TV Antenna Review: Top Picks for Getting Free Over-the-Air Channels

The antennas we tested range in price from $20 to almost $100; as in previous tests, we often found little correlation between price and performance. The antenna that pulled in the most stations in our tests this time was, in fact, the priciest, but other models that cost significantly less did almost as well.

The number of channels you receive will depend on your location and environment—factors such as geography and any obstructions that could interfere with signals—as well where you place the antenna. We were able to get more, or fewer, channels when we changed the location of the antenna in a room. In one instance, when we moved an antenna from the window to a nearby chair, it picked up an additional 20 channels.

Reception can even vary over time. Over years of testing, we’ve found that the antenna that works best in one location may not be the top performer somewhere else. That means you may need to try several models before finding the best antenna for your needs. That’s why we strongly recommend purchasing from a retailer with a no-hassle return policy.

We included some amplified TV antennas in our review. These models have the potential to boost signal strength to help pull in stations that might otherwise be on the fringe. But our tests show that amplified antennas aren’t always more effective than nonamplified models—they can also amplify noise and distortion, and overpower reception from closer stations. Some amplified models actually did better with the amplifier turned off.

Also, it’s a good idea to regularly rescan for channels because you might have missed some the last time you scanned. And use our tips on where to place your antenna to get the best reception.

For this year’s project, Consumer Reports tried each antenna in two locations. The first was in an apartment in Riverdale, N.Y., a Bronx neighborhood about 12 miles north of the heart of Manhattan. At this location, which has an unobstructed view to the south where the city’s broadcast towers are placed, we found little difference among the antennas. All were able to pull in between 90 and 100 primary and digital subchannels.

Next, we moved our tests about 20 miles further north to an apartment in White Plains, a city in Westchester County, N.Y., where we did find reception differences among the antennas. We attached the flat antennas to a window on clear days. (One model with a different design was placed on the windowsill.) Signal strength typically is stronger near a window, and that’s the result we used when calculating our rankings. We also put each antenna outside the window on a balcony to see whether reception improved, although only one model is actually rated for outdoor use. But as you’ll see below, the results were overwhelmingly better outside for every antenna, so you might consider using an indoor/outdoor model if you are able to place or mount it outside. In general, we advise trying a few locations to see whether reception improves.

All the antennas we tested pulled in both VHF (channels 2 to 13) and UHF (14 to 51) signals.

“Unlike the old days, when tuning to a station yielded only one channel, many stations now offer multiple subchannels that provide a greater variety of programming,” Ciacci says. Such subchannels often include a mix of vintage TV shows, nature programs, local weather and sports, and foreign-language programming.

Most, but not all, of the antennas were able to receive at least some NextGen TV channels, which mainly use the UHF band. (A total of 11 NextGen TV channels are currently available in our New York area.)

To earn a mark for reception, a station had to have a relatively stable, viewable TV picture. The amplified models in this group were tested both with the amplifier turned on and shut off. We gave credit to those models that had marginal reception if they were able to provide a more stable, viewable picture at another time during the test.

In the rankings below, you’ll see three figures: the number of VHF channels received, the number of UHF channels pulled in, and the number of NextGen TV channels the antenna could get. The numbers were all recorded at the White Plains location. The first two numbers include both the primary broadcast channels—such as the local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC stations—plus the digital subchannels. Anytime a new UHF or VHF channel was found during a given scan, it was added to the total number available.

Back in the early analog TV signal days, most major broadcast channels were in the lower-frequency VHF band—channels 2 through 13. Now they’re scattered across both bands, so it’s important to buy an antenna that does well across the board.

Our test results should be useful for pointing you in the right direction to models you might consider, but there are a number of variables that can affect antenna performance in your home.