Which tv antenna to buy

In addition we added popular channels CBS 2. While the results will vary depending on where you live and how far you are from TV towers, we found that the best-performing models received more of the most popular channels as well as local channels and additional radio broadcasts and Spanish-language stations. Most of the TV antennas are based on the same rectangular design, but there was one important consideration: the cable. Did the antenna have a long, high-performance coaxial cable or, even better, a detachable one?

You'll be sticking one of these in your window, which could be a long way from your TV, so longer is better. It's worth noting that some of these antennas -- the 1byOne and the Channel Master Smartenna Plus -- include gain-boosting amplifiers.

While the 1byOne will also work without the amp attached, the Channel Master won't. Based on our experiences in a number of locations, however, amplifiers offer a wildly unpredictable signal strength benefit.

If you can't get TV reception with an indoor antenna, a gain amp may not actually help you, and in other cases, it could make your reception worse by overloading channels that already have a strong signal. Several antennas in our list include a powered amplifier, but use thoughtfully, as these may actually make a strong signal worse.

Unlike when we reviewed indoor antennas in , most contemporary antennas include some form of adhesive to attach them to your wall or window. If for some reason they lack this option you could try packing tape or poster putty instead. When you install it, you will definitely need to experiment with the placement. A wall may actually be better than a window, depending on the orientation of your living area.

Also, if possible keep the antenna away from magnetic metals such as security bars or the like since they can interfere with your signal strength. If you buy a model with a short, captive lead like the 1byOne, be aware that you may need to buy a male-female extension lead, and more coaxial cable , to get it to reach your equipment.

Finally, if you live in a poor coverage area, with weak signals, an indoor antenna may not be for you. We tried using the antennas at a location in the Hudson Valley and none of them worked at all, even the signal-boosting Smartenna.

That's why it's best to test the signal strength waters with a cheap antenna first, instead of spending a hundred bucks on something that might not work in your location due to a lack of a broadcast tower. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read.

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Best TV antenna overall. Detachable coaxial cable? Yes Number of channels: 50 in Manhattan, 61 in New Jersey Number of watchable channels: 9 out of 13 checked, both locations The Flatenna 35 has been upgraded with a removable antenna since our original test.

Best TV antenna for power users. Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse. Yes Number of channels: 39 in Manhattan, 65 in New Jersey Number of watchable channels: 9 out of 13 checked, both locations Maybe you've tried the Flatenna with so-so results and want to give it another shot. Best TV antenna for weaker TV signals. Best 1byOne alternative. Price No. Discuss: Best TV antenna for You can install a rotator on your TV antenna if you want to pick up weak signals that are in different directions.

Signal strength and quality affect the number of TV channels you get as well as the strength of your TV reception. If you live in a rural area, installing an outdoor HDTV antenna above your roof is thought to be one of the best routes to good reception. Even if you have a cable subscription, you can often get better reception during live TV events with an antenna. Also check that you are using the TV inputs that optimize sound and picture quality. Read our guide on HD TVs to gain more tips and information about this fantastic technology.

Most landlords have no qualms with renters installing an antenna on their rented space, but community space such as the roof of a building is another story.

Much like picture quality, there is no way around the fact that you will encounter static at some point. Plenty of potential causes exist, but the most likely culprit is audio interference. This is the golden question, and it all depends on what channels are available in your area and the type of antenna you choose. As previously discussed, you can determine what is available in your area by entering your address into a signal analysis website. You can then use the information provided to determine which TV antenna would be the best purchase.

It is possible to use a new TV antenna with an older TV. However, you may need to purchase a converter box in order to make your older TV compatible with a modern TV antenna. The reason for this has to do with digital tuning. A digital tuner is a built-in TV element that enables a TV to receive digital signals, and since , all over-the-air broadcasts — even free ones — have been digital.

Therefore, in order to receive these broadcasts, you must have a TV with a tuner. The good news is, most TVs manufactured within the last decade or so have this technology.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

Bottom Line. Best of the Best. Check Price. Best for Everyday Use Bottom Line. Best Bang for the Buck. Bargain Pick Bottom Line. Customer Favorite Bottom Line. Long Distance Range Bottom Line. Easy Installation Bottom Line. How we decided We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers. Zero products received from manufacturers. Updated October Written by Jennifer Manfrin. TV antenna ranges tend to be optimistic. When researching outdoor TV antennas, we look for antennas that are weather-resistant, durable, and able to perform rain or shine.

When shortlisting TV antennas, we observe the amount of distance each antenna covers. Some antennas have a range of 50 miles; others have a much larger range of miles. Indoor TV antennas tend to be compact and easy to install, but they have limited signal compared to outdoor antennas. In our research, we look for indoor antennas with a mile range to ensure a good signal. We look for TV antennas that come with a mount or a feature that allows you to easily secure it.

When comparing TV antennas, we look at both multidirectional and directional antennas. Multidirectional antennas point in all directions, whereas directional antennas point in a specific direction. The latter are better if you know where the broadcast tower is so you can point your antenna directly at it. We note the type of frequency each TV antenna receives. User-friendliness and ease of setup matter to us. We evaluate the instructions of the products on our research list to determine which ones our readers would most appreciate.

When shortlisting products, we consider the overall design of each TV antenna. Bonus points go to any TV antenna that includes a coaxial cable, which connects the antenna to your TV. This saves you the hassle of buying a coaxial cable separately. While outdoor antennas are more complicated to set up, they also render a stronger signal. We note the signal strength of every TV antenna in our research. After considering 76 TV antennas we purchased our top pick and tested it in the BestReviews lab to make sure it properly kept a signal.

When mounting an indoor antenna, location is key. Experiment by mounting the unit in different parts of your living room or other TV area to see where you get the best reception. Skyscrapers, large trees, and other tall objects can also cause interference, making it more difficult to get a strong signal that translates to good reception and great picture quality in your living room.

If possible, place your TV antenna in an area that is free of obstructions. Other Products We Considered. The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value.

We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.