In recent years, there has been an increase in cable, satellite and streaming video services. As a result, users have unlimited options for high-quality programming, all of which come at a cost. Concurrently, there is also a variety of video programming available freely over the air.
Consumers can choose to pay for cable or streaming services, which require internet and a monthly or annual subscription fee. Another alternative for consumers is tapping the free airwaves offered by major broadcasters. An outdoor tv antenna allows you to access and enjoy such free high-quality broadcast free tv channels without spending a dime.
To help find the best outdoor HDTV antenna for your home, we have created a list of our top outdoor antennas and factors to consider before deciding to switch from your cable subscription.
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5 Best Outdoor TV Antennas
1. Vansky Outdoor OTA Amplified HD TV Antenna
- 250 Miles Long Range & 2 TV Outputs: TV antenna can capture 4K, 720p,...
- Full HD Channels: Digital TV antenna lets you have over-the-air...
- Easy To Install: HDTV antenna comes with an easy-to-use user manual...
- Weather Resistant: TV antenna for smart TV is an ideal solution for...
- Worry-Free Warranty: If you have any questions installing or using our...
The Vansky outdoor amplified tv antenna has dual tv outputs meaning that it can sustain two televisions simultaneously without a splitter. In addition, it has a built-in low noise amplifier and a built-in 360-degree motor rotor.
It has a 150 Mile Range HDTV Reception. The HD Antenna can capture 1080p HDTV and 32db high gain reception within 150-mile range, 720p, 1080i, 1080p. The OTA's working frequency is VHF 40~300MHz | UHF 470~890MHz |
It is weather resistant. The outdoor antenna is lightning protected and has a durable design with grounding to protect it from getting struck out by bad weather.
The package comes with the Vansky outdoor HDTV antenna, a wireless remote, power supply adapter and 32.8ft coax cable. Unfortunately, the pole is not included.
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CONS
2. RCA Outdoor Yagi Satellite HD Antenna
- Enjoy top-rated HDTV network programming on channels like CBS, NBC,...
- Receives TV broadcasts including 4K, 8K and 1080 HDTV for...
- Withstands tough outdoor conditions with durable construction and...
- Easy installation with pre-assembled design, easy-lock fold-out UHF...
- The free RCA Signal Finder app is your digital compass that guides you...
The RCA Yagi Antenna receives TV broadcasts including 4K, 8K and 1080 HDTV for high-quality pictures and sound. It receives signals from both UHF and VHF stations up to 70+ miles range from the radio towers.
It withstands tough outdoor conditions as it is designed with durable construction materials. As a result, the reception is superior outdoors or even when mounted indoors.
Installation is easy with a pre-assembled design, an easy-lock fold-out UHF reflector and snap-lock elements. The package includes a mast, locking mast clamp, mounting hardware and 75-ohm matching transformer. The coax cable is sold separately.
The RCA Outdoor antenna has a Signal Finder app that acts as your digital compass. This compass guides you to the highest definition channels and aligns your antenna perfectly.
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3. Before Outdoor Antenna
- ✅Dual TV output -- Outdoor HDTV antenna support 2 TVs at the same...
- ✅150 Miles Remotely Reception-- HD TV Antennas can capture 1080p...
- ✅ Wireless remote controller -- Built in 360 degree motor rotor ,...
- ✅Weather resistance-- 150 mile Digital TV antenna is for outdoor...
- ✅ What’s in the package -- Outdoor tv antenna with wireless...
The Before Outdoor Antenna has a dual tv output. It supports two TVs simultaneously without a splitter or a special adapter. Moreover, the Before antenna has a built-in 360-degree motor and a built-in super low noise amplifier.
The HD tv antenna can capture 1080p, 4k and 32db high gain reception within 150 miles range and fully support 720p, 1080i, 1080p,4k. The working frequency is VHF 40~300mhz, UHF 470~890mhz.
It is weather resistant since it is made from a durable design with grounding and superior construction to withstand tough outdoor weather conditions.
