If saving money is one of your New Year's resolutions, you might want to cut the cord, to still get channels on your TV with one of the best TV antennas. We've tested and reviewed dozens of models, and found that the best TV antenna is the Mohu ReLeaf HDTV Antenna for its superb reception, a simple non-amplified design, and is made from recycled materials.
For a more budget-friendly option, the smaller Mohu Leaf Metro is our favorite inexpensive indoor HDTV antenna, delivering plenty of clear channels. For another affordable option, we also love the popular 1byone Amplified HDTV Antenna, which is an Amazon best seller. And don't forget to check out the rest of the top cheap TV antennas for our other ultra-affordable favorites.
Whether you need a discreet amplified antenna to set on the shelf, something that goes indoors or outside, or a heavy duty outdoor model to mount on the roof, we've hunted for signals and surfed the channels with to find the best TV antenna for you. Check out our recent reviews like the Antop HD Smart Antenna SBS-301 or the new top pick indoor/outdoor model, the Antop AT-800SBS HD Smart Panel Antenna.
And keep an eye out for the new ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard, which will deliver 4K TV content over the air and is coming to U.S. broadcasters in 2020.
For TV viewer's ready to ditch their cable or satellite bill without giving up local channels, the Mohu Releaf is the best TV antenna around. The simple design makes for easy installation, and the 30-mile indoor antenna pulled in an impressive 62 channels in our testing, offering better reception than even some amplified antennas on this list.
Made of recycled packaging and crushed cable boxes, it's also the most eco-friendly HDTV antenna we've seen, but the real reason to buy is the combination of a no-fuss design and top-notch performance. It's the best HDTV antenna we've reviewed.
You can get free TV forever with any antenna we review, but the Mohu Leaf Metro manages to offer solid reception and easy installation. This inexpensive indoor antenna comes with a 10-foot cable and mounting hardware and has a reversible design that helps it stand out a bit less while it's tacked or velcroed to your wall.
In our testing, the budget-friendly Leaf Metro offered some of the best reception we've seen in a cheap TV antenna, pulling in 31 stations with watchable clarity. The nonamplified design is easy to set up and small enough to not be an eyesore, making it a great choice for dorm rooms and smaller living spaces. If you want the best-performing, most-affordable option for over the air channels, this is it.
The Mohu Curve 50 has everything we look for in an HDTV antenna, with an amplified design that pulls in channels for 50 miles and boosts signal strength for improved signal strength and viewing clarity. It also has one of the most stylish designs we've seen on any TV antenna. Instead of looking like a mudflap stuck to the wall, this stylish antenna has an arced design and built-in stand that should blend in on the shelf instead of being awkwardly hidden in a corner. An included 16-foot cable ensures flexibility in set up, and the included amplifier has a similarly generous USB power cable.
Of the 65 channels the Curve pulled in, our tester was able to watch 58 clearly, making the sleek antenna one of the best performers we've seen. It's a little pricier than a flat, unamplified antenna, but between the great performance and excellent design, we think it's worth the splurge.
Made for use inside and out, the Antop AT-800SBS HD Smart Panel offers some of the best performance we've seen, easily topping the best indoor/outdoor antennas we've reviewed. And with an adjustable amplifier, included mounting hardware and optional FM connection for radio, it's a versatile option for anyone who's serious about cord cutting.
It also has a table-top stand for indoor use, but this 85-mile antenna was at its best out in the elements, where it pulled in 68 watchable stations. A 40-foot cable is included for easy installation, and the adjustable amplifier lets you dial in the right amount of power boost to help you grab the stations you want. It's the best indoor/outdoor antenna we've tested, and well worth the premium price.
Sometimes an indoor antenna just won't cut it. When you need an outdoor antenna with excellent reception, the Winegard Elite 7550 is the smart option and our favorite outdoor antenna. It may cost a little more, but the Winegard Elite 7550 pays dividends, delivering a whopping 73 channels in our tests. Whether you're in a crowded city or a rural community, this outdoor HDTV should get the job done, pulling in more channels with better signal than any indoor model can offer.
If you're having difficulty getting local stations you want — or you just want better, more consistent reception — the Winegard Elite 7550's price tag is worth every penny, pulling in dozens of free channels for less than a month's cable subscription.
For a simple, indoor antenna that offers everything you need to cut the cord, the 1byone Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna offers a 50-mile range and included amplifier, all for a fairly reasonable price. It's not only a best-seller, but it's also one of the best antennas we've reviewed.
Measuring just 13.3 x 9.3 inches, the antenna includes everything you need to connect to the TV, with a 10-foot coaxial cable and included adhesive patches for mounting. The simple design and included amplifier delivered dozens of watchable channels and can plug into any wall outlet.
How we test HDTV antennas
All of the TV antennas we review are tested in the same location in New York City, an apartment that receives dozens of channels from a variety of broadcasters. Each antenna is connected to a Samsung 4K TV, so the TV tuner remains consistent, and each one is placed in the same position to generate comparable results.
With more than 100 over-the-air channels available in Manhattan, it provides an excellent testing location for antenna reception of any range, with more sensitive, long-range antennas pulling in a higher number of channels. It also gives us a chance to determine the quality of that reception, by seeing whether or not those channels are clear and watchable. The best antennas will pull in more channels, with a higher number of watchable results.
Your experience may differ from our test results. Depending upon how many stations broadcast in your area, and unique geographical impediments to over the air signal – such as mountains – your own channel selection will vary considerably.
