With advanced technology and better designs, outdoor HDTV antennas have come a long way in the last 50 years. If you’re looking to get rid of the monthly cable bills, this buying guide will cover everything you need to know.
An outdoor HDTV antenna is the best option to free yourself of cable and satellite subscriptions.
The only real “challenge”, is finding the right outdoor HDTV antenna that suits your needs. We’ve tested almost ever antenna on the market and have ranked the top 10.
At the end of this article I’ll give you some additional tips and suggestions that will prove useful as well.
So without further adieu here is our list of the 10 Best Outdoor HDTV Antennas available right now.
Top 10 Best Outdoor HDTV Antennas:
#10. BOOSTWAVES Outdoor Remote Controlled HDTV Antenna
Features:
- Durable ABS material construction and water-proof design of antenna
- Builtin rotor, controller and Infrared remote controller
- Full 360 degrees rotation of the rotor
- Upto 125 miles of coverage
- 1 year limited warranty
- Easy and quick to install
BoostWaves Outdoor Amplified HDTV Antenna uses robust materials and is well constructed to withstand even the harshest of weather conditions.
It comes complete with a rotor builtin that provides a full 360 degrees of rotation, therefore, you should have no trouble dialing in channels inside of 125 miles provided there is a clear line of site to the tower.
This antenna is designed to receive HDTV via UHF and VHF broadcasts and also boasts FM radio reception.
Our Verdict
BoostWaves Outdoor Amplifier HDTV Antenna allows all local broadcasts from networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, with HD programming of channels for kids, news, weather, sports, etc.
This antenna comes complete with an installation kit that includes 50ft. of RG6 coaxial cable, 20 cable clips and 20 ties. Installation and assembly is a breeze using the provided kit.
Built-in Gain Boost and the Low-Noise Amplifier provide full 1080p HDTV signals with its superior amplification. The foldable design for maximum portability. This antenna is backed by a 1-year limited warranty and is ideally suited for outdoor installations.
#9. Vansky Outdoor 150 Mile Motorized Antenna
Features:
- Supports 720p, 1080i, 1080p signal formats
- Infrared Remote control included for 360 rotation of motor
- Builtin high gain Amplifier
- Builtin noise filtering circuitry
- Easy to install and operate
- Provides upto 150 miles of coverage
This Vansky Outdoor HDTV Antenna allows you to pickup free digital broadcast HDTV signals and boasts an advertised signal coverage range of upto 150 miles.
This antenna is made from high-quality material, and is designed to receive HDTV via UHF and VHF broadcasts and also boasts FM radio reception.
It supports most of the HDTV signal formats like 720p, 1080i and 1080p.
Included with your antenna will be a wireless remote controller, that will allow the antenna to be rotated a full 360 degrees and can move in either the forward or reverse directions to avoid entanglement.
It boasts built-in noise filtering circuitry and comes equipped with a high gain amplifier that enables the Vilso Outdoor HDTV Antenna to receive all local broadcasts from networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, with HD programming of channels for kids, news, weather, sports, etc.
Also included is 12 meters of RG6 cable to allow for easy installation of the antenna over the house for optimal reception.
Our Verdict
The antenna is well constructed to withstand even the harshest of weather conditions.
The Vansky Outdoor HDTV Antenna is backed by a 30 day money back guarantee so if you’re not satisfied with product, simply return it for a full refund.
It can be mounted on a pole or conduit with a 1” and provides for extremely quick and easy assembly and installation.
#8. 1byone Digital Amplified Outdoor HDTV Antenna
Features:
- 80 miles of coverage range
- Offers full HD (1080p), ultra HD (4K) and 3D channels support
- Easily picks up UHF channels (470~862MHz)
- Cross-phase design with multiple-elements withstands bad weather conditions
- 1 year of Manufacturer’s warranty, 30 days money-back guarantee
- Compact in size and good value for money
The 1Byone Outdoor HDTV Antenna is a high-performance antenna from 1Byone and can receive signals from as far as 80 miles. You can install it outdoors, in an attic, or on a rooftop.
