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Best Outdoor TV Antenna to Cut your Subscription Costs

Over-the-air TV has been a well-kept secret for almost a century. The big cable and satellite companies won’t tell you that you can actually get to view most of their channels on your TV, without committing yourself to the monthly subscription, which can be very expensive. What if we told you could sit at your home and enjoy channels such as PBS, CW, Univision, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, and many others (and it’s completely legal)? That’s right! All you need to do is invest in the best outdoor TV antenna.

We can guess your thoughts. “No way I am sacrificing high-quality visuals from my cable TV and go for the bizarre quality.” So you say. Now, welcome to the modern age, where TV antennas are built to deliver outstanding quality, with some even capable of giving crystal clear 4k and 1080p visuals! Better yet, they have outstanding range. Some even go that extra mile to allow you to control or rotate the antennae using a remote from the comfort of your seat. Amazing, right?

Don’t just take our word for these amazing things that we tell you about antennas. Read through our reviews and buying guide on the best outdoor TV antennas, get yourself one, and experience them yourself!

Top 10 Outdoor TV Antenna of 2020 Reviewed

 

1. TV Antenna – RCA Outdoor Yagi Satellite HD Antenna

    Best Satellite HD Outdoor Antenna

    RCA is a long-range digital OTA antenna. This device comes with a whopping 70-mile range, picking even the weakest signals. Forget about the monthly charges with this television antenna, because it allows you to view free to air channels. The app that comes with it can be used to find broadcasting towers that are within your reach.

    TV Antenna - RCA Outdoor Yagi Satellite HD Antenna

    What’s more, you get to enjoy quality signals with the 1080i HDTV. How is this? This antenna can broadcast very high-quality picture and audio with a total of 150-mile range and also, as mentioned earlier, 70-mile range from any of the broadcasting towers near you.

    RCA antenna can withstand tough weather conditions thanks to its quality build and materials. If you prefer mounting it indoors in your attic, you will still get as clear reception as if it were at the apex of your roof. The antenna comes pre-assembled. It also features easy-lock fold-out UHF reflector and snap-lock elements. You will find included in the package a mast, mounting hardware, locking mast clamp, and also a 75-ohm matching transformer.

    Pros
    • No monthly charges
    • Quality and high definition content
    • Features an app for making antenna adjustments
    Cons
    • Could be cheaper
    • Not very effective
    • Poor performance in picking VHF HI signals

2. HDTV Antenna Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna

    Best Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna

    Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna brings you content in ultra-quality from a 150-mile range. This appliance can support 720p, 1080i, 1080p & 4K, which are the most preferred content qualities. Also, various frequencies, including UHF 470 – 860MHz|VHF 170 – 230MHz, are supported. One great quality about his device is in its flexibility. You don’t need to struggle to find the right position for the best signal strength. 

    [Upgraded 2019] HDTV Antenna Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna Up to 150 Miles Amplifier Signal Booster

    This antenna comes with a 33 feet coaxial cable, which allows it to be placed in virtually any position for the best signal reception. When it comes to power, a USB power supply that works with power outlets on the wall, as well as television USB outlets, come in handy. This allows for flexibility as well. 

    The Antenna is also weather-resistant, which means it can withstand adverse weather conditions. It was built for the great outdoors. Many factors affect the effectiveness of the HDTV Antenna Amplified, including its quality build, and that’s why it comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.

    Pros
    • 90-day money-back guarantee
    • Weather-resistant
    • Quality signal strength with unlimited content
    Cons
    • Could be more effective
    • Low performance
    • Could be more durable

3. Vansky Outdoor 

    Best Motorized Outdoor Antenna

    No need for two antennas for your two TVs. Vansky Outdoor features dual television output support without having to use a splitter. You don’t even require an adapter to make this happen. Like most of the high-quality HDTV antennas, Vansky Outdoor can capture very high-quality content from a 150-mile range without compromising on the quality of the content. The device features 1080p HDTV and 32 dB gain with a working frequency of UHF 470890MHz| VHF 40300MHz. 

