10 Best Outdoor HDTV Antennas in 2021

Best Outdoor HDTV Antennas

Best outdoor HDTV antennas are specially designed to find digital signals. While some traditional antennas may still be able to pick up HDTV channels, the reception can be intermittent. And you can experience lagging.

So even if your regular antenna can pull up some HDTV channels, it’s not pleasurable to watch. Not to mention, it won’t be able to pull out as many HDTV channels. And monthly cable subscriptions can be rather expensive. The  best outdoor HDTV antennas will give you a smorgasbord of HDTV channels

So hover through our list of the best brands in the market. So ready the popcorn and let the movie marathon begin. And imagine how much you can save when you cut your cable subs.

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In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks

Here is the List of 10 Best Outdoor HDTV Antennas:

  1. RCA Compact Outdoor or Attic Yagi HD TV Antenna with Super Long 75 Mile Range – Digital OTA...
  2. Channel Master EXTREMEtenna Long Range Multi-Directional Outdoor TV Antenna - 80 Mile Range -...
  3. PBD WA-2608 Digital Amplified Outdoor HD TV Antenna with Mounting Pole & 40 ft RG6 Coax Cable 150...
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  5. Vansky TV Antenna for Smart TV- 250 Miles Long Range OTA Amplified Antenna TV Digital HD Outdoor...
  6. Vilso WM-022A Adjustable Outdoor Antenna Mount Pole - Attic Antenna Mount (Pole Only)
  7. GE Outdoor HD Digital TV Antenna, Long Range Smart TV Antenna, Supports 4K 1080P HD Smart TV VHF...
  8. Eagle Aspen Dtv2Buhf Directv 2-Bay Uhf Antenna
  9. 1byone TV Antenna
  10. Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V Indoor Outdoor TV Antenna UHF VHF Multi-Directional, 60+ Mile Range,...

Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Outdoor HDTV Antennas (A Product Review)

Can’t let go of your expensive cable subscription? With an outdoor HDTV antenna, you will surely can! And you won’t miss your favorite HDTV channels because you can watch them for free. Keep reading for our long-range TV antenna review

1.RCA Compact Outdoor or Attic Yagi HD TV Antenna with Super Long 75 Mile Range – Digital OTA...

This outdoor HDTV antenna boasts a multi-element design and a cross-phase feature that can pull in more HDTV channels than the other brands. You can enjoy local TV shows and many more sans the monthly cable network subscriptions. It can also broadcast HDTV broadcasts in 1080P.

It can give your access to more content and more channels. And even without an amplifier, it can pull in more channels than a regular brand using an amplifier. The performance of this antenna is quite impressive. 

Furthermore, this antenna is quite compact, but it’s robust and can work great even at long-range distances. It even performs well in locations where there are poor cable connections. 

Features

  • 4 K ready
  • 1080 P
  • 369600 ft max range
  •  UHF and VHF broadcasts 
Pros
  • Pre-assembled nEasy to installnVersatilenGreat performance even for long-range distances
Cons
  • Coax cable sold separately

Why you should buy this antenna

If you’re tired of your cable connections lagging and stalling, this antenna will solve your problem. It’s a great long-range antenna that can give you more channels with HDTV views, and most of all, those channels are free.

2. Channel Master EXTREMEtenna Long Range Multi-Directional Outdoor TV Antenna - 80 Mile Range -...

The Channel Master antenna works like a charm. It’s compact and small, but it performs like a king. And since it has a compact size, it’s easy to mount almost anywhere. If you don’t want to mount it outdoors, you can install it on the balcony, in your attic, or near the chimney.

It can pull up local channels and other channels you never even knew existed. And if you live near the forest where signals are poor and reception is low, the Channel Master can override those blockages. Despite the heavy foliage, you can still get clear reception and many channels.

It boasts of a classic design that can receive signals from 60-plus miles. 

Features

  • 80-mile range
  • Multi-directional
  • UHF and VHF broadcast
  • HDTV
  • Lifetime warranty on parts
  • Preassembled
Pros
  • Classic convenient designnCompact and smallnGenerous warrantynEasy to install and complete with mounting hardwarenCrystal clear images and high-quality sound
Cons
  • Might have low VHF gain

Why you should buy this antenna

It’s an ideal outdoor antenna for rural and suburban areas surrounded by thick forests and foliage

3. PBD WA-2608 Digital Amplified Outdoor HD TV Antenna with Mounting Pole & 40 ft RG6 Coax Cable 150...

This Pingbingding antenna boasts a snap-on installation. So it’s easy to assemble, and you don’t need any tools. It also came in well packed and has all the tools needed for the mounting. The instruction manual was also simple and clear. 

