Best Outdoor TV Antenna — Reviews and Complete Buyer’s Guide

In this fast-paced world, we cope with a lot of stress on a daily basis. For decades, the TV has been our main escape from family, school, and work-related problems. It’s the one thing that has been adding a little bit of fun to our lives.

It’s no wonder that, even in the digital era, TV remains the favorite choice of entertainment for the masses. It has managed to stay at the top even after facing cut-throat competition from other smart gadgets.

However, it’s not all fun and games. We all know how insanely expensive a monthly fee for certain cable packages can get. Cable companies charge us a hefty amount, and we often don’t even watch half the channels they provide.

But you, at least, don’t have to suffer anymore! Getting a TV antenna will help you watch all your favorite without having to pay anybody for it. But that’s not even the best part. Namely, you can watch them in crystal clear 4K and 1080p resolution.

Now, you probably know that there are many types of antennas on the market, both outdoor and indoor. In this article, we are going to specifically discuss the list of candidates for the best outdoor TV antenna and why you should consider buying them.

Shall we begin then?

The Reasons to Get an Outdoor TV Antenna

In the past few years, there has been a significant rise in the number of antenna users. People are dumping their cable boxes and going old school again, mainly because they are looking for cheaper replacements for their satellite and cable packages. But, aside from that, antennas offer some other benefits, and we’re going to discuss discuss them now.

A TV Antenna Can Save Money

We have been saying this loud and clear since the start — installing a TV antenna at home can save you a lot of money. Once you have it, all those broadcast channels are totally free! You won’t have to pay the monthly fast internet and cable fees, which can get anywhere near $250 per month. Think about it — the money you save with an outdoor TV antenna can be used for other important things.

Broadcast Stations Offer Sub-Channels

Of course, paid cable channels or satellite TV still offer more channels as compared to antennas. But one advantage of using a TV antenna is that many broadcast stations offer at least one sub-channel and paid cable connections don’t. Furthermore, you can easily get the best outdoor TV antenna at a reasonable price either online or from your neighborhood store.

Stable Reception in Bad Weather

One thing is sure — even during stormy days or nights, you can rely on an outdoor TV antenna to continue watching TV. With satellite TV, for example, signals disappear if there’s even the slightest hint of bad weather. Because of that, you might miss out on an important update on weather conditions. That’s why you should consider getting a TV antenna.

Better Than Indoor Models

Outdoor models experience less interference than indoor ones. Since they are placed high on the roof and there is nothing to obstruct the signals, they get better reception.

Also, antennas with amplifiers make a lot of noise. The noise is quite noticeable even when the antenna is outside — we are sure you wouldn’t want that inside the walls of your home. The best outdoor TV antenna, on the other hand, will not cause trouble at all.

After reading the benefits of using an outdoor TV antenna, we are pretty sure you must be convinced to buy one. And if that is the case, you might be wondering what to look for while shopping for the best outdoor TV antenna. Well, worry not! We have got you covered.

Factors You Should Consider Before Buying An Outdoor Antenna

We get that you want to buy the best outdoor TV antenna available on the market. You don’t want to be stuck with a heavy antenna on your rooftop that has trouble working half of the time.

Choosing the best outdoor antenna may seem a tad complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few factors that you should look out for before making the final decision. This buyer’s guide is here to help you select the right one depending on your needs.

Range

The very first thing that you need to consider when purchasing an outdoor antenna is the range. It refers to how far the antenna can find signals. It’s important to make sure that you get good reception on all the channels you want to watch.

The range is affected by factors such as topography and broadcast tower location. Therefore, the range of an antenna won’t be the same in the hills and in the plains.

You would also want to make sure that you get all the channels you want. There are websites that give you information about what stations and how many channels you will get in your area.

If you have a TV tower nearby, you can then easily save some extra bucks by not having to buy an amplified TV antenna. Otherwise, it’s advisable to get an antenna with a range of 150 miles or more for good signal reception.

Video Quality

Usually, a TV antenna supports up to 1080p, which is the best quality for over-the-air signal. However, 4K signals antennas are starting to become available now, albeit they are still not so common. If you really want to get a 4K signal, make sure you double-check if your antenna supports it or not.

Ease of Installation

Considering the process of installation before buying an antenna is equally important as the other factors. Some of the models are heavy and require assembly while some come pre-assembled and are easy to set up.

If you are not sure about working with nuts, bolts and other securing items, then you should consider buying a small model which is easy to mount. Of course, you can also take the help of some technicians to help you with it. In short, you should always check the model’s preferred installation method.

