Network Antennas Price Comparison
Compare 269 network antennas from Ubiquiti, Cisco, Panorama and more. Find the best price across UK retailers, from compact SMA aerials to enterprise phased arrays.
Network Antennas price comparison UK
Network antennas occupy a peculiar corner of the hardware market: the price range is enormous — from 0 £ for a basic SMA stub up to 0 £ for enterprise-grade phased arrays — yet the buying decision often comes down to a handful of technical parameters that most product listings bury in footnotes. Our catalogue of 269 products spans everything from a £1 LANCOM stub to Starlink's electronically steerable dish, and the spread tells you a lot about how fragmented this market really is.
Ubiquiti dominates the conversation here, and for good reason. Their NanoBeam and PrismAP lines have become the de facto standard for point-to-point outdoor links in the UK — installers fitting rural broadband connections or connecting farm buildings across a field reach for Ubiquiti almost by reflex. Cisco sits at a higher price point on average, with their Aironet range aimed squarely at enterprise Wi-Fi deployments where a single antenna might serve hundreds of concurrent users. For cellular and 5G applications, Panorama Antennas and Teltonika offer a more focused catalogue, with Panorama's SMA and N-type omnis particularly popular for vehicle-mounted and IoT gateway installations.
What catches our attention when analysing the data is the gap between the median price (0 £) and the average (0 £). That divergence signals a long tail of high-value enterprise and specialist products pulling the average upward — Cambium Networks, for instance, averages over £1,200 per unit. For most buyers, the sweet spot sits between 0 £ and 0 £, where you'll find solid outdoor omnis, decent directional panels, and dual-band Wi-Fi antennas from brands like MikroTik, DeLOCK, and LevelOne. If you're fitting out a wireless access point installation or extending coverage with a bridge or repeater, this mid-range bracket is where the best value lives.
One thing worth flagging: connector compatibility is the single most common source of buyer regret in this category. An N-type antenna paired with an SMA port on your router requires an adapter, and every adapter introduces measurable return loss. Check your equipment's RF port spec before you buy — it takes thirty seconds and saves a frustrating return. UK retailers like Scan, Screwfix Trade, and Amazon.co.uk all stock the full range, but price differences between merchants can be significant, particularly on Cisco and HPE SKUs. That's precisely where comparing across sellers pays off.
How to Choose the Right Network Antenna
Most buyers get tripped up not by the antenna itself, but by mismatched connectors or the wrong radiation pattern for their deployment. With prices ranging from 0 £ to 0 £, the challenge isn't budget — it's knowing which spec actually matters for your specific use case. Here's what our analysis of 269 products tells us to focus on.
Gain (dBi) vs. Coverage Area Trade-off
This is the fundamental tension in antenna selection. Higher gain concentrates signal energy in a narrower beam, extending range but shrinking coverage area. A 2–6 dBi omnidirectional antenna suits indoor Wi-Fi or IoT gateways where 360° horizontal coverage is needed. Step up to 8–15 dBi for semi-directional panel antennas covering a sector. For point-to-point links across a field or between buildings, 16–25 dBi directional dishes (like the Ubiquiti NanoBeam M5 at 16 dBi) are the right tool. Don't chase the highest dBi number — a 25 dBi parabolic pointed at the wrong building is useless.
Frequency Band Compatibility
This is non-negotiable: the antenna must cover your operating frequency. Wi-Fi 5 runs on 5 GHz, Wi-Fi 6E adds 6 GHz, older kit uses 2.4 GHz, and cellular 5G spans Sub-6 GHz (600 MHz–6 GHz) or mmWave (24–100 GHz). The Teltonika 5G magnetic SMA antenna, for example, is rated for Sub-6 5G — it won't help you on a 2.4 GHz mesh network. Dual-band antennas (like the Cisco Aironet 2.4/5 GHz omni) cost more but future-proof mixed deployments. Always cross-reference the antenna's frequency spec against your router, access point, or modem documentation.
Connector Type — Don't Assume
SMA and RP-SMA look nearly identical but are physically incompatible. N-type is common on outdoor professional kit; F-type appears on TV/cable-derived antennas like the Nedis ANOR5003BK700. PoE/LAN connectors (as on the QuWireless QuSpot) integrate power and data in a single Ethernet run, which simplifies outdoor installs considerably. Before ordering, physically check the RF port on your device — or look it up in the manual. Adapters work in a pinch, but each one adds insertion loss and a potential failure point.
