When shopping for an outdoor TV antenna, consider how easy it is to install. If you aren’t confident installing a roof antenna, choose one that works indoors and outdoors. Also, consider how strong the signal is or how far it is carried, especially if you live in a rural area where antennas may have a hard time picking up the signal. Keep these in mind as you go through our expert’s top picks.
RCA Amplified Outdoor or Attic HDTV Antenna
Best Overall
RCA’s Amplified Outdoor or Attic HDTV Antenna can reach as far as 80 miles from broadcast towers. Its unique spiral design is made to receive excellent reception to produce high-quality picture and sound. This is also made to withstand tough outdoor conditions, so you won’t have any doubts about placing it on your roof, even if you live somewhere that’s frequented by storms. It’s compatible with 4K, 8K, and 1080 HDTV, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality when you’re switching from cable.
Why we love it:
- Can also be mounted in the attic without interrupting the signal
- Can also receive low VHF channels
- Comes with a 16-foot cable for convenient routing
GE Outdoor TV Antenna
Best Value
GE’s Outdoor TV Antenna is a budget-friendly option that still delivers HD image quality and sound to your screen. It reaches up to 70 miles from broadcast towers and comes with a mounting bracket for easy installation. Reduced signal dropouts make for a great backup antenna during hurricanes. If you want the features of an expensive outdoor TV antenna at a budget-friendly price, go with GE.
Why we love it:
- Can support multiple TVs as long as you have a splitter
- Can also be mounted on a standard antenna mast
- Versatile as it picks up VHF and UHF signals
PBD WA-2608 Digital Amplified Outdoor HD TV Antenna
Furthest Range
If you live in the suburbs or a location where the locals have difficulty picking up a decent signal, the PBD WA-2608 Digital Amplified Outdoor HD TV Antenna is the best to buy. Reaching up to 150 miles from broadcast towers, you are sure to enjoy a crisp picture even if you live in a rural area. The setup is also quite easy as you only need to snap on the elements to the main antenna, and it has 360° rotation, so you can find the best signal with ease.
Why we love it:
- Can support up to two TVs even without a splitter
- Quick snap-on installation saves you time and effort
- Comes with a remote control for easy configuration
Antennas Direct ClearStream TV Antenna
Best Performance
If you live in a city where many buildings can interfere with the signal, the best one to get is the Antennas Direct ClearStream TV Antenna. This fantastic multidirectional 60-mile range antenna can deliver exceptional sound and picture quality even in dense urban areas. It’s equipped with a wide beam angle that eliminates the need to rotate the antenna just to catch an excellent signal, and its reflectors work to focus the power for added range and protection against physical interference.
Why we love it:
- Receives good signal without having to be rotated
- Works well even in areas with high path interference
- Quick and easy installation save you the hassle
Winegard HD7698A Long Range Outdoor HDTV Antenna
Best HDTV Antenna
Watch at a high frame rate even on 4K Ultra HD and 3D TVs with the Winegard HD7698A Long Range Outdoor HDTV Antenna. With additional elements to thank for the increased performance, you can expect the signal to be amplified and give you the best performance possible. It also features free programming, giving you more shows and channels to watch. This can also be paired with a streaming device for more programming options.
Why we love it:
- Can be paired with a streaming device
- Has additional elements for a better signal
- Can be used for 3D TVs and 4K Ultra HD content
Cable bundles are expensive. If you want broadcast networks for free, consider investing in an outdoor TV antenna. They differ in size, price, ease of installation, and coverage range, so keep these things in mind when you’re looking at antennas.
About the Author
Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction of the smartphone, portable computers, and more, he’s always wanted to get his hands on the latest and greatest. He has years upon years of experience reviewing and testing everything from phone cases to smartwatches, the latest phones and tablets to gaming computers, and even desks. If it’s a piece of tech or tech-adjacent, he’s interested in how it works and who it works best for. He’s now here sharing all of his knowledge with you to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Why Should You Trust Us?
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs.
The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
