With the best TV antenna, you can watch hours of entertainment without paying a cent in subscription fees. OTA (over-the-air) programming offers news, sports, and popular shows for free, and all you need is an HDTV antenna and a TV. If you plan to cut the cord or just want a backup option when the cable goes out, a good antenna is a must-have.
In our TV antenna reviews, we combine careful testing and hands-on evaluation to find the best antennas, including basic indoor antennas as well as amplified models and larger outdoor antennas.
Top 5 Bestseller Antenna
Every review compares not only the number of channels pulled in and whether they are watchable, but also the equipment included with the antenna, and the ease of use. We also provide advice from industry experts on how to optimize your TV antenna for the best reception.
Top 10 Best Antenna Reviews
In general, the best TV antenna is the Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro, which combines a mudflap design with an extra-wide profile and a built-in amplifier that increases the number of channels you can watch. A built-in signal strength meter even helps you find the best location for the reception.
To get the best reception, you’ll want to upgrade to an outdoor antenna, and our favorite is the Winegard Elite 7550 Outdoor HDTV Antenna. Due to its 70-mile range, it is ideal for picking up channels that are difficult to pick up with smaller indoor antennas.
The Mohu Leaf Metro is our budget pick. It’s a great choice for city dwellers because of its small size and good reception in a channel-rich environment. Not to mention the low price.
Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro TV Antenna
- Mohu Leaf Supreme PRO - Indoor HDTV antenna features strong signal reception with FirstStage amplification technology located at the base of the antenna, integrated signal indicator, and 65-mile range
- Ultra-thin digital TV antenna is 12"H x 21.5"W x .04"D and features integrated LED signal indicator that illuminates where TV signals are strongest to adjust antenna placement in real-time and find optimal location for reception
- Multi-directional UHF and Hi-VHF elements receive TV signals from both sides and reversible black or white flat antenna design can be painted for a custom look; OTA DTV broadcasts in Full HD 1080p, 4K 8K UHD, NEXTGEN TV depending on coverage area
- Each market has TV towers located in different areas; Distance to the towers and obstructions like trees and your home’s building materials will affect reception; an antenna cannot provide cable TV channels
- Includes Mohu Leaf Supreme PRO antenna, 12' detachable high-performance coaxial cable, USB power injector with 6' USB cable, hook & loop tabs and push pins, instructions; One-year manufacturer warranty
As far as TV antennas go, the capable Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro is hard to beat. Its wide design makes it easier to pick up more stations. Bigger and thicker than most flat antennas, this chunky antenna has a built-in amplifier and an integrated signal-strength meter, helping you find the optimal spot to pick up channels.
As a result, it pulls in more than 40 stations, outperforming some of our favorite indoor antennas. There is a detachable coaxial cable as well as a 3-foot USB power cable to power the amplifier, but the antenna comes rolled up in the box and it must be unfurled before it can lay flat.
However, all of the quirks are worth it considering the solid reception it offers, and the Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro is an excellent indoor antenna for suburban areas that may need an extra boost to get the most channels.
Pros
- Solid reception
- Simple set up
- Detachable cable
Cons
- Sizable presence on your wall
Winegard Elite 7550 Outdoor HDTV Antenna
- Note : Antennas will vary with reception regarding the placement of the antenna, distance from the transmitting towers and ensuring the end user is properly running channel scans periodically, as well as every time the antenna is moved
- 70+ mile range to access from broadcast tower; receives free HD channels including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, Univision and more
- Embedded ultra low noise (1db) digital amplifier for the best antenna performance.Optimized for dual-band VHF/UHF reception
- o Includes antenna with embedded Boost ultra low noise amplifier, inline 5V power inverter, 3′ USB power cable with 110V adapter, and mounting bracket
- Directional, connects to multiple TVs
Indoor antennas sometimes aren’t enough. The Winegard Elite 7550 is the best outdoor TV antenna if you are looking for excellent reception outdoors.
Even though the Winegard Elite 7550 is a little more expensive, it delivers a whopping 73 channels in our tests. Whether you live in a crowded city or a rural area, this outdoor HDTV should get the job done, pulling in more channels with better signal than any indoor model can.
The Winegard Elite 7550’s $120 price tag is worth every penny, pulling in dozens of channels for less than a month’s cable subscription if you’re having trouble getting the local channels you want.