Outdoor Deployment: IP Rating and Temperature Range
Any antenna mounted outside in the UK needs at minimum IP54 protection against rain and dust. For coastal or exposed rooftop installations, IP65 or IP67 is worth the premium. UV-resistant housings matter too — cheap plastics yellow and crack within two years of sun exposure. Check the operating temperature range: -20°C to +60°C covers virtually all UK conditions, but some budget units are only rated to -10°C, which can cause issues during a hard frost. Ubiquiti and Cambium Networks both publish full environmental specs; not all brands do.
Radiation Pattern: Omni vs. Directional vs. Sector
Omnidirectional antennas (360° horizontal) suit hub-and-spoke topologies — one central antenna serving multiple clients spread around it. Directional antennas (Yagi, parabolic, patch) focus energy in one direction, ideal for point-to-point links or covering a long corridor. Sector antennas (typically 60°–120° beamwidth, like the Ubiquiti PrismAP-5-90 at 90°) split the difference, covering a wedge of territory — the standard choice for outdoor hotspot deployments and WISP base stations. Getting this wrong is the most expensive mistake in antenna selection.
Mounting Method and Installation Practicalities
Magnetic-base antennas (common in Teltonika's range) are designed for vehicle rooftops or temporary deployments — they're not a substitute for a properly pole-mounted outdoor unit. Wall brackets suit indoor or sheltered installs; pole mounts (1–2 inch diameter) are standard for rooftop and mast deployments. The QuWireless QuSpot uses a PoE/LAN connection that eliminates the need for a separate power run, which can be a genuine time-saver on a rooftop install. Factor in cable run length too: coaxial loss at 5 GHz is significant over more than 5–10 metres, so mounting the antenna as close to the radio as possible always wins.
- Entry-level and accessories (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Mostly SMA stub antennas, magnetic-base cellular aerials, and basic omnis for indoor use. Brands like Teltonika, DeLOCK, Panorama Antennas, and Nedis dominate here. Perfectly adequate for upgrading a router's stock antenna or adding a 5G cellular aerial to a gateway. Don't expect outdoor weatherproofing or high gain at this price.
- The practical mid-range (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Where most buyers should be looking. MikroTik, Ubiquiti (NanoBeam, UACC omnis), Zyxel, and LevelOne all feature here. You get proper outdoor-rated enclosures, meaningful gain figures (6–16 dBi), and dual-band options. The Ubiquiti NanoBeam M5 and MikroTik 868 Omni sit in this bracket — solid, proven kit.
- Professional and enterprise-grade (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Sector antennas, high-gain directional panels, and multi-port enterprise omnis. Ubiquiti PrismAP, HPE, and LANCOM Systems are typical here. Suitable for WISP deployments, large campus Wi-Fi, or demanding outdoor point-to-point links. Cisco Aironet dual-band units also appear in this range.
- Specialist and high-performance (Over 0 £) : Cambium Networks, high-end Cisco, and phased-array systems like the Starlink dish. These are enterprise infrastructure products — not impulse purchases. Cambium averages over £1,200 per unit. If you're in this bracket, you likely already know exactly what you need; the value of comparing prices across merchants is highest here, as margins vary significantly.
Top products
- Ubiquiti NanoBeam M5 network antenna 16 dBi (Ubiquiti) : A proven workhorse for outdoor point-to-point links — 16 dBi gives genuine range without the alignment headaches of a higher-gain dish. The go-to choice for connecting outbuildings or bridging across a car park. Less suited to multi-client coverage.
- Starlink SLK2535012 network antenna Electronic phased array (Starlink) : The most technically sophisticated product in this catalogue — electronic beam steering, no moving parts, satellite tracking built in. But it's a complete system, not a component. Only relevant if you're on Starlink; useless otherwise.
- Teltonika 5G Mobile Magnetic SMA Antenna network antenna Omni-directional antenna 3.6 dBi (Teltonika) : Excellent value for 5G gateway upgrades and vehicle-mounted deployments. The magnetic base makes temporary or mobile installs genuinely quick. At 3.6 dBi it won't transform a weak signal, but it's a solid, well-specified aerial at an accessible price.
