Many modern TV antennas feature built-in filters to prevent interference from cell phone and radio towers, which can cause annoying issues like screen tearing, pixelation, and static. They also support up to 4K resolution if UHD channels are available in your area. Many antennas are also very budget-friendly, so you don’t have to spend a fortune in order to stay up-to-date with your favorite sitcoms, local news headlines, and sports scores. In order to help you find the right TV antenna for you, I’ve compared the five best models you can buy right now. I’ve broken down their features and price points to help you find one that fits both your budget and your needs. Also: What is a Smart TV and which are the best? The Gesobyte amplified TV antenna is an almost perfect choice for anyone who has cut the cord with their cable or satellite provider. It’s capable of picking up over-air, digital broadcast channels within a 250 mile range thanks to a signal booster. This makes it great for anyone who lives in a more rural area where TV towers may not be close by. It also features an LTE and FM signal filter to reduce image distortion and interference, so you can get crystal clear images in up to 4K resolution. The antenna is also capable of 360-degree reception, so you never have to worry about missing out on channels or your favorite shows. The included, 18-foot coax cable means you can place the antenna almost anywhere for the best reception and still be able to connect it to your TV. And the antenna is waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about spills, humidity, or rain through an open window ruining any electronics. Pros:
250-mile rangeLong and short range modes360-degree receptionWaterproof
Cons:
No tabletop placement optionRequires adapter for older TVs
Accessing free, over-air TV channels doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money on an antenna. The Best Buy Essentials indoor TV antenna retails for about $20, while still providing access to local news, sports, and entertainment channels. It has a range of 35 miles, making it better suited for users who live in smaller towns. And the double-sided design means it will blend in with either light or dark colored walls when installed. It’s also incredibly compact, measuring just 11 x 8 inches, so whether you hang the antenna in a window or on the wall, it won’t block your view or detract from your decor. Pros:
Compact, double-sided designVery budget-friendlySupports up to 4K resolution
Cons:
Somewhat limited reception rangeNo signal amplifier
If you don’t mind paying more to get a TV antenna with all of the features you need to stay connected to local broadcast channels, the DB8-E from Antennas Direct is a great option. With a range of up to 70 miles, even rural users will be able to access tons of free TV channels for news, sports, music, and more. The antenna features an array of four “dishes” that each have four receiver units, and each panel can be rotated and adjusted to give you the best chance of clear reception. The large unit also helps to better pick up signals that may be partially blocked by dense trees or tall buildings. It supports up to 4K resolution images and 5.1CH audio for crisp images and clean dialogue. It also comes with a set of weather-resistant brackets which help keep the antenna in place in rain, snow, or windy conditions. Pros:
Adjustable receiver panelsSupports 4K resolution and 5.1CH audioGreat reception range
Cons:
Very largeThe industrial design might not be for everyoneCoax cable not included
If you want to connect an over-air antenna to multiple TVs in your home, the Antop AT-500SBS Smart Bar is the best option. You can connect up to two televisions to the unit, so you can get free local news, sports, and entertainment channels in your living room, bedroom, garage, or basement. The Smart Bar features a sleek, modern design and allows for both vertical and horizontal placement. The design also allows the antenna to pick up signals from multiple directions, so you won’t have to spend all day finding the perfect placement in order to get reception. With the integrated signal booster, the Smart Bar can pick up television signals from up to 80 miles away. And you can easily switch between long and short range modes with the simple dial, so you only get the channels you’ll actually watch. The built-in LTE filter blocks interference from cellular devices and phone towers to give you a clearer picture and prevent annoying pixelation. It even has a built-in FM tuner, so you can listen to local radio stations when you need to keep up with weather alerts, local sports, or want music on while you do chores around the house. Pros:
LTE filterFM tunerConnect two TVs at once80-mile range
Cons:
Large size might not be great for apartmentsOn the expensive side
Having an outdoor TV antenna helps to increase reception, since signals won’t have to travel through thick walls, and the Onn outdoor antenna is the best choice. It features a somewhat compact and lightweight design that’s great for either roof or exterior wall mounting, and it comes with a telescoping mounting pole for more placement options. You can set the pole height between 20 and 51 inches to help the antenna clear foliage and rooflines for better reception. The antenna is also lightning resistant, so you don’t have to worry about losing signal during storms. A built-in LTE and FM signal filter removes interference from radio and cell phone towers for cleaner images, preventing pixelation and screen stuttering. The antenna features a motor and rotates 360 degrees for easier adjustments. With a range of up to 150 miles, even rural residents can enjoy local TV without an internet connection or expensive cable or satellite contract. Pros:
150-mile rangeMotorized movement360-degree rotationLTE/FM filter
Cons:
You may need a longer coax cable depending on placementMax pole height is 51 inchesDesign might not be for everyone
You should also consider how many TVs you want to connect to the antenna, as most models will only support one screen. You can find antennas that allow you to connect two or three TVs at once, but if you have more than that, you may want to invest in more than one antenna to ensure that you can properly set up every TV in your house. If you’re using an outdoor antenna, you’ll want to place it in a spot where it won’t be obstructed by rooflines or dense trees. You can do this by either mounting it on an exterior wall or your roof to make sure it won’t be blocked by trees or other homes. You can buy a simple unit like the King SL1000 SureLock for about $25 if you just want to make sure your antenna is putting out a decent signal. Or you can pick up a more refined unit like the Augocom RY S110 for about $95 if you want more detailed information like FM/LTE interference levels, frequency ranges, and voltage.