Pros
- Excellent reception
- Excellent interference suppression
Cons
- Somewhat loose construction
- Plastic roof mount
Mohu Leaf Metro TV Antenna
- Watch free HDTV for life. Receive TV signals 25-miles from the broadcast towers in full 1080 HD without a cable or satellite subscription including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, Univision, and many more.
- UHF/Hi-VHF multi-directional elements are reversible and designed to blend with your home decor. Hang on your wall or in a window for the best performance. Obstructions unrelated to products performance can affect reception. Every location is unique in terms of local terrain, foliage, and where the antenna is installed may affect your TV signals.
- The included 10 ft. detachable coaxial cable, hooks & loop tabs and push pins allows for easy installation and is perfect for city homes, dorm rooms, workshops, RVs…take this efficient antenna just about anywhere you go.
- Cutting the cord can be difficult when you don’t have space for a large antenna. Leaf Metro is designed to take up the least amount of space in your home without compromising signal reception strength.
Our all-time favorite TV antenna is the Mohu Leaf Metro, which has an unobtrusive flat design that’s smaller than most inexpensive antennas while pulling in solid, dependable reception. The signal isn’t amplified, but with a range of 25 miles, it can pick up dozens of channels in cities and suburbs nearby.
The Mohu Leaf Metro’s small size and city-friendly reception make it a great option for urban apartment dwellers. This is the most affordable option for over-the-air channels.
The compact antenna is designed with a reversible black and white design, so you can flip it to whichever color is less obtrusive, or you can paint it to match the wall it’s mounted on. The antenna even comes with mounting hardware. Most people prefer this option, since it gives them a very simple way to get a lot of local channels without spending a lot of money.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Very small
- Solid, dependable reception
Cons
- Not amplified
- Limited range and channel selection
1byone Amplified HDTV Antenna
- Free for Life - Never pay expensive cable or satellite fees again! 1byone TV Antenna can pull in all of your local news, weather, sitcoms, kids and sports programs absolutely FREE.
- High Performing Slim Design - Slim, soft and lightweight so you can hide it behind the TV, lay it flat on the table or stick it high on a window (with durability against moisture and direct sunshine). It'll pull in hundreds of crystal clear digital & HD shows!
- Included Detachable Amplifier - Use the amplifier for the tv antenna’s full 50 mile range, or remove it for better reception of you live nearer to the TV broadcast tower. Excellent reception on all FM/VHF/UHF channels. Mount Type-Indoor-table, wall, window
- 10FT Long Cable and USB Power - The long cable makes it easy to place the tv antenna in the best reception spot in your home. TV Antenna can be powered either by an outlet or a TV’s USB port.
The 1byone Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna, with a 50-mile range and an amplifier included, is an inexpensive indoor antenna that offers everything you need to cut the cord. In addition to its slick packaging and basic black design, it is one of the best TV antennas we’ve reviewed.
In addition to the antenna, which measures just 13.3 x 9.3 inches, the package includes a 10-foot coaxial cable and adhesive patches for mounting.
The simple design and included amplifier provided dozens of watchable channels, and the device could be plugged into any wall outlet or USB port. Amazon’s 1byone is a top seller because it performs well and doesn’t cost a lot.
Pros
- All necessary components included
- Moderately priced
- Easy setup
Cons
- Inconsistent performer
Antop AT-800SBS HD Smart Panel Antenna
- 【Smart Boost System with Built-in Adjustment Dial Allows for an easier connection and delivers the correct balance from 0 to 85 miles reception range with just a turn of the dial. Adjustable amplifier strength and antenna’s reception power based on your location’s specific needs.
- 【Dual Connectivity Allows to connect to a second device (a second TV, FM stereo or any OTA-ready streaming device or projector) simultaneously via the secondary output on the Smart Boost System. Makes a great complement to a media streamer.
- 【Creative Bar Design with FM Antenna Integrated Allows you to listen to your favorite radio stations. Aesthetically pleasing sculpture-like design with multiple positioning of table standing and wall mounting matches a wide range of home interior styles.
- 【Shields Against Interference Build in 4G LTE Filter, blocks 3G and 4G signals for clear smooth pictures and stable channel reception. Bringing you a no-noise and no-flash TV viewing experience and into a real family paradise.
- 【Save Bino monthly fee and no need to subscribe for watching your favorite local news, sports and TV shows! ANTOP AT-800SBS HDTV Antenna receives free local, over-the-air digital TV signals from networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, Univision and others. Compatible with TV converter boxes and HD televisions/4K Ultra High Definition (4K UHD) TVs.