    Vansky Outdoor 150 Mile Motorized 360 Degree Rotation OTA Amplified HD TV Antenna

    The wireless remote controller allows you to search for the best antenna position for frequency reception from the comfort of your couch. The built-in rotor motor can rotate 360 degrees with a feature that enables it to rotate from both angles. This prevents the cables from tangling with each other. The antenna can receive signals from some of your favorite broadcasting companies such as NBC, CBS, ABC, RTV, UNIVISION, and so many others. However, this is mainly dependent on your location.

    Vansky Outdoor comes with ease of set up. It features mounting clamps that support a pole of up to one inch in diameter. The pole is, however, excluded from the package. The appliance is best suited when placed above 30 feet from the ground. It can be mounted on the roof of the house, side of the house, and also on the attic.

    Pros
    • Very easy to assemble
    • Provides quality content
    • Free subscription 
    Cons
    • Could use a more durable build
    • Insufficient content
    • Could be cheaper for its quality

4. GE Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna

    Best Long Range Outdoor Antenna

    Looking for a long-range antenna to catch all your favorite television shows? This must be a good time for you! The GE Pro Attic Mount TV, which comes in a compact design for ease of handling and assembly, is a long-range antenna with superior reception, allowing you to watch those nice shows you’ve been looking forward to. It supports most of your favorite television broadcasting companies, including ABC, NBC, PBS, FOX, and CBS. It also gives you the ultimate access to all the local content, including kids’ content, sports programs, and also sitcoms, which all come without Monthly subscriptions. 

    GE Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna, Outdoor, Attic, Long Range Antenna, Digital, HDTV Antenna

    GE Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna has a superior reception, which delivers exemplary content for both VHF also UHF signals. It also receives an uncompressed 1080p signal, which is the ultimate quality. This antenna can receive content from a 70-mile range regardless of where it is installed. It works well, whether in the attic, on the side of the house, and also on the roof of your house.

    This antenna features easy installation. It comes with mounting brackets and also comes with an installation guide for the mast. It also comes with a satisfaction guarantee, which is backed by a lifetime warranty policy. The brand offers full customer support with hotlines open for customer support. The antenna can be connected to a multiple of TVs and is compatible with the common top brands of television sets.

    Pros
    • Features easy installation
    • Compatible with a wide range of TVs
    • Great signal reception for quality content
    Cons
    • could use better quality
    • Not very compatible with VHF Hi channels
    • does not feature an app control

5. Mediasonic HD TV Outdoor Antenna

    Best 4K Outdoor TV Antenna

    Looking for a more weather resistant antenna? Mediasonic HD TV comes in a compact design with durable construction. This antenna features a weather-resistant construction, which makes both sturdy even during high winds. It can withstand lightning and heavy downpour without affecting the quality of the content signal. 

    Mediasonic HD TV Outdoor Antenna Support 1080P 4K

    This appliance supports both UHF and VHF signals in High Definition which enables it to deliver impeccable results with the maximum support of most of your favorite channels. The antenna can tap signals from broadcasting companies within a range of 80 miles.

    The compact design allows for ease of installation. Little to no tools are required during installation. The device features a very easy, manual set up for the best reception. The mounting brackets make it easy to mount the antenna to the mounting pole, which is not included in the package.  The whole set up measures 810 mm and comes with a weatherproof connector cover, and also a user manual.

    Pros
    • Easy to assemble
    • Weather-resistant
    • Durable construction
    Cons
    • Limited content
    • Manual configuration
    • Could use better design

6. Antennas Direct ClearStream 4MAX TV Antenna

    Best App-Enabled Outdoor TV Antenna

    Direct ClearStream 4MAX features a compact design with a very satisfying form. This antenna has total coverage of a 70-mile radius and delivers impeccable results when it comes to the quality of content. 

    Antennas Direct ClearStream 4MAX TV Antenna

    4MAX delivers free to air television shows at no cost from such broadcasting companies like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, CW, UNIVISION, Me-TV, and more. The signal comes in high definition 1080p, depending on your location. The antenna is compatible with both UHF and VHF signals delivering impeccable results in less than ideal localities. 

    4MAX comes in an easy to assemble design and style and has high-performance benefits. This antenna is designed to suit rooftops, side of the house, and also in the attic. It works well even in suburban areas where there is heavy foliage that interferes with the strength of the signal. Quality assurance is a guarantee thanks to its lifetime warranty policy on the hardware.

