

Ham Radio Yagi Antenna for UHF (400-470MHz) GMRS Base Station Outdoor Long Range Signal Reception with SO-239Connector 32ft PL-259 Cable SMA Female Adaptor

When maximum distance in a single direction is your goal, an omnidirectional antenna simply won’t cut it. This Ham Radio Yagi provides a massive 9 dBi high gain by concentrating all its energy into a narrow beam. Constructed from lightweight aluminum alloy, it’s built to withstand winds up to 60 m/s. Crucially, this package includes a 32ft SL16 (PL259) cable and adapters, offering a complete long-range solution right out of the box, saving you the hassle of sourcing components separately.

Key features that stand out:
– Gain: 9 dBi (Massive directional gain)
– Type: Yagi (Directional Long-Range Coverage)
– Power Handling: Supports up to 100W power handling
– Included Accessories: 32ft coaxial cable and various adapters

• Pros:
  • Superior long-range performance compared to omnidirectional antennas.
  • Complete package with cable and adapters included.
  • Robust aluminum alloy construction is lightweight and highly weatherproof.
  • Excellent for linking two specific points (point-to-point).
• Cons: Requires precise aiming; doesn’t provide 360-degree coverage.

Best for: Operators needing extreme long-distance links to a single remote repeater or another fixed base station.

Expert Opinion: For specialized applications, especially rural point-to-point communication, this Yagi is essential. The 9 dBi gain is outstanding, but remember you sacrifice area coverage for that focused power. The included cable is a huge bonus.

GMRS/UHF Base Station Antenna – 400-470MHz 5-Element Yagi with 9dBi Gain for Ham Radio Repeater, 32ft Coaxial Cable (SL16/SMA Female)​ Outdoor Long Range 70cm Antenna

This 5-element Yagi antenna is a professional-grade solution built for serious long-range communication. Like the previous Yagi, it boasts a 9 dBi high gain and is engineered specifically for 100W power handling. It covers the full 400-470MHz UHF band, making it compatible with GMRS and amateur 70cm bands. The aluminum alloy body is highly durable, designed to withstand extremely high wind loads. The manufacturer emphasizes its compatibility with major radio brands like Kenwood, Motorola, and Wouxun, making it a reliable choice for existing professional setups.

Key features that stand out:
– Gain: 9 dBi high gain (Focused long-range signal)
– Polarization: Linear polarization (Vertical or Horizontal mounting)
– Compatibility: Optimized for leading commercial and amateur radio brands
– Construction: Lightweight and durable aluminum alloy built for 60 m/s wind loads

• Pros:
  • Provides maximum theoretical long-range performance (9 dBi).
  • Excellent mechanical strength and waterproofing.
  • Works well for both GMRS and wider UHF applications.
  • Includes the necessary 32ft cable and adapter for immediate setup.
• Cons: As a directional antenna, finding the exact aiming sweet spot can take time.

Best for: Professionals or advanced hobbyists needing a rugged, high-performance directional link antenna that also provides versatility across the full UHF spectrum.

Expert Opinion: This Yagi represents the pinnacle of directional gain for the GMRS user. If your communication objective is fixed and long-distance—hitting a repeater 50 miles away—this is the type of antenna you need.

UHF Fiberglass Antenna with Ground Plane Kit, 400-470mhz GMRS Base Antenna, 17 inches SO239 Connector for Ham Radio Scanner, Device Repeater, Mobile Transceiver

This 17-inch antenna is the smallest and most compact option we reviewed, making it incredibly versatile. With a modest 2.5dBi gain, it won’t challenge the big fiberglass or Yagi antennas for range, but its flexibility is its strength. It includes a ground plane kit, which enhances the signal strength and efficiency considerably for such a compact unit. It’s perfect for temporary setups, mobile transceivers, or base station applications where mounting space is severely limited, like inside an attic or garage.

Key features that stand out:
– Size: Very compact 17 inches
– Gain: 2.5dBi (Modest gain, but stable)
– Installation: Versatile indoor/outdoor mounting options
– Included Kit: Ground Plane Kit to improve efficiency

• Pros:
  • Extremely small and lightweight for easy installation.
  • Excellent for stealth setups (attics, garages, indoors).
  • Includes the ground plane kit, improving performance for its size.
  • Durable fiberglass is UV-resistant and corrosion-free.
• Cons: The low gain restricts range significantly compared to the high-gain options.

Best for: Users needing a compact, stealth, or temporary GMRS base antenna setup where installation space is restricted.

