RadioRanked verdict
Updated Aug 2026ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female) vs Nagoya NA-320A (Tri-Band)
Our pick
Nagoya NA-320A (Tri-Band)$20.98
The Nagoya NA-320A is the clear winner for amateur radio use.
The single most important difference is electrical length. The AR-805S is severely compromised at both VHF and UHF, operating at only 0.02 and 0.07 wavelengths respectively. Its claimed 3 dBi gain is overstated by approximately 8 dB and unsupported by its 50 mm physical length. The NA-320A, at 450 mm, achieves meaningful electrical lengths across three bands, with a 5/8 wave configuration on UHF that delivers genuine performance aligned with its claimed specifications.
The AR-805S serves only as a backup antenna for emergency pocket carry or as a spare when nothing else is available. Its budget price reflects its severe limitations. The NA-320A should be your primary handheld antenna, offering multi-band capability with electrical lengths that actually work on the frequencies you'll use.
For a modest additional investment of $14, the NA-320A delivers substantially better performance across VHF, 1.25 meters, and UHF bands. This is not a close call. Buy the Nagoya unless your only constraint is absolute minimum weight and size for a true emergency backup.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Everyday carry operator needing maximum portability
Its compact, stubby design makes it ideal for daily use without adding bulk.
AR-805SOperator focused on 1.25m and UHF operation
The dedicated quarter-wave length provides superior performance across multiple bands.
NA-320ABudget-conscious buyer upgrading from a stock antenna
It offers noticeable improvement in range and signal strength for minimal cost.
AR-805SAdvanced operator needing tri-band capability (VHF/UHF/1.25m)
It is specifically designed to handle multiple frequency bands efficiently.
NA-320AOperator prioritizing minimal equipment weight and size
The extremely short length ensures the least amount of added weight to a pack.
AR-805S
Reasons to choose ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
- 67% cheaper ($6.97 vs $20.98)
- 15.7 in shorter to carry (50 mm vs 450 mm)
Reasons to choose Nagoya NA-320A (Tri-Band)
- Stronger on VHF (-0.4 dBi vs -9.0 dBi at 146 MHz)
- Stronger on UHF (2.9 dBi vs -4.9 dBi at 435 MHz)
- Also covers 1.25m (223 MHz)
- Gain claim its length supports (the other overstates by about 7.9 dB)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
ABBREE AR-805S Stubby (SMA-Female)
$6.97 on AmazonNagoya NA-320A (Tri-Band)PICK
$20.98 on AmazonKeep researching
Related Buying Guides
More head-to-heads

