Best TV Antenna 2024 – Outdoor HDTV Antenna Reviews

Most young people think that TV antennas belong to the past.

I’m part of this crowd.

Cable TV, digital TV, or satellite platforms are popular these days, but there is still a lot of space to use an outdoor TV antenna.

Did you know most of the broadcasting stations continue to send out TV signals for anyone, and for FREE? Saving money for pay-TV services is one of the biggest reasons why many people prefer to use an antenna.

TV antennas have made a comeback and are fueled by consumers looking to save money.

Become a cord-cutters and join hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. each year who do the same. If you have already done it or are considering doing so, take a look at these best HDTV outdoor antennas we found for you and make the transition with ease.

ClearStream 4 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna

A universal HDTV antenna

ClearStream 4 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna with Mount

ClearStream 4 is high rating HDTV antenna most people looking for these days. It provides the best performance among all antennas rated in the 70-mile range category. ClearStream 4V is a top device that supports Ultra HD and is overall one of the best solutions for both indoor and outdoor installment.

ClearStream 4 receives HDTV and over-the-air digital reception completely for free. This long-range outdoor TV antenna is perfect for rural places and thanks to the patented construction it can successfully pick up 98% of the signal. It has a very compact design, durability, and great performance. ClearStream 4 is also very easy to assemble.

Channel Master CM-4228HD

Best Budget Multi-Directional Outdoor Antenna

Channel Master CM-4228HD Antenna

Capable of receiving broadcasts even in wooded areas, the Channel Master CM-4228HD comes fully assembled and picks up UHF, VHF, and FM signals. Its durable construction helps to prevent loss of signal in extreme weather conditions.

Channel Master CM-4228HD TV antenna can easily receive digital and analog over-the-air TV signals in the UHF band and high VHF band. Fully optimized for deep-fringe reception of HDTV – CM-4228HD is one of the highest-gain antennas available.

BEST OUTDOOR TV ANTENNA 2024

♦ Best OverallClearStream 4

♦ Best Budget1byone

♦ Best Cheap Multi-Directional AntennaChannel Master CM-4228HD

♦ Best For Rural Areas8 Element Bowtie HDTV Antenna

♦ Best Design Mohu Sky 60

What Antenna Do You Need?

Using an antenna you can receive local over-the-air (OTA) TV broadcasts that are looking sometimes better than cable or satellite TV. And the best of the OTA broadcasting? No subscription – they are free!

Before you cut the cord, you have to decide which kind of antenna you need. Indoor or outdoor antenna, with amplified and nonamplified options. What you choose depends on the place you live, the proximity of the local transmitting tower, and the place you want to set up your TV antenna. If you live within a few miles of the TV transmitters, a small indoor antenna is just good for you. If not you will need an outdoor TV antenna.

One quick tip before we present you with the best outdoor TV antennas in 2024, the higher you place your antenna, the better. Placing the antenna higher as possible gives you the clearest over-the-air connection with a tower.

If you chose an outdoor antenna because you live far away from a tower or just looking to maximize your signal strength, we found the 10 best outdoor HDTV antennas in 2024 for you. They are perfect for picking up over-the-air 1080p HDTV signals as well as UHF, VHF, and FM broadcasts. We have rated them here by signal strength, value, and ease of installation.

Best Outdoor TV Antenna Under $50

1byone 85 Miles Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna – Best Budget Outdoor Antenna

1byone 85 Miles Digital Amplified Outdoor HDTV Antenna
1byone 85 Miles Digital Amplified Outdoor / Attic / Roof HDTV Antenna – source: 1byone.com

Antenna type: Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof | Reception range: 85 miles | Reception pattern: Directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), 4k, UHF, VHF | Weight: 4.4 lb (2 kg) | Size: 20.7 x 3.3 x 13 inches (51 x 8 x 33 cm)

Pros: Full HD, 4k, and 3D channels • Easy-to-setup • Cheap

Cons: Doesn’t cover 85 miles (60-70 miles is ideal)

The 1byone TV antenna can receive signals within an 85-mile range from the broadcast transmitter. Enjoy an experience of HDTV with high picture quality and the best sound available. It captures over-the-air broadcasts transmitted with uncompressed full HD (1080p), Ultra HD (4k), and 3D channels.

1byone antenna comes with a full package of mounting accessories and has a very simple installation. Connect the antenna to your TV with a coaxial cable, run a channel scan, and pick up one of the VHF and UHF HD signals based on your location and conditions.

RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna with 70 Mile Range – Bestselling Directional TV Antenna

RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna
RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna with 70 Mile Range – source: rcaantennas.net

Antenna type: Indoor/Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof, side of house | Reception range: 70 miles | Reception pattern: Directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), UHF, VHF | Weight: 2 lb (0,9 kg) | Size: 34.5 x 33.1 x 24.2 inches (87 x 83 x 31 cm)

Pros: High-quality aluminum construction • Cheap • Easy to install

Cons: Operating range only 40 miles

Cancel cable and install this antenna and Netflix instead. RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna is one of the best cheap outdoor HDTV antennas on the market. Setup is straightforward and instructions are easy to understand.

The Yagi HDTV Antenna comes with a pre-assembled design and has an easy fold-out reflector. After the correct installation, you can receive 1080p HDTV broadcasts. You can mount it both outdoors or indoors, but for better reception, we recommend using it outside.

Yagi Outdoor HDTV antenna can intercept both VHF and UHF signals in high-quality, and gives you a clear picture even in awful weather. Of course, the quality of your signal reception and the number of channels depends upon the distance from the transmitter towers, but with RC Yagi’s long-range outdoor TV antenna you can capture broadcast signals within a 70-mile range.

Channel Master CM-2016 High VHF, UHF and HDTV Antenna – Good Value

Channel Master CM-2016
Channel Master CM-2016 – source: channelmaster.com

Antenna type: Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof, side of house | Reception range: 35 miles | Reception pattern: Directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), UHF, VHF | Weight: 3.5 lb (1,5 kg) | Size: 36.5 x 47 x 22 Inches (91 x 120 x 55 cm)

Pros: Uncomplicated setup • Good price

Cons: Not the best antenna for VHF channels • Large

Do you want to ditch the cable and wish to pick up more than just a few local channels? Channel Master CM-2016 is another cheap outdoor HDTV antenna with an uncomplicated setup you may consider using. It is really easy to put together and mount. Instructions could not have been better.

The quality and sturdiness of this antenna will surprise you. CM-2016 is a truly quality product for a great price, it is made from lightweight aluminum, the rivets hold things together nice and tight, and it uses a sturdily reinforced steel mounting clamp.

However, if you are looking for a lightweight, low-wind resistance TV antenna with a good medium VHF range and long UHF range, Channel Master CM-2016 may be ideal for you. This device can pick up crystal clear and full HD signal at 60 miles from the transmitter tower.

Xtreme Signal Long Range Yagi Style – Good Deep Fringe Directional UHF Antenna

Xtreme Signal Long Range Antenna
Xtreme Signal Long Range Yagi Style VHF/UHF HDTV Antenna – source: xtremesignal.com

Antenna type: Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof, side of house | Reception range: 70 miles | Reception pattern: Directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), UHF, VHF | Weight: 7 lb (3,1 kg) | Size: 31.5 x 15.2 x 23 inches (78 x 38 x 58 cm)

Pros: Extra long range • Solid build • Price

Cons: Heavy • Worse VHF signal reception

Do you need to receive a signal from long range? Xtreme Signal Long Range Yagi Style antenna can pick up UHF broadcasts from the 70-mile radius transmitter tower and VHF with a range of up to 20+ miles with ease.

This simply means you have access to most of your local HD channels for free. The antenna is weatherproof, easy to install, and adjustable up to 60 degrees. With the Xtreme Signal, you get a quality HDTV antenna that provides clear and strong reception due to the back reflector which actively reduces interference. Overall, a good choice for your new antenna.

Best Outdoor TV Antenna Under $100

Channel Master CM-4228HD – Best Budget Multi-Directional Outdoor Antenna

Channel Master CM-4228HD Antenna
Channel Master CM-4228HD – source: channelmaster.com

Antenna type: Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof, mast, eave, chimney | Reception range: 80 miles | Reception pattern: Multi-directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), UHF, VHF | Weight: 10 lb (4,5 kg) | Size: 41 x 5.5 x 33 inches (104 x 13 x 83 cm)

Pros: Quick setup • Good reception • Great value

Cons: Large and rather ugly

If you are thinking of cutting cable, Channel Master CM-4228HD will be your favorite device. This antenna picks up signals strong and steady from 80 miles with the 8-bay reflector. CM-4228HD gives you the best reception possible.

The performance is great, the picture is crystal clear, and the price is excellent. Like any outdoor long-range HDTV antenna, also this should be mounted outside (not attic) to get most of the signal. Mounting this antenna inside the attic can lead to a loss of 50% of the signal.