You can receive VHF and UHF band signals using it. Installation is a snap with the provided mounting hardware and pole.
To get up and running quickly with, just connect it to your TV or OTA Tuner Box using the provided coax cable.
Once you’ve completed the required connections perform a channel scan and you should be picking up all local broadcasts from networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, etc. with HD programming of channels for kids, news, weather, sports, etc.
Our Verdict
The 1Byone Outdoor HDTV Antenna with power box optimized and designed to easily deliver 720p, 1080i and 1080p digital reception.
Boasts a cross-phase design with multiple elements for superior performance even when exposed to the harshest of weather conditions.
Its compact design uses only a very small footprint and requires no more than 1 meter of space, however, don’t let it’s small appearance fool you.
#7. Eagle Aspen Directv Approved 2-Bay UHF Outdoor Antenna
Features:
- 2 Bowtie design picks up all UHF channels
- HDTV compatible; DirecTV-approved
- Digital as well as analog reception
- Outdoor balun included with antenna
- Quick and easy to assemble and install
- 90 Day Warranty period
The Eagle Aspen Outdoor HDTV Antenna is classically designed 2-bay antenna and is touted as being one of the most powerful antennas in its class. It is fully HDTV compatible and will receive all UHF channels in the 14-69 range.
Once you’ve completed the required connections perform a channel scan and you should be picking up all local broadcasts from networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, etc. with HD programming of channels for kids, news, weather, sports, etc.
Our Verdict
Eagle Aspen 2-Bay Antenna’s compact design makes it super easy to install using its one-cable solution for receiving superior reception. This antenna is built for outdoors, however, can be used indoors or in an attic.
The product has been backed with a 90 Day Limited Warranty by Eagle Aspen.
#6. 1byOne Omni-directional Amplified Outdoor Antenna
Features:
- 720 degrees reception due to Omni-directional design of antenna
- Receives FM radio/VHF/UHF signals from 60 miles of range
- Built-in 3G/4G Filter to mitigate interference
- No tools required for assembly, easy to install
- Very stylish, nice looking design
- Anti-UV coating of antenna protects the surface from the sun
- Totally enclosed, making waterproof and sealed from the elements
- Detachable high gain Amplifier included
This is one of the best looking and best performing omni-directional antennas on the market. Unlike most of the directional antennas making our top list, the 1byone Outdoor HDTV Antenna does not need to be directed to any one location, it has a 720 degree beam pattern.
That’s right, this antenna is capable of receiving broadcast from all different directions, no need for motorized rotors to tune in your station.
1byone Outdoor HDTV Antenna has anti-UV coating for better durability and resistance against sun which makes an ideal choice for your RV rooftops as well.
Our Verdict
Put this 1byOne OmniDirectional on or near your rooftop and you will never need to adjust or pay cable or satellite subscriptions again.
You’ll be able pull in all of your local news, sitcom, kids and sports programs in full HD to any digital-ready TV, VHF/UHF/FM.
The detachable High gain Low-Noise Amplifier integrated in this antenna provides high-quality and strong signals to your television.
This antenna comes complete with 39ft. of coax which makes installation a snap and has lower total cost of ownership.
#5. ClearStream 2MAX HDTV Antenna with Mount
Features:
- 60-mile range
- Receives UHF and VHF signal
- Comes with mounting hardware
- Supports 1080p HD video
- Patented loop design gives exceptional reception with minimum interference
The ClearStream 2MAX Antenna is suitable for indoor and outdoor installation. This antenna can pick up HD channels from your local broadcasters although its range is limited to 60 miles. That said this compact antenna outperforms many of its competitors in this range.
With this Cleartream 2MAX Antenna, expect to pull in stations such as ABC, CBS, PBS, FOX and the like. You can also watch local channels, both HD or regular transmissions.
Since it picks up both VHF and UHF signals, you can receive many local channels without a problem.
ClearStream’s patented antenna design gives excellent signal strength and actively cancels interference that could weaken signals.
