Buying guide for best TV antennas
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If you’re thinking of cutting the cord, there are several ways to go about it. A streaming device is an excellent alternative to paying for monthly cable or satellite TV services, as it lets you subscribe only to the content you want. However, it doesn’t hurt to get a TV antenna since they’re affordable and provide access to popular networks such as NBC, ABC and CBS.
The best part about a TV antenna is that you don’t have to pay extra, and you’ll often receive broadcasts in high-definition or even ultra-high-definition quality. Unlike cable and internet services, which can go down due to power outages, a TV antenna will always be able to pick up a signal from a broadcast tower.
The best TV antennas are inexpensive and easy to install. For example, our top pick is the RCA Compact TV Antenna, which can receive signals up to 70 miles away from a broadcast tower and transmits HD and 4K quality video. It’s also weather-resistant, and the RCA Signal Finder app is excellent for navigating available channels.
Our list: The best TV antennas
This TV antenna is our favorite for many reasons, but we love it most for its durability and versatility. You’ll get access to top-rated TV networks such as CBS, Fox and ABC, all in high-definition quality, and receive some broadcasts in UHD quality.
Whether you mount it in the attic or outdoors, the reception is outstanding, and its durable build allows it to withstand harsh weather conditions. It comes pre-assembled and with all the necessary mounting hardware, and you can use the RCA Signal Finder app to locate and browse high-definition channels and align the antenna correctly.
If you want a cost-effective way to tune into popular TV networks, this HD digital TV antenna is the way to go. It’s an excellent value pick that you can get for under $20, and it works up to 40 miles away from the broadcast source. You’ll be able to receive HD or 4K broadcasts, and the enhanced VHF reception helps you find the most over-the-air channels available in your region.
It has a thin, reversible black-and-white design that can be painted over so it blends with your décor or entertainment setup, and it’s compatible with NextGenTV, which offers superior picture and audio quality. Plus, it can be wall-mounted or positioned on a tabletop.
Those who want a durable outdoor TV antenna with an extended range capacity will love this antenna. It works up to 150 miles from a broadcast source and supports several resolutions, including 4K, but the best thing about this antenna is that it works with two TVs without a splitter.
The snap-on design makes installation easy since it doesn’t require any tools, and it features a 360° motor rotor and a built-in super high gain and low noise amplifier that help you position it correctly to get the best possible broadcast signals. Also, it’s weather-resistant and lightning-protected and comes with a wireless remote control.
This multi-directional antenna can receive VHF and UHF signals up to 60 miles from a broadcast source to deliver access to various channels. You’ll be able to check out local news, weather and live sports, and the embedded low-noise digital amplifier minimizes interference and enhances overall performance for a smooth viewing experience.
The coax cable is 18 feet, making it suitable for setting up far away from your TV, and the antenna comes with everything you need for quick and easy installation, including a 3-foot USB power cable with a 110-volt adapter and two 3M adhesive strips.
The range of this digital TV antenna is outstanding, as it can receive signals up to 250 miles away from a broadcast tower. That means you can access many TV networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, and it continually scans for channels as they become available.
It features Smart Switch control and a powerful amplifier signal booster with a built-in Smart IC Chip that filters out FM and cellular signals for less interference. You’ll get a smooth viewing experience and enhanced overall performance, and the 18-foot coax cable lets you move it around easily to optimize reception.
It’s one of the cheapest recommendations on our list, but this TV antenna gets the job done. It doesn’t offer the same long-range capacity as some of the other top TV antennas, but you’ll receive broadcasts in HD and some in 4K quality, and the slim design lets it blend in with your home décor.
It receives VHF and UHF signals up to 40 miles from a broadcast tower and works best when installed near a window or high up on a wall. It comes with copper-wired coax cables, which offer a durable construction for improved HD reception and reduced interference.
Rabbit ear antennas were thought to be a thing of the past, but this antenna has recreated the retro design with a modern update. It has 15-inch extendable dipoles and receives UHF and VHF signals to transmit broadcasts of popular TV networks such as CBS, NBC and ABC, all in HD or 4K quality.
The 4-foot coax cable gives you some flexibility to place it on the same TV stand close to your TV or a nearby shelf, and ATSC 3.0 compatibility lets you enjoy broadcasts as soon as they become available in your area. Also, this antenna is backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee if anything goes awry.
What to know before buying a TV antenna
Over-the-air TV
Over-the-air TV is already built into your TV, which can increase the channels available to you, but you need an antenna to access it. However, before you buy one, it’s best to determine your preferred channels and invest accordingly in the product that will give you the best experience.
Preferred channels
An essential step in your quest for TV channel access and reception is determining the number of potential channels available in your area. You can do this by visiting a website like TV Fool and entering your home address. The website will then provide you with information about the available channels in your area and the signal strength of each. Note the channels you are most interested in and their distance from your residence, which will be handy when shopping for an antenna.