Durability

The durability of anything you buy should always be a matter of concern. Since we are talking about the best outdoor TV antenna, you need to make sure that its body is firm enough to handle storms and not break off easily. Make sure you secure the antenna tightly so that it doesn’t slip off the roof in bad weather.

Brief Info on The Best Outdoor TV Antenna Leading Brands

A TV antenna has been around for 90 years. But until recently, the existence of over-the-air TV seemed to be a well-kept secret. Not anymore!

There are many value-conscious consumers who are turning to over-the-air digital antennas because they are a one-time investment. One can get away by spending as little as $30 to cut their monthly video subscription costs.

In fact, according to the reports by Consumer Technology Association, a total of 8.1 million TV antennas have been supplied to the retailers in the US in 2018. It is a straight 8% increase compared with 2016 and 2% increase compared with 2017.

It’s not surprising that with the uprising trend of using TV antennas, many companies are trying to penetrate the market. However, there are a few old companies which have been there for a long time. And they have no intention of going anywhere.

The trend has been a boon to antenna manufacturers like Winegard, Channel Master, General Electric, Mediasonic, etc. Winegard has been in the business of making over-the-air antennas since 1995. Even now, it continues to rule the industry with its premium-quality products.

Chandler, the Arizona-based manufacturer, has recently doubled the size of its facilities to meet the demand for its product.

Clearly, TV antennas are making a comeback in the age of digital streaming. And to ease your process of shopping for the best outdoor TV antenna, we have compiled a complete list of top 8 best outdoor antennas from the leading brands. Let’s have a look at it.

Best Outdoor TV Antenna Reviews

1 – RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi Satellite HD Antenna — HDTV Capabilities and Long Range

If you are tired of paying money to cable networks every month and you’re planning to switch to a TV antenna, you should definitely consider RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna.

RCA used to make VCRs back when they were still a thing. So they’ve been around for quite some time — they just switched to making what’s in demand at the moment. With RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna, you can be sure there will be no quality-related compromises.

Features and Benefits

First things first, the RCA Compact Yagi HDTV Antenna is super easy to set-up and mount; it comes with pre-assembled parts. In fact, because of that, it has also garnered many positive reviews on Amazon as it hardly takes any time to install and start using.

What’s more, its sturdy frame can handle the most intense weather conditions. The streamlined design ensures that, even during strong winds and heavy rain, the parts stay put. And if you care about those things — the antenna is 100% American-made.

An added bonus is that, though an outdoor antenna, RCA ANT751E Compact Yagi HDTV Antenna can be placed in the attic too. It will work just fine.

One of the reasons why it is considered the best outdoor TV antenna is the fact it can support programs in resolution as high as 1080i HDTV. Furthermore, the cross-phase, multi-element design allows it to get enhanced reception, which results in more channels. It can receive both high and low UHF and VHF over-the-air TV signals. You can trust RCA ANT751E Compact Yagi HDTV Antenna to provide you with HD content.

As for the signals, it has a range of up to 70 miles, which is really great for its price. It comes with a 75-ohm transformer. However, we found it to have some quality issue. You can rectify it by replacing it with a 300-75 Ohm transformer.

Overall, you should be glad to know that RCA products and designs meet all quality and performance standards that are set by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). So you can rest assured about its functionality.

Pros:

Sturdily built and weather-resistant design
Pre-assembled parts for easy installation
Receives both VHF and UHF channels

Cons:

Doesn’t support 4K

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2 – GE Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna — Excellent Reception of 1080p High Definition

We are pretty sure you must have heard of General Electric before. After all, it is one of the oldest and most reputable companies in the world, delivering solid products for decades.

Their GE 29884 Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna is the result of the same vision, offering excellent performance and great design. It has an impressive 70-mile range that serves most buyers’ requirements. The best part is that it offers all the premium channels — ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, PBS and many others — for free, thus saving you a lot of money.

Features and Benefits

In terms of design, it doesn’t look too attractive, but its compact size doesn’t draw much attention either. Instead, its curved signal reflectors drastically increase the signal strength, resulting in reduced dropouts and better viewing experience. In short, you can trust GE 29884 Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna to have a reliable signal reception.

Furthermore, the package includes a mounting pole and mast, so that you can choose the perfect position and best angle for the best possible reception. You can easily mount the antenna as high as you want in the attic or outdoor; it weighs only 3 pounds.

The sturdily-built structure can even withstand heavy rains and stormy days. However, the antenna doesn’t offer remote adjustability, which could be seen as a disadvantage by some.

