There are few things as fun as leaving the hubbub of urban and suburban living and taking a road trip. The opportunity to be outdoors can be quite rejuvenating and empowering. There are some sacrifices that you will end up making to make your excursion a reality. You might be compelled to for-go the company of close friends if they are not able to come along. You might have to miss out on a few events taking place in your neighborhood including open barbecues, fun-filled parties, political rallies and such.
However, you need not ever miss out on your favorite TV programming when you happen to take that long-deserved road-trip. Getting one of the best portable satellite TV antennas allows you to stay up-to-date with all your favorite TV shows, series, comedies, news programs, and so much more. The good news is that there are tons of these items out there in the market, spoiling buyers with choices. While that sounds great, it may be a challenge to some people, especially those buying them for the first time.
If that is your concern, then worry no more as we are here to offer you a helping hand. After many hours of research, which involved trying out dozens of options, we have compiled a comprehensive list of top ten best portable satellite TV antennas that you can purchase with confidence in 2020. Whether you are embarking on a camping trip or merely raving outdoors, our review while help you choose from amongst the multitude of satellite TV antennas offerings available.
10 Best Portable Satellite TV Antennas Reviews:
10. Pathway Pathway Auto X1 Portable Truck Satellite TV Antenna –PA2000R
The Pathway Pathway Auto X1 Portable Truck Satellite TV Antenna –PA2000R is the defacto truck satellite TV antenna. This offering from Winegard is available in black or white. The manufacturer claims that their satellite antenna will install faster than most other similar products. You will be treated to enhanced signal reliability and impeccable performance in the worst of weather conditions. Constructed from high-grade aluminum means this antenna has been built to last. The Pathway X1 requires only a single coaxial cable to power the antenna and to transmit the satellite signal to your receiver. The satellite TV antenna is exclusive to Dish and will allow you to receive both standard and HD programming.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – cab, roof, window, and tripod
- Item weight – 14 pounds
- Product dimensions – 20.9 by 19.6 by 16.2 inches
- Package includes – Dish Wally HD receiver, RF remote
09. Winegard Playmaker PAE 100R Portable Satellite TV Antenna
The Winegard Playmaker PAE 100R Portable Satellite TV Antenna is only available in one color. This satellite TV antenna will install automatically after you connect it to the receiver using a single coaxial cable. It is also exclusive to Dish, which means you can use an existing subscription or a pay-as-you-go subscription to watch your favorite programs. A Dish subscription grants you access to built-in apps such as Netflix ensuring you will not have a single dull moment.
Available only in white.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – cab, roof, window, and tripod
- Package includes – Dish Wally HD receiver, RF remote
- Item weight – 17.9 pounds
- Product dimensions – 20.9 by 19.6 by 16.3 inches
08. Winegard Pathway PA-6002 Satellite TV Antenna
The Winegard Pathway PA-6002 Satellite TV Antenna features automatic installation capability, which guarantees that you begin enjoying your favorite programs almost instantly. This satellite TV antenna is also exclusive to Dish, meaning you can continue using an existing subscription. The award-winning portable satellite TV antenna feature enhanced signal reliability ensuring you will not worry about bad weather. This offering also from Winegard is more compact than its predecessor, weighing only 16 pounds.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – cab, roof, window, and tripod
- Package includes – Dish Wally HD receiver and RF remote
- Item weight – 16 pounds
- Product dimensions – 23.2 by 21.8 by 15.4 inches
07. Winegard G2+ GM-6035 Carryout Portable Satellite Antenna
The Winegard G2+ GM-6035 Carryout Portable Satellite Antenna comes in two colors -black and white. This satellite TV antenna features a power inserter that means you will only need a single coaxial cable for power and TV signal. The Carryout G2 offers you a more excellent choice in satellite TV providers in that the antennae work with Dish, DIRECTV, and BellTV. This satellite TV antenna will install automatically once you connect it to your satellite TV receiver.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – cab, roof, window, and tripod
- Satellite providers – Dish, DIRECTV, and Bell TV
- Package includes – Dish Wally HD receiver and RF remote
- Item weight – 10 pounds
- Product dimensions – 19.7 by 16.4 by 16.3 inches
06. Winegard TRAV’LER SK-1000 Satellite TV Antenna
The Winegard TRAV’LER SK-1000 Satellite TV Antenna is an exclusive roof-mounted antenna with the exceptional benefit of multi-satellite compatibility. The implication is that you will be able to realize multiple simultaneous satellite configurations on your satellite receiver. This feature also makes the TRAV’LER ideal for use with a DVR receiver in that you will be able to record one program as you watch another. This satellite TV antenna is ideal for you if your family members have vastly different viewing preferences.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – roof only
- Supported satellite systems – Dish, BellTV
- Package includes – mounting accessories such as mounting plates, nuts & bolts, screws, and cable entry plate
- Item weight – 50 pounds
- Product dimensions – 47.2 by 27.8 by 16.2 inches
05. Winegard White Company Playmaker PL-7000 Portable Antenna
