RadioRanked verdict
Updated Nov 2026HYS 21-inch NMO Kit with L-Bracket vs Midland MXTA25 Ghost Antenna
Our pick
HYS 21-inch NMO Kit with L-Bracket$39.99
The HYS 21-inch decisively wins this comparison. It's a functional mobile antenna; the Midland Ghost is not.
The critical differentiator is electrical length. The HYS reaches 0.77 wavelengths on UHF, putting it at full-wave performance with realistic gain around 4.6 dBi. The Midland measures only 0.14 wavelengths at GMRS frequencies, making it electrically stunted regardless of marketing claims. At that length, performance will be compromised without exception.
The HYS is genuinely a quarter-wave on VHF at 2.2 dBi and scales into full-wave territory on UHF. Its claimed 2.15 dBi is actually conservative and supported by its physical design. The Midland's 89 mm length is simply too short to work effectively on GMRS, and its lack of a stated gain claim is telling.
The HYS suits anyone needing a practical dual-band mobile antenna with real performance across VHF and UHF. The Midland appeals only to users who prioritize extreme compactness over function, though even then, better short antennas exist.
Buy the HYS 21-inch. It delivers actual performance at a lower price. The Midland Ghost is a compromise that doesn't justify its cost or its limitations.
By use case
Which should you buy?
Budget-minded first-time mobile buyer
Costs less than the alternative and delivers stronger VHF and UHF performance on the road.
HYS 21-inch NMO Kit with L-BracketLow-clearance garage or car wash parking
Its 89mm profile clears low structures like garage doors that the 533mm HYS would strike.
MXTA25Operator chasing distant repeaters and long-distance mobile contacts
The HYS's longer electrical length delivers a clearly stronger signal at range than the short Midland.
HYS 21-inch NMO Kit with L-BracketHiker or POTA operator packing gear in a bag
Its 89mm length slips into a pack pocket easily, while the 533mm HYS needs more room.
MXTA2570cm-first operator wanting stronger UHF performance
A full-wave UHF design gives this operator stronger 70cm performance than the electrically short Midland.
HYS 21-inch NMO Kit with L-Bracket
Reasons to choose HYS 21-inch NMO Kit with L-Bracket
- 33% cheaper ($39.99 vs $59.99)
- Also covers VHF (146 MHz)
Reasons to choose Midland MXTA25 Ghost Antenna
- Also covers GMRS (465 MHz)
- Lower profile by 17.5 in (89 mm vs 533 mm)
Spec battle
Spec-by-spec breakdown
Made your choice?
HYS 21-inch NMO Kit with L-BracketPICK
$39.99 on AmazonMidland MXTA25 Ghost Antenna
$59.99 on AmazonMore head-to-heads