Indoor vs. outdoor
An indoor antenna connects to your TV and must be placed where it can get a clear signal, such as near a window in the living room. These indoor models are compact and easy to install, but because their signal must travel through walls and they are often low to the ground, the signal does not usually travel as far. The best indoor TV antennas typically provide a maximum 50-mile range, which is shorter than what you can get from an outdoor antenna.
Outdoor antennas are more complicated to install but more powerful in terms of long-range reception. The primary reason for the better performance is that they are usually installed at greater altitudes, and fewer obstructions exist between the antenna and the signals it is trying to reach. Although the installation may be more complicated, this technology is an excellent choice if your goal is to access faraway channels.
Channel frequency
Over-the-air channels broadcast via three frequency types. The first type is Very High Frequency-Low, where channels 2 through 6 sit and the second type is VHF-High, where channels 7 to 13 sit. The third type is Ultra-High Frequency, where channels 14 to 51 are found.
Not all TV antennas cover these ranges, so you need to figure out which ones you need for the channels you want. As previously mentioned, it is critical to take note of the actual channel number, which may differ from the number of the channel on your TV. This information can be acquired through TV Fool and similar signal analysis websites.
Directional vs. multi-directional
Multi-directional antennas work equally well in all directions, whereas directional ones focus on one. If the broadcast towers you aspire to reach are relatively close to you, the type of antenna you choose shouldn’t impact the result too much. However, if you hope to reach a faraway tower, a directional antenna pointed toward the broadcast tower will increase your chance of picking up the signal at a long range.
Static
You’ll inevitably encounter static at some point. Plenty of potential causes exist, but the most likely culprit is audio interference. To minimize your chance of sound interference, get a low-noise antenna with audio-filtering technology that eliminates radio station signals, wireless radios and cell phone signals, which are common causes of interference.
TV antenna features
Range
Once you have compiled your list of desired channels, determine how far the furthest channel is from your residence and choose an antenna that covers this distance at a minimum for better reception. The distance your antenna can cover depends on the type of antenna, as technology varies from product to product. Generally, indoor TV antennas have shorter ranges than outdoor TV antennas. A primary reason for this is the degree of interference from other electronic devices inside the home.
Installation
The installation process for most digital TV antennas is uncomplicated, and most come with instructions on how to set them up and test them, along with troubleshooting tips you can turn to if you encounter issues. Regardless of the antenna type, ensure it is securely mounted so it doesn’t fall off or move out of position. Some indoor TV antennas employ suction cups to be placed on windows, but these don’t always work well. For security, you may need to occasionally reposition the antenna or find another way to secure it.
Cable length
Most TV antennas include a length of coaxial cable to connect the antenna to the TV. If the included cord is too short, it may not reach your TV. If it is too long, you’ll have extra cording that must be stashed or stored out of the way. You could purchase another separately if the included coaxial cable doesn’t suit your needs.
Design
Design is primarily a concern for indoor antennas positioned in a visible location. Most models today are flat, rectangular devices that resemble a piece of paper and come in your choice of black or white, while some larger models resemble slim, rectangular boxes.
Tips
- Consider purchasing a range amplifier if your TV antenna isn’t powerful enough to pick up the signals you want. Some antennas come with a detachable signal amplifier that you can use or not, depending on signal reception.
- You can install a rotator on your TV antenna if you want to pick up weak signals that are in different directions. It’s also best to install your indoor antenna in a window facing the direction of the TV tower you’re trying to connect to.
- Signal strength and quality affect the number of TV channels you get as well as the strength of your TV reception. If you live in a rural area, installing an outdoor HDTV antenna above your roof is considered one of the best routes to good reception.
- Cord cutters aren’t the only ones who get value from owning a TV antenna. Even with a cable subscription, you can often get better reception during live TV events with an antenna. You can get an enhanced picture with an antenna regardless of what you’re watching.
- Before buying an HDTV antenna, ensure you have a TV that receives high-definition signals. Also, check that you use the TV inputs that optimize sound and picture quality.
- If you don’t own your residence, check with your landlord before installing an outdoor TV antenna. Most landlords have no qualms with renters installing an antenna on their rented space, but community space, such as the roof of a building, is another story.
FAQ
Q. How much does a TV antenna cost?
A. Indoor TV antennas range in price from about $10 to $50, while outdoor TV antennas cost $50 to $150. The greater the range and frequencies it can pick up, the more it will cost.
Q. What channels will I be able to receive with my TV antenna?
A. It depends on what channels are available in your area and the type of antenna you choose. As previously noted, you can determine what is available in your area by entering your address into a signal analysis website. You can then use the information provided to determine which TV antenna would be the best purchase.
Q. I have an older TV. Can I still use a new TV antenna?
A. Yes. However, you may need a converter box to make your older TV compatible with a modern antenna. The reason for this has to do with digital tuning. A digital tuner is a built-in TV element that enables a TV to receive digital signals, and since 2009, all over-the-air broadcasts — even free ones — have been digital.
