This article will provide you with the Best TV Antenna options for both Indoor and Outdoor OTA antennas.
While Indoor antennas are more popular due to ease of use, we have found that an Outdoor OTA Antenna is the best option for streaming local programs.
In fact, using TV Antennas is one of the methods highlighted in our guide on watching local channels without a cable subscription.
How to Stream Local Channels Without Cable
When most of us cut the cable cord, we rely on Internet Streams to replace our favorite channels.
Usually, this means using an IPTV Service to get thousands of live tv channels for a small monthly fee.
The most popular device to currently do that is the Amazon Firestick. Due to its side-loading abilities, many purchase this device and install various apps to stream Movies, TV Shows, Live TV, and more.
This is often considered “jailbreaking” and has become a popular term for cord-cutters.
TROYPOINT Jailbreak Firestick Tutorial
While “jailbreaking” your device is a great way to access content for streaming, it is nearly impossible to find local channels on these apps.
That means it is important to invest in a quality over the air (OTA) indoor or outdoor antenna.
We have tested out many OTA indoor and outdoor antennas, and this article will help you make an educated decision when making a purchase.
There are hundreds of options when it comes to choosing an OTA Antenna.
Indoor and Outdoor antennas both have pros and cons, and this guide will describe each to help you decide which is best for you.
Purchasing a TV Antenna will allow you to stream major networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and more in High Definition.
And best of all, these local channels broadcast for FREE.
NOTE: If you are looking for free local news apps, we suggest these options below that feature live news stations from across the country.
Best TV Antenna – Outdoor
When I canceled my DirecTV service a few years ago, I didn’t necessarily want to remove the dish from the top of the house in case I ever wanted to use the service again.
So, I decided to purchase an OTA outdoor antenna that I could mount onto the dish itself.
After a few hours of research, I came across an outdoor antenna that was very inexpensive and had great reviews.
That antenna is the RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna.
Currently, this is available for under $50 and plays video streams in 1080p HD and even 4k if your TV supports it.
The RCA Yagi Antenna has over a 70-mile radius and can withstand all weather conditions.
This is a sturdy OTA outdoor antenna that can be easily mounted with its included hardware.
I simply removed the mount and pole and attached the antenna to the arm of our DirecTV dish.
However, you can also attach the antenna to a chimney, in the attic, or to your roof to reach a signal.
How To Install OTA Outdoor Antenna
One of the nice things about using an Outdoor antenna is that you can hook into your splitter within your home so that all TV connections within the home can use the connection.
Since my tv line was feeding off the DirecTV dish, I simply plugged the same cord into the OTA outdoor antenna and now every room in my home has the capability to receive these channels.
Prior to going up onto the roof to attach the OTA outdoor antenna to the DirecTV dish, I had to determine where I needed to point the antenna.
I used the TV Fool Website to figure out where the transmitters were located by simply typing in my
After locating the transmitters in my area, I realized I needed to point the antenna northwest because most popular channels were in that direction.
Below, you can see a chart that groups OTA transmitters in the northwest corner.
The TV Fool website is a great resource that provides crucial information on nearby transmitters and their signal strength.
Click this link to access the TV Fool Signal Locator tool to determine where to aim your OTA antenna and if an indoor antenna will work.
After entering your address, the tool will display a chart showing all transmitters and color-coding indicating signal strength, with green being suitable for indoor antennas, yellow for attic or outdoor antennas, red for roof-mounted antennas, and gray for weak channels.
The list below shows the channels you can receive with the RCA Yagi Outdoor Antenna.
Similarly, if you live in an area with many green signals, an indoor OTA antenna should suffice.
Here are some of the top recommended Outdoor OTA Antennas by Amazon customers:
Best TV Antenna – Indoor
After using the TV Fool signal locator, you may find an Indoor TV Antenna suitable for your local streaming needs, especially in urban areas.
However, many OTA indoor antenna claims tend to be exaggerated.
Testing various options led us to recommend the Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna by U MUST HAVE, which costs under $30 and provides full HD channels, including 1080p and 4K.
The antenna has a range of up to 120 miles, offering local channels like ABC, NBC, and FOX.
It also comes with 24/7 Customer Support for any inquiries.
Other Options for Local Channels
If you seek alternative ways to access local channels and news, consider these apps for live streams and highlights from local providers.
However, you’ll need a streaming device like a Firestick or Android TV Box to use these apps.
STIRR
STIRR is a free live TV app available on various devices, offering local news, TV shows, sports events, and more, albeit with occasional ads.
Learn how to install STIRR on your device using the guide provided.
Haystack TV
Haystack TV is another free app for local channels, featuring over 200 channels for news and live streams.
The app is compatible with many devices and provides the latest updates on news and videos.
Check out the guide for installing Haystack TV on your preferred device.
Best TV Antenna FAQ
Should I get an Indoor or Outdoor TV Antenna?
Typically, outdoor antennas are more effective for receiving OTA Channels, but indoor antennas are suitable for apartment dwellers.
What Channels Can I get with a TV Antenna?
You can access popular local channels such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.
Where can I Purchase an OTA Antenna?
You can find these antennas in stores like Wal-Mart or Dollar General, and there are various options available on Amazon.
Are there any Apps I can use to get Local Channels?
Absolutely, there are apps offering local channels that can be installed on most devices, as detailed in this guide.