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Best Indoor HDTV Antennas
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Cord cutting — casting off the yoke of your cable or satellite TV provider — is ever-more popular these days as people binge watch shows available online. But Netflix and Hulu won’t get you everything. To receive free local and live network HDTV channels (including news and sports), simply attach an HD antenna to your TV for less than $40.
We tested HD TV antennas in New York City and judged quality based on several factors: total number of channels received, number of major channels (such as network affiliates) received and audio-visual quality. See How We Tested for more details.
Our favorite amplified antenna is the Mohu Curve 50 Amplified Designer Edition, and our favorite non-amplified antenna is the Mohu ReLeaf. Both were not only easy to set up, but pulled in the largest number of channels, and were reasonably attractive, too. Our favorite budget antenna is the 1Plus P010, which costs around $10, yet picked up nearly 30 channels in our tests.
MORE: A Guide to Cable TV Alternatives
Generally, amplified antennas have better reception, but you may be fine with a nonamplified, aka passive, model depending on your location. If stations broadcast within a 20-mile radius of your home, you can probably make do with a passive antenna. If not, an amplified model may help. These antennas usually promise reception within a 50-mile radius. Check the site AntennaWeb.org to see the position of broadcasters in your area.
Buy from companies with generous return policies in case you need to try different options (like amplified vs. nonamplified). Want to watch live TV over your Internet connection? Also check out Sling TV or PlayStation Vue.
Mohu recently announced the Airwave, which combines an antenna and streaming services in one device; while pricey at $149, it’s a smart new avenue for cord-cutters.
MORE: The Best Streaming Video Services for Cord Cutters
Best Nonamplified Antenna
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- CHANNELS RECEIVED
- 62
-
- RANGE
- 30 Miles
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- 1080P RECEPTION
- Yes
-
- CABLE LENGTH
- 10 Feet
For TV viewers who want to eliminate the monthly cable bill but still receive local stations, the $43 Mohu ReLeaf is a no-fuss, top-notch indoor antenna. This flat, rectangular device looks and feels like cardboard because it is — Instead of plastic, it’s made of recycled packaging and “postconsumer” recycled paper. Even the round, clamshell attachment that connects the cable is made from crushed cable boxes, making this the best non-amplified and eco-friendly attachment for streaming media.
Best Amplified Antenna
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- CHANNELS RECEIVED
- 58
-
- RANGE
- 50 Miles
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- 1080P RECEPTION
- Yes
-
- CABLE LENGTH
- 16 feet
This indoor amplified antenna not only looks fantastic—you won’t be embarrassed to have it on display—but it also pulls in a wide range of channels, too.
Best Budget Antenna
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- CHANNELS RECEIVED
- 28
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- RANGE
- 35 Miles
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- 1080P RECEPTION
- Yes
-
- CABLE LENGTH
- 10 feet
The 1Plus 1Plus Model P010 non-amplified antenna didn’t pick up the most channels in our testing, but for around $10, its reception is more than respectable. It also has a very compact design, making it good for travelers and students alike.
This amplified antenna has a 50-mile range, 10-foot coaxial cable, and comes with a 1-year warranty. The antenna itself measures 13.3 x 9.3 inches, and comes with adhesive to affix it to a wall or window. We were able to receive 46 stations clearly, which is very good for an antenna in this price range.
Mohu Airwave
The Airwave combines both over-the-air and streaming services into one device. When it launches, it will be compatible with Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, iOS, and Android devices, to name a few. Since it streams over Wi-Fi, you can set this antenna up anywhere in your home where you get the best reception.
See Also : Best Roku Channels To Watch
- What Is 4K TV? An FAQ on Ultra High Definition
- Smart TV FAQ – The Pros and Cons of Smart Televisions
- Best Streaming Devices: Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV & More
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