The best TV antennas enable you to access local news and sports devoid of cable subscription expenses. They can also add programming from major networks like FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC to streaming services like Sling TV. This gives cord-cutters, cord-nevers, and football fans a good option. By doing this, you can keep getting entertainment without having to worry about your money.
To figure out which TV antennas are the best, you have to do a lot of testing and look at them with your own hands. Our reviews of TV antennas cover a wide range, from simple indoor antennas to ones that are amplified and even larger outdoor antennas. This thorough process not only helps us find the best antennas, but it also keeps us up to date on new contenders. Below we have mentioned the best TV antennas.
What is a TV antenna?
A TV antenna, also called a television antenna or TV aerial, is a device that lets you get TV signals that are sent over the air. It is made to pick up electromagnetic signals sent by TV stations and turn them into audio and video signals that can be shown on a TV. TV antennas have been used for many years to pick up free-to-air TV channels. They are especially useful in places with good broadcast signal coverage because they let people watch local and national TV channels without having to pay for cable or satellite.
How do TV antennas work?
TV antennas, which are also called TV antennas or aerials, are used to pick up broadcast signals from TV stations that are sent through the air. For decades, these antennas have been used to pick up signals for both analog and digital TV broadcasts. How they work is as follows:
Signal Transmission: Radio frequency (RF) signals are used by TV stations to send their shows over the airwaves. Electromagnetic waves carry audio and video information in these signals. The signals are sent from a broadcasting tower or transmitter on a specific frequency (channel) for that station.
Antenna Reception: A TV antenna is made to pick up these radio frequency (RF) signals and turn them into electrical signals that a TV can understand. The antenna is made up of pieces of metal that are shaped and placed in a certain way to pick up incoming electromagnetic waves.
Resonance and Tuning: Resonance and tuning are the basic ideas behind how the antenna elements are made. Each TV station broadcasts on a different frequency or channel, and antennas are made to pick up signals on those frequencies best. This is made possible by how long and how the antenna elements are set up.
Element Configuration: A TV antenna’s parts can be set up in different ways, like a dipole, a Yagi-Uda, or a loop. How the antenna responds to different frequencies and signal strengths depends on how it is set up.
Signal Capture: When an RF signal gets to the antenna, it causes a small current to flow through the antenna’s parts. This current is then sent down the cable of the antenna to the TV.
Best TV Antennas Comparison Table
In the table below, you can compare the best TV antennas based on key factors like price, range, signal quality, and how easy they are to set up. It helps people make smart decisions by showing how well antennas work, what features they have, and how much they cost. This helps them choose the best option for their TV viewing needs.
| Features | Impedance | Maximum Range | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohu Gateway Plus | 75 Ohm | 316800 Feet | 1.6 pounds |
| ClearStream MAX-V HDTV Antenna | 75 Ohm | 60 Miles | 3.1 pounds |
| Antop AT-800SBS HD | 75 Ohm | 85 Miles | 9.68 pounds |
| 1byone Amplified HDTV Antenna | 75 Ohm | 200 Miles | 1 ounces |
| Winegard Elite 7550 | 75 Ohm | 70 Miles | 1 pounds |
Mohu Gateway Plus
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 75 Ohm |
| Maximum Range | 316800 Feet |
| Dimensions | 8.25 x 11.75 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 pounds |
| Color | Warm Grey |
| Check Price |
The Gateway Plus has a range of 60 miles and can pick up dozens of channels, just like our favorite indoor antenna, the Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro. It also has four LEDs on the front that show how strong the signal is. For now, this is one of the best Best TV Antennas you can buy right now.
In terms of reception, the Gateway Plus is made to work in both directions, so it should be able to get a signal whether it is facing forward or backward. Still, the LED signal indicator lights are on the front of the antenna, so you’ll probably want those lights to face inside so you can see them.
Pros
- Good reception and range.
- Supports multiple streaming services.
- Can integrate OTA and streaming content.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
- Streaming quality might depend on internet connection.
ClearStream MAX-V HDTV Antenna
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 75 Ohm |
| Maximum Range | 60 Miles |
| Dimensions | 27.5 x 2.8 x 20 inches |
| Weight | 3.1 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Check Price |
Even though its looks could be better, the ClearStream MAX-V is a very good antenna that can pick up more stations than other amplified antennas, even ones that cost a lot more. It’s one of the best TV antennas we’ve looked at if you want to get better over-the-air TV reception. Overall, this is one of the best Best TV Antennas you can buy right now.
The ClearStream MAX-V from Antennas Direct can pick up stations up to 60 miles away. It can be used indoors or outdoors and is priced competitively. Not only did it do better than many of our favorite indoor antennas, but it also did as well as some of the best outdoor antennas. This makes it a great choice for mounting on a roof, hanging in an attic, or just putting out of sight, though the figure-8 shape may make this hard.