- Ubiquiti PrismAP-5-90 network antenna 13 dBi (Ubiquiti) : The right tool for WISP base stations and outdoor hotspot deployments — 90° beamwidth covers a useful sector without wasting power behind you. Pairs naturally with Ubiquiti airMAX radios. Overkill for a home install, but excellent for small commercial deployments.
- Panorama Antennas PWB-BC3G-38-RSMAP network antenna Omni-directional antenna SMA 2 dBi (Panorama Antennas) : A no-nonsense cellular omni from one of the most trusted antenna brands in the UK. At 2 dBi it's modest on gain, but Panorama's build quality and verified VSWR specs make it a reliable upgrade over bundled stubs. Best for indoor gateway use or sheltered external mounting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does dBi mean on a network antenna, and does a higher number always mean better?
dBi measures antenna gain relative to a theoretical isotropic radiator — it tells you how much the antenna concentrates signal in its primary direction. Higher dBi is not universally better: a 20 dBi directional antenna has a very narrow beam, which is ideal for a point-to-point link but useless for covering a room. For general indoor or omnidirectional use, 2–6 dBi is the right range. For outdoor sector coverage, 8–15 dBi. For long-range point-to-point links, 16 dBi and above.
What's the difference between SMA and RP-SMA connectors — and does it matter?
Yes, it matters a great deal: SMA and RP-SMA (Reverse Polarity SMA) look almost identical but have reversed pin/socket arrangements and are physically incompatible without an adapter. Most consumer Wi-Fi routers use RP-SMA; professional RF equipment and cellular modems typically use standard SMA. Always check your device's port type before ordering. Using an adapter introduces insertion loss and a potential point of failure — avoid it where possible by buying the correct connector type from the outset.
Can I use an outdoor antenna indoors, or an indoor antenna outdoors?
You can use an outdoor antenna indoors without issue — it's simply overspecified. The reverse is where problems arise: indoor antennas lack the IP-rated weatherproofing needed to survive UK rain and temperature swings. Even a brief period of moisture ingress can permanently degrade performance. For any exterior installation, look for at minimum IP54 and a UV-resistant housing. If the product listing doesn't mention an IP rating, assume it's indoor-only.
Are cheap network antennas from unknown brands worth buying?
Generally, no — and this is one of the few categories where we'd actively caution against the cheapest options. An antenna with poor VSWR (above 3:1) doesn't just underperform; it reflects power back into your radio, which can cause overheating or damage over time. Brands like Panorama Antennas, Teltonika, and DeLOCK publish verified specs and have consistent quality control. Unknown brands rarely do. The price difference between a reputable entry-level antenna and a no-name unit is often only a few pounds — not worth the risk.
Do I need a separate antenna if I'm using a Starlink dish?
No — the Starlink dish (such as the SLK2535012 electronic phased array) is a self-contained antenna system with integrated beam steering. It does not require or accept an external antenna. The phased array electronically tracks satellites without mechanical movement. If you're looking to extend or distribute the Starlink signal inside a building, you'd add a wireless access point or mesh Wi-Fi system downstream of the Starlink router — not a second antenna.
What antenna should I choose for a 5G router or gateway in 2026?
For a 5G gateway, you need an antenna rated for Sub-6 GHz (covering 600 MHz–6 GHz) — this covers the vast majority of UK 5G deployments on EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three. The Teltonika 5G magnetic SMA and Panorama Antennas' cellular range are both well-suited. Avoid antennas labelled only for 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi — they won't cover the lower 5G bands. If your gateway has two SMA ports (MIMO), buy two antennas and space them at least 10 cm apart to reduce correlation and improve throughput.
What's the risk of buying a network antenna with the wrong impedance?
Virtually all modern RF networking equipment uses 50Ω impedance — and so do the overwhelming majority of antennas in this catalogue. The rare exception is 75Ω, found in legacy cable TV systems (F-type connectors). Mismatching impedance causes signal reflection, measurable as a high VSWR, which reduces efficiency and can stress the transmitter. In practice, if you're buying from a reputable networking brand and matching connector types correctly, impedance mismatch is unlikely. It becomes a concern only when mixing broadcast/cable TV hardware with networking equipment.