The rise of streaming services has turned people away from cable and satellite subscriptions en masse, leading to a boom in TV antennas. Antennas provide a simple way to access local channels and even a variety of free channels. Just look at our top pick, the Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro. It offers an easy install, a strong signal, and a host of extras to make the most of the device.
TL;DR – These Are The Best TV Antennas You Can Buy Today
The best TV antennas are no longer the bunny ear-style TV toppers of yesteryear; they are diminutive but powerful with tons of variations depending on the range and design you’re after. Many also support the latest technology be it 4K, high refresh rates, HDR, and more when paired with the best 4K TVs. So, you won’t sacrifice picture quality by ditching the subscription.
To help narrow your search, we’ve found six excellent TV antennas. Whether you’re after the cheapest option, something to place outside, or the longest range, there’s an antenna for you.
1. Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro
The best TV antenna overall
Pros:
- Consistent reception
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Antenna gets slightly warped during shipping
The Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro tops our list for its status as a 1080p, amplified HDTV antenna that expertly combines an exceptionally long range with solid, consistent reception. It features a sleek, modern design that will look sharp in any home, and it comes with a built-in FirstStage amplifier that’s built to optimize signal strength and minimize interruptions. It’s also very easy to set up, and it comes with a variety of mounting options and a 12-foot power cable.
The bottom line is, if you’re looking for a high-quality, amplified HDTV antenna, the Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro is hard to beat. It’s not the cheapest option around, of course. But it’s the best bet for getting great reception out of your antenna, and it comes with a variety of features that make it easy to use and install.
2. Winegard Elite 7550
The best outdoor TV antenna
Pros:
- Durable
- Can pair with multiple TVs
Cons:
The Winegard Elite 7550 stands out as an outstanding outdoor antenna designed for dual-band VHF/UHF reception. It’s ultra-durable, having been tested in wind tunnels that have clocked in at over 100 miles per hour. Additionally, the Winegard Elite 7550 has been proven to withstand extensive exposure to elements like rain, salt, and fog. The bottom line is, if you mount this outside your home, chances are it’s going to stay there.
As an additional perk, the Winegard Elite 7550 can be paired with multiple TVs in the same residence. You’ll need a splitter to properly divide the signals between each display. But you won’t have to mount multiple antennas outside your home, which is a more important consideration for most folks.
3. 1byone Amplified HDTV Antenna
The best budget TV antenna
Pros:
Cons:
- Not the most consistent reception
The 1byone Amplified HDTV Antenna is a budget option for cord-cutters who want to add a few channels on the cheap. Technically, that “200 miles” specification is the antenna’s maximum range, so don’t expect to get a bunch of channels from that distance. But from a closer range, the 1byone is a reliable option that adds local channels to your existing, cable-free operation.
The 1byone Amplified HDTV Antenna won’t get the range or consistent reception that more expensive alternatives can hang their hats on. It will, however, serve as a wallet-friendly replacement that will still allow you to access channels without a significant investment of any kind.
4. Antennas Direct DB8-E
The best heavy long-range TV antenna
Pros:
- Long range
- Receives VHF and UHF signals
Cons:
The Antennas Direct DB8-E is a rather unique addition to this list in that it thrives in both indoor and outdoor environments. It is a multi-directional antenna, which means it is more efficient at receiving signals from different directions. This makes it ideal for use in areas with a lot of signal obstruction, such as wooded environments or areas with tall buildings.
The DB8-E is also wildly versatile, in that it can receive both VHF and UHF signals and be mounted on a variety of surfaces, including rooftops, poles, and trees. As the icing on the cake, the Antennas Direct DB8-E is also waterproof, so it can be used in all types of weather conditions.
5. Antennas Direct ClearStream Flex
The best indoor antenna
Pros:
- Multi-directional
- Simple to use
Cons:
With the ability to stick to walls and windows and a solid built-in amplifier, the Antennas Direct ClearStream Flex doubles as an easy-to-install, capable antenna. Like others on this list, this antenna possesses multi-directional UHF/VHF elements, meaning you don’t have to aim it in a specific direction to catch a signal or land more channels.
There may be higher-power alternatives out there, and there are even some on this list. But when it comes to selecting an exceptional indoor antenna that’s both easy to install and incredibly simple to use, the Antennas Direct ClearStream Flex is on a very short list. And while it arrives in an oft-imitated design, it features a level of performance that’s a lot harder to mimic.
6. Channel Master FLATenna 35
The best value for a TV antenna
Pros:
- Low profile
- Has a black or white design depending on how it’s installed
Cons:
If you’re looking for the TV antenna sweet spot, look no further than the Channel Master FLATenna 35. It’s not as bargain-bin priced as the 1byone, but it’s also nowhere near the high-end price (or performance) of the Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro. What it is, however, is a flat, low-profile antenna that is designed to provide reception for both VHF and UHF channels. Like most antennas, it is easy to install and can be mounted on a variety of surfaces, including walls, roofs, and eaves.
Plus, as a small but underrated perk, the Channel Master FLATenna 35 can alternate between a black or white color, depending on which side of the antenna you stick to a window or wall. So, if you’re really invested in your antenna matching your decor, the Channel Master FLATenna 35 fits the bill while also being a unique value.
TV Antenna FAQ
Which channels are available near you?
Thankfully there are online search tools you can use to figure out what’s available in your location. PCMag recommends AntennaWeb to see what your nearest TV stations are and even confirms the type of antenna you need in order to get a strong signal.
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor TV antennas?
Indoor is easier to install overall, so if this is new for you and you want an easy setup, indoor is likely best for you. Outdoor antennas prove more difficult to install, despite having more channels at times. Using the tools above, you can confirm which is right for you at your home.
Do you need a TV antenna to get free channels?
If you have one of the best streaming devices or smart TVs and a great internet connection, you don’t need a TV antenna for access to free content. There are plenty of streaming sites and apps to stream TV for free, like The Roku Channel, PlutoTV, or TubiTV, that let you watch movies, TV series, and even some live news channels for free. The only catch is there are ads, which you’d still be dealing with when using a TV antenna. However, you won’t necessarily get live local channels in your area. There are a few apps that grant limited free access, but you’ll be better off grabbing a TV antenna. Plus, you won’t need to worry about an internet connection.
Do TV antennas support HDR?
Yes, TV antennas support HDR, but there’s a little more to it than that. If your antenna comes with NextGen TV support, you can get higher quality signals that support 4K, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR in markets where that broadcast is available. However, you’ll also need a TV with HLG support and an ATSC 3.0 tuner.
For more, check out the best streaming services ranked for 2024 and where to watch free movies online.
Nick Woodward is a sportswriter-turned-tech journalist, with bylines at Digital Trends and the like. You can find Nick covering all things A/V tech as a freelance writer at IGN.