    Pros
    • App-enabled remote control
    • Lifetime warranty
    • Free subscription channels
    Cons
    • Hard to set up channels 
    • Range varies a lot
    • Could be more effective

7. PingBingding HDTV Antenna Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna

    Best HDTV Amplified Digital Antenna

    PingBingding HDTV, which comes with a range of up to 150 miles, is one of the best solutions to all your antenna needs. This one comes with full HDTV support for 780p, 1080p, 1080i, and is compatible with both the VHF 170 – 230MHz and UHF 470 – 860MHz signals. Not only do you receive quality signals, but you also get to watch your favorite shows absolutely for free.

    pingbingding HDTV Antenna Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna

    The antenna has support for up to two television sets without the need for an adapter or even a splitter. It is designed to snap on to the mast, whether its by the side of the house or on the rooftop. No tools are required during set up. Installation instructions are also included, which give a step by step guideline on how to install the device. The wireless remote control makes it super easy to search for the best antenna angle for receiving all the signals being transmitted by various broadcasting stations. It is built-in with a high gain and a low noise amplifier.

    PingBingding antenna is built for the great outdoors. This device is made to withstand the harshest weather conditions. It is lightning protected and comes with a great design overall. The grounding has as well been done. It comes with a 40 feet coaxial cable for flexibility. A great customer support relation coupled with 45 days money-back guarantee, and also a power supply adapter are also part and parcel of the package.

    Pros
    • Excellent customer relations
    • Weather-resistant
    • Durable construction
    Cons
    • Hard to pick weak signal strength
    • The rotor motor is very flimsy
    • Could be more effective

8. HDTV Antenna Amplified Digital Outdoor TV Antenna

    Best High Reception Outdoor TV Antenna

    Amplified Digital Outdoor TV Antenna, which has a maximum signal pick range of 150 miles, delivers immaculate results with its support for 4k video quality as well as other qualities like 780p, 1080i, and 1080p.

    HDTV Antenna Amplified Digital Outdoor TV Antenna

    This antenna comes with support for both the VHF and UHF signals bringing not only quality picture and sound but also free channels for you to enjoy. It can support up to two television sets without having to use a splitter nor an adapter. It also features next-generation smart IC chips and also crystal-clear filtering technology, which, when combined, brings you the highest quality service. This technology can filter out both the FM and cellular signals leaving behind a crystal clear and also low noise VHF/UHF signal.

    As should be the case, this antenna features easy installation, thanks to its easy to follow the manual, as well as minimalized steps for setting up the device. The device comes with a wireless remote which aid in setting the right angle and position for the device for the best signal strength. The 33 feet coaxial cable makes it very easy and flexible setting up the device as well. The package comes with a mounting pole and user guide. The warranty policy includes a 45 days money-back guarantee.

    Pros
    • Comes with a 45 days money-back guarantee
    • Supports up to 4K quality picture
    • Low noise high-performance device
    Cons
    • Quite pricey
    • Not very easy to set up
    • Could improve on customer support

9. TV Antenna – HDTV Antenna Support

    Best HDTV Antenna with Signal Booster

    HDTV Antenna by Innoo Tech can tap signals from broadcasting stations from as far as 130 miles away from your location. Of course, this is limited to the nature of your location. It comes with free to air channels, which saves you and your family a huge chunk of money at the end of the year. It also delivers uncompressed HD channels including, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, UNIVISION, THE CW, and more.

    TV Antenna - HDTV Antenna Support

    HDTV Antenna Support comes as a plug and play product. It features a next-generation smart IC chip, which, together with the CleanPeak filer, delivers clean signal strength. The CleanPeak filter can filter both FM and also Cellular signals leaving behind a very strong, low noise UHF/VHF signal for clear pictures and also sound. This appliance features an upgraded reception area for more, free to air channels. The reception area measures approximately 13 inches * 12 inches long.

    For a more flexible set up, the antenna comes with a 16 feet long coaxial cable allowing you to place it wherever it works best. The long cable makes it possible to place it behind the TV, or near the window. It also comes with an upgraded amplifier booster, stickers, and coaxial cable, and backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee, and 2-year warranty policy.

