The Best Digital TV Antennas
Streaming is becoming more popular, but its cost can quickly add up. That's why we love digital antennas, which let you tune in to tons of tv stations without paying a hefty cable bill. Installing a digital antenna is the easiest way to get free access to local programming and other content beyond your usual streaming channels. Mount one of these babies outside for farther reach of range or hang one up inside your window for more control in a high signal area. Whichever antenna you prefer, we've got the one you need on our list of top digital TV antennas available today.
What to Look For
Taking reception quality, design, and ease of setup into consideration, we vetted the options on the market to find the best of the best. So, for example, if you’re looking for a clear image and a quick installation, consider the window-mounted antenna by U Must Have. On the other hand, if you want something a bit stealthier, then the transparent, short-range antenna by Antan might do the trick. Check out the rest of our picks below to keep up with your favorite shows, faster.
U Must Have Amplified Digital TV Antenna
More clarity for less work
One reason smart TVs are so popular is that they guarantee a clear image as long as your wifi connection is strong. But what if you could get the same clarity in your local programming as well? This multidirectional digital TV antenna by U Must Have offers more channels with less interruption and without any fiddling. Best of all, it’s super easy to install for a better signal right out of the package.
Pros:
- Thanks to the super-strong adhesive, you can move the antenna to different locations in case you decide to switch up your living room viewing setup.
- Most standard antennas don’t have enough range in remote areas, but this one comes with a built-in amplifier for more range.
Cons:
- The 18-foot cord may be too short for some setups, though you can always add an extension cord.
Gesobyte Amplified Digital TV Antenna
Air from all points
These days, you don’t have to know the location of all your local stations to be able to pick up their programming. An omni-directional digital antenna like this amplified option by Gesobyte is designed to catch signals from stations all around your house, giving you more channels to choose from without having to consult a map. Plus, this particular indoor antenna can reach up to 200 miles in range, all while hanging tight on a window or wall.
Pros:
- Tune into your favorite channels again without having to rearrange your setup thanks to the longer cord on this digital antenna.
- This antenna is designed to work with both new and old TV models. It comes with both a USB power adaptor and a regular wall-plug cable.
Cons:
- The antenna can lose signal if it gets accidentally bumped or moved.
Luxtronic Digital TV Antenna
Mounted to match
The right entertainment setup should be high-tech but not highly visible. Fortunately, there’s a digital antenna out there that is made to be out of sight. Thanks to its compact magnetic base, this antenna by Luxtronic easily attaches to any metal surface, be it your TV bracket or even your TV itself. And if you upgrade or remodel, you can easily move the antenna to a new location without having to buy new mounting equipment.
Pros:
- Make your space even neater without the unsightly appearance of extra cables. Simply plug in this antenna to your TV with one wire to work.
- Despite its small size, this antenna is made to last, even in outdoor conditions. It’s perfect for RVs, vans, and mobile setups that need strong signals on the go.
Cons:
- This antenna doesn’t have a built-in signal amplifier, so you may need to purchase one if you live in a more remote area.
Antan Window Digital TV Antenna
Connect without obstruction
Outdoor antennas generally pick up the most reception, but not everyone has easy access to a roof. This digital TV antenna by Antan is designed to be out-of-the-way wherever you install it. And it still receives signals from every direction. Paper-thin and transparent, this antenna is perfect for window mounting without losing visibility. It even has an extralong cable to make sure it reaches.
Pros:
- You’ll get three sets of super strong, double-sided sticky tape with the antenna, so you can experiment with different mounting locations.
- Because you don’t need an extra power cable for this baby, you have more flexibility in positioning it for better reception.
Cons:
- This antenna has less signal range than other window-mounted options.
GE Home Electrical Outdoor Digital TV Antenna
Showtime, rain or shine
As convenient as indoor antennas are, they rely on strong signals to work. So if you live in a more rural area, then it may be better to get an outdoor digital antenna. With more surface area and a higher mounted position, a durable antenna like this option by GE Home Electrical is more sensitive to long-distance signals. And because rural areas also tend to be more exposed, this baby is designed to stand strong against even the strongest gusts of wind.
Pros:
- Don’t limit the number of viewers in your house. This antenna can support several TVs at once if you purchase a signal splitter.
- The signal stays strong even in stormy weather, so you can continue to enjoy your shows on rainy days.
Cons:
- The instructions are a little confusing and the diagrams are small, so folks who aren’t tech-savvy might take a bit longer to set it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a directional and multi-directional antenna?
An omni-directional antenna can tune into any station within its range, regardless of the station’s location. But despite this convenience, these antennas can have a shorter signal range overall. Directional antennas, on the other hand, have longer ranges and can tune into farther stations, though you’ll have to point the antenna in the direction of the station itself.
How do I pick up more channels with my antenna?
The main thing is to experiment with different locations, always aiming to put the antenna higher if you can. A skylight is ideal for this. Next, look up where your favorite station is and try pointing the antenna towards there. Lastly, try disconnecting some nearby electronic equipment to see if there is an impact on interference.
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