If you’re looking for ways to cut the cord but think TV antennas are a thing of the past, you’ll want to reconsider that notion. Those over-the-air signals now broadcast TV stations in HD and, depending on where you live, you can probably pick up quite a few of them with a simple indoor antenna that plugs directly into your TV.
Before you buy an antenna, however, you’ll want to first check to see which channels are available in your area—the FCC has a website to do so—and also check to make sure your TV has a built-in tuner. Once you’re ready, here are six of the best antennas out there.
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1 AmazonBasics Ultra Thin Indoor TV Antenna
BUY NOW$18
When it comes to HDTV antennas, most bear little resemblance to the rabbit ears you might have once had on top of your TV. The most popular type are flat antennas like this one from AmazonBasics, which can be easily attached to a wall or window near your TV. It’s reversible—one side black, one side white—and can be painted to better suit your room’s decor.
2 Channel Master FLATenna
BUY NOW$10
HDTV antennas are pretty affordable in general compared to most audio/video equipment, but if you’re looking for a really budget-friendly options you can’t do much better than Channel Master’s FLATenna.
In its review, CNET found that it performed as well as many more expensive antennas, but it does have a few drawbacks. The attached cable is a bit short (6 feet) and not replaceable, and you’ll also have to find your own way to attach it to a wall or window, as there’s no adhesive or hardware included.
3 1byone 50 Mile Range Amplified HDTV Antenna
BUY NOW$30
This flat antenna from 1byone is another inexpensive option that gets consistently good customer reviews, and it’s more affordable price makes it a particularly a good option if you want to try an antenna with or without an amplifier to get the best reception. Another bonus: the amplifier’s 10 foot cable can either be plugged into the wall with the included adapter or into a USB port on your TV or receiver.
BUY NOW$60
You’ll pay a premium over other flat antennas rated for a similar range, but both CNET and The Wirecutter found that ClearStream’s Eclipse delivered better performance than much of its competition. It also gets high marks for its unique design, which can easily adhere to any smooth surface. An amplified version of the antenna is available as well but, as CNET notes, it could actually reduce the number of channels you receive if you don’t need it, so you’ll likely want to try the standard model first.
5 GE 33692 Attic Mount HD Antenna
BUY NOW$26
The installation may not be quite as simple as sticking an antenna on your wall or window, but an attic-mounted antenna could be a better option if those flatter antennae aren’t providing the results you want. This one from GE is particularly well-reviewed on Amazon, and promises a 60-mile range without the need for a powered amplifier.
6 RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna with 70 Mile Range
BUY NOW$66
Apartment dwellers need not apply, but if you’re looking for the absolute best range and reception you’ll move things outdoors with a traditional roof-mounted antenna. The good news is that the current options are more compact than the massive roof ornaments of the past, and installing them is a relatively straightforward endeavor. This one from RCA can also be used in an attic if you want to test your reception there first.
[“Source-popularmechanics”]
