How to Choose the Best TV Antenna for Your Needs

Television antennas are experiencing a remarkable comeback across the United States. With cable and streaming costs continually climbing and the introduction of digital broadcasting expanding channel availability, about 20% of American households now utilize antennas for their TV viewing needs. Besides the initial expense of the antenna itself, the channels accessed via this method are completely free, and many users report clearer picture quality compared to traditional pay TV services.

Choosing the right antenna can be a daunting task, as there’s a vast array of options available, each catering to different viewing preferences. Nevertheless, by conducting some research, you can confidently select an antenna that delivers great picture quality.

This guide will take you through the necessary steps to determine which type of antenna best suits your needs and what channels you can expect to receive. Afterwards, you can consult PCWorld’s buying guide to refine your options as you prepare to make a purchase.

The first step in this process is to identify what television programming is accessible in your area.

What TV channels can I access with an antenna?

The number and variety of TV channels you can receive are heavily influenced by your geographic location. Generally, the closer you are to a metropolitan area, which typically houses the broadcast towers, the more channels you’ll be able to pick up. Conversely, rural locations often have fewer channel options. If you live near the borders of Canada or Mexico, you may also have access to channels from those countries.

Most residents in the U.S. can tune into the four primary broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC) along with a local PBS affiliate. Many of these channels also provide supplementary digital networks dedicated to specific themes, such as children’s programming on PBS Kids and classic shows aired on MeTV, Cozi, and Antenna TV.

To understand the channels available to you, we suggest using the Rabbit Ears website. This resource provides a comprehensive model of TV reception based on your location and the data provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Signal Search Map section on this site is particularly useful.

1. Input your full address (including street, city, and state)
2. Once the map showcases your home, select “Move pushpin to center of Map View” from the options presented
3. Estimate the height of your antenna above ground
4. Click the “Go” button

The website will then present you with the predicted TV channels available in your area, along with estimated signal strength (higher strength numbers indicate better reception). Review the available channels and decide which ones you wish to receive, taking note of the estimated signal strength.

Michael Brown/Foundry

As a general guideline, an indoor antenna will suffice for channels with good signal strength, while an attic or outdoor model may be essential for channels with fair ratings, and a more robust outdoor antenna with amplification will typically be necessary for channels rated as poor. Channels marked as bad will likely be challenging to receive without significant adjustments.

Consider the direction of the transmitters in relation to your home. If they are located in a similar direction, a single antenna should work effectively. However, if they are dispersed widely, an antenna mounted on a rotator—which allows for the antenna’s orientation to be adjusted—might be necessary, especially for stations with weaker signals.

Selecting the Right Antenna

Now that you have a clearer understanding of what you need, it’s time to make a knowledgeable choice. PCWorld has categorized its top antenna recommendations, ranging from budget-friendly indoor models to heavy-duty outdoor options. As a rule of thumb, outdoor antennas consistently outperform indoor ones, offering enhanced reception regardless of signal strength.

Martyn Williams/Foundry

However, not everyone has the option to install an outdoor antenna. For this reason, we offer a selection of indoor antennas ranging from basic models that can fit onto a window to more advanced designs with enhanced amplification for better signal capture.

Smaller outdoor antennas are another viable option, many of which can be easily attached to the side of a house, a balcony, or placed within an attic space. Many of these designs include amplification features. Finally, we have evaluated several rooftop antennas that represent the pinnacle of TV reception quality. If you intend to install one yourself, always prioritize safety on a rooftop and ensure compliance with local building codes, particularly regarding grounding.

Caution: Beware of Exaggerated Claims

A quick glance at online retailers or antenna advertisements reveals an array of misleading claims.

The first rule is to disregard any statements regarding antenna range. Reception quality is influenced by numerous factors, such as the power and frequency of the transmitter, the transmitter’s location, and the characteristics of your immediate environment. Thus, no antenna can concretely guarantee a specific range of miles. Use the approach outlined earlier, which takes these various elements into consideration.

Jared Newman / Foundry

Moreover, there is no such thing as an HD, 4K, or NextGen TV antenna. Antennas merely receive signals and aren’t reliant on the broadcasting format, so disregard those claims as well.

The antenna reviews provided by PCWorld are conducted under genuine conditions using the same equipment and testing location, ensuring you receive a fair and accurate comparison of all the antennas we evaluate.

Attention Renters, HOA Members, and Apartment Residents

If you rent a home or an apartment, or if you are subject to the rules of a Homeowners Association (HOA), don’t let anyone convince you that you cannot set up a TV antenna. U.S. federal law grants you this right under the FCC’s “OTARD” regulations, which affirm your ability to install a TV antenna to receive local broadcast signals in areas you occupy or have exclusive access to. If you encounter resistance, refer to the FCC page linked above and reference the OTARD rule.

Connecting Your Antenna to the Television

Martyn Williams/Foundry

Most indoor antennas come equipped with a short cord that connects directly to a television or an amplifier, if included. Other models may include a cable or require you to provide your own.

The type of cable typically utilized for TV antennas is coaxial cable, commonly shortened to coax. It consists of a central wire that carries the signal, an insulator made of plastic, a protective outer braid shielding the inner wire from interference, and a protective outer sheath to safeguard the cable against environmental factors. The standard coaxial cable for TV antennas is RG-6.

Using high-quality coax is crucial as lower-quality cables can lead to signal loss. To minimize this loss, keep the length of the cable as short as possible. If an extended cable run is necessary, think about using an amplifier, preferably positioned at the antenna end of the connection.

In Summary, How to Choose a TV Antenna

By following this guide, you should have all the information needed to select and install a TV antenna. While getting good TV reception is largely based on science, there’s an art to it as well. If you encounter unsatisfactory reception, revisit the steps and consider relocating the antenna for better results. If interference persists, think about incorporating an amplifier.

Above all, stay persistent! A quality antenna can deliver countless hours of free entertainment for many years, so devote some effort and resources to ensure you make the right choice.

If you’re still unsure about which antenna to purchase, check out PCWorld’s top recommendations for TV antennas.