In addition, this broad-spectrum antenna can receive both VHF and UHF signals, which is rare in this price range. It means more channels for you to watch. The technology also offers uncompressed 1080p full HD and is 4K ready for crystal-clear picture quality. No wonder, GE 29884 Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna made to the list of best outdoor TV antenna.

Trust us, installing the GE 29884 Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna is one of the easiest things ever. You just need to find the best place to get a good reception signal, mount it, and then plug it into your TV set.

However, there were many negative reviews regarding bad signal, probably because those people didn’t install the antenna properly. That’s why we advise you to read the instructions carefully and make sure you do it right the first time.

Pros:

Quite affordable for all it offers
Features signal-enhancing reflectors for better reception
Receives both VHF and UHF signals

Cons:

Unattractive design
Single-directional; blocks signals that come from behind

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3 – Mediasonic HOMEWORX HDTV Outdoor Antenna — Cheap and Weather Resistance

Another best outdoor TV antenna on our list is Mediasonic HOMEWORX HDTV Outdoor Antenna. This free-to-air long range antenna can give other HDTV antennas a run for their money. It also comes at affordable pricing, thus it is considered as the best outdoor HDTV antenna on the market today.

It is an excellent antenna that offers multiple functions. One of its best features is that it can receive both VHF and UHF HD channels. It only means you can watch a huge number of channels from the comfort of your home.

Features and Benefits

To begin with, it is really important to consider whether a particular antenna is weather-resistant or not, especially if you live in an area where it’s always raining or snowing.

The good news is that Mediasonic HOMEWORX HDTV Outdoor Antenna can handle even the worst of weather conditions. Many customers were happy that it works fine even on the days with heavy rainfall. In fact, the antenna comes with a waterproof F connector cover.

What’s more, the model uses advance signal reception technology, which means you get to watch a maximum number of channels in your region.

Furthermore, Mediasonic HOMEWORX HDTV Outdoor Antenna provides 1080p full HD, allowing you to watch videos at crystal clear quality.

You will be surprised to know that it can gather signals at a range of up to 80 miles, which is huge. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for homes of all sizes.

Most importantly, the antenna is incredibly easy to install. It comes with a manual that provides clear instructions on how to set it up. It’s a simple three-step, quick set up process that is so easy:

A – Connect the coaxial cable to your TV or ATSC digital converter box.

B – Find the perfect placement for the antenna. It should be pointing to the broadcast station.

C – Scan for available channels and enjoy.

More so, Mediasonic HOMEWORX HDTV Outdoor Antenna comes with 32 inches, or 810 mm, long antenna and 9 elements. You don’t want to miss such a great product. However, the package doesn’t include the mounting pole. You will need to purchase it separately.

Pros:

Three-step, quick and easy installation
Offers an extra long antenna — 32 inches
Comes with a waterproof F connector cover

Cons:

Mounting pole not included

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4 – Winegard Platinum Series HD7694P Long Range TV Antenna — 4K Ready & ATSC 3.0 Complaint

Here is another leading outdoor TV antenna from Winegard Co. — a reputable American brand — that has been manufacturing antennas since 1954. It has engineered groundbreaking designs and has also had the pleasure to serve customers like NASA.

Winegard Platinum Series HD7694P shows exceptional capabilities and has some excellent features to offer. It is ATSC 3.0 ready, which means better image quality and higher dynamic ranges. Let us tell you, ATSC 3.0 is the ‘next generation TV.

If you are planning on buying a TV antenna, what’s better than being ready for the future? It promises a great brightness level, wide color palette, and also better contrast than many other antennas.

Features and Benefits

The Winegard Platinum Series HD7694P Antenna — a long-range outdoor antenna — is one of the leading models on the market. It has the capacity to receive a signal from as far as 60 miles away.

What’s more, it is tuned to receive both high and low UHF, along with high VHF frequencies 174–216 MHz. However, it can’t produce low VHF or FM radio signals.

It also supports image quality in 1080p full HD resolution and also ultra HD 4k compatible. 4K-ready video is growing popular slowly, and it will really benefit you when the technology is in full swing. You won’t have to worry about replacing it any time soon.

Even though it was chiefly intended to be used outdoors, you can also install it in your attic. It works just fine there with no reported reception problems. That’s great news, considering that some users complained about the signal being poor during storms. Still, it’s important to note that there’s a rubber weather boot shielding the coaxial connection from the elements.