The Winegard White Company Playmaker PL-7000 Portable Antenna is available only in white and features a larger aluminum dish than its predecessor with the same name. Its larger dish guarantees better performance than the Playmaker PAE. This satellite TV antenna is exclusive to Dish which means you can extend an existing subscription with the provider to your road-trip. As with its predecessor, the Playmaker PL-700 will self install upon connecting it to your satellite receiver. This satellite TV antenna also boasts improved performance even in bad weather.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – roof only
- Supported satellite systems – Dish
- Item weight – 7 pounds
- Product dimensions – 16 by 16 by 13 inches
04. KING Tailgater VQ 4400 Portable TV Antenna
The KING Tailgater VQ 4400 is one of the best portable satellite TV antennae exclusive to Dish. You will be able to use the antennae using a pay-as-you-go subscription or as an extension of an existing subscription with Dish. This satellite antenna self installs once you connect it to your satellite TV receiver. Once installed, the Tailgater VQ 4400 will afford you uninterrupted viewing even in bad weather. You need not worry about the durability of the antenna, as high-grade aluminum is principal the sole construction material. To round off its features, this antenna provides you with multiple mounting options.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – roof, cab, window/side, tripod
- Supported satellite systems – Dish
- Package includes – coaxial cable
- Item weight – 8 pounds
- Product dimensions – 17 by 13.5 by 18.8 inches
03. KING Tailgater DT-4400 Portable Satellite TV Antenna
The KING Tailgater DT-4400 Portable Satellite TV Antenna offers you the choice of having Dish, DIRECTV or Universal as your satellite TV provider. You can, therefore, count on 100 percent nationwide coverage with this satellite antenna as it can access eastern and western satellite networks. Furthermore, the Tailgater promises enhanced signal performance in the very worst of bad weather. The manufacturer guarantees that this satellite TV antenna has been tested in extremes of heat and cold to ensure unrivaled performance.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – roof, cab, window/side, or tripod
- Supported satellite systems – Dish, DIRECTV, and Universal
- Package includes – 35-feet coaxial cable, tripod stand, Wally Receiver, and remote for Dish subscription
- Item weight – 8 pounds
- Product dimensions – 17 by 18.8 by 13.5 inches
02. KING Tailgater Pro DT4950 Premium Satellite TV Antenna
As with its predecessor in this review, the KING Tailgater Pro DT4950 Premium Satellite TV Antenna can access western and eastern satellite networks that ensure you get coverage nationwide. This satellite TV antenna offers multiple mounting options and is even Wi-Fi compatible. You will be able to stream live video once after you connect a Wi-Fi adapter to your satellite TV receiver. The Tailgater Pro installs automatically and provides you with multiple TV viewing.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – roof, cab, window/side, and tripod
- Supported satellite systems – Dish
- Package includes – 50-feet coaxial cable, tripod stand, Wally Receiver & RF remote for Dish subscription and 7-feet HDMI cable for Wi-Fi configuration
- Item weight – 8 pounds
- Product dimensions – 17 by 18.75 by 13.5 inches
01. Winegard Ultra-Compact PA2000R Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna
The Winegard Ultra-Compact PA2000R Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna is the smallest and lightest satellite TV antenna in this list at only 4.1 pounds. Its size, however, does not limit its capabilities in that the unit promises impeccable performance in all weather conditions. This satellite TV antenna is exclusive to Dish and can, therefore, be used with an existing subscription or with a pay-as-you-go subscription. The Ultra-Compact PA2000R offers multiple mounting options in addition to its self-installation feature.
Specifications:
- Installation – automatic
- Mounting options – cab, roof, window, and tripod
- Supported satellite systems – Dish
- Package includes – Dish Wally HD receiver, RF remote
- Item weight – 4.1 pounds
- Warranty – two-year limited warranty
Factors to consider when purchasing a portable satellite TV antenna
Yes, the list above consists of some of the best TV satellite antennas in the market today, but you need to make an informed decision while choosing between them. For that reason, there are a number of factors to be considered, some of which are discussed here below:
01. Mounting Options
If you happen to own an RV and desire to mount the satellite TV antenna, then you should make sure that this option is available to you. Fortunately, all the satellite antenna in this review have the roof mounting option as a standard. If you do not want to roof-mount your antenna then purchase an antenna that avails other mounting options, which include cab, window, and tripod mounting.
02. Satellite TV Provider
It is possible to miss out on your favorite programming when you travel to regions not covered by your satellite TV provider. It is therefore prudent to check with your provider as to parts of the US are outside their area of coverage. You can also opt to purchase a portable satellite receiver that is compatible with both eastern and western satellite networks. Taking this latter approach will ensure you will not miss out on any favorite TV program as you traverse the US.
03. Power and Signal input
Most of the satellite TV antennas offerings in this review have combined both power and TV signal into the same coaxial cable. However, this approach tends to limit the number of satellite configurations that the antenna can handle. If you desire multiple satellite TV signals then chose a satellite TV antenna in which the power and signal routes are separate.
Conclusion
It should not be hard for you to pick the best portable satellite TV antennae for your particular needs from the list in our review. Your choice might be based on signal performance, mounting options available, or even existing satellite TV subscriptions. The ultimate bottom-line is, however, how much of your hard-earned cash you are willing to invest in the best portable satellite TV antenna.
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