Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Indoor TV Antenna is the Antenna Direct ClearStream Flex.
- More people are showing interest in indoor TV antennas because they are affordable and durable.
- With an indoor TV antenna, consumers can access free over-the-air programming from local and national broadcasters.
- Before buying an indoor TV antenna, evaluate your budget and determine the signal strength required in your location to access TV content.
- You should also consider an antenna’s range, the number of channels you can get, and the accessories required to set it up.
For the past decade, many content consumers have shifted from traditional viewing platforms like cable TV, satellite TV, and over-the-air to streaming platforms like Netflix. Streaming has become popular for its easy-to-access on-demand content.
However, seeing the success of Netflix, more media companies launched their streaming platforms, resulting in several options like HBO Max, Peacock, Hulu, Apple TV, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. As a result, consumers were forced to pay for multiple subscriptions just to watch a few of their favorite shows hosted on different platforms.
Such expenses are becoming unsustainable for many consumers as other economic factors come into play. Therefore, consumers are instead opting to cancel their subscription services and return to over-the-air programming because it is free. However, the shift poses one problem: you must have a TV antenna.
Indoor TV antennas have become popular because they are portable and easy to install. However, shopping for an indoor antenna is not straightforward. We reviewed several indoor antennas in the market and compiled a list of suitable alternatives that offer great value for money. Below is also a list of the best indoor TV antennas on earth today.
- Best Overall: Antenna Direct ClearStream Flex
- Best Runner-Up: Winegard FlatWave Amped Pro TH-3000
- Best Budget Option: 1byone Digital Indoor Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna
- Best Design: Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse
- Best Range: Vansky Indoor TV Antenna
Best Overall: Antenna Direct ClearStream Flex
- Supports both VHF and UHF
- Range: 50 miles
- Warranty: lifetime
- Dimensions: 12*16*0.04 inches
The Antenna Direct ClearStream Flex tops our list of the best indoor TV antennas based on performance and pricing. It is a mid-range priced indoor antenna compared to others in the market. However, despite being more affordable than most premium antennas, it delivers quality picture and sound signals.
The Flex is a multidirectional antenna with a maximum range of 50 miles, allowing it to capture as many channels as possible within your area. It also has a Jolt Switch USB amplifier which, when on, boosts TV signals, resulting in more vivid picture quality and immersive sound. In addition, it has a strong 12-foot coaxial cable that will be more than sufficient for most people.
With regards to design, this antenna has a flat rectangular shape and is available in white or black. The Flex antenna is also easy to install. You can stick it on a wall or a window. Lastly, Antenna Direct offers a lifetime warranty for the antenna and a 90-day warranty for the accessories.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has an inline amplifier with a switch. | The rectangular size is slightly bigger than some consumers may like. |
| It is affordable. | |
| The antenna comes with a lifetime warranty. | |
| It has a reasonable range. |
Check out the Antenna Direct ClearStream Flex on Amazon
Best Runner-Up: Winegard FlatWave Amped Pro TH-3000
- Range: 60 miles
- Includes signal meter (Bluetooth)
- Features app integration
- Dimensions: 12*0.06*13 inches
The Winegard FlatWave Amped Pro TH-3000 is the indoor TV antenna you want to buy if you do not like the ClearStream Flex. The only reason the FlatWave Amped Pro is the runner-up is its price, which is around double that of the Flex, making it the best premium option. It also has a limited warranty, which may deter some buyers.
The FlatWave Amped Pro is a multidirectional antenna that receives ultra-high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) TV signals with a maximum range of 60 miles. The antenna also comes with an in-built tuner and signal meter that relays real-time signal data.
Winegard also has an Android and iOS app that pairs with the FlatWave antenna to ease configuration. You can use the app to determine the best part of the home to place the antenna for excellent signal strength. In addition, the antenna has Clear Circuit technology that amplifies TV signals for better picture and audio quality. Lastly, it has a super thin design, meaning you can stick it to walls and windows without altering your home’s interior décor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a good signal range. | It is costlier than most indoor TV antennas that have slightly better performance. |
| The antenna pairs with an app that eases installation and configuration. | The company offers a limited one-year warranty. |
| It has a tuner and signal meter for easier configuration. |
Check out the Winegard FlatWave Amped Pro TH-3000 on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: 1byone Digital Indoor Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna
- Range: 200 miles
- Cable length: 17 feet
- Features a foldable design
- Supports VHF
If you want a high-performing affordable indoor TV antenna, go for the 1byone Digital Indoor Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna. The antenna costs less than $30, equivalent to a two or 3-month subscription for most streaming platforms. Therefore, it offers more value for money than most indoor TV antennas, while relieving you of the recurring cost of renewing your Netflix or Hulu subscriptions.
The 1byone antenna offers access to UHF, VHF, and FM channels. It also has a 10-foot coaxial cable, which offers flexibility for the antenna’s placement within the home. Moreover, it has a detachable amplifier with a 5-foot USB cable, which guarantees a 50-mile signal range. Lastly, the antenna comes with a one-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The antenna is quite affordable. | The antenna has a short coaxial cable compared to its competitors. |
| It offers a range similar to substantially costlier alternatives. | |
| It has a detachable amplifier. |
Check out the 1byone Digital Indoor Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna on Amazon.