The reception with this antenna also depends on how properly secured the mounting apparatus is and if you have tightly fixed the antenna to its mounting pole or not. That’s why you need to be careful while installing the antenna.

Finally, the Winegard Platinum Series HD7694P Antenna is manageable in terms of height and weight. It weighs not more than 7 pounds, but it has a long axis. So you need to make sure that the pole is firm and sturdy as the mount location doesn’t coincide with the antenna’s center of gravity.

Pros:

Powerful reception and increased antenna gain
Can be installed in the attic too
Supports 4K Ultra-ready HD resolution

Cons:

Doesn’t support low VHF signals

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5 – Pingbingding HDTV Antenna Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna — Incredible Range and Low Budget Friendly

Now Pingbingding may be a funny name, but you shouldn’t underestimate its long-range solid TV antenna. For the price tag it bears, Pingbingding HDTV Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna has a lot to offer.

Particularly, the range of up to 150 miles that it promises is hard to beat at this price range. It is probably one of the cheapest, best rated outdoor TV antenna we have come across.

Luckily, the antenna is designed to receive both UHF and VHF channels, resulting in more channels for you. Furthermore, it is incredibly easy to install as the package includes all the necessary mounting tools and pieces of equipment.

Features and Benefits

We have to say that Pingbingding HDTV Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna really has a cool, stylish look. With a single antenna, you can, in fact, support up to two TVs at the same time without having to do anything extra. It’s a great choice for big families that have more than one TV.

Again, if you think you have a high roof and the cables may run short, we have good news for you. Pingbingding HDTV Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna comes with 40 feet long coaxial cables, which is more than enough. Generally, the cables are 30 to 33 feet long, but the company exceeds our expectations by far. So you don’t need to spend extra on purchasing cable cords.

Another fascinating feature of Pingbingding HDTV Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna is that it comes with a remote control rotor. It means that, once you have installed the antenna on the roof, it’s easy to make any adjustments to it. You can change the direction as you like without having to climb to the roof every time.

When it comes to the antenna’s resistance to the elements, Pingbingding claims that it is lightning protected and can survive even the worst of weather conditions. And to guarantee that, manufacturers even offer a one-year warranty on the product.

Clearly, you now know why Pingbingding HDTV Amplified Digital Outdoor Antenna deserves to be on our best outdoor TV antenna list. If that wasn’t enough, the company also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee. That way, you have enough time to make sure that it works in your area.

Pros:

Extra long coaxial cable; 40 feet in length
45-day money-back guarantee if the antenna doesn’t work in your area
Wireless remote controller

Cons:

No complaints here!

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6 – McDuory HDTV Antenna — Ability to Attract Low and High Frequencies

If you are living in remote areas with TV tower signals being far off, then McDuory HDTV Antenna comes to your rescue. It promises signal support at a range of up to 150 miles, which is great considering the price range. Getting a 150-mile range antenna is generally expensive, but this is one of the cheapest models you will find on the market.

We couldn’t ignore the fact that it comes with a 40-feet long coaxial cable to ensure that you don’t run short on cable wires.

Features and Benefits

The first thing that caught our attention was its dual TV outputs. It means you can stream or watch your favorite shows in different picture resolutions. Namely, McDuory HDTV Antenna supports picture resolution of 720p and 1080p (full HD).

Furthermore, the McDuory HDTV Antenna can simultaneously work on two TVs without the use of any extra equipment, such as a splitter. As far as the installation is concerned, we were able to set up the antenna with great ease. We didn’t have to use any tools. Although the whole process can prove to be a bit tricky, the antenna comes with an easy-to-follow user manual guide to help us.

The package also includes snap-on elements and a mounting pole to further help you with the antenna installation. As a bonus, the antenna has a 360-degree motor rotor that can be easily controlled using a wireless remote controller. Basically, it saves you the trouble of climbing onto the rooftop every time you wish to adjust the antenna angle.

And did we tell you that it is weather-resistant too? It is built with superior quality material to handle the heaviest of rainstorms and it is lightning protected. The McDuory HDTV Antenna allows you to binge-watch your favorite show without any disturbance.

More so, the updated model has also included the wide beam angle. It will remove the need for rotating the antenna, and the wide angle facility will also allow it to respond to a greater number of frequencies.

Just like many other best outdoor TV antennas, McDuory HDTV Antenna comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee and also has a one-year warranty. Isn’t that amazing?

