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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 Super Bowl 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 FOX affiliate for free. Buy the antenna once, and use it to watch the Super Bowl on FOX without needing 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.
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.
HIDB TV Antenna for Smart TV
$21.90
Buy Now On Amazon
More than 10,000 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 10-foot cable makes it easy to position and maneuver to get the best reception.
Fallmist 4k TV Antenna
$31.44
$52.99
41% off
Buy Now On Amazon
This Amazon pick boasts a 4.4-star rating (out of five) with 80% 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 (it’s made with a weather-proof design). This 4K antenna comes with a 16.5-foot cable. Get it on sale for 41% off (as of this writing).
HD Digital TV Antenna Indoor with Signal Booster
$49.99
$70.99
30% off
Buy Now On Amazon
This is one of the most powerful units in the digital antenna space, and we’ve personally used this indoor antenna at a cabin, where it was able to pick up local channels easily, even in the woods. This indoor/outdoor antenna displays content in up to 8K quality, and it’s compatible with nearly every make and model of TVs. With 1200 miles of range and a super-long 33-foot cable, this home antenna is hard to pass up.
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.
