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The Best TV Antennas For Cord-cutters of 2023

Tom Power
  Jun 7, 2023 1:45 PM

Cable and satellite TV subscriptions are becoming increasingly expensive, so more and more families are abandoning pay-TV in favor of free, over-the-air broadcasts. Digital TV typically offers between 20 and 60 channels depending on where you live and can save you as little as $1,000 a year, based on a typical pay-TV subscription. 

Below are our top picks of what we consider the Best TV Antennas For Cord-cutters of 2023.


Top picks

  1. Channel Master Flatenna Ultra-Thin Indoor TV Antenna

If you live close enough to broadcast towers for the stations you want to watch, a cheaper no-amplifier antenna like the Channel Master Flatenna might be all you need to cut the cord. Channel Master is offering the best price for this antenna.

  1. Antennas Direct 70 Mile Range Antenna

The Antennas Direct 70 Mile Range is a classic antenna design that has worked well for many years. This antenna is quite directional and good at removing interference from the sides while picking out weak signals from the noise. It almost missed out on the top spot and would also be a great choice for those in the long haul.

  1. Winegard Elite Outdoor VHF/UHF HDTV Antenna

The Winegard Elite 7550 immediately impresses with its ability to capture more channels than the competition at higher signal levels. It has a built-in amplifier and performs well on both VHF-High and UHF frequency bands. Because of its size, you'll want this in the attic or outside of your house.

  1. Antennas Direct Clearstream 1Max TV Antenna

The Clearstream Max is a bit larger than our top pick and isn't quite as good at pulling radios, but it's still a solid antenna. Its unique double-eight design certainly looks special and it can receive signals from different directions, which is useful if you live in an area with stations in multiple places.


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Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

The most important considerations when buying a TV antenna are antenna type/installation and range — and you don't need to know how to attach accessories. 

TV antenna type 

There are 3 types of TV antennas: indoor, outdoor, and indoor/outdoor. Choosing one for your home will depend on your location and the channels you want to watch. City dwellers are reasonably close to most broadcast locations, so you should have a strong signal. 

For you, we recommend an indoor antenna with a range of 25–35 miles. Those living further in the suburbs should have an indoor or indoor/outdoor antenna with a range of 35–50 miles. For those living in the countryside, we recommend an outdoor, roof-mounted antenna with a range of 50–150 miles. 

Note: roof installation may require a skilled professional. Tenants should always check with their landlord before installing an outdoor antenna. They will likely have rules about antenna installation.

Ease of use

The majority of TV antennas are plug-and-play. You just need to connect the antenna to the TV with a coax cable and that's it. Most of them come with a coax cable, so you won't need to buy them separately. Some users prefer a TV antenna with a detachable cable. Choosing to buy one with a detachable or non-removable cable is a personal choice.

Design and Compatibility

If you're the aesthetic type, you'll be happy to know that many indoor TV antennas are sleek. Some are available in various colors. What you should focus more on is its versatility. You want one that's flexible enough to mount anywhere. Regarding compatibility, you need to make sure that the antenna is compatible with your television.

Budget

Indoor TV antennas are quite affordable. Even the expensive ones are still a more affordable and economical option than paying a cable bill. But if you're on a tight budget, you can get a decent TV antenna for a few dollars.


Final Thoughts

As a general rule, indoor antennas are suitable for areas with strong or very strong signals, attic/outdoor antennas work in areas with medium signal strength and larger outdoor antennas in weak signal areas. Once you've identified your needs, this article will help you buy the Best TV Antennas For Cord-cutters.


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