The 10 Best Ota Antenna Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
[Newest 2020] Five Star Yagi Satellite HD TV Antenna OTA Antenna
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: RCA Amplified Outdoor or Attic HDTV Antenna – Digital OTA Antenna

Enjoy free local television broadcasts on your RCA Amplified Outdoor or Attic HDTV Antenna. Plug into any TV with a coaxial cable and use the RCA Signal Finder app to get your favorite network programming and shows instantly, anytime. The innovative design of this antenna makes it easy to set up and offers great reception for both indoor and outdoor viewing. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: GE Outdoor TV Antenna, Supports 4K 1080P VHF UHF OTA Antenna

The GE Outdoor TV Antenna is a high-quality antenna that provides coverage for up to 150 miles, even when you're outdoors. This long range outdoor antenna offers a traditional Yagi style design that makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor installation. It's designed to provide free HD programming from the airwaves, allowing you to watch your favorite shows without cable or satellite subscriptions. Read Review

3. Best Connectivity: [Newest 2020] Five Star Yagi Satellite HD TV Antenna OTA Antenna

New and innovation design, enhanced signal reception, weather-proof strong performance, save now and enjoy free channels. The 2020 Yagi satellite HDTV Antenna is the newest model with a larger size and weight that increases to free up space in your attic or on a roof. With the increased size of this antenna, you will receive much better signal reception, especially during good weather conditions. This antenna comes with an innovative design for maximum durability for all outdoor uses. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Use: RCA Compact Outdoor or Attic Yagi TV Antenna - Digital OTA Antenna

Receive TV Broadcasts including 4K, 8K and 1080 HDTV. Keep up with your favorite shows with the RCA Compact Outdoor or Attic Antenna. Whether you live in a metropolitan area or remote countryside, this antenna is designed to maximize your view of over-the-air broadcasts from all major networks. The RCA Outdoor or Attic Antenna features a durable design and comes complete with mounting hardware and 75 feet of RG-6 cable. Read Review

Getting a great signal from your OTA TV is essential to getting the best possible picture. If you’re using an older TV without digital channels, or if you live in a place with limited over-the-air reception, an antenna might be your only option for watching local broadcasts.

To get the clearest picture of whatever’s on TV, you’ll need the right antenna. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which is the best OTA antenna for your needs and budget. Fortunately, our tips will help you find one that suits your needs and price range before buying.

After spending many hours researching and assessing, our specialists have identified the models that would best meet your needs, particularly RCA Amplified Outdoor or Attic HDTV Antenna – Digital OTA Antenna. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

