- 9.00/10 1. Premium pick: Channel Master EXTREMEtenna
- 8.60/10 2. Editors choice: Antennas Direct ClearStream 4
- 7.60/10 3. Best value: GE Pro Outdoor HD Antenna
- 8.80/10 4. pingbingding Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna
- 8.40/10 5. Five Star Yagi HDTV Antenna
- 8.00/10 6. Winegard Elite Outdoor HDTV Antenna
- 7.40/10 7. ANTOP UFO Dual-Omni-Directional HDTV Antenna
If you're interested in cord cutting, one of the most important tools you'll need is an antenna to capture over-the-air channels. Depending on where you live, it's possible to view anywhere from 20 to 30 channels for free.
We're taking a look at seven of the best outdoor TV antenna options.
The Channel Master EXTREMEtenna comes pre-assembled, and you can get up running in no time watching over-the-air channels. Thanks to its small size, the versatile choice can be installed in multiple locations like a roof, chimney, eave, balcony, or even the attic.
The antenna is designed to resist wind of up to 100mph. It can also pull in singles for up to 80 miles away. With its design, the antenna can receive signals from 180-degrees.
- 80-mile reception range
- Multi-directional reception from 180 degrees
- Comes pre-assembled
- Brand: Channel Master
- Type: Outdoor
- Range: 80 miles
- Mount Included: Yes
- Can be installed outdoors or in an attic
- Wind resistance of up to 100mph
- Mast and coaxial cable aren’t included
The multi-directional elements of the ClearStream 4 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna help deliver both range and reception in suburban and rural environments.
As you could probably guess by the name, the antenna can be placed either outdoors or indoors. Along with a 20-inch mount, ClearStream includes all-weather mounting hardware.
- 70-mile range
- Wide-beam angle doesn’t require antenna rotation
- Can be painted to match your home’s exterior
- Brand: Antennas Direct
- Type: Indoor/Outdoor
- Range: 70 mile
- Mount Included: Yes
- Can be used in an attic or outside
- Mounting hardware included
- Need a splitter or adapter to use the antenna with more than one TV
Along with outdoor use, the GE Pro Outdoor HD Antenna is also perfect for placing in the attic, if necessary. The Yagi design can bring in signals from a broadcast tower up to 80 miles away. GE includes a weather-resistant mounting bracket, mast clamp, and J-mount to provide a wide variety of options for whatever your situation. It can also fit a standard antenna mast.
- Can pick up signals from towers up to 80 miles away
- J-mounting bracket allows for a wide variety of installation options
- Made to withstand harsh outdoor weather
- Brand: GE
- Type: Outdoor
- Range: 80 miles
- Mount Included: Yes
- Great value compared to other models
- All mounting equipment included
- No built-in amplifier to help improve reception
The pingbingding Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna is a perfect choice for anyone looking to watch over-the-air channels on more than one television.
The antenna supports two TVs at one time without the need for a splitter or special adapter. Another great feature of the 150-mile range antenna is that assembly doesn't require any tools. Along with a mounting pole, pingbingding provides a 40-foot coaxial cable.
Thanks to the 360-degree motor rotor and wireless controller, it's easy to adjust the antenna from the comfort of your living room instead of having to climb up a ladder. The antenna is also resistant to lighting and other severe weather.
- 150-mile range
- Mounting pole, 40-foot coaxial cable provided
- Easily adjustable from inside with a wireless controller
- Brand: pingbingding
- Type: Outdoor
- Range: 150 miles
- Mount Included: Yes
- No tools required for assembly
- Can support two TVs simultaneously without a splitter or special adapter
- Can’t be placed in an attic
5. Five Star Yagi HDTV Antenna
To help bring in the most possible over-the-air channels, the Five Star Yagi HDTV Antenna should be one of your top choices. The antenna has a range of up to 200 miles and can be placed in an attic or outdoors.
That makes it an excellent choice for anyone living in a rural or isolated area. An extended antenna length also helps to provide a stable and robust signal.
You won’t need to provide any additional equipment as an installation package is included with a four-way splitter for multiple TVs, 40-feet of coaxial cable, 15 cable clips, and an installation pole.
- Made for use outside or in an attic
- Designed to withstand outdoor weather conditions
- Extended antenna length helps provide a stable and strong signal
- Brand: Five Star
- Type: Outdoor
- Range: 200 miles
- Mount Included: Yes
- Can pull in signals from up to 200 miles away
- Installation package included with splitter, coax cable, and cable clips
- Some assembly required
Winegard's Elite Outdoor HDTV Antenna features a built-in LTE filter and ultra-low noise amplifier with technology to provide the best reception possible. The antenna pulls in signals up to 70 miles away and withstands winds of more than 100mph. It is also resistant to salt and fog.
The mounting system provides several angling options to allow the perfect position outside. Winegard's free smartphone app uses augmented reality to help you find nearby towers along with checking for obstructions.
- LTE and ultra-low noise amplifier for the best possible reception
- Made for an attic or an exterior of a home
- Winegard app can help you find nearby antennas
- Brand: Winegard
- Type: Outdoor
- Range: 70 mile
- Mount Included: Yes
- Built to withstand winds of more than 100mph
- Resistant to salt and fog
- Expensive for short range offered
There's no need to worry about ever having to adjust the ANTOP UFO Dual-Omni-Directional HDTV Antenna. Thanks to the unique design and flying saucer shape, the antenna provides complete coverage horizontally and vertically.
The amplifier allows users to adjust the balance between short and long-range reception. Made to pull in signals up to 65 miles away, a built-in filter blocks both 3G and 4G LTE signals for better reception.
Installation requires no tools, and ANTOP includes a 33-foot coaxial cable, antenna rod, power adapter, outdoor bracket, and screw and anchor kit.
- Built-in filter blocks 3G and 4G LTE signal for better reception
- Complete horizontal and vertical coverage
- Adapter can adjust balance between short and long range reception
- Brand: ANTOP
- Type: Outdoor
- Range: 70 mile
- Mount Included: Yes
- All mounting hardware included
- Designed for attic, outdoor, or RV placement
- Shorter range than other comparable models
FAQ
Q: What Should I Do Before Purchasing an Outdoor TV Antenna?
Before purchasing an outdoor antenna to receive free, available television signals, the first place to head to is the Federal Communications Commission site if you live in the United States.
The site allows you to check for signals available at an exact address, zip code, or city anywhere in the United States. The map provides information like the direction and location of a tower.
That distance information will help you select the best outdoor antenna possible. For example, if you're 75 miles away from a broadcast tower, you'll purchase an antenna that can capture signals from that range or further.
Q: What Type of Antennas Are Available?
There are two types of antennas that you can use to pull in free channels. For a dense urban area, an indoor option will probably suffice and provide a clear signal. But if you live a substantial distance away from a TV tower, an outdoor antenna offers a number of advantages and can pull in a signal from up to 150 miles away.
Q: Does a Smart TV Need an Antenna for Local Channels?
If don't have cable or any other local TV service, you'll still need an antenna to bring in local channels using a smart TV.