Top Ten Best Digital HDTV Antennas (Review Guide) – 2018

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In recent years, television stations have made the switch from analog to digital cable. This means that everyone that had an analog television set had to purchase a new TV or a less expensive digital converter box. One of the reasons this switch was made was to be able to broadcast high-definition programming, which is clearer than ever before. When watching HDTV, you won’t see pixilation, and your picture will look much brighter and more realistic with the increased resolution.

If you don’t have digital cable with hundreds of HD channels, you may not notice a difference in your local broadcasting. This is because you haven’t set up your TV for high-definition local channels. If you own an HDTV and you want to see what all of the high-def fuss is all about, you need to invest in a digital HDTV antenna.

Compare: The 10 Best HDTV Antennas of 2018

PictureNameBrandPriceRating
Blimark-HDTV-Indoor-AntennaBlimark HDTV Indoor Antenna
Blimark$$4.9
RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV AntennaRCA Compact Outdoor Yagi
Audiovox$$4.8
1byone Super Thin HDTV Antenna1byone Super Thin
1byone$$4.8
Winegard FL6550A FlatWave Air Outdoor HDTV AntennaWinegard FL6550A FlatWave AirWinegard$$$$4.7
Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified Indoor HDTV AntennaMohu Leaf 50Mohu$$$4.7
Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Razor Thin HDTV Indoor AntennaWinegard FL5500A FlatWaveWinegard$$$4.6
Mohu Curve 30 Designer HDTV AntennaMohu Curve 30Mohu$$$4.6
Alldio-HDTV-AntennaAlldio HDTV AntennaAlldio$$4.6
1byone OUS00-0562 Amplified HDTV Antenna1byone OUS00-05621byone$$$4.5
Channel Master Ultra-thin indoor antennaChannel Master Ultra-ThinChannel Master$4.5
PictureNameBrandPriceRating

What is a Digital HDTV Antenna?

Contents

A digital HDTV antenna is a type of television antenna that allows you to view various local programming if you do not have cable or satellite service. Many households do not have cable for a number of reasons, either because it is just too expensive or because they are not home often enough to watch television. In these cases, local broadcasting is sufficient.

However, without a HD television and an HDTV antenna, high-definition broadcasting cannot be viewed. To get the ultimate viewing experience utilizing the latest high-definition technology, you must have a digital antenna hooked up to your high-definition TV set.

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What are the different types?

If you would like to get the most out of your television, a digital HDTV antenna is the affordable choice. Before you purchase one, however, make sure you know the different types and which ones would best fit your own household’s needs.

Indoor antennas

These antennas are designed to be set up indoors, as close as possible to your television. These do not require difficult installation, and they are ready to use in just minutes.

Outdoor antennas

These antennas are generally larger than indoor versions. They are often mounted on your roof, so installation does take extra time and effort. However, the advantage over indoor antennas is that even low quality outdoor antennas typically get better reception that most indoor units.

Uni-directional

These antennas are designed to get broadcasts from just one direction. If broadcast signals are generally coming from one direction, you can use one of these units, which have little interference.

Omni-directional

These pick up broadcasts from all directions, which can result in some distortion and interference. However, these generally pick up more broadcasts that a uni-directional antenna, and if you are unsure of where the broadcasts are coming from, this is your safest bet.

What are the Advantages of Owning One?

If you watch TV on occasion and you don’t have a digital cable or satellite subscription, you’ll want to own one of these antennas. Other types of antennas do not pick up high-definition content, so you won’t get as clear of a picture. If you’ve invested the money in a high-definition TV, you might as well get the most out of it. These antennas not only let you see local broadcasts, but in some cases, you may even be able to pick up additional channels you could not view with another type of antenna.

Here are out Top 3 Contenders for Best Digital HDTV Antenna

1byone Super Thin HDTV Antenna

You’ll be enjoying crystal-clear programming in just seconds with this slim antenna that installs indoors in no time at all. The slim design makes it easy to set up, and it doesn’t look bulky and take up space in your home. It receives broadcasting from up to 50 miles, providing you with free high-definition programming including sports, weather, and kids’ programming. This is one of the easiest antennas to set up, and it’s also one of the most affordable.

RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna

You’ll be blown away by the difference you see in 1080i broadcasting, which comes through clearly with this outdoor antenna. This pre-assembled antenna is easy to install outdoors, or you can even put it in your attic to get broadcasting from 40 miles (and further) away, giving you a wide range of programming options. This antenna is durable enough to withstand the elements, so you never have to worry about your TV signal going out, even in heavy thunderstorms.

Blimark HDTV Indoor Antenna

Get the most from your TV with this Blimark antenna, which offers you lots of versatility to get the best broadcasting up to 50 miles away from broadcast towers. Equipped with technology that filters out FM and cellular signals, it delivers as clear of a signal as you’re going to get with a digital HDTV antenna.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Digital Antenna

Why settle for TV stations that have lots of static and interference? You don’t have to give in and pay hundreds per month in subscription fees to your local cable or satellite company. All you have to do is install a digital antenna. In order to get the most out of your TV programming, look for these four features in any product you’re considering.

Price

Price should always be a consideration, as you should never purchase an antenna that you just cannot afford. However, it is important to understand that a general rule of thumb is that the more expensive antennas have wider broadcasting ranges, less interference, and more innovative designs that make them easy to install and less noticeable once they are in place.

Indoor/Outdoor installation

For the most part, installing an outdoor antenna will yield much better broadcasting with less interference and static. However, if you just don’t have a place for the antenna (such as when you live in a condo, duplex, or apartment building), an indoor option may work best for you. In order to use your antenna, you have to make sure it’s something you can easily install and that will give you the best results.