  • Enjoy top-rated HDTV network programming on channels like CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC and more. Your favorite shows for free (no more cable bills) with no monthly fee or subscription.
  • Easy Installation – Includes mast, mounting bracket, mounting hardware and 16-foot coaxial cable. The free RCA Signal Finder app is your digital compass that guides you to the most high-definition channels and aligns your antenna perfectly.
  • Receives TV broadcasts including 4K, 8K and 1080 HDTV when available for highest-quality picture and sound - both UHF and VHF stations. Capable of receiving low VHF channels.
  • 2 ways to mount - attic or outdoors; Compact design adapts to most attic settings; Durable construction withstands tough outdoor conditions, outperforming many larger outdoor antennas.
  • Amplifier design outperforms all other brands and boosts weak signals. Spiral design provides superior reception.
  • Great complement to streaming players and dependable back-up source when storms knock out cable or satellite.
TOP Choice #2 GE Outdoor TV Antenna, Supports 4K 1080P VHF UHF OTA Antenna
Our Score:
9.7
GE home electrical
  • INCLUDED COMPONENTS – Mounting bracket, J-mount, VHF dipoles, UHF dipoles, along with simple to follow instructions on assembly and installation
  • HDTV WITHOUT A MONTHLY BILL – Receive free local news, severe weather, and sports broadcasts along with HD channels like NBC, ABC, PBS, and Fox while cutting out that expensive cable or satellite bill
  • SUPPORTS MULTIPLE TVs IN YOUR HOME – Capable of providing superior VHF, UHF, and HD signal to multiple TVs in your home – requires a splitter and coax cable (not included)
  • IDEAL FOR RURAL AND SUBURBAN AREAS – Weather resistant antenna can be installed outdoors or in your attic and receive 1080p and 4K reception up to 80 miles from the broadcast signal
  • [WEATHER PROOF STRONG PERFORMANCE] This Yagi outdoor antenna has updated outdoor performance. Antenna has well built material with durable design, lightning protected, prevents from strong wind, heavy rain, and receives high definition and digital signals.
  • Best gift for parents and family members for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
  • [2020 NEW YAGI OUTDOOR ANTENNA] Enjoy FREE local HD Channels and without cable bills. Outdoor antenna receives 4K, 1080P, 1080i ,720p HD Channels as local news, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBC, Fox, sitcoms, kids, sports programs and SO MUCH MORE. Cut the cable and with this powerful outdoor antenna, you can save now and No Cable, No Problem.
  • [SAVE NOW AND ENJOY FREE CHANNELS] Package included: FiveStar Yagi antenna, 40 ft coax cable, Mounting JPole 20 inch Height, Kit: (4-way splitter, 15 of cable clips) Freely mount our Five Star antenna with pole (included) on roof, attic, chimney, eave, mast or outside the house with or without line of sight. Antenna has pre-assembled for some parts. Fully assembly required. ---100% Customer Satisfaction –Contact Seller or Amazon Support for questions and troubleshooting.
  • [ENHANCED SIGNAL RECEPTION] Antenna can be installed outdoors or in your attic and receive 1080p and 4K reception up to 200 miles from the broadcast signal
  • [NEW AND INNOVATION DESIGN] Extended Antenna Length designed for more stable and strong signal reception, longer and larger receiving elements than any of the other Yagi antennas. Unlike other brand antenna, Five Star antenna has innovation on the structure and powerful reception.
  • NextGenTV compatible to deliver stunning 4K Ultra HD picture and and quality sound
  • Enjoy HDTV network programming and your favorite shows for free
  • Durable construction withstands severe outdoor conditions, outperforming many larger outdoor antennas
  • Easy to assemble design
  • Great complement to streaming players
  • Wireless remote controller -- Built-in 360 degree Strong Motor rotor | Built-in Super High Gain and Low Noise Amplifier | includes 40FT outdoor TV antenna Coaxial cable. Easy for you to place it to get the best reception in your house.
  • Snap-on installation-snap on elements No tools required. Comes with an easy-to-follow user manual so you can install the antenna with ease.
  • Weather resistant: 150 miles antenna is for outdoor using. Antenna is lightning protected, durable design with grounding done -don’t get struck out by bad weather.
  • Best gift for parents and family members for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
  • What you get -Five Star outdoor antenna FSA-5809 with wireless remote control, power adapter , 40FT RG6 coaxial cable. (Pole, 4-way splitter and cable clips are not included)
  • 150 Miles Long Range and Dual TV Outputs -Full HDTV support 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 4K | Working Frequency: VHF 170~230MHz | UHF 470~860MHz | Receive free digital broadcast high definition TV signals.
  • What you get -- McDuory UHD-3968 Outdoor Yagi Passive Antenna with all accessories.
  • Receive and Optimizing UHF/VHF Signals -- Full HDTV support 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 4K | Working Frequency: VHF 170~230MHz | UHF 470~860MHz | Receive free digital broadcast high definition TV signals, save your monthly cable / satellite bill.
  • LONG RANGE Yagi Outdoor Antenna - Supports 1080i HDTV broadcasts for high-quality picture and sound with a 150 mile total range, or up to 70+ miles from the broadcast towers, for both UHF/VHF Signals.
  • EASY Installation - Antenna comes with most pre-assembled , only few elements need to be combined together. No Tools inquired. Suitable for all people.
  • Weather Resistant -- McDuory Yagi outdoor TV Antenna is designed to be an Outdoor antenna, so its Sturdy, Lightning protected, Durable. Solid construction to stand for varies weather condition.
  • [SAVE NOW AND ENJOY FREE CHANNELS] Package included: Antenna, Mounting bracket, J-pole, TV splitter along with simple to follow instructions on assembly. Freely mount our Five Star antenna with pole on roof, attic, chimney, eave, mast or outside the house with or without line of sight.
  • [2021 NEW MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OUTDOOR ANTENNA] Receive 1080p and 4K reception up to 200 miles from the TV Transmitters, our outdoor TV antenna has superior reception for both VHF and UHF signals. Cut the expensive cable or satellite bill with this powerful antenna, you can save tons of money.
  • [NEW AND INNOVATION DESIGN] Extended Antenna Length designed for more stable and strong signal reception, longer and larger receiving elements than any of the other antennas.
  • Best gift for parents and family members for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
  • [ULTRA HD and ATSC 3.0 READY] Digital antenna Capable of providing superior VHF, UHF, and HD signal to multiple TVs in your home requires TV splitter. Find the most over-the-air stations For FREE in HD. Watch top-rated shows, live sports, and local news and weather with Five Star Antenna.
  • Receive Free Local HDTV and UHF/VHF Signals -- Full HDTV support 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 4K, 8K | Working Frequency: 170~860MHz | Receive free digital broadcast high definition TV signals, save your monthly cable / satellite bill.
  • What you get -- CeKay TV Antenna together with professional customer service & technical support.
  • Easy Installation -- Antenna comes mostly pre-assembled. Only minor assembly required. No tools required.
  • Long Range Yagi Antenna -- High-gain design allows for long range reception for UHF and VHF ensuring you get the most free HD broadcasts for your area.
  • Weather Resistant -- Superior construction to withstand tough outdoor weather conditions.
  • ♻【Smart Boost System with Built-in Adjustment Dial】Allows for an easier connection and delivers the correct balance from 0 to 85 miles reception range with just a turn of the dial. Adjustable amplifier strength and antenna’s reception power based on your location’s specific needs. Supports HD, 1080p and 4K Ultra HD TVs
  • ♻【 Built-in 4G LTE filter】Blocks unwanted 3G and 4G wireless signals to ensure noise-free digital TV reception and reduce picture pixelation.
  • ♻【Dual Connectivity】Allows to connect to a second device (a second TV, FM stereo or any OTA-ready streaming device or projector) simultaneously via the secondary output on the Smart Boost System. Makes a great complement to a media streamer.
  • ♻【Creative Bar Design with FM Antenna Integrated】Allows you to listen to your favorite radio stations. Aesthetically pleasing sculpture-like design with multiple positioning of table standing and wall mounting matches a wide range of home interior styles.
  • ♻【Customer Service】Our customer service team of industry professionals is here to provide you with all the support you need! We are confident in the quality of our product and offer Lifelong after-sales service and 30-day returning warranty.
  • 【Dual Connectivity】Allows to connect to a second device (a second TV, FM stereo or any OTA-ready streaming device or projector) simultaneously via the secondary output on the Smart Boost System. Makes a great complement to a media streamer.
  • 【Creative Bar Design with FM Antenna Integrated】Allows you to listen to your favorite radio stations. Aesthetically pleasing sculpture-like design with multiple positioning of table standing and wall mounting matches a wide range of home interior styles.
  • 【Free for Life】Save Bino monthly fee and no need to subscribe for watching your favorite local news, sports and TV shows! ANTOP AT-800SBS HDTV Antenna receives free local, over-the-air digital TV signals from networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, Univision and others. Compatible with TV converter boxes and HD televisions/4K Ultra High Definition (4K UHD) TVs.
  • 【Shields Against Interference】Build in 4G LTE Filter, blocks 3G and 4G wireless signals for clear smooth pictures and stable channel reception. Bringing you a no-noise and no-flash TV viewing experience and into a real family paradise.
  • 【Smart Boost System with Built-in Adjustment Dial】 Allows for an easier connection and delivers the correct balance from 0 to 85 miles reception range with just a turn of the dial. Adjustable amplifier strength and antenna’s reception power based on your location’s specific needs.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Tips Are Recommended To Recognize Which Of best ota antenna Will Satisfy You Most?

