Table of Contents
The true marvel of the Best Indoor TV Antennas lies in their ability to grant you access to free over-the-air broadcast TV channels. They liberate you from the arduous and time-consuming task of installing an outdoor antenna. The distinguishing feature that sets these indoor wonders apart is their remarkable capacity to capture signals from television stations, regardless of the diverse distances at which these stations are situated.
As part of our all-encompassing guide, we will evaluate the performance of each model depending on the reception range that is given for that model. In addition, indoor antennas are meant to be small, making it simple to install one on a level surface next to your television or on a wall behind it. In light of the fact that your preferences in terms of interior design may play a role in the acquisition decision that you make, we will also go over the aesthetic qualities of each antenna type.
Best Indoor TV Antennas Comparison Table
| Model | Reception Range | Multi-Directional | Cable Length | Dimensions (inches) | Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antennas Direct ClearStream Flex | Up to 50 miles | Yes | 20 ft | 12.5 x 16.25 x 2.5 | 1.6 |
| Mohu Arc | Up to 50 miles | Yes | 10 ft | 11.5 x 9.25 x 0.4 | 0.96 |
| ClearStream Eclipse TV Antenna, 35 Mile | Up to 35 miles | Yes | 12 ft | 8.4 x 8.4 x 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Channel Master FLATenna 35 (CM-4001HDBW) | Up to 35 miles | Yes | Not specified | 13.5 x 9.25 x 0.3 | 0.45 |
| ClearStream FLEX | Up to 50 miles | Yes | 20 ft | 16 x 12.5 x 2.5 | 1.8 |
Antennas Direct ClearStream Flex
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Reception Range | Up to 50 miles |
| Multi-Directional | Yes |
| Cable Length | 20 ft |
| Dimensions (inches) | 12.5 x 16.25 x 2.5 |
| Weight (pounds) | 1.6 |
Your hunt for an antenna that provides rock-solid HD channels within a radius of 50 miles and falls within a reasonable price range can end here. The trade-off is that it is not exactly a compact unit; that large, thin panel may fill much of a window. However, if this is not an issue for you, then it is an excellent value and our recommendation for the finest overall indoor antenna.
During our tests, we discovered that it was only able to draw in 48 channels, whereas more expensive and powerful antennas were capable of receiving 54 channels. However, in terms of the visual quality and stability of the channels that it did receive, including the HD ones, a significant number of them were of the same high quality as those provided by more powerful choices.
The Good
- Wide reception range for capturing signals from various directions
- Comes with a generous 20 ft cable for flexible placement options
- Sleek and compact design
- Easy to install and set up
The Bad
- May not perform as well in highly obstructed or rural areas
- The included cable length may be insufficient for certain setups
Mohu Arc
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Reception Range | Up to 50 miles |
| Multi-Directional | Yes |
| Cable Length | 10 ft |
| Dimensions (inches) | 11.5 x 9.25 x 0.4 |
| Weight (pounds) | 0.96 |
The Mohu Arc indoor antenna is user-friendly, relatively compact, and has a design that is attractive enough to integrate in with a variety of interior design styles. It is possible to mount it on the wall or use it on a tabletop thanks to the clip-on bracket that comes with it; however, tabletop use is a bit precarious. The construction of The Arc could be made more sturdy, and the clip-in installation might be improved upon.
Be aware that the Arc is not an amplified model; therefore, if you need to extend its signal to a TV set that is further away, an amplified model such as Mohu’s own Arc Pro is probably a better bet than the Arc. The Arc should be a good option for a straightforward installation in a location that is either urban or suburban, has topography and elevation that is average, and has required signals in different directions.