It has great reception and a very strong signal. You can enjoy clear viewing even in a woody area with shrubs and trees. So it’s also a great antenna for rural areas. And if you have questions about your purchase or need assistance, their customer service is one of the best.

This antenna also does not need an extra wire for the rotation function. Everything you need comes with the box. 

Features

  • 150 miles max range
  • Wireless remote rotation
  • Comes with Mounting Pole & 40 Ft RG6 Coax Cable 
  • Full HDTV, VHF, and UHF
  • Snap-on installation
  • Multi-Directional elements
  • Built-in low noise amplifier
Pros
  • Weather-resistantnCan support two TVs simultaneouslynIdeal for rural areasnComes with a coaxial cablenClear and strong signal and receptionnGreat aftersales
Cons
  • Hard to install indoors

Why you should buy this antenna

The Pingbingding antenna is a real value for your money. It’s easy to install and gives strong signals and tons of channels. And their customer service is one of the best we’ve encountered.

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It’s affordable, compact, easy to install, and has great capacity. And for its price range, this antenna is a great buy. 

This antenna is easy to install and comes with all the necessary hardware. It also comes with a coaxial cable, so you don’t need to purchase it separately. It has a pretty good reception and a clear signal. It can give you access to local channels and HD programming channels as well.

Moreover, this antenna won’t have any problems pulling in channels with its 360-degree rotor. And another bonus, apart from the HDTV, UHF, and VHF, it also gives you access to FM broadcasts on radios.

Features

  • The impedance of 75 ohm
  • Full 1080 HDTV
  • DVR & HDTV
  • One-year limited warranty
  • Comes with 50 ft coaxial cable and mounting hardware
Pros
  • Weather-resistantnFull 360-degree rotationnHas FM radio accessnHas a built-in controller and rotor
Cons
  • Some of the parts may be flimsy

Why you should buy this antenna

It gives you access to HDTV via UHF and VHF. And it also has access to FM radio broadcasts.

5.Vansky TV Antenna for Smart TV- 250 Miles Long Range OTA Amplified Antenna TV Digital HD Outdoor...

The Vansky antenna boasts a long-range reception at an affordable price. And it’s slap solid and made of durable construction. This affordable antenna is also weather resistant. So you don’t lose reception sans the heavy rains.

It has good reception and a low noise amplifier. So you can watch HDTV channels in bliss. You won’t miss your cable subscription as you can watch HDTV channels. Furthermore, it has a very sharp display and clear sounds. It’s a real bang for your buck.

Features

  • Comes with a power adapter, coaxial cable, and a wireless remote
  • Built-in amplifier
  • VHF and UHF
  • 45 days money-back guarantee
  • 150 miles max range
Pros
  • Easy to installnLong-rangenWeather-resistantnLow noise amplifiernCan hook up two TVs simultaneouslyn360-degree motor rotor
Cons
  • Coax cable is cheap

Why you should buy this antenna

It has a great price, and the images are clear.

6. Vilso WM-022A Adjustable Outdoor Antenna Mount Pole - Attic Antenna Mount (Pole Only)

The Viso is a robust pole antenna that boasts a high gain amplifier. This enables you to pick up a lot of local channels and HDTV programming as well. 

Another notable advantage of this HDTV antenna is that it can withstand harsh elements. It’s made of robust and durable iron material and can also last for a long time.

It also comes with a coaxial cable that’s long enough, and it does come with remote control. But make sure that you have two AAA batteries ready because the remote doesn’t include the batteries.

Features

  • Pole antenna
  • 150 miles max range
  • HDTV via UHF and VHF
  • FM broadcasts
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Comes with screws and nuts
Pros
  • Solid and robust structurenRemote controllednAffordablenHigh gain amplifiernWeather-resistant seal blacknBuilt-in noise filter circuitry
Cons
  • Not easy to install

Why you should buy this antenna

This is a very affordable HDTV antenna.

7. GE Outdoor HD Digital TV Antenna, Long Range Smart TV Antenna, Supports 4K 1080P HD Smart TV VHF...

This GE PRO is a long-range antenna. It might not be the best in terms of the max range, it’s still voted as America’s number 1 antenna brand. 

It boasts of multi-directional elements that can pick up reception from almost anywhere. And it’s quite versatile that you can also mount in your attic. And you still get crystal clear images and amazing sharp sounds. 

