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Do you want to pick up free TV stations, but don’t want a gaudy antenna protruding from your house? Well, we have found a great solution that works wonders. We’ve compiled a guide that includes the best attic antennas. Now you can enjoy local channels along with an easier installation process.
If you’re unsure where to start, you’re right where you need to be. Read through our 10 favorite picks that we reviewed, and then check out the buyer’s guide afterward. It will make your search for the right antenna a lot easier.
But before we go any further, check out a couple of our highest-ranking entries. We think you’ll be as impressed as we were.
Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Article?
Of all the antennas we reviewed, GE’s Pro was our top pick as the best overall. It comes in at an affordable price and does a fine job of pulling in stations – both local and afar. It’s a cinch to install and delivers excellent reception.
It requires a lot of attic space to perform properly, but BEFORE’s HDTV Antenna is worth it if you have the room. It has the farthest reach of any model we reviewed, able to pull in stations up to 150 miles away. If you live out in the country and have trouble picking up a signal, this is the antenna for you.
If you’re ready to put a stop to expensive cable bills, follow us as we share our findings in the best antennas you can buy for your attic. We have eight more to go, and we’ll look at the two entries above in greater detail, as well.
Nearly everyone knows who GE is. Since the late 90s they have consistently ranked highly in the Fortune 500. So it should come as little to no surprise that they make one of the best attic antennas on the planet.
We want to be clear that this isn’t the best-built model we’ve come across. However, it performs well and picks up channels wonderfully. And since it’s going to be tucked away in your attic anyway, it ought to hold up well enough.
It’s equipped with some pretty impressive range, able to pull in stations as far as 70 miles away. There are just a few quick and painless steps to follow in order to properly set this one up. After that, you’re ready to enjoy free TV.
The Pro is not only 1080p HD-ready, but it is set up for 4K, as well. It of course depends on where you live, but we were able to get about 40 channels. They came in clearly without a fuss. Had we known it was this easy, we would have made the change a long time ago.
With the antenna, GE includes all the necessary hardware for quick and easy installation. You’ll want to mount this to a stud in your attic for best results. And if possible, keep it as far away from the roof as you can. This will help you get the clearest reception.
This is a pretty common setup that different suppliers use. But you can sometimes find slightly better pricing if you do your homework. From brand names like ‘pingbingding’ and ‘McDoury’, there are several clones of the same antenna, just differently priced.
BEFORE seemed to have the lowest cost of them all, so we went with them. You’re getting the exact same model, so why pay more? This is the antenna to get if you’re looking for range. It can pick up stations 150 miles away; more than any other model we reviewed.
Another huge plus is that it is remote-controlled. This is necessary for hands-free rotation of the antenna. It’s nice being able to sit in your living room and just press a button to control the antenna’s direction. Depending on outside weather conditions, there are times when this really comes in handy.
Now, that being said, you will have to allow for plenty of room in your attic in order for the antenna to freely rotate. This may be an issue for those with smaller/crowded attics.
Thanks to a handy remote included, this antenna is easily rotated to pick up the best signal possible. With a massive radius of 150 miles, you’ll pick up stations better than most others.
Installation is pretty straightforward. But again, the biggest concern will likely be space. If your home can accommodate it, there’s always the option of the roof if all else fails.
If you have the extra money to spend, you might want to consider Antop’s 400-BV. It’s a very well-designed antenna that has great range and is a cinch to install.
If you have a nicely-furnished attic that perhaps serves as a spare bedroom or guest lodging, this is the unit you want. It is attractive and very modern-looking; suitable for just about any location. It’s also waterproof, so in the event of a leaking roof, the 400-BV won’t be damaged.
The antenna is equipped with a 70-mile range, with stations coming in with excellent clarity. It is also both HD- and 4K-ready, so just about any TV should support it without issue. We like that it has an amplifier for improved connections.
You’ll pay a little extra, but the benefits may be well worth it to you. Especially if you have trouble pulling in stations clearly.
With its durable build-quality and quick installation, you’re getting an antenna that is sure to last. Its reception is clear, so there’s less fighting with the antenna. And you get everything you need to get up and running in a flash.
For great range and clear reception, Channel Master’s EXTREMEtenna gets the job done nicely. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but this mammoth of an antenna might be worth the extra scratch considering how well it performs.
Its 80-mile range picked up a lot of stations in our testing, with lots of them in HD. We were very pleased with the results, and the added clarity is a huge plus.
This antenna is built tough, too. It’s a versatile model that can be used outdoors, if necessary. It will stand up to rain and high winds without issue. If there is ever a leak in your attic, you can rest assured that the EXTREMEtenna won’t be affected.