    Pros
    • Great range 
    • Free to air channels
    • Plug and Play
    Cons
    • Does not come with a mast
    • The coaxial cable could be longer
    • Could be more effective

10. 1byone Amplified Outdoor TV Antenna

    Best Durable Outdoor TV Antenna

    Get access to hundreds of your favorite channels all for free using the 1byone Amplified Outdoor TV Antenna. It delivers all its content in ultra-high-definition 4K quality.

    Outdoor TV Antenna, 1byone Amplified Digital 360° Omnidirectional Lo-VHF H-VHF UHF Indoor Attic Rooftop HDTV Antenna

    This Antenna features a very powerful amplifier for boosting the signal. It also features a CleanPeak RF filter, which is very efficient in filtering out unnecessary signals like the Cellular and FM signals. This eventually boosts the signal gain for optimal performance hence crystal-clear images and sound. This device is also an omnidirectional device with a 360 degrees direction capability. It can capture signals from a great range, including VHF and UHF signals. It also captures uncompressed digital television broadcasts that come in crystal clear format.

    1byone adopts a weatherproof design for the gre8at outdoors. The antenna can withstand adverse weather conditions without hampering with its performance. It also adopts a durable, sturdy build with high-grade materials for years of use. It comes as a plug and play device which does not require any tools to set up. It takes a very short time to set up and is backed by a two-year warranty policy and also three months money-back guarantee on faulty products.

    Pros
    • Quality and durable construction
    • No assembly required
    • High performance
    Cons
    • Not very well balanced
    • Topples over easily
    • Does not support flat-leaf antennas

How to Choose the Best Outdoor TV Antenna – The Ultimate Buying Guide


One of the best ways to say goodbye to your Pay TV is choosing the best outdoor HDTV antenna. Pay-Tv costs hundreds of dollars a year that would otherwise have gone into something much more productive, yet, there are hundreds of TV stations that come for free. If you want to cut down your costs, you need to invest in the best outdoor TV antenna and enjoy its benefits.

Choosing an over-the-air TV signals antenna can, however, be confusing especially when you do not have the right facts at hand. Good thing we understand this, and that’s why we have compiled a few points that we think might be helpful to you. Follow-through

What Channels are Shown Within Your Area?

One of the first steps towards purchasing the best outdoor TV antenna is finding out which of the channels are offered within your locality and of which you would be most interested in watching. The best way to find out this information is by looking it up online on various sites. A good example is TV Fool, which pairs topographical maps with the FCC’s broadcast TV database.

Remember that different outdoor antennas come with different range of capabilities. This database lists various channels available to your locality as well as the strength of the signal and also the distance of the broadcasting company or mast from your location. This information helps guide you in deciding on which antenna is best suited to pick up the signals to the channels you prefer. Usually, when you use the online database, you’ll find the strongest signals at the top of the database and the weakest ones at the bottom in that order.

Mode Of Installation

While purchasing an outdoor antenna, you have several options to choose from. There’s the rooftop installation, the attic, and even mounting on the side of the house, an option with a few models. While the rooftop option iso considered as the best option because of the strength of the signal, the attic is no less an ideal option. However, in this case, you’d have to confirm whether the signal is strong enough to penetrate through the roofing materials. Should you have an aluminum roofing, boy, oh boy! You’d better have the antenna mounted on the rooftop.

What Frequency Should The Antenna Support?

Signals are broadcasted either via the VHF or UHF frequencies. They usually come with either one or both options. It is recommended that you go for the one that comes with support for both of the signals. This allows you to receive most of the channels that are within the vicinity. If you opt for an antenna with support for either one of the two frequencies, then you might end up missing most of the channels.

Multi-directional or Directional

Is the antenna multi-directional or directional? A directional antenna only points towards one direction with efforts of trying to catch the signals from a certain direction. However, a multidirectional antenna only needs to be fixed facing upwards as it can receive signals from all directions. If the channels you prefer are coming in from different directions, then it only makes sense of investing in a multidirectional antenna.

Interference Within The Environment

Interference refers to various hindrances that make it almost impossible to watch your favorite shows in comfort. Interference is caused by various objects like buildings and trees and even electronic interference.