Antop AT-800SBS HD Smart Panel is made to be used indoors and outdoors, and offers some of the best performance we have seen, easily topping many of the indoor/outdoor models we have tested. Furthermore, with an adjustable amplifier, included mounting hardware, and an optional FM connection for radio, it is the best HD antenna option for cord-cutters.
In addition to the table-top stand, the Antop AT-800SBS has an 85-mile antenna that works best outside, where it picked up 68 stations. The amplifier is adjustable, so you can dial in the right amount of power boost to help you pick up the stations you want.
It comes with a 40-foot cable for easy setup, and the cable is included for easy installation. This is the best indoor/outdoor antenna we have tested, and well worth the premium price.
Pros
- Excellent reception
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Variety of mounting materials included
Cons
- More expensive than most
- Bulky
Antennas Direct ClearStream MAX-V HDTV Antenna
- Antennas Direct ClearStream MAX-V - Double-loop HDTV antenna with 60+ mile range, multi-directional UHF and Hi-VHF elements, 65-degree beam angle; Receives crystal-clear, high-definition TV signal broadcast straight from the networks
- Customizable antenna measures 17.4" H x 27" W x 3.5" D; Easy to install on a wall or an existing mast with minimal assembly required, ideal for suburban and rural areas
- Compatibility - NEXTGEN TV, 4K, 8K UHD, Full HD 1080p, no Internet required
- Each market has TV towers located in different areas; Distance to the towers and obstructions like trees and your home’s building materials will affect reception; an antenna cannot provide cable TV channels
- Premium durable materials can be installed indoors, in an attic, or outdoors, on an existing mast with included hardware, or on a wall using unique steel wall bracket for low-profile installation
Though its aesthetics may leave something to be desired, the ClearStream MAX-V is a powerful antenna that offers more stations than even competing amplified antennas, even more expensive models. It’s one of the best TV antennas we’ve reviewed if you want to improve your over-the-air TV reception.
Antennas Direct’s ClearStream MAX-V antenna can capture stations as far away as 60 miles, is highly efficient indoors or outdoors, and is competitively priced.
The antenna outperformed many of our favorite indoor antennas as well as some of the best outdoor antennas, making it a good choice for mounting on a roof, hanging in an attic or simply tucking it out of sight – which may be a problem given the bulky figure-8 design.
Pros
- Good reception
- Works indoors or out
Cons
- An eyesore in living rooms
- Necessary cable not included
Dectan Antop HD Smart Antenna SBS-301
- 【Super Slimmer Design】- With a 17-inch wide side-by-side design, it is twice the size of typical flat indoor hdtv antennas,that's white on one side and black on the other, you should be able to set it up easily without disrupting your home decor much.
- 【TV Signal Booster Amplifie】- It adjusts the antenna’s power with a simple turn of a dial and connects to a secondary device simultaneously,it also block 3G,4G&5G signals for noise-free TV reception.
- 【No Contract,No Bills】- Watch free TV for life on multiple devices, no monthly bill for watching TV, the smart antenna HDTV and FM paper-thin amplified antenna receives free over-the-air TV signals, from networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, Univision and others.
- 【FM Antenna & Radio Antenna】- Connect it to a radio or tuner to enjoy local AM and FM radio broadcasts. The hd antenna for tv indoor features a multi-directional reception pattern with ample signal range to receive local broadcasts. Also included with this 4k high signal tv antenna are connectors, compatible with most radio receivers and tuners.
- 【Easy To Set Up】- The included stand allows you to position the on a table or no a wall.Push pins and application stickers also included for multiple placement options.Suitable for home or rv use.Please note that AT-300SBS is the revised color of SBS-301
With a 17-inch wide side-by-side design, the Antop SBS-301 is essential twice the size of a typical flat indoor HDTV antenna. But it also doubles as an FM radio antenna, complete with a second output for connecting to your sound system. A simple two-sided design with white on one side and black on the other should make it easy to set up without disrupting your decor too much.
This indoor antenna includes a snap-on stand for tabletop use, as well as pins and Velcro patches for hanging it on the wall, installing it behind your TV, or even mounting it permanently with included drywall anchor screws.
In our testing, Top beefed up the SBS-301 with the Smart Boost adjustable amplifier, which lets you dial in the right power boost to pull in the channels you want to watch. We pulled in between 23 and 33 channels depending on the amplifier setting.