Also, it also has a lot of features that add up more range. These features can also deter multi-path interference. And you get to enjoy a generous warranty and excellent customer service. That may also be one of the reasons why it’s America’s number one antenna brand. 

Features

  • VHF UHF, and HDTV broadcasts
  • Multi-directional
  • 4K ready
  • 70 miles max range
  • 1080P
  • Mounting bracket and mast included
  • Lifetime limited warranty
Pros
  • Can be mounted in the atticnCrystal clear images nSharp soundsnGenerous warranty period nGreat customer servicenEasy to install
Cons
  • The instruction manual could have been betternThe hardware is a bit flimsy

Why you should buy this antenna

It’s America’s number 1 antenna brand, and it’s all for very good reasons.

8.Eagle Aspen Dtv2Buhf Directv 2-Bay Uhf Antenna

If you’re looking for a UHF-only antenna, you can’t find a better brand than the Eagle Aspen. This antenna is rated to be the best of its kind. You can gain access to HDTV channels via UHF broadcasting.

It’s also quite versatile and can be mounted indoors or in the attic. And since it’s a directional antenna, a bit of tuning in and changing the position of the antenna can make a big difference in the reception,

Features

  • UHF broadcasting
  • HDTV
  • Directional
  • 2-way bowtie antenna
  • 90-day limited warranty
Pros
  • Can pick up all UHF channelsnCompactnEasy to assemblenComes with outdoor balun
Cons
  • Some parts may rust

Why you should buy this antenna

If you are looking for a UHF-only antenna, this is the best of its kind. 

9.1byone TV Antenna

This antenna is weather resistant. It boasts of a cross-phase multi-element design that can withstand harsh weather. In addition, it also has a design that adds up to its range. Thus, it can be installed indoors or in the attic. It also has a compact size, so it’s easy the small footprint is ideal for small attics.

It’s a long-range antenna that can get signals from long distances. And even with heavy foliage and thick roofs, you can still gain access to a lot of UHF channels and HDTV viewing.

Moreover, this antenna can deliver 720p, 1080i and 1080p digital reception. So albeit only pulling in UHF signals, you can still gain access to tons of HDTV channels. 

Features

  • HDTV and UHF
  • 1080 P
  • 150 miles max range
  • Lifetime warranty on parts
  • 90-day money-back guarantee
Pros
  • Washer resistantnSturdy constructionnGreat customer servicenGenerous warrantynLong-range
Cons
  • Can’t pick up VHF broadcast

Why you should buy this antenna

It’s a long-range UHF and HDTV antenna that’s easy on the pocket. 

10. Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V Indoor Outdoor TV Antenna UHF VHF Multi-Directional, 60+ Mile Range,...

Clear Stream TV 2 V isn’t necessarily the best long-range antenna. But you won’t be disappointed with the channels that it can pull in. This compact antenna gives its contenders a run for their money. Among antennas with the same max range, it’s the best performing.

This antenna can also pick up more local channels than traditional uni-directional antennas. It can also be mounted indoors or in your attic. It boasts of a patented loop design that increases its range. And this also ensures that there is no multi-path interference. So albeit it’s not so long-range, it’s more decent compared to traditional antennas.

Also, it comes with a cable with easy-to-turn knobs for adjusting. 

Features

  • 60 miles max range
  • Impedance 75 ohm
  • Comes with mounting hardware
  • VHF, UHF, and HDTV
  • Lifetime warranty
Pros
  • Suitable for both indoors and outdoorsnCompactnGenerous warrantynClears multipath interference
Cons
  • May be affected by weather

Why you should buy this antenna

It performs way better than the traditional rectangular antennas. And the loop design is rather elegant too.

What to Consider When Buying the Best Outdoor HDTV Antennas (A Buying Guide)

Please note that not a single antenna brand would be able to deliver an exceptional signal in all locations. 

It would also depend on the proximity of your location to the transmission tower. However, some brands can perform way better than the rest of the market.

So how should you be able to tell? Here are some things to consider when shopping for an outdoor HDTV antenna.

1. Indoor vs outdoor antenna

Some antennas are versatile and can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. While some brands are only suitable for indoor application or outdoor use. 

Take note that indoor-only antennas have a lower range than outdoor antennas. Though outdoor antennas may be larger, they can deliver better signal and reception.

2. VHF and UHF antennas

VHF antennas can transmit channels 2-13, while UHF antennas can pull in channels 14-83. So if your location is transmitting local frequency bands or channels 2-13, it’s ideal for getting an antenna that can transmit both UHF and VHF broadcasts. 

3. Omnidirectional and unidirectional

What’s the difference?

