The Best Outdoor TV Antennas to Watch Local TV Channels for Free
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Cut the cord and start enjoying free local and cable broadcast channels with any of these top-notch outdoor TV antennas.
Instead of subscribing to streaming services, you could be pulling in free TV channels from the airwaves around your home. The best outdoor TV antennas require only a small investment of time and money, so in little time, you could be saving money on cable and subscription services while watching your favorite TV channels in HD quality.
Outdoor antennas can pull in a range of TV channels, including local, national, and public broadcasting. They’re also relatively easy to install, either by enlisting the help of a handyman or doing it yourself—provided you don’t have a fear of heights. This guide explores all of the factors and features to consider when shopping for an outdoor antenna, including a list of some of the best ones available.
- BEST OVERALL: Channel Master ExtremeTenna 80 Outdoor TV Antenna
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pingbingding Digital Amplified Yagi HDTV Antenna
- UPGRADE PICK: Channel Master Digital Advantage 100 Antenna
- BEST COMPACT: Antennas Direct ClearStream 4V TV Antenna
- BEST LONG-RANGE: Five Star Long Range Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna
- BEST MOTORIZED: Pingbingding Digital Amplified Outdoor HD TV Antenna
- BEST FOR ATTIC INSTALLS: GE Outdoor HD Long-Range TV Antenna
- BEST APP SUPPORT: RCA Compact Outdoor/Attic HDTV Antenna
- BEST FOR RURAL AREAS: Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie Outdoor HDTV Antenna
How We Chose the Best Outdoor TV Antennas
The best outdoor TV antenna should provide a clear picture and offer ample channel options. Our top choices were based on size, mile range, frequencies provided, durable construction, and special features.
The above picks prioritize medium- and large-size options for better connection when watching live TV or HDTV in the entertainment or living room. For those who live close to broadcasting towers and prefer local news, small options are also featured. Though our picks vary in size, they offer a range of 70 to 200 miles for maximum coverage. All of these offerings also provide VHF and UHF signals, increasing the number of channels available, as well as HDTV 1808i, FM, and 4K and 8K resolution.
Many selections are made from durable materials and mounting hardware to withstand all-season weather. For added convenience, some also include built-in amplifiers, smartphone connectivity, remote controls, and 180- to 360-degree fields of vision. A few of the best TV antennas can even be used as indoor antennas for attic spaces.
Our Top Picks
The best outdoor TV antennas are reliable and deliver solid reception. Some have incredibly long ranges, which are great at picking up TV signals for residents of remote areas. Others are compact and less obtrusive. Here are some of the best ones on the market.
Best Overall
Channel Master ExtremeTenna 80 Outdoor TV Antenna
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Antenna size: Large (33 inches wide by 41 inches high)
- Range: 80 miles
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Pros
- Capable of providing HD-quality picture; ideal for most TV watchers
- Covers a wide range with a 180-degree field of view
- Includes multiple signals such as FM, VHF, and UHF, covering multiple channels
Cons
- Some parts sold separately, making it more complicated to install
Channel Master has been around since the beginning of TV antenna technology. The ExtremeTenna 80is a product of all those years of research and innovation. This HD outdoor TV antenna from Channel Master has a 180-degree field of view and can pick up channels within 80 miles of a broadcast tower—including VHF, UHF, FM, and HD signals—so homeowners cutting the cord for the first time don’t have to sacrifice their favorite channels.
This Channel Master antenna requires additional parts for installation. The kit doesn’t include a pole (more appropriately referred to as the mast) or the brackets required to mount it on the side of a house.
Get the Channel Master outdoor TV antenna at Amazon or Channel Master.
Best Bang for the Buck
Pingbingding Digital Amplified Yagi HDTV Antenna
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Antenna size: Medium
- Range: 120 miles
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Pros
- Flexible use; works as a VHF, UHF, and HDTV antenna for watching multiple HD channels
- Built-in amplifier helps boost the signal; can help in dense or remote areas
- Includes brackets for mounting, making installation a little easier than other options
Cons
- Installation still may be difficult as it must be placed as high as possible
Anyone who wants to try over-the-air television without a large investment will want to check out the Pingbingding Amplified Yagi HDTV antenna. When calibrated toward a broadcast tower, this outdoor antenna has a 120-mile range, which is ideal for HD channels and for residents of remote locations. The antenna picks up VHF, UHF, and HD broadcasts, with a built-in amplifier that helps to provide the best possible audio and video quality. It ships mostly assembled and ready to install.
This outdoor HDTV antenna includes the brackets required to secure it to a pole, though the pole will need to be self-installed. It’s also worth noting that the higher this antenna is mounted, the more channels it receives. While this is true for all antennas, lower-end antennas, in particular, need to be installed as high as possible for the best reception.
Get the Pingbingding outdoor HDTV antenna at Amazon or Pingbingding.