Pros
- Amplifier that can be tweaked for specific stations
- Built-in FM antenna
Cons
- Expensive
- Modest overall performance
Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse 2
- Antennas Direct ClearStream ECLIPSE - Indoor HDTV antenna features patented loop in paper-thin design to receive free broadcast television 35+ miles away from towers and conveniently grips to any smooth surface, like a wall or window
- Ultra-thin antenna measures 10.1" H x 8.6" W x .04" D and is low-profile, making it ideal for compact living spaces like apartments, dorm rooms, and RVs
- Compatibility - NEXTGEN TV, 4K, 8K UHD, Full HD 1080p, no Internet required
- Each market has TV towers located in different areas; Distance to the towers and obstructions like trees and your home’s building materials will affect reception; an antenna cannot provide cable TV channels
- Premium durable materials designed for indoor installation; reversible design is paintable to match wall, furniture, or accent color, and UHF element is multi-directional offering the same reliable signal reception from both sides
At its core, the Eclipse 2 is similar to Amazon’s thin, plastic antenna, but it has a distinctive figure-eight shape that makes it unique. However, whatever engineering Antennas Direct did to pin down this type of design clearly worked, because this amplified long-range antenna is excellent at picking up channels.
It’s rated for 60+ miles and consistently delivered strong reception while pulling in all of the channels we expected to watch. In addition to this, the design comes with two double-sided tape pads on both the upper and lower back, ensuring a snug fit on your wall. It’s a pricey option at $70, but it’s an investment in a quality product.
Pros
- Strong signal pull
- Distinctive design
- Long-range
Cons
- It’s a pricier option
Antop HD Smart Bar AT-500SBS
- No Monthly Fee: No need to subscribe for watching your favorite local news, sports and TV shows! ANTOP AT-500SBS HDTV Antenna receives local, over-the-air digital TV signals from networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and others
- Smart Boost System with Built-in Adjustment Dial: Allows for an easier connection and delivers the correct balance From 0 to 80 miles reception range with just a turn of the dial
- Dual Connectivity: Allows to connect to a second device (a second TV, FM stereo or any ota-ready streaming device or projector) simultaneously via the secondary output on the smart Boost system; Makes a great complement to a media streamer
- Creative Bar Design with FM Antenna Integrated: Allows you to listen to your favorite radio stations; Aesthetically pleasing sculpture-like design with multiple positioning of table standing and wall mounting matches a wide range of home interior styles
- Built-in 4G LTE Filter: Blocks unwanted 3G and 4G wireless signals to ensure noiseless digital TV reception and reduce picture pixelation
With a steep price and a very large size, the Antop HD Smart Bar (AT-500SBS) might be the answer to your problems if you live far from a broadcast source and/or if you’ve had difficulty with other antennas.
The Antop HD Smart Bar is a 2.5-foot-wide hard-plastic antenna that can be mounted like a soundbar on your wall or propped up vertically with the included base stand. It’s much more visible than nearly any other indoor antenna on the market, however, the trade-off is a much longer promised range of 80 miles.
Furthermore, it has a 4G signal filter, an FM tuner, and the ability to connect to a second TV. The reception was excellent as well. With a $119 price tag, we recommend trying cheaper alternatives first to find out if they meet your needs.
Pros
- Maximum range
- Can mount to wall or sit in stand
Cons
- Bulky and hard to hide
- Most expensive
Winegard FlatWave Amped FL5500A
- EMBEDDED ULTRA-LOW NOISE AMPLIFIER FOR SUPERIOR TV RECEPTION – Featuring Clear Circuit Technology with a noise figure of just 1.0 dB, this HDTV antenna ensures clear signals and sharp picture quality. Perfect for indoor use with its unmatched reception.
- DUAL-BAND AMPLIFIED HDTV RECEPTION UP TO 60 MILES – Enjoy amplified dual-band HDTV reception with this Winegard antenna, perfect for smart TVs. The 18.5 ft coaxial cable allows optimal placement, ensuring strong VHF/UHF signal strength for viewing.
- ENERGY-SAVING USB POWER SUPPLY WITH LED INDICATOR – Power your digital TV antenna with an energy-efficient USB supply and monitor it easily with the LED indicator. The 18.5' mini coaxial cable ensures reliable signal transmission for indoor performance.