If you want to learn more about this antenna, check out our comprehensive review of the ClearStream 2MAX Antenna.
Our Verdict
While it’s not technically an omni-directional antenna you will find the beam ClearStream antennas to be quite large, meaning, you will have more success picking up broadcast signals from different directions when compared to more traditional uni-directional antennas.
This antenna is ideally suited for both indoor and outdoor installations, however, as always whenever possible place the antenna outdoors.
Its patented design leverages multi-directional elements that give you exceptional reception with minimal interference in the harshest of weather conditions.
Backed by a lifetime warranty on all parts you really can’t go wrong with this antenna.
#4. ClearStream 4MAX HDTV Antenna
Features:
- Unique Quad-Loop design picks up UHF channels from 70 miles of range
- Wide Beam angle of antenna does not need rotation
- Patented design offers great reception without interference
- Antennas Direct Lifetime Warranty on parts
- Mounting hardware included for easy installation
- Multi-directional elements for top-notch reception
The big brother to the ClearStream 2MAX reviewed above this antenna will receive all UHF signals from broadcast towers 70 miles away.
Its patented design provides the highest quality of reception and stable range, under the harshest weather conditions and even under areas surrounded by trees.
This antenna comes with full mounting hardware, is multi-directional and receives full HD 1080p broadcasts and is UHD 4K ready.
If you want to learn more about this antenna, check out our comprehensive review of the ClearStream 4MAX Antenna.
Our Verdict
As is the case with all ClearStream Outdoor HDTV antennas, it has a wide beam angle that does not demand any sort of rotation for better reception.
With this antenna, you can watch HD channels broadcasted by your local station and is designed to pick up major TV networks such as PBS, NBC, FOX, and CBS.
That means that after you install this antenna you will never need to subscribe to cable or satellite again. The ClearStream 4MAX Outdoor Antenna has been backed by an industry leading Lifetime Warranty period on all parts.
#3. Channel Master CM-4228HD High VHF-UHF HDTV Antenna
Features:
- 70+ miles of range coverage
- Classic and convenient 8 Bowtie designed antenna
- Latest Antenna Technology- compact design and high performance
- High-quality sound and crystal clear picture provided
- Exceptional Lifetime Warranty on parts
- Easy installation with all the kit included
This is a personal favorite of mine and it is still in the top 10 list of any reputable site you’ll visit. Its classical design and 8 Bowtie arrangement allows you to receive signals from 70+ miles of range.
Targeting main DTV frequencies, this antenna receives free over-the-air digital and HD channels without having to pay any type of subscription fee.
Our Verdict
It is a perfect option for the users’ living in rural or suburban regions as it can effortlessly operate under afforested surroundings as well.
The product comes all-included with durable U-bolts, Clamps for mounting and hardware for quick installation.
With this antenna, you can watch HD channels broadcasted by your local station. But that’s not it. It will also pick up major TV networks such as PBS, NBC, FOX, and CBS.
That means you won’t miss your favorite show ever again, even when you have unsubscribed from satellite and cable.
Check out our comprehensive review of the CM-4228HD antenna.
#2. Antennas Direct DB8e Antenna
Features:
- 8-Element Bowtie design for picking up TV signals from 70 miles of range
- Flexible brackets design- Receives signals from towers in different directions
- High gain of 17.4dBi
- Easy to install; Compact in size
- Reflector avoids any sort of multipath interference
- Lifetime warranty on parts
Touted as the most powerful 8-Element Bowtie Antenna on the market it is capable of picking up HDTV signal from towers 70 miles away. This makes receiving UHF frequency ranges, 470 MHz to 698 MHz, US Channels 14 – 69 a breeze.
It is one of the easiest antennas to mount if you follow our detailed guide below and the provided instructions.
It is a very flexible product so you can install it indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs, however, for best results it is highly recommended that you install this antenna outdoors.
Our Verdict
This antenna is a solid choice for the users living urban or rural areas where building, trees and other obstructions are a problem.
Its multi-purpose arrangement provides flexibility and easy installation in areas with transmission towers in different directions.
