Do you need an antenna for a portable sirius radio that you just want to take with you when you go outside....

Question

.....and other places?

Answer 1

That radio should already come with everything you need to make it work wherever you go. That is why it is called "portable".

Answer 2

No. There are several portable units, with antennas built-in that are designed for "on the go use." The Sirius Stiletto also features MP3 and Wi-Fi capabilities - $299. The XM Helix also includes a home dock, MP3 and an FM transmitter to get the signal to your stereo or car sound system - $250.

There may be discounts available.

For any others, though, the antenna is the key. You can't pick up the satellitte without the antenna. The antenna also has to face in a certain direction depending on where you live. You can check the websites of both services for portable units and those instructions and a map that shows the directional patterns of both XM and Sirius.
-a guy named duh

Answer 3

You don't NEED one, but it certainly helps reception. Unless you live in close proximity to a ground repeater, the internal antenna of your radio needs to have a clear view of the sky, so you would basically have to hold the unit out in front of you, not in your pocket or something. You can wear a pair of antenna headphones, though. The Sirius Stilettos come with antenna headphones; with an XM unit, you can buy antenna headphones separately.