Do you need a TV antenna amplifier? I should get this out of the way right from the start. Amplifiers and boosters, for the most part, are one and the same! If you’re still experiencing degraded signals despite installing a digital antenna, yes, you need an amplifier. While antennas can help get your TV a good signal, sometimes it’s not enough.
When you purchase a TV antenna signal Booster, it comes with the antennas, cables, and all necessary mounting materials. The TV Amplifier comes by itself because the Amplifier connects to the coaxial cable of your existing antenna.
If you are far from transmission towers, you can expect a lot of interference. Especially if forests and woods and thick foliage surround you, there is more signal blockage. But you can overcome those blockages with the best TV antenna amplifiers.
We will run down our top picks, so you don’t have to settle for grainy and blurred images. Get the most pleasurable viewing experience with a booster.
In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks!
Top 9 Picks for the Best Digital TV Antenna Amplifiers (A Product Review)
So here are the top brands that made it to our TV antenna amplifiers review.
1. Winegard LNA-200 Best for Long Ranges
The Winegard amplifier is a beast. This unit can clear signals even from the farthest reach. Thus it’s best for passive outdoor antennas.
It has a very impressive performance. And it’s perhaps due to the Twin Am technology; this means that this amplifier enhances signals of UHF and VHF signals separately. So it’s packed with more power and can increase signal without compromising the other.
It’s versatile and can be installed in indoor or outdoor HDTV antennas. And the power for the preamp is injected into the cables themselves so that it won’t be such a hassle to power the amp. It can also enhance the signal of a single low-gain antenna.
Features
- Can amplify both VHS and UHF signals
- Dimension: 3in x 4.5in x 1.5in
- +5V at 130mA
- 1 dB
- Made in the USA
- Comes with 110v adapter, power inserter, hose clamps, and printed documentation
Why you should buy this antenna amplifier
It can improve signals even for the farthest locations. And if you’re also looking for a unit that won’t eat much energy, this is a perfect choice.
2. PTC 2 Port- Best Compact TV Antenna Amplifier
This PTC amplifier is also very easy to set up. The compact and small size makes it possible to mount anywhere, even in tight spaces. You may even mount it on your walls.
And if you’re looking for an amplifier that will work on both standard and digital TV, this is it. Most amplifiers in the market are digitally compatible since most TV sets nowadays are digitized. But of course, you can still have that traditional TV in your attic.
Also, this device can split signals to multiple TVs so you can enjoy a clear signal on two units simultaneously.
Features
- 5-year warranty
- One input, two outputs
- 11 dB boost per port
Why you should buy this amplifier
This 2-in-1 amplifier can also split signals into two TV sets.
3. ANTOP- Best Indoor TV Antenna Amplifier
The ANTOP TV antenna amplifier uses a safety switch. This feature ensures a balance between short and long-range signals. It has amazing prowess that you can install it in a poor location, and yet it still will work great.
The size is small and compact, so you can easily mount it anywhere. This booster is also meant for indoor use. And if you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful indoor antenna booster, you must get this ANTOP amplifier.
Features
- 75 ohm
- VHF, UHF, and FM enhanced and high gain reception
- Product dimension: 5.12 x 2.64 x 2.28 inches
- Comes with an in-line signal booster, power cable, and USB wall charger if needed.
Why you should buy this amplifier
It’s a compact yet powerful indoor antenna booster.
4. ANTOP HD Smart Boost- Best Innovative TV Antenna Amplifier
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Another ANTOP amplifier made it to your list! This SMART boosted ANTOP amplifier is one of the brand’s more popular models. It allows you to enhance the signal by adjusting the TV tuner. Convenient right?
It can also connect to more than one device, so you’ll get the most out of your purchase. It’s a more innovative booster that can increase your signal while acting as a splitter too.
And since it runs on 4G LTE, it can bypass 3G and 4G interference from your smartphone. Thus, avoiding pixelations and cell tower interferences.
Features
- UHF and VHF enhanced
- 1 to 10 Db gains
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 4G LTE filter
Why you should buy this amplifier
It’s a smart antenna amplifier that can be adjusted via fine-tuning and can be used on two devices simultaneously.