Some people are apprehensive about purchasing best ota antenna. Numerous factors must be addressed while making a significant purchase. Our market expertise will help you make the best decision as soon as possible.

The thing has been added to the list of products that have been subjected to technical testing and evaluation. Please keep the following points in mind:

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UHF And VHF

You'll see these terms when you shop for an antenna. These terms refer to which frequency bands particular channels broadcast on. While most channels today are broadcast on UHF, there are VHF broadcasts.

Outdoor antenna users will find this distinction most important, as indoor antennas tend to be UHF/combinated. However, even nominally UHF-only antennas can pick up VHF channels regardless. This information will be included in the online search tools that allow you to find local broadcasters. There are many antennas that advertise both. This is not something to be concerned about, unless you are particularly interested in VHF broadcasts, such as Lo-V.

Price

Although there may not always be a direct correlation between signal quality and price, it is common to see a relationship between range and price, which is the strength of the signal. You might be able to live close enough to major cities that you can use a low-cost, basic antenna.
You will need a more powerful indoor antenna or an outdoor antenna if you are further away or encounter interference. An antenna that has a greater range is better for you if your doubts are not confirmed.

Design

There are many options for modern antennas. While many indoor antennas use the flat-plastic design, others are more shaped or sound-bar-like. Some look like an internet router. There's also one compact, flip-up digital antenna that can be telescoping. The outdoor antennas are stronger and more durable than indoor models. They are usually larger, heavier, and have a thicker plastic enclosure or metal mount mast.