The Good
- Impressive reception range for capturing signals from a variety of directions
- Slim and stylish design
- Can be mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop
- Easy installation and setup process
- Good performance in both urban and suburban areas
The Bad
- The included cable length may be short for certain setups
- Signal reception may be affected by nearby obstructions or interference
ClearStream Eclipse TV Antenna, 35 Mile
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Reception Range | Up to 35 miles |
| Multi-Directional | Yes |
| Cable Length | 12 ft |
| Dimensions (inches) | 8.4 x 8.4 x 0.2 |
| Weight (pounds) | 0.3 |
The Clearstream Eclipse has always been one of the best TV antennas we’ve tried. During our tests, the Eclipse was able to pick up a good number of channels. However, its TV coverage is where it really shines. It is more clear and reliable than the other antennas on our list. Along with how well it works, the Eclipse stands out because of how easy it is to use and how cool it looks.
Its elegant, round look is a breath of fresh air in a sea of black squares. The device also has a black side and a white side, so you can pick the one that looks best in your home. The “Sure Grip” sticky strip that comes with the mount is strong enough to stick to the wall without screws or pins, but not so strong that it will peel the paint off your wall when you move it. We also think you’ll like that its cord can be taken off, which is something not every antenna has.
The Good
- Compact and reversible design allows for easy placement and blending into the surroundings
- Good performance in urban and suburban areas
- Comes with a 12 ft cable for flexible installation options
- Easy to set up and install
The Bad
- Limited reception range compared to some other models
Channel Master FLATenna 35 (CM-4001HDBW)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Reception Range | Up to 35 miles |
| Multi-Directional | Yes |
| Cable Length | Not specified |
| Dimensions (inches) | 13.5 x 9.25 x 0.3 |
| Weight (pounds) | 0.45 |
The Flatenna may not have the same style as the Clearstream Eclipse, but it performs just as well. It could pick up more TV channels than any other antenna we tried, and the signal was always very clear and strong. The Flatenna has the same black-on-white style as the Eclipse, but it doesn’t have much else that makes it stand out from other flat rectangles.
The Flatenna really shines in how well it works for how much it costs. The performance is about the same as our top choice, but it costs a lot less. The Flatenna indoor TV antenna is the best one we’ve seen for the price.
The Good
- Slim and lightweight design for easy placement and portability
- Good reception capabilities in both urban and suburban areas
- Multi-directional reception for capturing signals from different angles
- Can be painted to match the surrounding decor
- Simple installation process
The Bad
- The cable length is not specified, which may limit placement options
ClearStream FLEX
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Reception Range | Up to 50 miles |
| Multi-Directional | Yes |
| Cable Length | 20 ft |
| Dimensions (inches) | 16 x 12.5 x 2.5 |
| Weight (pounds) | 1.8 |
The best home TV antenna that can pick up UHF and Hi-VHF channels is the ClearStream FLEX. It’s a TV antenna that looks like a leaf and works best when stuck to the top of a window or high on a wall. The width of the FLEX is 16 inches, and the height is 11 inches. The flat-panel form has a Hi-VHF part built into it.
The Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse was my first choice for the best indoor TV antenna. But tests in places with Hi-VHF sites have shown that the FLEX is the better buy. As stations switch to NextGen TV, which works on the UHF band, having the Hi-VHF part may become less important over time.
The Good
- Wide reception range for capturing signals from various directions
- Flexible and bendable design allows for easy positioning and installation
- Comes with a generous 20 ft cable for flexible placement options
- Good performance in both urban and suburban areas
The Bad
- May not perform as well in highly obstructed or rural areas
Questions and Answers
Indoor TV antennas can work in rural areas, but the quality of the reception will rely on how far you are from the broadcasting towers and what the land is like where you live. In some cases, you may need a stronger outdoor antenna to pick up signals from sites farther away. Before buying an indoor TV antenna, you should find out how strong the signal is and what programs are available where you live in the country.
No, an indoor TV antenna is made to pick up signals that come from the air, not cable stations. It won’t give you access to channels or material that are only available on cable. You would need a cable subscription, a cable box, or a streaming service that works with cable to get cable programs.
Not every home TV antenna needs a way to get power. Many types are passive antennas that don’t need any power from the outside. But some boosted indoor TV antennas have built-in signal boosters that make it easier to get a good signal. Most of the time, these amplified antennas need a power source. This can come from a USB port on the TV or a different power adapter.