Pros:

Lightning-protected body
Comes with a wireless remote controller for angle adjustment
Affordable considering the 150-mile range

Cons:

Tricky installation

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7 – Sobetter Outdoor TV Antenna — Cheapest With Long Range Amplified Digital HDTV Capabilities

Sobetter Outdoor TV Antenna is another amplified outdoor TV antenna that has made it to our list of candidates for the best outdoor TV antenna. This amplified antenna is perfect for those who live in rural or remote areas, far away from TV towers. You will appreciate the fact that it can support signals up to the range of 150 miles and be rotated for up to a full 360 degrees. Thus, it is highly effective as an outdoor TV antenna.

Another fascinating feature of Sobetter HDTV Antenna is that you can easily rotate the antenna angles using a wireless remote controller. Something like that isn’t generally found on less expensive antennas. It saves you a trip up the staircase and onto the roof.

Features and Benefits

Many consumers prefer Sobetter Outdoor TV Antenna due to its versatility — it can receive both UHF and VHF signals. This results in more HD content for you without any extra charges.

Furthermore, its 33 feet long coaxial cable eases the process of installation. It’s more than long enough to connect your outdoor antenna with DTV station. The sturdily-built antenna can also withstand the worst weather conditions. So if you live in an area with heavy rainfalls, you should consider buying Sobetter HDTV Outdoor Antenna.

It also provides full HD support for crystal clear picture quality — you can watch shows in 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolution. In fact, the updated version is 4K ready too, which is becoming quite popular. Moreover, the Sobetter HDTV Antenna can also pick up FM radio signals. If you have a radio or any other similar device at home, you can listen to the channels with clear signals.

Sobetter HDTV Antenna features a multi-element design, which results in improved reception signals. Thanks to it, you can watch a huge number of otherwise paid channels for free. And we don’t have any complaints regarding its installation process either. It is really easy to set up; the package comes with a three-step, quick set up manual guide for your convenience.

In a nutshell, Sobetter HDTV Antenna can be rightfully called the best outdoor TV antenna. It completely justifies its price. In fact, the product also comes with a one-year warranty. We wouldn’t want anything more here.

Pros:

An affordable long-range TV antenna
Comes with a wireless remote controller
Weather-resistant

Cons:

None we can find!

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8 – Winegard HD8200U Outdoor TV Antenna — Digital and 4K Ultra-HD Ready

The last entry on our best outdoor TV antenna list is yet another model from the decade-old company — Winegard. Known for its styling and premium quality, the exceptional functionality of Winegard HD8200U Platinum Series Long Range Outdoor TV Antenna has exceeded our expectations.

This antenna is a perfect choice for those who live in low-signal areas or in areas with a lot of trees. The body of the model features a zinc-plated, premium quality steel construction for maximum corrosion resistance and heavy duty construction.

Features and Benefits

The Winegard HD8200U Platinum Series Long Range Outdoor TV Antenna offers a decent range of up to 65 miles. And you can also pair it with your streaming devices such as a Fire TV, Roku, or Chromecast for maximum efficiency. Furthermore, it can receive low and high VHF as well as UHF signals, resulting in more free content for you.

In addition, it receives broadcasts in full HD (1080p) and also Ultra HD 4K compatible. The 75-ohm coax connection makes it one of the best choices when looking for excellent HD quality.

Yet another great thing about the Winegard HD8200U Platinum Series Long Range Outdoor TV Antenna is that it can also be mounted in the attic. This is great for people located in areas with heavy rainfall or frequent stormy days. If you mount it on the rooftop itself, it comes with flexible polyethylene boot covers to protect it from bad weather.

In fact, the installation is pretty simple too. It offers enough versatility in terms of size and placement for every home. And even if you are not a pro with handling technical issues, you can easily scan your TV without much difficulty.

Overall, for all its features and the reception quality of 4K ultra-high-definition broadcast signals, it is really a great option that you need to consider.

Pros:

Ultra HD 4K compatible
Receives both UHF and VHF signals
Can be mounted in the attic too

Cons:

The range is only up to 65 miles

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

Best Outdoor TV Antenna — Final Thoughts

So it is time to say hello to the modern and reliable TV antenna that you only have to pay for once and can enjoy the benefits of watching channels for free for years. What’s more, it’s safe to say that an outdoor TV antenna is a solution to all your signal-related problems.

We did our best to present only the best outdoor TV antennas currently available on the market, which you should consider buying.

We just hope that our guide will help you find the best outdoor TV antenna with ease. All of the models mentioned above are of great value and quality in terms of both design and performance. The one right for you depends on your needs and requirements.

So make sure to carefully evaluate your needs and weigh them against each model before going for a final buy.