The package contains an outdoor tv antenna with wireless remote control, a power supply adapter, a 33ft coaxial cable, a mounting pole and a user manual.
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CONS
4. GE Outdoor Long Range TV Antenna
- Cut the cord – Ditch expensive cable and satellite services and...
- Universal, long-range antenna – Designed for use with all brands of...
- Easy install – Mounting hardware and instructions are included for...
- NEXTGEN TV (ATSC 3.0) compatible – Experience this new broadcast...
- U.S.-based technical support – Backed by a limited-lifetime...
The GE Outdoor tv antenna is ideal for rural and suburban areas. It is weather-resistant. Additionally, it can be installed outdoors or in your attic with a 1080p and 4K reception. The antenna receives signals up to 70 miles from the broadcast tower.
The antenna supports multiple TVs in your home while providing superior VHF, UHF, and HD signals to multiple TVs. For this purpose, a splitter and a coax cable are required.
The components included in the package are mounting bracket, J-mount, VHF dipoles, UHF elements, signal enhancing reflector rods and bracket, along with simple to follow instructions on assembly and installation.
It offers a limited lifetime warranty and free U.S.-based technical support experts available to assist with any questions or issues.
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CONS
5. Before HDTV Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna
- ✅Dual TV output -- Outdoor HDTV antenna support 2 TVs at the same...
- ✅150 Miles Remotely Reception-- HD TV Antennas can capture 1080p...
- ✅ Wireless remote controller -- Built in 360 degree motor rotor ,...
- ✅Weather resistance-- 150 mile Digital TV antenna is for outdoor...
- ✅ What’s in the package -- Outdoor tv antenna with wireless...
The Before Digital antenna captures 1080p HDTV and 32db high gain reception within 150-mile range and supports 720p, 1080i, 1080p. The working frequency is VHF 40~300MHz | UHF 470~890MHz. The antenna receives digital broadcast high definition TV signals.
The Digital HDTV antenna constantly scans for new UHF channels as they’re made available for broadcast. It has a built-in 360-degree motor rotor and a built-in Super Low Noise Amplifier. In addition, it includes a 33ft HD tv antenna coax cable. Unfortunately, the pole is not included.
The antenna can only be connected to the control box. Thereafter, it is connected to the TV through the 1.2M cable at the back of the control box. The downside is that it cannot be directly connected to the TV through an outdoor coaxial cable.
Outdoor tv antenna supports two TVs simultaneously without a splitter or a special adapter.
PROS
CONS
Factors to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Antenna
There are a variety of options to consider when it comes to choosing the best antenna. Similarly, you may be slightly unconvinced on whether or not outdoor tv antennas will meet your video-programming needs. That being said, here are a few reasons as to why you should cut the cable cords.
Advantages of Outdoor TV Antennas
1. Saves you Money on Cable and Subscription Services
All cable networks require a periodical subscription fee that, often than not, is expensive. The tv channels offered by service providers may also not be suitable for all consumers. The best outdoor tv antenna gives you access to high-quality programming for free.
You need to have the internet to access cable networks and other paid subscriptions. Cutting the cord on the cable will save you money since you'll have to pay for the internet only.
2. Easy to Install
Outdoor tv antennas are easy to install. You can opt to do the installation by yourself or hire a handy person to help you.
3. Require a Small Investment on Time and Money
Purchasing an outdoor antenna does not need you to break the bank. Since it is also easy to install, you get to save time as well. Compared to the long-term costs of having a subscription service, a good outdoor antenna will save you so much money with only a one-time investment.
Disadvantages of Outdoor TV Antennas
1. Signal Strength is Not Constant
VHF and UHF signals used to transmit tv broadcasts are not always strong. Different factors influence the signal strength, such as location, antenna size and building structure.
2. Added Costs
Some antennas come with missing hardware parts that need to be purchased separately. Such parts include the coax cable, pole and amplifier. It is, therefore, important to keenly check the items included in the package prior to buying.
