Wirecutter’s recommendations for the best TV antennas.
Cutting the cord on cable TV can save you a significant amount of money, but it can also leave you with a big hole in your entertainment lineup. Luckily, over-the-air (OTA) TV antennas are getting better and better, offering access to a surprisingly wide selection of channels for free. But with so many options available, choosing the right antenna for your needs can feel overwhelming. That’s where Wirecutter comes in.
We’ve tested dozens of antennas over the years, both indoors and outdoors, and have meticulously researched the latest models to bring you the best of the best. Whether you live in a city with strong signals or in a more rural area, we’ve got an antenna that will work for you. Our picks take into account factors like signal strength, range, ease of setup, and aesthetics, so you can be sure you’re getting the most value for your money.
In this article, we’ll break down our top 5 TV antenna picks for 2024, covering a range of budgets and needs. From compact indoor antennas for small apartments to powerful outdoor antennas for larger homes and areas with weak signals, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also provide a guide to help you understand the different types of antennas available and how to choose the right one for your situation.
So if you’re ready to ditch cable and enjoy free, over-the-air TV, read on to discover the best antennas of 2024.
| QUICKLIST TOP 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mohu Leaf 30 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GE Pro 1000 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mohu Leaf 30
Read more on 22 Best TV Antennas for Basement Reception
Check this blog on 18 Best TV Antennas for Motorhomes and Campers
A compact and stylish indoor antenna that's perfect for smaller apartments or rooms.
Specifications:
- Type: Indoor
- Range: Up to 30 miles
- Channels: Up to 100 channels
- Dimensions: 11.5" x 8.5" x 1.5"
- Amplifier: Built-in
Reasons to buy:
- Small and discreet: It can be easily hidden behind a TV or on a shelf.
- Good range: It can pull in a decent number of channels, even in areas with weaker signals.
- Affordable: It's one of the most budget-friendly antennas on the market.
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as powerful as outdoor antennas: It won't pick up as many channels, especially in areas with strong signal interference.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You live in an urban or suburban area with a strong signal.
- You want a small and discreet antenna that's easy to set up.
- You're on a tight budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You live in a rural area with a weak signal.
- You need to receive a large number of channels.
Bottom Line:
The Mohu Leaf 30 is a great option for people who want a compact and affordable indoor antenna. It's easy to set up and can pull in a decent number of channels, even in areas with weaker signals. However, it's not as powerful as outdoor antennas, so it's not the best choice for people who live in rural areas with weak signals or for those who need to receive a large number of channels.
Check this blog on CNET Update: 14 Best TV Antennas You Can Buy
Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V
A powerful indoor/outdoor antenna that offers a wide range and excellent reception.
Specifications:
- Type: Indoor/Outdoor
- Range: Up to 60 miles
- Channels: Up to 120 channels
- Dimensions: 21.5" x 16.5" x 4.5"
- Amplifier: Built-in
Reasons to buy:
- Strong reception: It can pick up a large number of channels, even in areas with weak signals.
- Versatile: It can be used indoors or outdoors, making it a good choice for people who live in areas with limited space.
- Good value for the price: It's a powerful antenna that offers excellent performance for a reasonable price.
Reasons to avoid:
- Larger than other indoor antennas: It can be a bit bulky, especially if you want to mount it indoors.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a powerful antenna that can pick up a large number of channels.
- You live in a rural area with a weak signal.
- You need an antenna that can be used indoors or outdoors.
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for the smallest possible antenna.
- You're on a very tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V is a powerful antenna that offers excellent reception and versatility. It's a great choice for people who live in rural areas with weak signals or for those who need to receive a large number of channels. It's also a good option for people who want an antenna that can be used indoors or outdoors. The ClearStream 2V is a bit larger than other indoor antennas, so it might not be the best choice for people who are looking for the smallest possible antenna.
Read more about this on 18 Best TV Antennas: Ultimate Buying Guide
GE Pro 1000
A high-performance outdoor antenna that's designed for long-range reception.
Specifications:
- Type: Outdoor
- Range: Up to 100 miles
- Channels: Up to 200 channels
- Dimensions: 30" x 20" x 5"
- Amplifier: Built-in
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent range: It can pick up a very large number of channels, even in areas with very weak signals.
- Powerful performance: It's one of the most powerful antennas on the market, capable of receiving even the weakest signals.