Best Design: Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse
- Range: 50 miles
- Cable length: 12 feet
- Dimensions: 10.1*8.6*0.04 inches
- Warranty: lifetime
The Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse is our top choice for indoor TV antenna with the best design. The Eclipse has a captivating circular design that offers great versatility in placement options and enables it to blend in with most interior decor. You can also paint over the antenna, which improves its aesthetic value.
Regarding hardware, the ClearStream ECLIPSE has a 12-foot detachable coaxial cable and a Jolt in-line amplifier with USB power. This multidirectional antenna with a range of 50 miles will capture signals within the UHF spectrum from a frequency of 470 to 608 MHz. In addition, buyers get a lifetime warranty for the antenna.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a smart and attractive design. | It does not receive VHF frequencies. |
| It offers a reliable range. | The antenna is pricey. |
| You can paint over it, which increases placement options. | |
| It comes with a lifetime warranty. |
Check out the Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse on Amazon.
Best Range: Vansky Indoor TV Antenna
- Supports both VHF and UHF
- Cable length: 16.5 feet
- Range: 250 miles
- Features lightning protection
If you live in an area far from TV transmission towers, you need the Vansky Indoor TV Antenna. The Vansky has a better range than other indoor TV antennas highlighted in this review. According to the manufacturer, the antenna has a range of up to 250 miles. Such a range can be very helpful, especially in rural areas with limited access to transmission towers.
Other impressive aspects of the Vansky include a 16.5-foot coaxial cable to ensure you can place the antenna where signals are strongest without buying extensions. It also has a detachable amplifier and a boost signaler to guarantee strong, steady signals and HD-quality pictures and sound. However, the antenna’s design can be rather generic, thus failing to stand out from its competitors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a very impressive range. | It has a generic design. |
| The 16.5-foot cable lets you set the antenna in the best position for optimal transmission. | |
| It has a detachable amplifier. |
Check out the Vansky Indoor TV Antenna on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best TV Antenna
Picking out an indoor TV antenna is not as straightforward as many assume. You must consider several factors to ensure you choose the best antenna for your home.
Some essential buying points include:
- Budget
- Range
- Location
- Installation process
- Signal strength
Budget
Determine your spending limits before browsing for an antenna at local or online retail stores. Budgetary limits will ensure you purchase an antenna that is within your means. In fact, buying the cheapest antenna does not guarantee value for money. Determine a lower spending threshold that will prevent you from buying a substandard indoor antenna.
Range
Range is possibly the most essential attribute to consider before purchasing an indoor antenna. The range parameter indicates the distance from which an antenna can capture broadcast signals. Therefore, the longer the range, the more broadcast signals an antenna receives. In addition, the range can help overcome limitations presented by location. Most antennas have a range of between 35 and 80 miles. However, some models can exceed that with a range of over 100 miles.
Location
Over-the-air TV signals operate on a line-of-sight basis. Therefore, your home’s location and surroundings can significantly influence an antenna’s ability to receive signals. For example, high-rise buildings close to your home can cause signal interference. The same applies to geological formations, such as hills and mountains. Thus, it is advisable to account for your area’s topography when shopping for an indoor antenna.
If there is little to no possibility of signal interference, you should get an omnidirectional antenna, as it can receive signals from all directions. However, if you expect substantial signal interference, get a directional antenna to capture signals from a specific direction.
Another factor to consider concerning your location is the source of local TV signals. More often than not, the signals emanate from a TV tower located at the highest point in an area, though it is possible to have signals from multiple sources. Therefore, the indoor antenna you pick should capture most of your area’s TV signals.
Installation Process
When looking for an indoor TV antenna, you want to find one that will cause the least hassle during installation. A hassle-free installation involves minimal moving parts, meaning the antenna should not have unnecessarily bulky hardware pieces that complicate the process and should not require complex tools to assemble. A seamless installation process also ensures you can set up the antenna in the shortest time possible.
What to Know Before Buying an Indoor TV Antenna
Over-the-air signals operate based on line of sight. That means antennas closest to a TV transmission tower receive the strongest TV signals while those further away receive weaker signals. Since living far from a transmitter guarantees weak signals, buying an amplified indoor TV antenna is advisable as it strengthens weak TV signals. On the other hand, a regular antenna will work fine if you are close to the transmitter.
A good indoor TV antenna should support both UHF and VHF frequencies. During the shift to digital TV, TV stations left behind VHF frequencies and shifted their broadcast to UHF frequencies. However, more TV stations are returning to VHF frequencies in recent years because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sold high frequencies to high-speed wireless providers. Therefore, when purchasing an indoor TV antenna, ensure it can receive UHF and VHF frequencies.
Using an Indoor TV Antenna: What It’s Like
Many assume watching over-the-air content using an indoor TV antenna is a downgrade from streaming platforms. However, that is not the case. You can enjoy HD programming just well as watching cable TV or streaming content. The only difference is you have to adjust to watching advertisements and wait to watch programs during their allotted time slots.
Summary Table
| Rank | Indoor TV Antenna |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Antenna Direct ClearStream Flex |
| Best Runner-Up | Winegard FlatWave Amped Pro TH-3000 |
| Best Budget Option | 1byone Digital Indoor Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna |
| Best Design | Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse |
| Best Range | Vansky Indoor TV Antenna |
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