We will look at some of the factors below.
a). Ease of Installation
Installing an outdoor tv antenna is not always straightforward. For this reason, hiring an antenna installer can be quite expensive. However, if you prefer to do things yourself, choosing an easy to install tv antenna is best.
Some of the best outdoor tv antennas come with a full-fledged kit. This kit includes a mounting pole, antenna brackets and more mounting hardware.
b). Location
The location of your home is a big determiner when choosing a suitable outdoor antenna. Many broadcast towers are located within cities. If you reside in a city, you don't have to be worried about your broadcast tv signals or the mile range.
The same concept applies to if you live in a remote or rural area. Since the broadcast signals there are limited, your antenna may have a problem getting reception. Again, checking in advance the distance from the nearest tower will help you decide on the right antenna to buy.
c). Directional or Omnidirectional Reception
Antennas pull signals either from one direction or multiple directions. This is mainly because of the number of towers located in a specific area. Directional antennas pull signals from one direction, while omnidirectional antennas, also known as multidirectional antennas, receive signals from all directions.
The choice of which antenna to purchase in this aspect can seem daunting. When using a directional antenna, you have to manually change the direction it is facing to get better reception. Multidirectional antennas have superior reception as they don't have to face the broadcast towers. To receive high signal quality, they have antenna elements throughout that draw signals from any direction.
The downside of directional antennas is that they require you to change the direction manually. Multidirectional antennas have shorter ranges and are more expensive than the latter.
d). Connectivity
The number of TVs that can be connected to an antenna highly influences the choice of the outdoor antenna to purchase. If planning to connect more than one TV, a coaxial splitter is used to divert the signal. Such splitters allow for dual tv outputs without any interference. Some antennas include a coaxial splitter in the purchase. Otherwise, you'll have to purchase one.
e). Signal Range
The signal range works hand in hand with your location. For example, if you're near a broadcast tower, you will need an antenna with a short mile range like a 70-mile range. Similarly, being away from the broadcast tower requires you to have an antenna with a quality longer mile range, such as a 150-200 mile range, not to compromise the signal.
f). HD Compatibility
TV signals are broadcast on two bands, VHF(very high frequency) and UHF(ultra-high frequency). Many manufacturers claim to produce outdoor tv antennas that support HD quality. It is, however, important to countercheck that before making a purchase. TV antennas should support video formats like 720p and 1080p and UHF signals and VHF signals frequency.
g). Size and Height of Outdoor Antenna
Outdoor antennas pick up signal waves from the air. These waves can be obstructed by tall structures such as buildings and mountains. Valleys and other depressions can also obstruct signal waves.
A taller tv antenna has optimum signal reception as it picks up a quality signal. In addition, larger antennas can pick up even weak signals.
h). Type of Cabling
A coaxial cable is used to transmit signals from the tv antenna to the tv. The two main types of coaxial cables are RG-6 and RG-11. The former provides signals best for HD quality while the latter offers standard TV reception. If the sound quality or picture quality is not sufficient, a signal amplifier is used to improve the quality of the signal from the antenna.
i). Amplified or Non-Amplified
An amplified antenna helps improve the signal quality received by TVs, especially in remote areas and valleys. Most antennas have built-in amplifiers to convert weak signals to sharp low signals. However, the downside of having such an antenna is that it increases the noise.
Frequently Asked Questions on Outdoor Antennas
1. Do the best outdoor antennas work?
The best tv antennas work by pulling free signals from broadcast towers within a reasonable mile range. An outdoor HDTV antenna intercepts these signals or waves, sending them to the tv. In doing so, free-to-air HD channels are then available on your tv.
2. How do I get the best outdoor antenna reception?
Whether you have a new outdoor tv antenna or you already have one, mounting your antenna in the direction of the nearby towers is the first way to improve your signal reception. If a poor reception is still present, investing in a quality coaxial cable could improve reception quality.
Raising your antenna higher or getting a larger antenna so as to capture the strongest signals and the weakest signals, respectively.