Pros
- Powerful signal reception.
- Compact and easy to install.
- Can receive VHF and UHF channels.
- Durable design.
Cons
- Limited range in some areas.
- May require careful positioning for optimal signal.
Antop AT-800SBS HD
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 75 Ohm |
| Maximum Range | 85 Miles |
| Dimensions | 23.5 x 11 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 9.68 pounds |
| Color | White |
| Check Price |
The Antop AT-800SBS HD Smart Panel can be used both inside and outside. It has some of the best performance we’ve seen, easily beating many of the other indoor/outdoor models we’ve looked at. With its adjustable amplifier, included mounting hardware, and optional FM radio connection, it is the best HD antenna for anyone who is serious about cutting the cord.
The Antop AT-800SBS also comes with a tabletop stand for use inside, but this 85-mile antenna worked best outside, where it picked up 68 stations that could be watched. Installation is easy because it comes with a 40-foot cable, and the adjustable amplifier lets you set the right amount of power boost to help you pick up the stations you want. Still, this is one of the best Best TV Antennas you can buy right now.
Pros
- Supports multiple TVs.
- Can receive signals from different directions.
- Built-in 4G LTE filter.
- Durable build quality.
Cons
- Installation can be complex.
- Some users report varying signal quality.
1byone Amplified HDTV Antenna
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 75 Ohm |
| Maximum Range | 200 Miles |
| Dimensions | 13.6 x 10 x 2.4 inches |
| Number of Channels | 60 |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 1 ounces |
| Check Price |
The 1byone Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna is a simple indoor antenna with everything you need to cut the cord. It has a 50-mile range and comes with an amplifier, and the price isn’t too bad. It’s a best-seller on Amazon and one of the best TV antennas we’ve looked at. Thus, this is one of the best Best TV Antennas you can buy right now.
It comes in nice packaging and is all black. The antenna is only 13.3 by 9.3 inches and comes with a 10-foot coaxial cable and adhesive patches for mounting. The simple design and amplifier that came with it made it possible to watch dozens of channels. It can be plugged into any wall socket or USB port.
Pros
- Affordable option.
- Built-in signal amplifier.
- Easy to set up.
- Slim and unobtrusive design.
Cons
- Signal range might be limited.
- Amplifier may introduce noise in some cases.
Winegard Elite 7550
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Impedance | 75 Ohm |
| Maximum Range | 70 Miles |
| Dimensions | 5 x 17 x 30 inches |
| Weight | 1 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Number of Channels | 36 |
| Check Price |
There are times when an indoor antenna isn’t enough. The Winegard Elite 7550 is the best TV antenna for outdoor installation and the smart choice when you need an antenna that works well outside. Even though it costs a little more, the Winegard Elite 7550 is worth it. In our tests, it gave us a whopping 73 channels. Overall, this is one of the best Best TV Antennas you can buy right now.
This outdoor HDTV should work well whether you live in a busy city or a small town in the country. It can pick up more channels and a better signal than any indoor model. If you have trouble getting the local stations you want or just want better, more consistent reception, the Winegard Elite 7550 is worth every penny of its $120 price tag. It can pull in dozens of free channels for less than a month’s cable bill.
Pros
- Long reception range.
- Can receive signals from multiple directions.
- Compact and modern design.
- Compatible with streaming devices.
Cons
- More expensive compared to basic antennas.
- Installation could be a bit challenging for some users.
How to Choose the Best TV Antenna for You?
To make sure you get the best signal quality and channel selection, you need to think about a few things when choosing the best TV antenna for your needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice:
Look at nearby broadcast towers: Find out where the closest broadcast towers are in your area. Websites like TV Fool and AntennaWeb can tell you which over-the-air channels are available and how strong their signals are.
Find out how strong the signal is: Once you know how far away and in which direction the broadcast towers are, you can figure out how strong the signal will be where you are. This will help you decide if you need an antenna for inside or outside and how far it needs to reach.
Inside vs. outside: Choose whether you need an antenna for inside or outside. Indoor antennas are easier to use, but they may not have the same range or quality of signal as outdoor antennas. Most of the time, outdoor antennas work better, but they may take more work to set up.
Range of Antenna: Choose an antenna that can reach as far as the broadcast towers are away. Range isn’t always better than signal quality, so it’s important to find a good balance between the two.
Flat vs. Multi-Element Antennas: Multi-element antennas are the usual ones with arms or rods that stick out. Flat antennas are less noticeable and can be put next to windows. Both have their good points, so choose based on what you like and how much signal you need.
FAQs
The Winegard Elite 7550 stood out right away because it could pick up more broadcast channels at higher signal levels than its competitors. It has a built-in amplifier and worked well on both the VHF-High and UHF broadcast bands.
Over-the-Air TV antennas work best when they are pointed toward the broadcast towers in your area. Choose a spot with a clear view of the towers that is near a window or outside.