Upgrade Pick
Channel Master Digital Advantage 100 Antenna
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Antenna size: Large
- Range: 100 miles
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Pros
- UHF, VHF, and HD connections included; HDTV channels included
- Holds up in extreme weather conditions when mounted properly
- Installation hardware included for user-friendliness
Cons
- Amplifier, coax cable, and pole not included
When a manufacturer provides a range claim for an antenna, sometimes it oversells the product’s capabilities. That’s not the case with the Channel Master Digital Advantage Antenna. This outdoor TV antenna picks up UHF, VHF, and HDTV channels, provided it’s lined up properly with a broadcast tower, within a 100-mile range. This Channel Master‘s large size (almost 8 feet long) and quality components ensure that this antenna provides a clear broadcast to a TV.
This Channel Master outdoor TV antenna does not include a pole, coaxial cable, or amplifier. These items will need to be bought separately to complete the installation process.
Get the Channel Master outdoor TV antenna at Amazon.
Best Compact
Antennas Direct ClearStream 4V TV Antenna
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Antenna size: Medium
- Range: 70+ miles
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- Smaller size still able to provide both UHF and VHF connections
- Receives HD 1080i channels without needing an additional amplifier
- Mounting hardware included with clear installation instructions; good for novice installers
Cons
- Smaller size and more limited range may not be suitable in some remote locations
When it comes to providing the most capability in a small package, the Antennas Direct ClearStream 4V TV antenna delivers. This compact antenna measures less than 30 inches wide and about 20 inches tall, and the kit includes the mounting pole and brackets for easy installation outdoors. A great choice for rural areas, the ClearStream 4V has a 70-mile range and picks up both UHF and VHF frequencies. This antenna will also pick up HD 1080i channels where they are readily available, without an extra amplifier.
This model includes the parts needed to mount it to a house, but a coaxial cable must be purchased separately.
Get the Antennas Direct ClearStream outdoor TV antenna at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Long-Range
Five Star Long Range Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Antenna size: Large
- Range: 200 miles
- Ease of installation: Moderate
Pros
- Huge range; ideal for picking up multiple UHF, VHF, and HD frequencies
- 360-degree motor included; great for easily finding the best signal
- Mounting hardware and pole included, all at an affordable price point compared to other options
Cons
- Some users report difficulties with range and durability; may struggle in more rugged environments
Five Star’s outdoor digital amplified HDTV antenna has the wiring and hardware to hook up to five TVs—a nice feature for larger homes. A J-pole is included, allowing the buyer to mount the antenna to the roof of their home. This outdoor TV antenna provides a 200-mile range when installed within a relatively clear line of sight to the broadcast tower and picks up UHF, VHF, and HD frequencies where available. It also has a built-in 360-degree motor to help find the best signal direction.
This kit is fairly comprehensive and includes quite a few parts and hardware. It requires a bit of assembly, so anyone looking for a kit that’s ready to go out of the box may want to consider another option.
Get the Five Star outdoor HDTV antenna at Amazon, Walmart, or Newegg.
Best Motorized
Pingbingding Digital Amplified Outdoor HD TV Antenna
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Antenna size: Small
- Range: 150 miles
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- 360-degree motor included can maneuver itself to find stronger signals
- Comes with a remote controller; reduces need for manual adjustments
- Includes coaxial cable and J-pole, which makes this quite affordable compared to other options
Cons
- May have connectivity issues with the included remote when used over long distances
This digital outdoor TV antenna from Pingbingding features easy-to-assemble parts that snap onto the antenna body for a relatively quick setup. It also offers a 360-degree motor, making reception adjustments at the touch of a button possible, either on the control box or with the paired remote controller. The antenna provides a 150-mile range and includes both a J-pole for easy mounting and a coaxial cable.
One issue of concern is that the wireless remote controller for the motor could potentially use the same frequencies as your television remote. If that’s the case, you’ll have to find a way to block the controller’s remote sensor.
Get the Pingbingding digital outdoor TV antenna at Amazon, Newegg, or Pingbingding.
Best for Attic Installs
GE Outdoor HD Long-Range TV Antenna
Photo: amazon.com
Product Specs
- Antenna size: Medium
- Range: 70 miles
- Ease of installation: Easy
Pros
- Interior installation minimizes eyesores on the roof; provides better curb appeal
- Most mounting hardware is included with this outdoor antenna, making installation relatively easy
- Suitable for older or heritage homes; can be installed inside the attic
Cons
- For certain install requirements, additional parts may need to be purchased
- Limited range is likely not suitable for those located in remote areas
This antenna from GE is powerful enough to install in an attic, keeping it out of sight. It’s a great option for heritage homes that have historical societies overseeing any modifications. The antenna offers a 70-mile range and includes the necessary parts to install in an attic or on a roof. It picks up HD broadcasts, working with both UHF and VHF frequencies.
While the kit includes the parts required to install this antenna in an attic, the buyer will need to purchase extra gear to hook up to several TVs, including an amplifier-splitter combination and coaxial cables.