1byone Amplified Omni-directional Outdoor Antenna – Best Small Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna

1byone Amplified Outdoor Antenna with Omni-directional 360 Degree Reception
1byone Amplified Outdoor Antenna with Omni-directional 360 Degree Reception – source: 1byone.com

Antenna type: Indoor/Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof, living room | Reception range: 70 miles | Reception pattern: Omni-directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), UHF, VHF | Weight: 1.76 lb (0,8 kg) | Size: 11.7 x 11.7 x 8.3 inches (30 x 30 x 21 cm)

Pros: Great reception • Small and unobtrusive • Compact and sturdy • Easy to install

Cons: Operating range only 40 miles

Another 1byone product on our list. This omnidirectional TV antenna is lightweight, thin, flexible and very attractive. What’s more, it works. The antenna is able to capture uncompressed signals from long range and gives you clear, wonderful picture quality.

The 1byone has everything you ever need for easy installation and the instructions are more than adequate. All you need to do is just plug it in, run a channel scan on the TV, and get all the channels you want.

Winegard FlatWave Air FL6550A Amplified Digital Outdoor HDTV Antenna – Excellent option for cord cutters

Winegard FlatWave Air FL6550A antenna
Winegard FlatWave Air FL6550A Amplified Digital Outdoor HDTV Antenna – source: winegard.com

Antenna type: Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof, the side of a house | Reception range: 60 miles | Reception pattern: Directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), UHF, VHF | Weight: 3 lb (1,3 kg) | Size: 14 x 4 x 14 inches (35 x 10 x 35 cm)

Pros: Small size, but just as powerful as traditional antennas • A relatively inexpensive solution for receiving free HDTV channels

Cons: Some required items are not included, such as mounting screws, coaxial cables, and a splitter

The FlatWave AIR FL6550A is a sleek, compact antenna with an integrated amplifier that produces a higher quality TV image without dropouts or pixelation. It can be placed in an attic, a roof, a deck or the side of a home and is easy to install.

The Winegard FlatWave Air FL6550A antenna can be also paired with streaming devices such as Fire TV, Chromecast or Roku for maximum programming experience. It´s time to cut the cord and save a significant amount of money. Watch local news, live sports, and all the popular shows for free, and in HD with a Winegard FlatWare Air TV antenna.

Best Outdoor TV Antenna Under $200

8 Element Bowtie Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna – Best TV Antenna For Rural Areas

8 Element Bowtie
DB8e Extreme Long Range Bowtie HDTV Antenna – source: antennasdirect.com

Antenna type: Indoor/Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof, the side of a house, chimney | Reception range: 70 miles | Reception pattern: Multi-directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), 4k, UHF, VHF | Weight: 12 lb (5,4 kg) | Size: 36 x 6 x 48 inches (91 x 15 x 121 cm)

Pros: Trees and mountains do not affect the performance • Signals in multiple directions for up to 70 miles • HD 1080 picture quality

Cons: Big and heavy

8 Element Bowtie is the best tv antenna for rural areas on our list. Why? The specially designed brackets allow the 2 panels to target transmitter towers in multiple directions and pick up best uncompressed full HD signal possible. The signals can be captured from up to a 70-mile range.

Place it in the attic or outdoors, connect one end of a coaxial cable to the antenna and the other to the TV, run a scan and enjoy your favorite full HD 1080 show where available. 8 Element Bowtie HDTV antenna is perfect for rural areas where roofing materials or heavy foliage reduce the incoming signal.

ClearStream 4 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna with Mount – best outdoor tV antenna

ClearStream 4 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna with Mount
ClearStream 4 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna with Mount – source: antennasdirect.com

Antenna type: Indoor/Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof, the side of a house, chimney | Reception range: 70 miles | Reception pattern: Multi-directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), 4k, UHF, VHF | Weight: 6.5 lb (2,9 kg) | Size: 21.4 x 5.1 x 12.2 inches (53 x 12 x 30 cm)

Pros: Premium construction quality • Awesome design • Great reception within 40-50 miles range

Cons: Price

The ClearStream 4 antenna uses patented technology to receive high VHF and core UHF channels from long range. Its efficient design allows it to have better reception up to 70 miles in a size that is capable of being used indoors or outdoors effectively.

The ClearStream 4 antenna is designed to respond to a greater range of frequencies and have better protection against multipath interference. Ideal TV antenna for suburban and rural areas with heavy foliage and roofing materials. In short, ClearStream 4 is the best outdoor TV antenna on our list.

Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna – Best Design

Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna
Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna – source: store.gomohu.com

Antenna type: Outdoor | Suggested placement: Attic, roof, the side of a house, chimney | Reception range: 60 miles | Reception pattern: Multi-directional | Broadcasts: HDTV (1080), 4k, UHF, VHF | Weight: 3 lb (1,3 kg) | Size: 3 x 23 x 11 inches (8 x 58 x 28 cm)

Pros: Rated for 60 Miles • Has a Discreet Look • Easy Installation

Cons: Pricey

The Mohu Sky is a multi-directional HDTV antenna that is able to capture HDTV signals from all directions in 60 miles range. The antenna is powered by an integrated 15dB amplifier and provides one of the best performance in its class with an outstanding design.

Being lightning and weather-resistant, the Mohu Sky 60 can withstand hard outdoor conditions and still deliver digital TV channels in full HD (1080) on both UHD and VHF spectrums. If you are looking for quality and great performance at an affordable price this TV antenna with unique aesthetics should be on your wish list.

The Benefits of Owning an Antenna

There are many good reasons to own a TV antenna. And many people know it. Over the past few years, millions of USA homes cut the cords and have started using a TV antenna, according to a recent Nielsen’s analysis. Source: nscreenmedia.com

Price: First and perhaps the main reason, a TV antenna helps you save money for numerous service agreements you have with satellite providers and cable. If you combine the HDTV antenna with third-party streaming services, you will probably get all the channels you want. It´s simple math. A high-quality HDTV antenna costs around $150, but by cutting the cord you might save hundreds of dollars a year. A strong argument, what do you think?

Picture Quality: The second reason why to get an antenna is picture quality. Antennas can sometimes deliver better picture quality than satellite or cable. The over-the-air broadcasts are delivered in 1080p resolution while cable and satellite companies often compress their broadcasts to save on bandwidth and deliver them to you in lower HD quality.

Free Popular Programs: Did you know that almost every popular TV show, sitcoms, and other major events, are available over-the-air for free? According to a survey, 90 of to 100 TV programs are broadcast for free.

Is A TV Antenna Right for You?

There are two important questions about TV antennas you should ask yourself. The reception quality you have and the installation process you should undergo.

Picture Quality

The signals you capture may be less compressed, so the quality of the picture might be better then what cable provides. But you must have a good reception. The quality of your reception depends on several things – distance from a broadcast tower, obstructions such as mountains or trees.

To learn what type of HDTV antenna is ideal for your location, visit the TV Fool antenna selector or AntennaWeb.org. These websites work on the same and simple principle. Just enter your address, and you will see a list of local stations and instructions about which type of HD antenna to use for good reception.

Installation

Higher is better. Yes, for better signal reception you should have an antenna on your roof, but in many situations, indoor antennas also work well. The installation of both antenna types is easy and all you need to do is follow the instruction you get with the products.

TV Antenna Basics

A very important factor you should consider when you buy a TV antenna for your home is the quality of reception in your area. The main aspect of good signal reception is the distance and direction from the TV station transmitter. If you living a few miles from the transmitter, and the signal is unobstructed (trees, mountains), you may be able to get good reception using an indoor antenna.

Otherwise, getting a stronger signal may be problematic. This is where careful HD antenna selection is so important. Keep in mind that signal reception conditions can vary from house to house.

How to Select the Best TV Antenna for Your Home

HDTV antennas: HDTV antennas are classified by their range. A 30-mile antenna will receive signals from 30 miles away, a 50-mile antenna from 50 miles. Additionally, amplified antennas can help by boosting a weak TV signal. Unless you are living in rural areas, you can often get away with a long-range indoor antenna.

VHF and UHF: Digital TV signals are usually delivered with two different frequency ranges: VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency). So, what is the difference between VHF and UHF antennas? The size. Antennas are designed on the size of the waves they will receive. VHF frequencies are lower, which means the waves are longer, requiring a larger antenna surface to receive them.

Directional vs. multi-directional TV antennas: The basics are simple to understand. Directional antennas are designed to receive signals from one direction, and multi-directional omnidirectional antennas can receive TV signals from multiple directions.

Directional HD antennas are better if you need to receive signals from greater distances, and what is more important, they are resistant to noise and distortions (reflections of the desired signal). Multi-directional antennas are more likely to pick up noise, interference, and distortions.

Indoor vs. outdoor TV antennas: Indoor antennas are lightweight, small, and simple to install. Place it high on a wall or close to a window for the best possible reception. Outdoor antennas are larger and are intended for roof- or attic mounting.

Amplifiers: A clever way to improve signal reception is by amplifying the signal. The amplifier can be built-in, or it can be a separate device – an RF distribution amplifier. An amplifier on an outdoor HD antenna is often called a preamplifier or preamp. Most TV antenna owners recommend only using an amplifier if you need to.

5 Tips For Setting Up Your TV Antenna

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