- Durable: It's built to withstand the elements, making it a good choice for people who live in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Reasons to avoid:
- Large and bulky: It's not the most discreet antenna, and it can be difficult to install if you don't have a lot of space.
- More expensive than other antennas: It's one of the most expensive antennas on the market.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You live in a rural area with a very weak signal.
- You need to receive a very large number of channels.
- You're willing to spend a bit more for a top-of-the-line antenna.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You need an antenna that's small and discreet.
- You live in an area with strong signal interference.
Bottom Line:
The GE Pro 1000 is a powerful outdoor antenna that's designed for long-range reception. It's a great choice for people who live in rural areas with very weak signals or for those who need to receive a very large number of channels. It's also a good option for people who are willing to spend a bit more for a top-of-the-line antenna. However, it's large and bulky, so it might not be the best choice for people who are looking for a small and discreet antenna. It's also more expensive than other antennas, so it might not be the best choice for people who are on a tight budget.
Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse
A compact and versatile outdoor antenna that's perfect for smaller homes or apartments.
Specifications:
- Type: Outdoor
- Range: Up to 50 miles
- Channels: Up to 100 channels
- Dimensions: 19" x 12" x 3.5"
- Amplifier: Built-in
Reasons to buy:
- Small and discreet: It's a lot smaller than other outdoor antennas, making it a good choice for people who have limited space.
- Good performance: It can pull in a decent number of channels, even in areas with weaker signals.
- Affordable: It's one of the more affordable outdoor antennas on the market.
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as powerful as larger antennas: It won't pick up as many channels as some of the other antennas on this list.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a small and discreet outdoor antenna.
- You live in an urban or suburban area with a strong signal.
- You're on a budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You live in a rural area with a weak signal.
- You need to receive a large number of channels.
Bottom Line:
The Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse is a compact and versatile outdoor antenna that's perfect for smaller homes or apartments. It's a great choice for people who want a small and discreet outdoor antenna. It's also a good option for people who are on a budget. However, it's not as powerful as larger antennas, so it might not be the best choice for people who live in rural areas with weak signals or for those who need to receive a large number of channels.
Winegard FlatWave
A slim and stylish indoor/outdoor antenna that offers a wide range and excellent reception.
Specifications:
- Type: Indoor/Outdoor
- Range: Up to 50 miles
- Channels: Up to 100 channels
- Dimensions: 20.5" x 14.5" x 1.5"
- Amplifier: Built-in
Reasons to buy:
- Sleek and stylish: It's a stylish antenna that won't clash with your home décor.
- Versatile: It can be used indoors or outdoors, making it a good choice for people who live in areas with limited space.
- Good range: It can pick up a decent number of channels, even in areas with weaker signals.
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as powerful as some other antennas: It's not as powerful as some of the other antennas on this list, so it might not be the best choice for people who live in rural areas with weak signals.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a stylish antenna that can be used indoors or outdoors.
- You live in an urban or suburban area with a strong signal.
- You need an antenna that's easy to set up.
Don't buy it if:
- You live in a rural area with a weak signal.
- You need to receive a large number of channels.
- You're looking for the most powerful antenna available.
Bottom Line:
The Winegard FlatWave is a sleek and stylish indoor/outdoor antenna that offers a wide range and excellent reception. It's a great choice for people who want a stylish antenna that can be used indoors or outdoors. It's also a good option for people who live in urban or suburban areas with a strong signal. However, it's not as powerful as some other antennas, so it might not be the best choice for people who live in rural areas with weak signals or for those who need to receive a large number of channels.
So there you have it, our picks for the best TV antennas of 2024. We've covered everything from basic indoor antennas to powerful outdoor models, ensuring you can find the perfect antenna to bring free, over-the-air TV to your home. Remember, the best antenna for you will depend on your specific location, the strength of local broadcast signals, and your budget.
We recommend starting with an indoor antenna and seeing how many channels you can pick up. If you're in an area with weak signals or a lot of interference, you may need to consider an outdoor antenna or even a signal amplifier.
Read more on 16 Best TV Antennas for Tailgating Events
No matter which antenna you choose, make sure to follow our setup guide to get the best reception possible. And don't forget to explore the world of over-the-air TV! You might be surprised at the amount of quality programming available for free.
With the right antenna, you can cut the cord and enjoy free, high-quality TV without any monthly bills. Happy viewing!