10 Best Tv Antennas 2025 in the United States

The Channel Master CM-5020 is a directional outdoor TV antenna designed for those looking to enhance their television reception over long distances. With an impressive range of up to 100 miles, it caters well to users living in rural areas or regions far from broadcast towers. The antenna operates on both VHF and UHF frequencies, which makes it versatile for receiving various channels. Its gain ratings of 10dB for VHF and 16dB for UHF signify strong signal reception that can improve the quality of your viewing experience.

Being an outdoor antenna, it is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, with a wind resistance rating of 30 lbs at speeds of 100 mph, which adds to its durability. The front-to-back ratio of 17dB indicates it does a decent job of isolating signals coming from the front compared to those from the rear, which can limit interference from unwanted signals.

However, the CM-5020 is large and might require significant installation space, given its installed dimensions of 116 x 101.5 x 20 inches. This could be a drawback for users with limited installation options. Additionally, as a directional antenna, it must be pointed toward the signal source for optimal performance, meaning it may not be suitable for areas with multiple broadcast towers in different directions. Some users might find that installation can be a bit complex unless they are comfortable with outdoor mounting.

The Channel Master Advantage 100 Directional Outdoor TV Antenna is a solid choice for anyone looking to receive over-the-air television signals, especially in rural or remote areas. With a range of up to 100 miles, it excels at picking up low VHF, high VHF, UHF, and FM signals. This makes it suitable for receiving channels from major broadcasters like CBS, ABC, NBC, and others. The antenna's high gain performance (8.6 dB for VHF and 9.5 dB for UHF) enhances its ability to capture signals in weak areas, which is a strong advantage for users who may struggle with other antennas.

Installation is user-friendly, with included mounting hardware and a step-by-step guide, making it accessible for those not particularly tech-savvy. Additionally, its robust design ensures durability against harsh outdoor conditions, backed by a manufacturer with a long-standing reputation since 1949.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. Being a directional antenna, it performs best when pointed directly toward the broadcast towers, which may limit flexibility in channel reception if you’re trying to pick up signals from multiple directions. Users in densely populated urban areas may want to explore omnidirectional options instead. Also, while it claims a 100-mile range, achieving this may depend on installation height and environmental factors.

The Winegard Platinum Series HD7694P is an outdoor/attic TV antenna designed for long-range reception, offering a signal range of 45 miles. This antenna is capable of receiving both High-VHF and UHF digital TV signals, providing high gain on both frequencies. It is directional, meaning it needs to be pointed towards the broadcast towers for optimal performance, which can require some effort during installation.

To boost the range and improve signal reliability, users can pair it with an amplifier like the Winegard Boost XT LNA-200. The antenna is 4K Ultra-HD and ATSC 3.0 ready, ensuring it can handle future advancements in broadcasting technology, including higher frame rates and 3D television. Installation involves mounting the antenna outdoors or in the attic, which may be cumbersome due to its size and weight (6.7 pounds). Users can enjoy free over-the-air (OTA) programming, including local news, weather, sports, and top-rated shows.

Winegard's long-standing reputation in the industry and the product's solid customer reviews further support its reliability and performance. However, the directional nature means it might not be ideal for users in areas with multiple broadcasting towers in different directions. Additionally, the 45-mile range might not be sufficient for users in very remote locations. This antenna is a strong choice for those looking for robust signal reception for both VHF and UHF channels, provided they are in an area where a directional antenna can be effectively used.