The reflector promises to boost the antenna’s power and prevents any kind of interference. If you want to learn more about this awesome antenna, check out our comprehensive review of the Antennas Direct DB8e.
#1. RCA Yagi Digitally Optimized HDTV Antenna
Features:
- Pre-assembled design; snap-lock elements and easy-lock fold-out reflector
- Supports 1080p and 4K HD signal format
- Range of 60 miles; VHF/UHF reception
- Cross-phase, multi-element design for top-notch reception
- 1 year warranty period
- Built with high quality materials
- Mounting hardware included
RCA Outdoor Yagi antenna picks up signals from broadcasts tower that are 60 miles away and is one of the best outdoor antennas ever.
Built for high durability, this antenna survives all bad weather conditions without compromising its performance. Its fold-out design and included mast and mounting hardware provides a high degree of flexibility when it comes to installation.
Our Verdict
RCA Outdoor Yagi antenna is our top pick in terms of price and quality. It leverages a cross-phase, multi-element design for superior HD reception, which translates into more channels.
With this antenna, you can watch HD channels broadcasted by your local station and is designed to pick up major TV networks such as PBS, NBC, FOX, and CBS.
You can learn more about this antenna here in our full review article.
Buying Guide for Outdoor HDTV Antennas
It’s important to understand that no one antenna or antenna type will deliver excellent TV reception in every location. The main factors determining reception are the distance and direction from the TV station transmitters to your home. The transmitter’s power and the height of its tower also matter.
Careful antenna selection is needed if you live greater than 40 miles away from the broadcast tower or towers which you’re trying to receive your signal.
Ideally, you are situated on a signal path that is largely unobstructed, however, if this is not the case be sure to read the reviews above carefully in order to select an antenna that is suitable for your geographic location.
1. Unidirectional versus Omnidirectional Antennas:
Unidirectional antennas that have a narrow beam width, typically between 25 and 35 degrees. These types of antennas are much more resilient to noise and are ideal when your broadcast towers are clustered together in one general direction or area. It is important to note that TV signal transmission is “line of sight.”
Getting reliable reception beyond the curvature of the earth (roughly 70 miles) is difficult. Mountains or tall buildings between the broadcast tower(s) and your home can also cause reception problems. So, the first step is to locate the transmitters for your local stations and point your antenna that way.
Omnidirectional are antennas that will receive a signal from all directions because they offer a 360 degree field. So if you have one of these types of antennas there is really no need to “point it” in any specific direction.
In this case if you are not getting the results you think you should be getting your only option is going to be to find a better location on your house or property.
2. Indoor versus Outdoor TV Antennas:
2. Indoor versus Outdoor TV Antennas:Indoor Antennas are compactly designed and are designed to be mounted on your wall in close proximity to your television set. The are typically cheaper, however, reception can be difficult depending on your location.
Outdoor Antennas are often larger in size and are typically well suited for rooftop or side of house mounting. These antennas deliver high performance and whenever possible should be chosen over the indoor variety.
3. Amplified versus Non-Amplified Antennas:
TV signals from you antenna generally become weaker as it travels through your coax cable to your TV or network tuner. If the cable runs are too far or you are splitting the signal in one or more locations, then the signal at you TV may become too weak and you may need to install a amplifier.
Many of the Outdoor Antennas available in the market today come equipped with built-in amplification for enhanced picture and sound quality.
The problem with over amplification is that it may sometimes worsen the condition of poor reception as they will also amplify any noise on the incoming signal.
For this reason, amplified antennas are generally recommended for those users who live a distance of 40 miles or greater from the transmission tower.
4. VHF versus UHF Antennas:
Digital TV signals are transmitted over two frequency ranges – VHF or Very High Frequency and UHF or Ultra High Frequency.
The VHF band covers “physical channels” 2-13 where the UHF spectrum cover channels 14-83.
If channels in your area are transmitting in the local frequency band (channels 2-13) I would recommend you get a VHF/UHF combination antenna.