It’s worth noting that this unit will require a lot of space, so be sure that your attic can accommodate its large size.
With reception coming through the EXTREMEtenna’s 180-degree span, this model is a great option for those of you who live out in the country. Installation is cumbersome, but straightforward. You may want to have some help handy to make it go smoothly.
As noted, this is a big one. Make sure you clear away plenty of room in your attic before trying to install it. The EXTREMEtenna measures over 3 feet in length and is nearly as tall. There’s a lot to it, but it’s understandable considering how powerful it is.
This versatile model from Antennas Direct does a splendid job of pulling in stations. Thanks to its 60-mile range, you’ll be able to get free TV stations and cut yourself loose from big cable companies.
The ClearStream 2Max is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. And because of that, it works flawlessly in an attic. It is built for both HD and 4K use, with channels coming in crystal-clear. The reception of this little unit is impressive, to say the least.
It’s a breeze to install, and you should be up and running in no time flat. We really like the mast to which it mounts. You can tilt it up or down to get the best connection possible.
The build-quality is nice, too. The tough plastic material is durable and can withstand both downpours and strong wind (should you decide to ever mount it outside). But in our testing, the attic is the perfect home for the 2Max.
With over 60 miles of reception to work with, the ClearStream 2Max does well at pulling in channels. All hardware comes with the antenna to make installation a breeze. We love the setup of this one, as it’s very user-friendly and easy to adjust.
There’s no coaxial cable included with the package, so be ready to spring for your own. You do get a lifetime warranty, though. So if there’s ever an issue with the hardware, Antennas Direct should have your back.
The big brother of the ClearStream 2Max, the 4V is a monster of an antenna. It is basically two 2Max antennas paired together. It can pick up towers over 70 miles away, increasing your chances of picking up more channels.
Our tests showed this to be one of the more impressive units in our guide. When HD stations come in, they look absolutely wonderful. And being able to broadcast 4K is a huge plus.
The build-quality is just as tough as the 2Max. Bumps, bangs, falls, or a leaking roof won’t phase it. And if you ever decide to mount it outside, rough weather won’t affect it, either. The 4V is built to last. And there’s a lifetime warranty on this one, as well.
At nearly 2 feet in length, it’s important that you clear out any obstructions that might interfere with the antenna’s performance. So be sure that you take the proper measurements to ensure that your attic can accommodate its size.
You get everything you need for installation except coaxial cable. Depending on how far your TV is from the attic, you may need to purchase a significant amount of it. Aside from that, the installation process is straightforward and easy.
If Antennas Direct’s 2Max and 4V aren’t enough for you, there’s always the DB8E. This monstrosity is built with four large antennas and connected via a bracket. The result is a huge unit that works wonders in bringing you free TV.
It is both HD- and 4K-ready. The channels we picked up looked most excellent. The visual and audio clarity is quite impressive for an antenna. And as big as it is, the DB8E is strong and sturdy. We appreciated the durability of this one. And to add further value to the antenna, you get a lifetime warranty on its parts.
The DB8E is equipped to pull in signals from over 70 miles away. And our tests revealed that it does what it was designed to do really well. The reception that we picked up was clear as a bell and well worth the investment.
As with other larger entries we reviewed, you’ll want to make sure that your attic can comfortably house the DB8E. It is approximately 4 feet long and 3 feet tall. It’s going to need plenty of room to properly install it.
Thanks to clear instructions, installation is made easy. You don’t get any coaxial cable with the antenna, however. So you’ll need to spring for this on your own. Just be sure to have an extra set of hands when you go to install the DB8E. You’ll need them.
High cable bills getting you down? You no longer have to pay those outrageous fees. Homevision Technology’s Digiwave can forever change all of that. This antenna is a solid and well-built piece of hardware that does exactly what it was designed to do.
Our tests showed this to be one of the best models we’ve ever used. It made our top 10 because it just works so well. By pulling in distant stations that are over 70 miles away, you’ll have a greater chance of picking up channels.
And on top of that, many of them are high definition and look fabulous. The clarity and reception alone makes this one a winner. But throw in easy installation and you’re looking at an antenna that is well worth your attention.
We had an easy time with installation. Instructions are clear and concise, and the antenna mounts quickly and easily. It’s certainly not the largest model we reviewed. But at almost 2 feet long, you’ll want to ensure that it will fit in your attic.
As an upgraded version of GE’s Pro model, this unit works by using a directional antenna to better pick up stations. And it does a fine job of that. But on occasion, our connection failed, resulting in lost signal.
