TV Antenna That Picks up Cable Channel are literally all the antennas out there. However it doesn’t mean any of the antennas among thousands models will work for you.
As modern people are more into cutting the chords and switching to antenna TV, they are always worried about getting the specific cable channels they love to watch.
Well, you can never call any antenna the best suit for all. Because the suitable one for you only depends on the factors related to you and your RF signal stuff. This is why picking up the right antenna has become a little overwhelming today.
But don’t worry. With thorough research I have selected the best indoor and outdoor antennas overall for you and reviewed them here. Let’s not waste any time and grab the best out of it.
The Misconception About HDTV Antenna
Before getting into the best antennas let me clear out the biggest misconception of anytime regarding antennas. You could be thinking a “HD Antenna” or a “Digital Antenna” is the best antenna and you are committed to get one of those.
Sorry for bursting your bubbles but there is no such a real thing as a “HD Antenna” or “Digital Antenna”. These are just market labels or specifically you can say a myth that is practiced for so long.
As average people consider the tags the best, manufacturers are left with no other choice than including the tags on their antennas. Otherwise no one would buy them sincerely.
Now let me tell you why I am calling the tags unreal.
Radio frequency transmission has always been delivered in two certain signal paths. One is Very High Frequency or VHF and the other is Ultrahigh Frequency or UHF.
This has been going on from the analog days till the date. So, where is “HD Antenna” or “Digital Antenna” standing? Nowhere it is. You will find nothing like indoor HDTV antenna or outdoor digital antenna. So, when you look for the best antenna, don’t keep these tags in mind.
When You Choose An Outdoor Antenna?
There are literally forum outbursts on the topic which antenna you should choose, indoor or outdoor. Well, it is always recommended to go for an outdoor antenna by the professionals.
Let’s see when you should go for an outdoor antenna.
- If you live in a suburban area or your location is densely populated with trees and tall buildings
- If you have the option to mount the antenna to a higher place
- If your building material or wall, wood, bricks and metal are resisting the RF signals to transmit well
- If you want to go for a large antenna
- If you live quite a far away from the broadcast towers
When You Should Choose An Indoor Antenna?
Although outdoor antennas are the best solution for television radio frequency reception, indoor antennas also stand out in many cases. You should give a try to this new technology the following goes with you.
- Let’s see when you should go for an indoor antenna.
- If your landlord doesn’t allow you to install an antenna outdoors
- If you are not planning on mounting your antenna on the roof
- If your broadcasting tower is within 30 to 50 miles from your home
- If you want to avoid the hassle of installing an outdoor antenna
- If you are looking for an antenna that is not too expensive but does the job good enough
What TV Antenna Picks Up The Most Channels – Top 2 Outdoor TV Antenna
Among a bunch of outdoor antennas I have selected the best two for your consideration. These models are selected depending on the real customer’s satisfaction and appreciation.
1. Antennas Direct ClearStream 4V TV Antenna
When you talk about the best antenna at present, Antenna’s Direct ClearStream 4V TV Antenna absolutely stands out well in the crowd. It is a model that most wise cord cutters choose.
Although this is the best outdoor antenna, it is actually a combination of indoor, outdoor and attic style. So, you can use it either way. This multidirectional antenna is a low profile one that claims 70 mile range coverage.
Moving on to its built quality it must impress you. The case of this piece is mostly constructed with high quality thick plastic with some metal reflectors in the back side.
Because of being small this antenna can endure weather changes and last long. Besides, the combination of long and short gain patterns allows this unique piece to get both VHF and UHF bands very well from every direction.
In reality this antenna works the best for 50 miles range specifically in moderate to strong signal areas.
Pros
- Strong and durable built quality
- Can receive signals from multidirectional stations
- Equally capture strong signals for both VHF and UHF channels
- Looks premium
- Can go through massive weather changes all the year long
Cons
- You might get confused about where to install it, indoors, outdoor or attic
2. Winegard Elite Outdoor VHF/UHF HDTV Antenna
The first thing that will come into your mind when seeing this model is, “it looks no way similar to an antenna, man!”
Yes, Winegard successfully made everyone’s mouth open with this model. The stylish look and standard design of this antenna is so exclusive that it is hard to consider it as an antenna.
It has a built-in amplifier so it can catch weaker signals as well as string ones. The gain pattern in this antenna is designed very well optimized for both VHF and UHF bands.
It works moderately well for VHF signals and pretty decent for UHF signals. This antenna is best for those who live within 50 miles from the broadcasting station.
