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With everything moving to streaming services right now, live TV might seem like it’s an archaic thing of the past. But don’t count it out just yet — there’s still programming, like sporting events and award shows — that aren’t easy to find or are even available online, and first-run primetime shows are still broadcast over the airwaves before making their way on to any streaming platforms.
That’s where a good TV antenna comes in. With the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics coming up, now’s a great time to pick up a new OTA (over the air) antenna, which will can you a feed of your local NBC affiliate for free. Buy the antenna once, and use it to watch the Olympics on NBC without cable.
What Channels Do You Get With An Indoor Antenna?
These days, the best digital TV antennas can pick up all of the major networks in up to 4K quality. It’s more than just the four major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC), as the best 4K antennas can pick up more than 50 channels, including PBS, Univision, Telemundo and ION. No more rabbit ears reaching up to the ceiling, or coat hangers and tin foil or whatever other old-school tricks you used to try and pick up something resembling a signal. These antennas bring a picture that’s crisp and clear, and are HD and 4K capable (note: an OTA antenna will get you a free NBC feed, but to watch the Olympics in 4K, you’ll need USA Network, which requires a cable subscription).
What Are the Best Indoor 4K TV Antennas?
There are plenty of good 4K antennas available, and different models too if you don’t want a big black thing blocking your window. We’ve selected a sampling of our picks here, so you can start watching live TV without being beholden to the behemoth cable companies.
TOP PICK
Indoor Antenna for Smart TV
More than 1,000 people have bought this indoor TV antenna on Amazon in the last month alone, with reviewers praising its easy setup and signal strength. The antenna supports up to 4K Ultra HD viewing of all your local channels; a 16-foot cable makes it easy to position and maneuver to get the best reception. A bonus: for a limited time, save an extra 5% off with the on-site Amazon coupon.
BEST-REVIEWED
Fallmist 4k TV Antenna
This Amazon pick boasts a 4.8-star rating (out of five) with almost 90% of users giving it a full, five-star review. The slim design helps the antenna tuck in easily behind your TV or on a shelf, though some reviewers say it’s been effective when placed outdoors on a patio or near the roof as well. This 4K antenna comes with a signal booster that can be turned on when the distance exceeds 35 miles.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
2024 Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna
Gesobyte is one of the most popular names in the digital antenna space, and we’ve personally used this Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna at a cabin, where it was able to pick up local channels easily. Gesobyte says its indoor/outdoor antenna displays content in up to 8K quality, and it’s compatible with nearly every make and model of TVs. With 650 miles of range and nearly 50,000 reviews online, this home antenna is hard to pass up.
MOST RANGE
Aerecept 2024 Upgraded TV Antenna
Get the most bang for your buck with this Aerecept TV Antenna, which has been updated for 2024 to get more than 1000 miles of coverage range — the most on our list. The sleek black antenna displays channels in HDR and 4K, and users rave about the crystal clear reception — no fuzziness here. This antenna also comes with an extra-long 36-foot cable, which gives you even more placement options. Bonus: apply the on-site Amazon coupon to save an extra 10% off your purchase.
What Makes a Good 4K Antenna?
Easy Install: The latest 4K antennas are simple to install too, even the ones that look big and clunky. Hook it up to your TV’s co-ax jack or sometimes USB, stick the unit to a window (or stash it on a console), and start watching.
Amplifier: While they all perform the same basic function, some digital antennas are better than others and offer extra perks. A unit with an amplifier will probably cost a bit more, but if you’re in a rural area, it can make a huge difference. Also if you do get one with an amp, we recommend that it comes with an on/off switch, since running the amplifier all the time can actually mess up a signal if it’s in short range.
Signal Strength: Keep in mind that things like signal strength and clarity can vary, depending on where you’re located and how far you are from the nearest broadcasting tower. Even if an antenna says it’s 4K, that still depends on the signal that’s being broadcast, not the antenna itself. As far as channels, an antenna boasting that it gets a high number like 60+ may be technically correct, but a lot of those will be repeats, radio stations, or just unwatchable.
1. U MUST HAVE Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna
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Sometimes a name says it all: If you’re looking for a quick, simple, and affordable antenna, this one’s a “must have.”
The flat antenna features a powerful amplifier signal booster with Crystal Clear Filter Technology for picking up signals over a wide range – up to 200 miles. It also filters out cellular and FM signals, which means a crisper picture, lower noise, and usually around 50 channels.
This supports 4K and 1080p, and older TVs too (though you might need a converter box). Setup is easy, and an 18-foot cable should provide enough slack to get near a window.
2. Vansky Amplified HD TV Antenna
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On the outside, it may look nearly identical to many of its competitors. But Vansky’s Digital HDTV antenna outperforms the hordes of other similar antennas. The number of channels is nicely high, at 57, and the picture quality is clean and glitch-free up to 1080p.
It comes with an amp booster that’s detachable whenever you don’t need it, but acts as a huge help with a maximum range of 120 miles when on. It’s also weather-resistant, protected against lightning and anything else interfering with signals. Setup is easy too, and with a 16.5-inch cable, reaching the window should be no problem.
3. WeGuard Amplified HD Digital Indoor TV Antenna
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If you’re living somewhere with natural obstructions like mountains, or near other heavy-use electronics like a microwave, consider this powerful little antenna.
WeGuard’s stingray-looking unit packs a built-in Smart IC Chip inside, as well as CleanPeak Filter technology to filter out cellular and FM signals for a cleaner picture with low noise.
The amplifier does a nice job of picking up signals and putting up a clear quality, with a range of 90-120 miles, high-gain and low error, and about 48-60 channels.
4. GE Amplified HD TV Antenna
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There’s a few simple but really convenient alternate options for setting this up. Usually these units need to go in a window, which can be an eyesore and block out sunlight. But GE’s clever fix here gives you the option of laying it flat, along with a stand to set it on a sill too.
As far as picking up broadcasts, there’s a helpful LED Signal Finder light meter to show you how strong of a signal it’s getting at any given second, which especially comes in handy when finding the best spot in your house.
The highest number of channels any user reported was 65, slightly more than the others here. But at a much higher price than its competitors, there wasn’t much improvement in picture quality – it’s the LED Signal Finder that’s the real star of this show.