By all accounts, the Pro Directional should pick up better than the Pro. If that’s the case, our tests sure didn’t reveal it.
This is a highly-affordable antenna, so it’s not surprising that it’s not as solid of a performer as premium models. But it’s still an issue we’d rather not see.
Build-quality-wise, it’s very similar to the Pro. That is to say, a bit on the fragile side. It’s not as solid or sturdy as some of the other entries we reviewed. But as it will be mounted in your attic, this shouldn’t become a problem.
We had no trouble assembling the GE Pro Directional, and installation was easy and straightforward. There were times when the reception dropped out of nowhere. But when there’s a solid connection, picture quality is great.
Philips offers another classy antenna that looks great anywhere you put it. If you need something attractive to fit right in with a furnished attic, this is a great choice. It’s also very easy on your budget, with a highly-affordable price.
It comes ready with both HD and 4K capabilities. The Wing is compatible with just about any TV, and it works really well with smart TVs, in particular.
The antenna’s 60-mile range works well to grab signals, as we were able to pick up quite a few. The visual clarity is a huge plus, too. Our stations were crystal-clear, albeit limited. We couldn’t get quite as many as some of the other units we reviewed.
But we were pleased with what we did get. Considering the low price, we weren’t expecting a whole lot. If you don’t mind some limitations on total channel count, the Wing should serve you rather well.
It will likely take you longer to assemble the antenna than it will to install it. You can opt to screw it down, but it isn’t necessary. It’s very modern, with an attractive look that should blend in with just about any environment.
Alright, you’ve just seen the best antennas that you can buy for your attic. But you still might not be sure what kind you need. Don’t worry; we’re going to help clear up any confusion you might have so that you have an easier time in your search for the right unit.
There are a few things you want to be mindful of when considering any antenna. In the following sections, we’ll help you to identify your needs so that you end up with the best model possible.
This is important to consider so that you don’t wind up with an antenna you can’t use. As you likely noticed from our reviews, some of these units are quite large. One in particular has a 360-degree remote-controlled rotation feature.
For antennas like this, you’ll need to ensure that your attic can accommodate their size and features. Many of them simply mount to a stud or post. But even then, you’ll want to make sure that you have plenty of room for them and that they have a direct line of sight.
If your attic is full of stacked boxes and the like, you may not be able to get a big model. We listed the measurements for each entry, so be sure to do some measuring of your own before buying anything.
If your home is located out in the country, you’ll want to buy an antenna that has excellent range. This will increase your chances of picking up stations. If, however, you live in the city, you should do just fine with a lower range.
The best range we came across was with BEFORE’s HDTV Antenna. It boasts a 150-mile radius and can pick up more stations than most others.
Antennas are equipped with either UHF (ultra-high frequency), VHF (very high frequency), or both. If you struggle picking up signals where you live, it may bode well for you to choose an antenna with both frequencies. This will allow you to get more channels than a unit with only one frequency. If you need help finding local towers in your vicinity, check out this link.
A few of the antennas we reviewed come with lifetime warranties on parts. Antennas typically aren’t the most solid pieces of hardware. And it’s not uncommon for certain aspects of them to fail over time.
By ensuring that parts are covered before you buy, you’re getting the assurance that any defects will be on the manufacturer.
As you read in our reviews, some models are better built than others. Since your new attic antenna will be mounted to a stud or post, it’s highly unlikely that it’s going to fall or break. However, if your roof develops a leak, it can spell certain doom for your antenna.
That’s where choosing a model with high durability will benefit you greatly. Many of them are waterproof for things such as leaks. And if one day you decide to mount the antenna outside, it will be protected from the elements.
Quite honestly, some people just don’t want a gaudy antenna sticking out from their roof or side of the house. And while an antenna on the outside is always going to get better signal strength, many do just fine in an attic.
That’s why we researched the brands and models in our guide. We wanted to ensure that they performed how they were supposed to. Manufacturers use unique methods to make sure that their antennas get the best range possible.
Since they’ll be indoors, clear reception is an absolute must. We didn’t include any units that couldn’t deliver both quality reception and great signal strength.
When mounting your new antenna in your attic, there are some important things to consider. If you have a metal roof, the antenna is going to struggle with picking up signals. To that point, any metal obstructions will limit the antenna’s performance.
So be sure to free up as much metal as you are reasonably able. If you have a rotating antenna, it’s important that it has plenty of room to move and that it doesn’t aim toward anything that could block its signal.
You may have to get creative in how you install it. But if you can, point it away from any metal to get optimal performance.