The 9 Best GPS Antennas
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in November of 2017. This world is big enough to get lost in from time to time. Whether you're geocaching in the woods or sailing across the sea, it can be helpful, or even life-saving, to know your exact location. Luckily, a huge, complex, orbiting network connects the entire Earth. One of these antennas will help you pick up a signal from those satellites and route it to the GPS-enabled device of your choice. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. QGP Supply Q1060
2. Globalsat BU-353-S4
3. Dual Electronics XGPS150A
Editor's Notes
January 29, 2021:
There's a GPS antenna for just about every use case imaginable today. The QGP Supply Q1060 and Globalsat BU-353-S4 are straightforward and somewhat similar aside from their connectosr, the Dual Electronics XGPS150A is a high-quality, battery-powered, standalone device, and the Standard Horizon SCU-31 and Lowrance Point-1 are both geared toward boats. Those with most specific needs will appreciate the HiLetgo VK172, which is intended to plug into a PC's USB port, ad the MakerFocus NEO-6M, which works great with a number of microcomputer controllers like the ones used in Internet of Things devices.
October 20, 2019:
There are a lot of different kinds of devices out there that communicate with GPS satellites, including tiny DIY microcomputers and automotive and marine navigation systems. The GeekStory is one of the most compact and straightforward Arduino and Raspberry Pi-compatible units, though unlike some others it is limited to 2G networks on the cellular side. The Standard Horizon and Lowrance are both excellent marine options; they're both quite sensitive and built to withstand the elements such as UV rays and saltwater spray. We've included a couple standalone devices from Dual Electronics that contain both the antenna and the receiver, which are also compatible with Bluetooth.
The HiLetGo and GlobalSat both use a USB interface, so if you're working with a laptop or tablet they might just be perfect for your needs. If you need to beef up your car's GPS system, the Garmin is a good choice as long as you're certain your current system is compatible with it; otherwise, the Antenna Plus AP-MultiMax is a highly versatile option that's very expensive but also catches 4G LTE and Wi-Fi signals in addition to satellite. But for many users, the especially straightforward QGP Supply might be all you need. Whichever you choose, make sure you have a competent GPS receiver to go along with it. If you don't have a receiver of any type figured out yet, there are also a number of great self-contained units to choose from.
4. Lowrance Point-1
5. Antenna Plus AP-MultiMax
6. Garmin GLO
7. Standard Horizon SCU-31
8. HiLetgo VK172
9. MakerFocus NEO-6M
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.