Pros
- Built with string quality plastic body
- Looks premium with black finish
- Balanced gain pattern to receive RF signals well
- Doesn’t look weird like other big outdoor antennas
- Very easy to install
Cons
- Not suitable for more than 70 miles range coverage
What Is The Best Antenna To Receive Free TV – Top 2 Indoor Antenna
Let’s go through the two best indoor antennas now. These models are also selected on the basis of real life customer’s satisfaction and review.
1. Winegard Indoor Amplified TV Antenna
In indoor antennas, flat antennas have become so popular nowadays. I can bet you love these too surely because of how they look, standard and stylish. However, besides looks, antenna quality is also a great fact here.
Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Indoor Antenna carries both the awesome look and quality. Well, the quality of this antenna is the reason that it is a bit pricier than other generic flat indoor antennas in the market.
With a compatible design, this antenna covers 60 miles of range and has a built-in amplifier which can capture weak signals. . The gain pattern in this antenna can get both VHF and UHF signals very well.
Pros
- Durable built quality
- Looks very standard and stylish
- Doesn’t consume much space to install
- Can be stick to the wall or window well
- Built in amplifier helps to boost weaker broadcast channels and deliver good quality picture
Cons
- Thin coaxial cable to connect the antenna with the TV
2. Philips Rabbit Ears Indoor TV Antenna
When you take a look at Philips Rabbit Ears Indoor TV Antenna you can guess it is a quality updated version of old rabbit ears antennas. The antenna is small but able to do the job as the boss.
With the extendable areas you can get the best VHF channels with top notch signals for sure. You can also get reliable signal pick up for UHF channels with this antenna.
The best part of this tiny piece is it requires zero effort for installation. You can either set this antenna above your TV or hang it on the wall. After installing it up run a channel scan to get all set.
Pros
- Small in size
- Super easy installation
- Nice built quality
- Adjustable antenna gains
- Can be hung up on the wall
Cons
- Not suitable for 40+ mile range
Things To Consider While Buying An Antenna – Buying Guide
For new cod cutters selecting the best antenna can be tricky. Because there are overwhelming options of models available in the market. As you just switched from cable you might be wondering if the antenna can pick up the channels.
Consider the following factors below while buying an antenna. It will help you to choose the best suit for you among all.
- Built Quality
Built quality is a very important factor to prioritize while you are thinking about getting an antenna. You might find an antenna so cheap and decide to buy it. But let me tell you, it will definitely cheat on you with the built quality.
Cheap antennas are cheap mainly because they consist of very low quality built material like cheap plastic. You barely see metal or other durable material on them. So, don’t stick in for a cheap built quality antenna at all.
- Design
Design and the size of an antenna plays a great role to construct a good antenna. No matter how much evolved and upgraded the technology gets, antennas always tend to show better results.
It doesn’t mean smaller antennas are junk. It is just that you can get a bigger antenna pocket friendly than a smaller antenna with the same capability.
- Gain Pattern
Gain pattern is the ultimate thing that makes an antenna a working one. In antennas gain patterns may differ in different models but one thing should be done accurately, the signal transmission.
Because of the gain pattern an antenna can receive and transmit VHF and UHF radio signals. So, your selected antenna should have enough capability to deal with both.
It is important because you may have some important channels in the VHF or UHF you don’t even know. So, both are important.
It is good to say here that, VHF gets channel 1 to 13 and UHF gets channel 14 to 36. Well, the numbers may mislead you about the channel numbers.
Yes, an ordinary person may think he will get the exact station in the exact channel that has the same number. But it is wrong.
For instance, somewhere NBC 10 can be broadcasted on channel number 10 but somewhere else on channel number 28. If it is aired on channel 10 your antenna must be capable of catching VHF pretty well.
On the contrary if it is on channel number 28 your antenna must be able to catch UHF good enough. That’s why you should go for an antenna that can cover both decently.
- Antenna Type
Mainly there are two major types of antennas, indoors and outdoors. However, newer ones are making a new category called attic style. They are mainly indoor antennas but with some features of outdoor ones.
While buying an antenna see the type you want.
- Your Location And The Channel’s Availability
Your location and the channel’s availability in your area is very crucial to consider when looking for an antenna. If you live near the broadcasting towers like 30 to 50 miles away, a small indoor antenna will work best for you BECAUSE THE SIGNAL STRENGTH IS DECENT HERE..
But if you live far away from your broadcasting station you may need a big outdoor antenna or a big attic style antenna.
Besides, your antenna must get the channels that your broadcasting station delivers well.
Conclusion
Now that you have come this far I guess you would be able to choose the best TV Antenna that picks up cable channels. If you ask for my suggestion I will ask you to get Antennas Direct ClearStream 4V TV Antenna as an outdoor option.
If you want to go with an indoor antenna go for Philips Rabbit Ears Indoor TV Antenna, Black, SDV8201B/27 undoubtedly.