How To Choose The Best Outdoor Antenna for HDTV
Before you go off to Amazon and buy your shiny new HDTV antenna, an important first step is learning what signals you can receive at your home and how strong those signals are.
I’ve put together a TV Antenna Station Locator Tool page that can help you identify OTA channels and tower locations in your region.
Check out the YouTube video below that walks you through how to use the tool in a few short minutes.
There are other websites, with more advanced tools that can analyze virtually any address in the U.S., using metrics such as distance to the transmitter to give a very close approximation of what to expect in terms of reception and how powerful an antenna you’ll need.
One in particular that I recommend is TVFool.com.
Another important aspect is the direction the signals are coming from. In most instances, you’ll find that the tower(s) seem to be clustered in a general direction, which is why a unidirectional antenna is usually my preferred choice.
If you’re in a location where the signal are coming from multiple directions than your choices here become a little more limited so you may want to consider an omnidirectional antenna.
How To Install Your Shiny New Outdoor Antenna
Prep your location for installation:
Once you have checked out TV Antenna Station Locator Tool page, you should have a good idea of the channels available in your geographic area and what direction they are being broadcast from.
Using a compass or compass app (there are many free ones for your smartphone) locate the direction from your antenna demarcation point.
Unbox your new antenna:
Unbox your new antenna and confirm that all the pieces are there. Most antennas will come with their own mounting hardware.
Follow the instruction guide for mounting the antenna to your roof, fascia or other location uses screws to fasten the brackets. I recommend using roof sealant for the screws if you are going to mount to your roof-top.
Assemble the antenna:
Depending on your antenna it may come preassembled or may require some assembly. If assembly is required follow the provided instructions.
Affix the mounting pole:
Some antenna providers supply a mounting pole with your antenna. If this is the case, generally you will need to loosen the bolts on the sleeve of the bracket and insert the pole hardware into it.
If no pole assembly came included, I’ve had good luck with 1.5 inch conduit, horseshoe bolts and uni-strut.
Install your antenna to the mounting pole:
As instructed in step 4, ensure your antenna is securely fastened to your mounting pole. Now it is time to check the direction of your antenna using your compass or your smartphone app.
Rotate the antenna toward the the broadcast tower(s) that you will receive a signal from.
Once in position, loosely tighten your bolts so your position is not likely to move, however, you can still turn the antenna if needed.
Make the necessary coax terminations:
Use a high quality F-connector to link one end of the cable to your antenna. On the opposite end of the cable connect another F-connect and link this to either your TV or other tuner box.
Scan for channels using your TV or Tuner hardware:
Turn your television set on and scan for digital channels. You may at this point need to tweak antenna position. If you are using a network tuner most have a signal app that can be installed on your smartphone, if not, ask someone to help you.
Finish your antenna setup:
Once you are satisfied with the number of channels you are receiving and the position of your antenna go back and firmly tighten up all the screws on your antenna and/or mounting pole.
Be sure to securely fasten your coax cables using u-clamps or other fastening hardware to your house.
Lastly, don’t forget to ground your antenna (using appropriately sized ground wire and a grounding block) for assured safety and to mitigate damage caused by a lightning strike.
Conclusion
Many factors will impact your signal quality and reliability. If you are 40 miles or further away from your broadcast towers make sure you buy an antenna that will give you the depth and coverage you need.
Furthermore, and this can’t be overstated, the importance of properly sealing any rooftop mounted TV Antenna is an essential part of any installation to provide for better security and weather-proof design.
And of course, make sure to ground the coax cable connection and any metal parts, to provide that low impedance path back to the earth in the event of lightning strikes.
While the RCA Outdoor Yagi Antenna rounds out our list and gets top spot at #1 all antennas listed, particularly in the top 5 are worthy. However, he pre-assembled design, fold-out reflector with easy-lock and snap-lock elements of antenna makes the installation process much easier and quicker.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out some of my other articles today:
- 10 Best Attic Antennas [Buying Guide]
- Antenna Preamplifier vs Distribution Amplifier
- Best Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas
- 10 Best Indoor HDTV Antennas