When choosing an antenna, the band and size are not the only things that matter. The installation site determines how convenient the antenna will be to use, how much noise it will pick up and how easy it will be to maintain.
Balcony: accessible but limited
The advantage of a balcony is easy access to the mounts and cable. The drawbacks are the nearby walls, rebar, metal railings and household electronics.
Surrounding objects can affect antenna tuning. That is why the antenna should be checked in its operating position: measurements taken in the middle of a room may differ from those after installation.
Also plan a safe distance from people while transmitting. It depends on the frequency, power and antenna design.
Roof: more freedom of placement
On a roof it is often easier to move the antenna away from household noise sources and surrounding obstacles. But installation requires agreed access, secure mounting and a well-planned cable entry.
Before installation, wind load, surge protection and maintenance must be sorted out. Working at height requires appropriate training.
Garden: room for wire antennas
With suitable supports, a garden can take a dipole or another wire antenna. Allow for people moving around, wire sag and swaying trees.
Place the antenna and its supports so that even if they fall, they cannot touch overhead power lines.
The cable affects the result too
A long feedline adds loss, and the amount depends on the cable type and frequency. So plan the cable route at the same time as the antenna location.
Before the final installation, it is worth doing a temporary setup to compare reception, noise level and ease of use. Choose a spot where the antenna works well and remains safe and accessible for maintenance.