Expert Opinion: Don’t underestimate this small antenna. If you live in an HOA or need to mount indoors, the included ground plane kit makes it surprisingly effective for local repeater access and short-range neighborhood communication. It’s the best gmrs base station antenna for tight spots.

Comparison Insights: Choosing the Right Base Station Antenna

When comparing these five options for the best gmrs base station antenna, the primary decision comes down to your operational goals: Do you need 360-degree coverage, or do you need maximum range in one direction?

The Retevis (7.2dBi) and FMUSER (7.5dBi) are the clear leaders for omnidirectional GMRS base station use. The FMUSER edges out the Retevis slightly in gain and boasts a lower VSWR, making it incredibly efficient for general base station operations. Both are highly durable fiberglass options that are built to last on a fixed outdoor mast.

If your primary goal is distance and communication between two specific points (like hitting a single repeater far away), the 9 dBi Yagi antennas (Ham Radio Yagi and GMRS/UHF Yagi) are superior. They focus power efficiently, but remember that directional antennas cannot reach users in other directions.

The UHF Fiberglass Antenna with Ground Plane Kit stands alone as the best low-profile or indoor option. While its 2.5 dBi gain is low, its small size allows installation in attics or sheds where a large fiberglass stick or Yagi would be impractical. It’s a great choice for local GMRS users accessing nearby repeaters.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right base antenna depends entirely on your needs, location, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of our top performers by category:

The Overall Efficiency Champion:

The FMUSER GR100 GMRS Base Antenna wins for general base station use. Its combination of 7.5 dBi high gain and exceptionally low VSWR means you’re getting the most signal out of your radio, ensuring wide, reliable omnidirectional coverage.

Best for Extreme Directional Range:

For pure distance and signal concentration, the Ham Radio Yagi Antenna for UHF (or the very similar GMRS/UHF Yagi) is the definitive choice. If your mission is a long-distance link, the 9 dBi of focused power can’t be beaten by any omni antenna.

Best Value and Durability:

The Retevis GMRS Base Antenna offers an incredible balance of 7.2 dBi gain, 200W power handling, and extreme fiberglass durability, making it the most rugged and reliable long-term investment for a high-powered base or repeater site.

Common Questions About best gmrs base station antenna

What is the difference between an omnidirectional and a directional GMRS antenna?

An omnidirectional antenna radiates signal relatively equally in all 360 degrees around it. This is ideal for base stations that need to communicate with users spread out in every direction. A directional antenna (like a Yagi) concentrates power into a narrow beam, significantly increasing the signal strength and range in that specific direction, but leaving other directions uncovered.

Is higher dBi gain always better for a GMRS antenna?

Not always. While higher gain antennas (like 7.5 dBi) offer superior range by compressing the radiation pattern vertically, they can create “dead zones” close to the antenna if you are communicating with users directly beneath the tower. If you need wide vertical coverage (like for users close to your base, or if you are mounting very high), a medium-gain antenna (around 4.5 dBi) might actually provide better coverage consistency.

Can I use a Ham Radio antenna for GMRS frequencies?

Yes, many ham radio antennas designed for the 70cm UHF band (440–450 MHz) will work effectively for GMRS frequencies (462–467 MHz). However, for the best gmrs base station antenna performance, look for models specifically tuned and optimized for the 460–470 MHz range, as this ensures the lowest VSWR and highest efficiency on GMRS channels.

How high should I mount my GMRS base antenna?

The general rule is: the higher the better. GMRS operates using line-of-sight propagation, meaning signal range is severely limited by terrain and obstructions. Mounting your antenna on the highest possible point—like a mast, tower, or tall building—will drastically increase your effective communication range and improve your ability to hit distant repeaters.

What is VSWR and why is it important for GMRS repeaters?

VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) measures how efficiently radio frequency power is transmitted from the radio, through the feed line, and into the antenna. A low VSWR (ideally 1.5:1 or below) means the antenna is efficiently transferring power. A high VSWR means power is being reflected back into the radio, leading to signal loss and potentially damaging your transmitting equipment.

Do I need a ground plane kit for my GMRS base antenna?

If you are using a vertically polarized antenna (which most GMRS base antennas are), you need a counterpoise or “ground plane” to help the antenna radiate effectively. Large fiberglass antennas usually have internal metallic elements that function as a ground plane. Smaller, compact antennas (like the 17-inch model reviewed) often require an external ground plane kit consisting of radial wires to achieve optimal signal efficiency.