Unidirectional antennas are easier to use. Unidirectional has some limitations when picking up signals where the transmission tower is covered by foliage, high terrains, and a mountain. So the transmission tower should be in the line of sight for your antenna to get a good reception. 

Omnidirectional antennas, on the other hand, are capable of pulling in signals from everywhere. It boasts of a 360-degree field, so you don’t necessarily have to mount the antenna in line of sight of the transmission tower.

4. HDTV

In an area where the transmission towers are clustered together, it’s best to get unidirectional antennas to get HDTV channels. But if your signals come from multiple sources and locations, you need the 360-degree field, which can be provided by an omnidirectional antenna.

How to Hook up your TV to Your Outdoor HDTV Antenna

If you have blurred reception and grainy images on your television, it’s time to convert to an outdoor HDTV antenna. 

Your indoor antenna might be lacking prowess. And it’s relatively easy to hook up your TV with an outdoor antenna. And since most brands already come preassembled, it’s easier to install one.

Here’s how.

1. Know the specs of your TV first

There are two types of TV sets, real TV and imposter TV. The latter looks so much like a real TV that you won’t be able to distinguish it at first glance. One way to know if it’s a true TV is that it has to have a digital ATSC tuner.

This is a crucial part. Without it, you won’t be able to hook your TV to an outdoor antenna. The ATSC will receive the digital signal from the antenna and will convert it to analog pictures and sound for your TV.

2. The need for a converter

Some true TVs may still lack an ATSC. If your TV was manufactured before 2009, it might not have an ATSC yet. You can still hook it up with an outdoor antenna by using a converter or set-top box. This will act as an external digital tuner.

3. Plugging the coaxial cable into the external digital tuner

After installing the antenna on your roof, you must connect the coaxial cables to the digital tuner or the converter. Some brands might have a coaxial cable along with the antenna, but note that most free cables may be flimsy. So it’s better to buy a separate one to ensure quality. 

Outdoor Antenna vs Attic Antenna

While attic antennas are easier to install and the unit is more protected from the elements, outdoor antennas still have leverage. Let’s see some advantages of installing an outdoor antenna.

  1. The insulation in most attics can block signals.
  2. Digital signals get weak with every wall that blocks the antenna. Mounting it outdoors will eliminate these walls.
  3. Attic antennas limit the line of sight. This is crucial for good reception with unidirectional antennas.
  4. Outdoor antennas have fewer obstructions and interference from the gadgets and electronics found in your homes.
  5. It can service more TV sets compared to attic antennas.

FAQs

What other accessories do I need apart from the antenna?

Some brands would toss in the necessary hardware needed for the installation. Otherwise, you’d need a J pole or a mounting pole, a splitter, and a coaxial cable. You might also need to buy an amplifier to connect it to other television sets. 

Can you use an HDTV antenna on a regular TV?

Yes. If you have a UHF and VHF antenna, you most likely would be able to pick up HDTV channels. You just need to plug it in and do a channel scan.

Can I still get a good signal with the trees surrounding my house?

Yes, you can. But you have to be careful in choosing the brand. You have to buy an antenna that would be able to pull in channels despite heavy foliage. Perhaps an antenna with a built-in amplifier and a loop design would help. 

It would also help if you purchase one with a money-back guarantee so that you can try it out first. And if all else fails, you can simply get our money back.

Where do you put an outdoor antenna?

The best locations for outdoor antennas are the garage or on your roof.

Do outdoor antennas need the power to function?

TV towers broadcast VHF and UHF signals which are transmitted through the airwaves. Your outdoor TV antenna picks up those signals and sends them to your TV.

What Is the best height for an outdoor TV antenna?                                                                                                                                                                          

To get the best signal and reception, it’s advisable to mount your antenna at least 30 feet from the ground.

What causes the TV antenna to lose signal?

Blockages such as hilly terrain, lush foliage, thick roof, walls, and trees can block signals. That’s you have to mount your antenna as high as possible. 

Does the time of the day affect antenna reception?

Yes, it can. Apart from the weather, the time of the day can have a slight impact on antenna signal and reception. You can get a clear signal at night. And you may also be able to pull in more channels during the night.

Conclusion

Your monthly cable subscription can increase your utility bills. And with more channels and upgrades come a hefty price tag. You can get access to HDTV channels with the best outdoor HDTV antennas without having to pay monthly fees. You won’t even miss your old subscription. And you might discover channels that you never knew existed. 

Hover through our outdoor TV antenna reviews to spot the best brand for you.The Best antenna rotator for 2021