5. Channel Master – Best TV Antenna Amplifier for Single Application
Channel Masterworks great with CATV, HDTV, Off-Air, and even analog and digital RF distributions. One of the most notable advantages of this miniature amplifier is that despite its size, it can ensure high performance and has surge protection.
And since it’s equipped with only one port, it’s ideal for a single application. And though this is a very small booster, you might need professional help installing it.
The Channel Master is also quite durable. It has powder-coated water-sealed housing that makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. So even harsh weather won’t deter this miniature amplifier’s performance. It can solve issues of a weak signal and poor quality splitters.
Features
- One port
- 15 dB gain
- 1 dB passive return
- 90-day warranty period
- Miniature size 5.75 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches
- AC /DCower input
- 2 dB noise level
- Comes with an external power source
- Indoor or outdoor installation
Why you should buy this amplifier
It’s a space-saving powerful booster for a single application.
6. Channel Master– Best TV Antenna Amplifier for Multiple Televisions
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If you’re looking for a channel master amplifier that you can use for multiplications, this unit is the best.
It works perfectly for those who have issues with weakened signals due to low-quality splitters. Or, if you have too many TVs hooked to a splitter, it can cause signal problems. This amplifier can solve that problem.
It’s also well built and solid. It has a water-sealed white housing that protects it from the elements. So you can also install it outdoors, and the rain won’t bother it.
And the eight ports allow you to connect to 8 different TV sets. While not a lot of people need that, for those who do, this amplifier is a badass. All the weak signals and pixelated images will immediately become clearer.
Features
- Eight ports
- Less than 2 dB of noise
- -11.5 dB passive return
- 4.5 dB gain
- Comes with an AC adapter, 6 ft coaxial cables, and a wall mounting bracket
Why you should buy this antenna amplifier
It’s one of the few antennas that can be used for 8 TV sets simultaneously.
7. RCA TVPRAMP12E – Best TV Antenna Amplifier for Rural Areas
You can connect separate UHF and VHF antennas into this amplifier, making it quite versatile. This outdoor antenna can power up almost all channels. And even with weather disturbances, you can still get a good signal.
The selector switch allows you to use it for UHF and VHF signals. If you use one antenna for both signals, you simply have to push the switch one way and use a single jack for the combined signals. It;’s also pretty easy to use.
Most users even recalled getting more clear channels than with their cable subscription. You can get all the channels you need clear and free. It’s way better than your monthly subscriptions.
This unit is pretty durable. But the manuals that come with it may not be the best. And you have to install it properly so that it would not get water damage. Otherwise, the unit might not function properly. So it’s best to have it installed by a professional.
Features
- Switchable FM trap
- Separate UHF and VHF amplification
- Product dimension 5.8 x 3.8 x 3.5 inches
- 22 dB gain
Why you should buy this antenna amplifier
This powerful amplifier with high gains is perfect for use in rural areas!
8. Motorola- Best Outdoor TV Antenna Amplifier
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This premium signal booster is ideal if you need to use long cables. This Motorola 2 port booster has some amazing prowess. It can improve signals by up to 12 times. And the price tag justified the performance.
And if you are still hooked to your cable service, this booster will maintain compatibility whilst enhancing the signal. Thus, it eliminates the grainy and pixelated images. It can improve the images of your mainstream TV and the internet stream.
It even works well even with old cable TV wiring. This unit is not specifically advertised to run good signals for streaming on Netflix. But it works wonderfully on streaming devices, even with old TV wiring cables.
Features
- 1 input 2 outputs
- VHF and UHF signals
- Comes with a 12-volt adapter
- Bi-directional amplifier
- Indoor and outdoor application
- Weather seal protective coating
Why you should buy this antenna amplifier
It’s a premium well-performing amplifier that can improve the signal and reception of your TV and internet streams.
9. Antenna Direct- Best TV Antenna Amplifier for Longer Cables
If you need to improve the signal of 4 TV sets in separate rooms, the Antenna Direct fits the bill. You can connect 4 TV sets and improve the reception of each without compromising the other.
