As technology evolves, so to do our methods of accessing information, be it sports, entertainment, or news that keeps us connected to the world around us. The extreme prices of cable and satellite packages are no new thing, but the past years have seen cord-cutting (dumping cable or satellite bills in favor of alternate means) become extremely popular. Some people, however, aren’t too keen on the idea of shifting to a streaming service instead, especially if those services don’t deliver local content. The classic television antenna has evolved alongside these other advances, albeit quietly for some, and one of these units might just be the thing that keeps you up to date with everything around you while costing you nothing more than the price of the antenna itself. Interested? Let’s take a closer look at what the market has to offer.

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BEST OVERALL | Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V HDTV Antenna

Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V HDTV Antenna front

Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V HDTV Antenna front

For most people, the Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V HDTV Antenna offers everything they need: strong signal reception, a 60-mile range, and the versatility to mount wherever the signal comes in the strongest and most convenient. Able to capture UHF, VHF, and Full 1080 HD, this antenna is an all-around, overall best choice for most people looking to cut the cord, whether they are experienced antenna users or new to the technology. This single outdoor antenna can feed broadcasts to multiple televisions in your home, eliminating the need for multiple units. All the mounting hardware is included with the antenna, so all you need to do is pick up the coaxial cable if you don’t already have one installed. Just adjust, connect, and enjoy this matte black, modern-looking antenna as it offers excellent performance in a compact, attractive form. This unit does offer a dedicated multi-directional reception for UHF and VHF, though the 70-degree beam catches signal across a horizontal plane at 470 to 700MHz. With that in mind, consider the placement carefully because this unit does not include remote rotation adjustment. The Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V HDTV Antenna has an MSRP of $59.99, but be sure to check the current Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V HDTV Antenna – Amazon price here.

Read the full review for Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V HDTV Antenna here.

BEST DESIGN | RCA ANT800 Outdoor Antenna

RCA ANT800 Outdoor Antenna in use

RCA ANT800 Outdoor Antenna in use

Most of the antenna out on the market are, to put it bluntly, pretty unattractive options. Thankfully there are a few that work a little harder at keeping themselves hidden. Enter, the RCA ANT800 Outdoor Antenna. While it’s small, flat design makes for something of a sail when the wind comes up, its surface is paintable, allowing you to match it to your house or camouflage it amongst your shingles, all the while receiving UHV, VHF, and Full HD, while ready for ATSC 3.0’s eventual rollout of 4K signal and more. A 360-degree multidirectional receiver design means no need for adjustments once it has been installed, and SmartBoost technology actively boosts weak signals while filtering out background noise, where other amplifiers will simply boost everything. This little antenna can be mounted nearly anywhere outside your home, rugged enough to handle quite a bit of inclement weather, barring strong winds that can sometimes overtake the plastic mounting bracket. If you aren’t in a region known for strong weather or can place the antenna somewhere protected (under an eave, etc.), then you’re looking at a great option for keeping the neighbors and the HOA happy while still getting awesome reception, thanks to RCA’s continuing dedication to technological evolution. The RCA ANT800 Outdoor Antenna has an MSRP of $63.00, but be sure to check the current RCA ANT800 Outdoor Antenna – Amazon price here.

Read the full review for the RCA ANT800 Outdoor Antenna here.

EASIEST TO USE | ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna

ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna outside

ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna outside

You’re in the market for something that will make your life easier and your bills lighter. If you’re working with a reasonable budget, the ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna should be a definite consideration for the top spot on your list. While claiming a 150-mile range, this amplified powerhouse of an antenna is also the most affordable one on our list, and it comes with remotely controlled 360-degree rotation. Thanks to a small motor mounted in the base, the antenna can be turned in whatever direction necessary without having to climb up on your roof and can turn both directions, preventing cable snags and tangles. The weather-resistant design is not ATSC 3.0 ready, but it will pull in UHF, VHF, and Full HD signals from a considerable distance, as long as those pesky geographical features allow. This unit does not come with a mounting pole, so keep that in mind when ordering. With its low cost, the ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna is going to deliver longevity that matches its price point and likely won’t last terribly long for some. Even if the remote rotation motor fails sooner than the rest, it is still a solid unit that costs far less than many competitors and is widely available to thousands of happy owners. The ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna has an MSRP of $89.95, but be sure to check the current ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna – Amazon price here.

