When spending time outdoors, either camping or enjoying time in your RV, connecting to the real world can be a bit of a challenge. Getting entertainment or watching your favorite TV show can be almost impossible. But that shouldn’t be the case. With a good portable satellite dish, you can kiss all your jungle troubles goodbye and enjoy TV just like you are at home. After spending countless hours researching, in this guide, we have shared some of the best portable satellite dish sets worth getting for use outdoors. They guarantee better strength and reception giving you unlimited access to TV.
Best Pick – Winegard PA-6002 Pathway X2
Convenient, High Signal Reception & Best Rated
Better reception, good signal strength and access to more channels are some of the things that we all need, and Winegard PA-6002 Pathway X2 delivers just that. It is the best portable satellite dish that one can get in the market. It is easy to install and operate. The reception offered by this satellite is just amazing. Even better, it is compatible with DISH which means you only pay when you need to use the TV.
Best Portable Satellite Dish 2021
With able assistance from industry experts and users all over, we have sampled and reviewed a handpicked list of portable satellite dish systems below. Here is the countdown:
7. Satpro DirecTV SL3S SWM HD Satellite Dish
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Compass, 3 ft jumper cable, RG6 cable.
This DirecTV SL3S SWM HD Satellite Dish by Satpro ranks among the best portable satellite dish systems that are best for traveling. It comes with a very effective signal booster functionality to boost reception. It offers HDTV reception and the automated tracking system of the ensures you get the visuals live and in with the best clarity possible.
When it comes to compatibility, this unit offers universal compatibility for SWM DirectTV receivers like the H23, HR24, H25 and Genie. The satellite set comes with a number of features like Barrel adapter, compass, cables among other accessories that improves signal strength and functionality. while you are on the road.
Pros and Cons
- Offers excellent reception quality.
- It is easy to assemble the satellite dish.
- Beginners might take some time to get the parts together.
6. Winegard White Company PL-7000 Dish Playmaker Portable Antenna
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Heavy duty aluminum alloy reflector, single coax connection, Optional RK-4000 roof.
DISH Playmaker is a compact dome-shaped satellite antenna that is loved by many for its great signal reception and sophisticated features. The portable antenna is very easy to set-up, thanks to the handy instructions and few parts that need to be put together. The antenna comes with a single coax connection system that is easy to set up and use.
The casing of the satellite antenna is made using high quality military-grade aluminum alloy reflector which is both durable and also meant to boost the signal strength. Users have the option of getting an RK-400 mounting kit for their RV which ensures better stability on the roof.
Pros and Cons
- It is easy to set up and operate.
- It is made with a high quality reflector that boosts reception.
- Some people are concerned about the lack of some replacement parts.
5. Dish Network Turbo HDTV Satellite
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Satellite finder, Compass, F81 splice.
The Satellite Oasis kit is designed to be compatible with DISH satellite TV but doesn’t work with DirecTV. The satellite dish is also made to work with all Dishpro and Dishpro plus receivers which gives users a wide range of channels to watch. It comes as a kit with everything that a traveler would need to mount, adjust and receive good HDTV signals wherever they are.
The tripod that it comes with is foldable and easy to carry which makes it perfect for travelers who have a van or an RV. It also has a satellite finder which is equipped with a pointer light for easy pointing. All in all, it is a good quality yet affordable satellite kit that someone with an RV will love.
Pros and Cons
- Comes with detailed instructions that makes setting up the dish a breeze.
- It is very affordable.
- Their support could be improved.
4. Winegard SK-SWM3 TRAV’LER DIRECTV Slimline Antenna
Winegard SK-SWM3 is a popular satellite antenna designed for DirecTV. It comes with a firm mounting base which can be seamlessly installed on the roof of a camping van, RV or your home. It comes with tons of accessories such as a 4 way splitter, IDU with power supply and a power inserter. The system comes with an automatic tracking functionality which means that the user doesn’t have to manually search or tilt the dish to receive signals.
It also comes with the capability of 3 simultaneous viewing capability. The only downside with this satellite dish is that it is way pricier than most in the market. Everything else is spot on and delivers on its advertised promise.
Pros and Cons
- It comes with lots of features and sophisticated tracking technology.
- Automatically finds signals without any manual work.
- It is pricey.
3. Satellite Oasis DIRECTV Swim Mobile RV Portable Satellite Dish
This is yet another great portable satellite dish by Satellite oasis which you can count on. The tripod it comes with is sturdy enough and can be easily mounted onto the roof or wall. Among other accessories that comes with the satellite dish is a bubble level, 50 ft coax and a compass to help you know the direction to point the dish.