- 60-MILE RANGE WITH HD DUAL BAND VHF/UHF RECEPTION – Enjoy crystal-clear reception up to 60 miles with this HD digital indoor antenna, designed for VHF and UHF bands. It ensures reliable access to local HD channels for a comprehensive viewing experience.
- MADE IN THE USA BY A LEADER IN ANTENNAS – Trust Winegard, a top name in TV antennas for nearly 60 years. Proudly made in the USA, this indoor antenna delivers reliable HD local channels, perfect for city apartments or homes. Invest in quality performance
The FL5500A amplifier from Winegard meets all of the same requirements as the AmazonBasics model listed above. This device has a 50-mile range, is flat and almost paper-thin with black and white sides, and delivers a strong 1080p signal. We were able to find about 50 channels on both locations. The device itself did not disappoint.
It’s only that the FL5500A is more than double the price of the AmazonBasics 50-mile option, and truth be told, we couldn’t tell a difference between the two in use.
While they are nearly identical across the board, the Amazon model will save you over $25 based on current prices. That’s great, but there’s no compelling reason to pay extra that we can see.
Pros
- 50-mile range
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Pricier than Amazon model
What to Consider When Select TV Antenna
If you’re looking for a TV antenna, you’re in luck! There’s no better way to watch live TV for the lowest price: Free! Nevertheless, before you pick up the first TV antenna you see at the store, you want to make sure it’s the right one for your needs.
Location and Range
In or near a city, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to pull in several stations without a big aerial or a powered amplifier if you have several stations within a 10 or 20-mile radius.
An amplified model is best if you’re more than 30 miles from your local broadcast tower. An antenna that’s rated for 50 miles or more will either be a large outdoor unit, or feature an amplifier to boost the signal it gets, or both.
Indoor or Outdoor
A lot depends on the building you’re in and the environment around you since obstacles like walls and even trees can prevent a signal from reaching an indoor antenna. Antennas for outdoor use are bigger and perform better when installed as high as possible – a rooftop mast is the ideal location.
Non-Amplified or Amplified:
With a little extra juice, an amplified antenna can help weak signals come in clearly with an additional signal strength booster. Having to give up a power outlet also means having to plug in another device. The price is also higher.
A non-amplified indoor antenna generally costs between $20 and $40, but there are a number of cheap TV antennas available for less than $20 that are acceptable.
An amplified antenna has better performance and will cost between $30 and $100. If you want the best performance, consider an outdoor antenna, which costs $100 or more.
Using a TV Antenna with Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
While streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max have taken over the living room, over-the-air (OTA) broadcast TV still has a place. An HDTV antenna provides plenty of great stuff to watch and having a smart TV or one of the best streaming devices doesn’t prevent you from using one.
Smart TVs that stream also have built-in tuners for picking up broadcast channels, and getting your TV channels set up is a simple process—the TV scans for stations and puts together a browsable channel guide in just a few minutes.
In addition, several streaming devices make use of OTA content. For instance, the Amazon Fire TV Cube automatically switches to your TV’s built-in tuner without juggling additional remote controls or switching inputs.
The Amazon Fire TV Recast is a DVR that lets you record OTA content, and then you can watch it using the same Fire TV interface that you might already be using.
How We Test TV Antennas
We test all TV antennas at the same location in New York City, an apartment that receives dozens of channels from different broadcasters. Each antenna is connected to a Samsung 4K TV, so the TV tuner is consistent, and each antenna is placed in the same position to generate comparable results.
Manhattan offers more than 100 over-the-air channels, so it’s an excellent place to test antenna reception of any range, with more sensitive, long-range antennas pulling in a greater number of channels.
Also, it allows us to see whether those channels are clear and watchable, so we can determine the quality of that reception. Antennas with the best performance will pull in more channels, providing more watchable results.
It is possible that your experience will differ from ours. Depending on how many stations broadcast in your area, as well as unique geographical obstacles, such as buildings, trees, and mountains, your choice of channels will differ considerably.
Conclusion
Despite our recommendations for amplified antennas, we are not entirely convinced of their efficacy. “Amplified” antennas or in-line amplifiers do not actually boost the reception of the signal.
Rather, they enhance the signal that is being picked up, so if you’re receiving a somewhat fuzzy signal, the amplifier will try to artificially boost the TV’s quality.
We’ve had varying degrees of success there, but generally speaking, quality won’t change much. Another important point is that amplifiers should not be used in areas where the signal strength is stable. This can lead to picture quality problems such as noise.