Read the full review for the ViewTV Outdoor Amplified Antenna here.

MOST VERSATILE | Marathon HDTV Long Distance Antenna

Marathon HDTV Long Distance Antenna outside

Marathon HDTV Long Distance Antenna outside

While the white, rounded plastic body might not look like much, this compact offering known as the Marathon HDTV Long Distance Antenna from Free Signal TV has got the heart of a beast. According to customer representatives, this powerful, 100-mile range antenna can be mounted at any height above ground level and still perform excellently, be it on the roof, pole-mounted, wall, attic, or inside. While regional geographical features can still inhibit signal reception, the integrated amplifier technology chews through foliage and similar obstacles, all the while remaining low-profile in shape and weather resistant. This unit also provides service to multiple televisions, a whole house solution. The gain sits at a surprisingly strong 40 dBi, while the unit itself operates at a sound level of 3.5 db, less than the sound of human breathing. The price, however, puts it a little high for some, especially those looking to slim down their budget. While not terribly attractive with its stark white body and bright blue logo on the front, its internals and contained power make it an excellent contender for your top pick. Without the need to adjust and being able to mount it wherever is most convenient, this unit should be at the top of most people’s lists. If you decide you want to mount it on the roof or on a pole, this antenna will only be that much more effective at dodging whatever obstacles keep you from getting your free entertainment, sports, and news. The Marathon HDTV Long Distance Antenna has an MSRP of $169.00, but be sure to check the current Marathon HDTV Long Distance Antenna – Amazon price here.

Read the full review for the Marathon HDTV Long Distance Antenna here.

BARGAIN BUY | GE 29884 Pro Outdoor/Attic Mount Antenna

GE 29884 Pro OutdoorAttic Mount Antenna outside

GE 29884 Pro OutdoorAttic Mount Antenna outside

It might look like that classic tree-branch style antenna that haunts our yesteryears, but the GE 29884 Pro Outdoor/Attic Mount Antenna is a fresh new piece of technology that offers a few different features that can make your life so much easier. One of the most affordable 4K ready antenna, the 29884 Pro Outdoor/Attic Mount Antenna boasts UHF, VHF, and uncompressed 1080p Full HD signals, while still having the tech in place for the new ATSC 3.0 rollout that is coming over the next few years. Despite its compact appearance, its traditional design is fully functional, allowing the reflectors to reduce signal dropout and enhance incoming signal strength. Thanks to its small size and included mounting hardware, it can go anywhere and aim in any direction necessary, while blocking out interfering signals. Simply set, aim, and let it work its magic while pulling in strong signals from up to 70 miles away. As mentioned before, the design does not feature a multi- or omnidirectional element, so you will have to make sure you’ve got it placed right where you want it. This makes it a suboptimal choice for people who are in the middle of multiple desired towers, so make sure you check what broadcast stations are in your area and which you want to receive before choosing your antenna. The GE 29884 Pro Outdoor/Attic Mount Antenna has an MSRP of $41.97, but be sure to check the current GE 29884 Pro Outdoor/Attic Mount Antenna – Amazon price here.

Read the full review for the GE 29884 Pro Outdoor/Attic Mount Antenna here.

BOTTOM LINE

Whether you’re looking to cut the cords, slim down your budget, or just want to get back in touch with your local news, sports, and entertainment, going the antenna route is only going to add another measure of freedom to your life. Kick out the expensive cable and satellite packages and skip subscribing to a streaming service that won’t offer the news and information you need on a local level. If you’re reaching for a hundred miles or a mere sixty, you still have great options for free broadcast channels. Any one of these excellent antenna might be your next favorite piece of technology! And for more awesome entertainment gadgets, check out our Best Bluetooth Speakers right here!