The satellite kit also comes with a carrying case which can help you keep all the accessories safe in one place that you can easily access when needed. if you are looking for an affordable yet reliable satellite dish, then this could be just what you need.
Pros and Cons
- It comes at a price that is hard to beat.
- Setting up the satellite dish is very easy and takes very little time.
- The company’s tech support is not the best.
2. KING DTP4950 DISH Tailgater Pro Bundle
Price: Modestly priced.
Special features: Dual coaxial output, Wally HD receiver, Weather-resistant materials.
KING DTP4950 DISH Tailgater Pro is a good quality dome shaped satellite receiver that is loved by many people for its superior signal strength, all thanks to an array of advanced features and advanced technology. Weighing only 8 pounds, this tailgater Pro satellite antenna is easy to carry. Its wally HD receiver offers 100% nationwide reception with both eastern and western satellites.
Its dome makes it weather resistant and perfect for use in RVs and camping vans even when the weather or environment can get to the extreme. You can also connect to a wireless network by installing an independent WiFi adapter.
Pros and Cons
- It is weather-resistant.
- The satellite is lightweight and very portable.
- Could be a little cheaper.
1. Winegard Company PA6002 Pathway Satellite Antenna
Price: Modestly priced.
Special features: Compatible with DISH subscription, 2 coax inputs, Easy grip carry handle.
The Winegard Pathway X2 is the best portable satellite dish antenna one can find in the market. It is well designed with high quality materials and made with advanced technology that offers all the capabilities to get quality signal reception and visual performance. One can easily point the satellite antenna to Western or Eastern arc satellite orbitals for optimum viewing.
The antenna is designed to offer compatibility with DISH subscription which is a pay-as-you-go TV, which means that you will only pay when you use the TV rather than paying a full monthly package. It is a good choice for anyone looking for good quality TV reception wherever they are while also saving a lot of money in the process.
Pros and Cons
- It is very easy to carry the satellite antenna.
- Comes with a high customer rating.
- Setting it up is a breeze.
- Would be better if it came with its own mount rather than buying it separately.
Choosing The Best Portable Satellite Dish
Here are some of the most important things that you should consider when you are choosing the best portable satellite dish.
Intended Use
There are a number of situations that can lead one to get a portable satellite dish. Some situations are temporary such as when you are replacing your house roof while other situations like use in RV are long term. If it is a temporary use, you should get a cheaper one rather than focusing on a fully featured pricier one.
Signal Reception & Strength
What good is a satellite dish if it has poor reception? Among some of the most important considerations to keep in mind is the signal strength which also means that you can access more channels if you have a strong signal. With that in mind, you should choose a satellite with an Automatic Satellite Tracking system. This additional feature means that the satellite will automatically search and locate the best signal strength without you having to manually do the hard work of tuning.
Is it Weather-Proof
How good is the satellite you are getting in relation to the weather and environment you are using it on? If you are far off-grid camping in your RV, then you definitely need one that is strong and able to stand the environment. If you expect the weathers to get extreme, then you should go with a dome shaped satellite dish which is more dependable in such situations.
Price
Perhaps one of the, most notable things that you will note when you search around for the right portable satellite dish is the wide price range that it comes with. There are a number of reasons that makes the pricing range wide. The number of features, capabilities and material quality are among the most common factors that contribute to this. That said, you need to find one that gives you all the features and strength you need while also staying within your budget.
Final Word
Portable satellite dishes have recently surged in popularity. They are the best option that one has when they are in a remote place. So whether you like driving around in an RV or love the outdoors, getting yourself one is worth it. Above are some of the best portable satellite dish systems that one can get.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many channels do portable dish connect?
A: The number of channels that you can get from your satellite dish depends with the provider, location and signal strength. Some advanced satellites allows you to connect up to 3 providers which means you have access to more channels.
Q: How does a portable satellite dish work?
A: A portable satellite dish works using the same principle as any other home satellite dish. Some of them are however made with better reception features owing to the fact that they are mostly used in off-grid areas where signals are not very strong.
Q: Should I get a portable satellite dish for my RV?
A: If you are a fan of watching and would like to catch your favorite TV show, then getting a portable satellite dish is definitely worth it. It is your best bet for accessing the TV even when you are deep in the wilderness.