When choosing antennas, there is also an aesthetic aspect to be aware of. Some companies offer unique options and colors while others stick with the standard design. Many people place their antenna in a hidden spot or behind the television, thinking that it won't interfere with reception. You want an antenna that functions, not something you find visually attractive.

However, reception is a matter of design. Flat antennas can pick up signals from all directions, and are often omnidirectional. This makes them ideal for mounting. However, interference may still be an issue: antennas mounted on walls or near windows can give better reception. Antennas that are directional must also be pointed in the right direction to receive maximum signal.

Range And Gain

Two important specs to look at when choosing TV antennas are gain and range. The maximum of an antenna indicates the distance it is from a station that can pick up broadcast signals. A greater range will generally be better. However, antennas with very long ranges can be achieved using signal amplifiers. These may not provide a clear picture to stations further away.

The measure of an antenna's performance in picking up signals from a specific direction is called gain. It can be expressed as decibels (dB). A higher gain number, especially for signals that are coming from outside your antenna's range, is better than you might expect.

Ease Of Installation

The best indoor HDTV antenna models are easier to use than the outdoor antennas which are larger and bulkier and can attach to higher masts. When possible, look for indoor antennas that have push-in coaxial connections (rather than screw-in). There are many paper-designs that attach to walls and windows using adhesive tabs. This is where the majority of the work is focused on finding the perfect location for the signal and not the actual installation.

Indoor Or Outdoor

The location of your outdoor antenna and its surroundings will determine whether or not you get one. Obstacles like walls, trees and other obstacles can block signal transmission to indoor antennas. An outdoor antenna is larger and works better when it's positioned high enough to receive the signal. A rooftop mast would be an ideal location.

Amplification

Low-range antennas can be easily connected to a coaxial cable and are plug-and-play. Longer-range antennas are often "amplified," meaning they need a power source in order to increase their range. Amplified antennas may have a permanent wire attached to the end with a plug, while other models have a USB cable you can insert into an attachment or plug into your compatible TV.

FAQs

Where Is The Best Place To Put An Indoor TV Antenna?

You want your TV antenna to be as high up as you can. You want your TV antenna to be as high as possible. Outdoor antennas that you can mount to your roof are often the most effective. Indoor antennas can be mounted near exterior walls in your attic or high windows. While these are good guidelines, you should experiment until your satisfaction with the quality of the image.

Do I Need An HD Or 4K Antenna?

Technically, there is no HD or 4K analogue - you do not need to upgrade your antenna in order to benefit from the improved broadcast quality of the last few years.

What Range Antenna Do I Need?

An antenna should be able to pick up local channels. The range that you need will vary depending on your location. The range required to obtain the desired results from your antenna will depend on how close you live to large cities or towns.

Do I Need An Antenna For A Smart TV?

A TV and a monitor are different in that they have an OTA tuner. Smart TV has made it possible for cord cutters to connect to the internet directly and receive both live streaming as well on-demand streaming. An antenna is able to receive signals even without an internet connection, but this comes at an additional cost. An antenna is not required to watch smart TV. However, they complement one another very well.

Do Indoor Antennas Really Work?

An indoor antenna may work well depending on your location. You are likely to be within easy reach of an indoor antenna if you live near a major city. You may be receiving weaker signals if your location is further away. Checking digital TV coverage maps may prove helpful.

An indoor antenna might not work if there is poor signal coverage or weak signals in your area. The antennas were tested in a semi-urban area of New York State's Hudson Valley, miles away from the city. None worked. Even the Smartenna signal booster. It's better to first test signal strength with an inexpensive antenna, rather than spending hundreds of dollars on one that may not be suitable for your area.

Will My Antenna Work With ATSC 3.0 Or NextGen TV?

ATSC 3.0 (also known as NextGen TV) is the next generation of OTA broadcasts. It promises better resolutions and enhanced audio, along with interactivity. These NextGen TV features may not be available yet -- it will launch in 2022. However, the good news about the ATSC is that they are backward-compatible. Your existing antenna can still be used, but you'll need an ATSC compatible TV or tuner and an active internet connection to access interactive and on-demand features.

How Do You Install An Indoor Antenna?

Modern antennas come with some adhesive so that they can be attached to your window or wall. You can use packing tape, poster glue or other methods to attach them.
You will need to play around with placement when you are installing it. You may find a wall to be more effective than a window depending on your location. Keep your antenna clear of magnetic metals like security bars and the like, as they could interfere with signal strength.

 

 


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.