It can efficiently improve the reduction in signal strength. And the longer your cable is, the more reduction in the signal. If you’re using a splitter, it will also cause further signal blockage. Antenna Direct can solve the problem of a low-performing splitter.
This is useful for those with over 100 feet of cable wire.
Features
- Four ports
- Indoor and outdoor application
- 90-day warranty on parts
- 7.5 dB amplification
Why you should buy this amplifier
This amplifier is perfect for longer cables that measure 100 ft above. It will help prevent signal degradation as it travels through the cables.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Antenna Amplifier for Digital TV
1. Noise levels
Having a good signal is one thing, but having an almost noise-free amplification is another. You would not want to watch your favorite soap with a strong whirring sound in the background. One of the considerations to look out for is the noise levels. It’s also measured in decibels.
The lower the decibels, the better for noise management. Often, those with 2 dB and lower are almost noiseless.
2. Frequencies
If your antenna supports UHF and VHF channels, it’s a must to get preamplifiers that can enhance these signals. If you use an amp that supports only one frequency on our UHF and VHF antenna, one of the frequencies will be blocked. So to maximize your purchase, look for a booster that matches the frequencies your antenna supports.
3. Material
The best material for antennas is aluminum since it conducts signals. Thus, it’s better to go for amps that have tin foil.
4. Gain
Gain is also measured in decibels, but what is exactly again? It’s the extent to which the antenna can direct its energy from the transmitter. The best gain is around 7-13 decibels. Having too little or too much amplification can be counterproductive. A higher one can eat a chunk of your utility bills.
5. Available channels
Check the available channels in your local region. And if you’re desired channels are too far away, you‘ll need an amp with more prowess. Amplifiers that are best for rural regions have better performance regarding farther distances.
You may also like: Best Antenna for Wooded Area
6. Warranty
A booster with a longer warranty period will give you more value for your money. It also gives you more confidence in the reliability of the product.
When Would You Need a TV Antenna Amplifier
Do you need an amplifier for your TV antenna? Some areas are located far from transmitter towers. Then if you add in some rough terrain, thick foliage, and possibly even mountains, you could have a very weak signal. While an antenna should help you get a clear signal, if you’re located in such a remote spot, it may not be enough.
Add to that some weather disturbances, and your signal could further deteriorate. In addition, splitters connected to your antenna can cause a grainy and blurred picture. Considering these possible scenarios, having a digital TV antenna booster or amplifier can help deal with the limitations of a digital TV antenna.
What Size of TV Antenna Amplifier Do You Need
To be able to compute the size of the amplifier that you need, you must gauge first how much signal is lost. And that would depend on the length of your cables and the number of splitters used.
While bigger and longer cables may be better for getting a good signal, there is such a thing as TV signal amplification, but overamplification could cost you more. It’s like paying for something that you don’t need. Therefore, getting the proper size amplifier is a must.
And here’s how.
1. Measure the distance of the cable.
2. Then calculate the loss using the following data:
Every 100 ft of RG6 coaxial cable = 6 dB signal loss
Every 100 ft of RG59 coaxial cable= 10 dB signal loss
3. The more splitter you have in the house, the larger the losses. That’s why it’s advisable to use fewer splitters. The next step is to determine the signal loss via the splitters. Use this information.
2-Way Splitter = 4dB signal loss
3-Way or 4-Way Splitter= 8dB signal loss
8-Way Splitter= 12dB signal loss
4. Add up dB loss from the splitters and the dB loss from the length of the cables.
5. The total should be your minimum gain in Db to overcome the signal interference. You can go a bit overboard but not too much.
FAQs:
Can amplifiers be used on multiple TVs?
What are an inline amplifier and a pre-line amplifier?
Can I use two or more amplifiers?
Should I still use an amplifier for my cable TV?
Are TV antenna boosters and amplifiers different?
Conclusion
TV antenna amplifiers can enhance the signal of your TV. Antennas help to get a good reception, but sometimes it isn’t enough. And if you’re located very far away from transmission towers, even an antenna won’t give you a satisfactory reception.
So you need an amplifier to break the signal interference.
We have listed the best TV antenna amplifiers so that you can watch your favorite Netflix shows without interruptions!