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RadioRanked verdict

Updated Aug 2026

Nagoya NA-701 (SMA-Female) vs Nagoya NA-771G (GMRS)

Our pick

Nagoya NA-771G (GMRS)$20.98

The NA-771G is the clear winner for GMRS use, but these aren't direct competitors since they're optimized for different frequencies.

The decisive factor is electrical length. The NA-771G operates at 0.60 wavelengths on GMRS, delivering legitimate 5/8-wave performance with realistic gain around 3 dBi. The NA-701 is electrically short on VHF at just 0.10 wavelengths, meaning it's severely compromised on that band despite any claimed specifications. On UHF, the NA-701 reaches quarter-wave performance with modest 0.8 dBi gain, but this is still well below what a half-wave design would provide.

Buy the NA-771G if you operate on GMRS or the 460-470 MHz range. Its longer physical length puts it at the right electrical length for these frequencies, and the 91/100 score reflects this engineering advantage.

Buy the NA-701 only if you primarily need UHF coverage on a compact handheld and can accept quarter-wave compromises, or if VHF isn't your main focus. The price advantage is minimal.

For most operators seeking a general-purpose antenna, the NA-771G's superior electrical design makes it the better investment despite the slight price premium. Choose based on your primary operating frequency.

By use case

Which should you buy?

  • Budget-conscious ham radio beginner

    It is significantly cheaper and provides adequate performance for initial upgrades.

    NA-701
  • GMRS/Ham crossover user with handhelds

    Its specific GMRS tuning makes it ideal for mixed use radios.

    NA-771G
  • Operator focused on maximum range and 2m band

    The longer electrical length provides superior performance in the VHF/UHF ham bands.

    NA-771G
  • Everyday carry or pocket use operation

    Its compact, short design maintains good signal strength while being highly portable.

    NA-701

Reasons to choose Nagoya NA-701 (SMA-Female)

  • 10% cheaper ($18.98 vs $20.98)
  • Also covers VHF (146 MHz)
  • 7.3 in shorter to carry (203 mm vs 389 mm)

Reasons to choose Nagoya NA-771G (GMRS)

  • Also covers GMRS (465 MHz)

Spec battle

Spec-by-spec breakdown

Nagoya NA-701 (SMA-Female)SpecNagoya NA-771G (GMRS)
$18.98
Price
$20.98
203 mm
Length
389 mm
2.15 dBi
Claimed gain
3 dBi
Supported by its length
Is that claim credible?
Supported by its length
SMA-Female
Connector
SMA-Female
whip
Type
whip
Yes
Flexible
Yes
78
Overall Score
91
+16% for winner
Handheld Antenna
size
Handheld Antenna
Black
color
Black
1
unitCount
1

Made your choice?

Nagoya NA-701 (SMA-Female)

$18.98 on Amazon

Nagoya NA-771G (GMRS)PICK

$20.98 on Amazon

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