Range

The range is how far from a broadcasting tower the antenna can be in order to pick up the programming. If the broadcast towers are further away from your home, make sure to get a farther range. You also might want to consider one with a wide range to pick up out of town broadcasting, providing you with additional free programs you’ve never had with your old antenna.

Warranty

If you buy a product, you should expect it to last for a reasonable period of time. Normal wear and tear caused from everyday use is perfectly fine, but if your product doesn’t work the minute you remove it from the box or it fails in no time because of a defect, you want to be able to have it repaired or replaced without losing your initial investment. With a warranty, your purchase is fully protected.

Price

1byone Super Thin Antenna

This antenna is one of the most affordable high-definition models you can find.

RCA Compact Outdoor Antenna

This model retails for just about average when compared to similar outdoor HDTV antennas.

Blimark HDTV Indoor Antenna

This Blimark digital HDTV antenna offers superb value at a very fair price.

Indoor/Outdoor installation

1byone Super Thin Antenna

This antenna is designed to be installed indoors, as close to your television as possible for the best results.

RCA Compact Outdoor Antenna

This can be installed outdoors for the best reception or indoors in an attic, although it might not work as well when installed indoors.

Blimark HDTV Indoor Antenna

This antenna can only be installed indoors, but still does a great job of receiving and picking up signals.

Range

1byone Super Thin Antenna

This model has a range of 50 miles. It also includes a removable amplifier which can add up to an additional 15 miles.

RCA Compact Outdoor Antenna

You should expect to pick up channels from up to around 40 miles, although the range may go slightly further depending upon the terrain and other conditions in and around your home.

Blimark HDTV Indoor Antenna

This has a 50 mile range from broadcast towers, one of the longest ranges currently on the market, especially at this price point.

Warranty

1byone Super Thin Antenna

A 1-year warranty is included with your purchase to ensure your complete satisfaction.

RCA Compact Outdoor Antenna

Your purchase is fully protected with a 1-year warranty from RCA.

Blimark HDTV Indoor Antenna

A 1-year limited warranty backs up your purchase of this antenna.

Conclusion: Our Digital Antenna Reviews Are In

1byone Super Thin Antenna – Best Cheap

1byone Super Thin HDTV AntennaWhy throw thousands of dollars a year away on television when you can get the local channels in clear high-definition for free with this great antenna? This antenna has a lot of advantages, including a wide 50-mile range, a slim design that’s easy to mount, and a detachable amplifier kit that provides you with even more viewing choices.

This is one of the most affordable antennas you’ll find, and it comes with everything you need to begin enjoying high-definition programming including a 10-foot coaxial cable. It is very easy to mount and hide; you can put it behind a picture on the wall, lay it flat on a table, or put it on a window. All you have to do is plug it into your TV, put it in position, and scan for your newest high-def channels. Other antennas with different ranges are also available from this brand at competitive prices.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to hide
  • It has a wide range
  • Comes with a 1-year warranty
  • Comes with everything you need to get started – you don’t have to buy separate cables
  • The included amplifier provides you with a longer range for more viewing options
  • When installed correctly, it pulls in all major local networks

Cons:

  • It may not pick up channels as well as an outdoor antenna
  • The suction cup attachment may lose its seal and fall over time

RCA Compact Outdoor Antenna – Best for the Money

RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV AntennaRCA has long been a leader in video and audio equipment, so knowing that this digital antenna is a high-quality device is really no surprise. You’ll get amazing picture and sound from your high-definition television when you use this outdoor antenna, which can be mounted to your roof or in your attic, for the best broadcasting of all your local channels, and maybe even a few new ones as well.

This antenna is durably constructed from quality materials, so it’s designed to withstand wind, rain, and other outdoor elements. Since it comes preassembled, it’s easy to mount, and it has all of the hardware you need to safely and securely mount it outdoors. You’ll get channels from approximately 40 miles away, and it picks up 1080i programming for superior picture and sound.

Pros:

  • Affordable when compared to other outdoor antennas
  • It has a wide range
  • It is compatible with streaming video boxes like Roku
  • Easy to install
  • No assembly is necessary
  • It is easy to mount
  • Outdoor installation provides better results than many indoor antennas

Cons:

  • Broadcast power, terrain, and other factors may affect performance
  • It takes more time to install than an indoor antenna
  • The terminal prongs are very cheaply made

Blimark HDTV Indoor Antenna – Best Overall

Though there are a number of high-quality digital HDTV antennas currently on the market, we’re going to go with this one by Blimark as the best digital HDTV antenna around. With a range of 50 miles, it can pick up any signal in your general vicinity. Equipped with technology that filters out cellular and FM signals, it provides as clear of a signal as you’re going to get from an HDTV antenna. Available at a very reasonable price, you should definitely give it a lot of consideration.

Pros:

  • Superb 50-mile range
  • Technology filters out FM and cellular signals
  • Very thin and lightweight

Cons:

  • Can only be installed indoors

Closing Thoughts

It is more expensive than other antennas, although it does have a longer range and more versatility. The sticky backing for indoor mounting may become less sticky and fall over time.

Thousands of people are cutting the cord on expensive cable and satellite service and are utilizing local HD programming, streaming video boxes, and other more affordable options for television programming. If you’re ready to ditch the bills for hundreds of dollars each month, you need to have a great HDTV antenna installed on your HD-ready TV. The Blimark HDTV Indoor Antenna is a top-selling product that is versatile, has a long range, and provides you with multiple local channels with no subscription fees. Even though it’s priced a bit more expensively than similar antennas, the added features make it worth the investment, and it easily pays for itself over time once you eliminate your pricey cable fees.