For example, some of the appliances and devices within our homes are the major sources of interference for the TV signals, including mobile phones, microwaves, and other equipment. The best way around this problem is by placing your antenna above the ground level for a better network reception.

What Is The Best Antenna Height?


The height of your antenna has a direct impact on its range. Obviously, the shorter the height, the lower the range, and vice versa. This variable height helps lessen the interference by nearby objects like devices within our homes and therefore boosting the overall signal. Should the channels you are interested in becoming from a far distance, then you may have to consider mounting your antenna on a mast.

Again, since, buildings, trees, and even hills are all sources of signal interference and deflection, you should consider having your antenna mounted on an elevated area. Make sure that you position your antenna on the highest place if you are going to mount it on the rooftop.

Amplified or Non-Amplified?

One of the best ways to overcome the size and height disadvantages of the antennas is by using an amplifier. The amplifier improves the reception by amplifying the signal and comes either built-in or as a separate device. The amplifier installs in-line between the TV and the antenna. However, recommended the amplifiers are, they come with their drawbacks, including amplifying noise together with the signal.  They also tend to be overdriven by the much stronger signals, which make the reception even worse.

Antenna Rotors. Do They Add Any Value To You?

Yes! Rotors come in handy, especially for Directional antennas, in changing the angles of the antenna for the best reception. They are usually operated from inside the house and can be adjusted when watching channels that are being transmitted from towers in opposite directions. They are adjusted up until the signal of the channel comes on.

This seems like a great solution; however, it also comes with its drawbacks.

  • It becomes very tiring, trying to change the direction of the antenna every time.
  • You always have to wait for the antenna to finish up adjusting before you continue watching the show
  • It is impossible to record two different channels transmitted from different stations using the DVR
  • Motorized antennas are more prone to breaking down and may not hold up during the adverse weather conditions

Does It Come With A Mast?

Before you purchase the antenna, you should check whether it comes with a mast. Since it is an outdoor device, it will most likely need to be mounted on something very stable. Some models will include a mast among the accessories, while others will come without. Look for the models that come with a mast included that way, you won’t have to spend much more buying another one and having to look for the specific dimensions.

How Long Is The Coaxial Cable?

There is no certain limit to the length of the coaxial cable that comes with an antenna. It is entirely dependent on the distance it will have to cover to connect your antenna and the TV. The details are usually indicated on the packaging. Go the one that will offer the most flexibility.

What About The Range?

All antennas come with different range dimensions listed on the packaging. This dimension indicates just how far the device will reach to grasp the signal. The higher the dimension range, the more channels you will get and also more stable signals. The vice versa is also true. This doesn’t nullify the fact that the device will still need to fight its way through the various interference to reach the signals.

Things To Avoid or Pay Special Attention To

While you invest in these devices, it is good to keep an eye on the range of the antenna. This is probably one of the most crucial factors which determine the number of channels you will be able to watch. You should also pay keen attention to the nature of the device. Is it multidirectional or directional, and is it compatible with both the UHF and VHF? Avoid purchasing appliances whose details are not provided for.

Alternatives To The Product Type

There are so many ways of receiving broadcasting television signals, including through the outdoor antenna. But if you are not down with these type devices, perhaps the are other ways to look at including the indoor TV antenna, cable TV and Satellite TV. All this will deliver equal results, but the difference will mainly be in the quality of service. You might have to subscribe to various packages being offered for you to access the signal through the latter means.

Conclusion

Like many other products, finding the right outdoor antenna for your TV does not come easy. There’s so much to keep in mind starting with knowing which channel signals are within your vicinity down to the nitty-gritty details like the coaxial cable length and more. Outdoor antennas come in handy in so many ways, including delivering high-quality pictures and audio and picking uncompressed signals in contrast to the cable and satellite TV, which by the way, work with compressed signals.

Written by Adrian Dimakis

Adrian Dimakis loves writing about everything tech, gadgets, travel and leisure as a full time editor at LearningRegistry. Adrian graduated from UCLA with a degree in journalism and marketing, and his work has appeared in publications including USAToday and The Boston Globe. When he's not testing gadgets and accessories, checking different online services, you can find him planning his next trip on a big paper world atlas with lots of pins. Adrian is also an avid consumer with an oddly deep love for finding amazing deals on amazing products.

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