Before there were cords to cut, and there wasn’t the hassle of monthly payments or subscription fees, antennas were the only way to watch broadcast television. Indoor antennas have come a long way from the “rabbit ears” that stood on top of TVs and they are the perfect supplement for cord cutters looking to make the switch from paying for cable or streaming services. Indoor antennas are a great (free!) way to watch a plethora of local channels which often include popular sports such as the NBA or NFL, and long-running sitcoms and dramas.
In 2020, indoor antennas have evolved into more stylish and discreet options than yesteryear, however, there is not one perfect antenna that will fit the needs of every cord cutter. First, reference a site like AntennaWeb to see what type of antenna you’ll need and what channels are available in your area. Based on the signal strength and availability of the channels in your area, you should determine if you will need an antenna with amplification capabilities. Lastly, think about where the antenna will be placed inside your home and how long of a cable you will need.
With that said, here is our comprehensive list of the top 5 indoor antennas for 2020 with all budgets in mind.
Cord cutters who are on a budget will be happy to know that ClearTV has an indoor antenna for under $20. The lowest-priced antenna to make our list, ClearTV can be found at Amazon as well as major retailers such as Wal-Mart, and has a signal radius of 25 miles, which is ideal for those who live close to their local stations. The ClearTV indoor antenna design is a throwback to the “rabbit ears,” yet it’s small enough to hide behind your TV.
#4 Winegard FlatWave Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna (FL5500A)
Another razor-thin antenna, Winegard’s Flatwave is priced at $59.99 and has a signal radius of up to 55 miles. This amplified antenna comes with an 18.5 ft. high-performance coaxial cable which allows you to place it almost anywhere in your home. A great way to watch your favorite broadcast channels in HD or pair it with your favorite streaming service to stay entertained while quarantining.
#3 ANTOP AT-500SBS HD Smart Bar
Priced at $119.00, this Smart Bar antenna packs a lot of power for its price. Topping our list with a signal radius of 80 miles, ANTOP’s Smart Bar also includes an integrated amplified FM tuner, 4GLTE filter for less pixelation and Cord cutters will be able to connect 2 devices simultaneously. Unlike the other antennas that made our list, this antenna isn’t paper-thin or as inconspicuous, but it does have a modern design that can be mounted on your wall horizontally or vertically.
#2 Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse 2
Priced just under $80, Antennas Direct’s ClearStream Eclipse 2 is the second-most expensive indoor antenna to make our list. With a 5 ft. USB cable-powered amplifier, this antenna offers a 15 ft. high-performance coaxial cable that has a signal range of 60 miles. The discrete ultra-thin double-loop design is similar to their outdoor antenna design, yet it’s simpler to install. The ClearStream Eclipse 2 comes with peel and stick strips that are formulated to not damage your walls, so say goodbye to unsightly hooks and velcro.
#1 Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified Indoor HDTV Antenna
The Mohu Leaf is Mohu’s flagship product and this antenna is one of the best-selling indoor antennas in the country. The Leaf is one of our favorites as it made our 2019 list as well and has everything you’ll need to cut the cord. Priced at $59.99, the thin Leaf is amplified and can pick up channels in HD within a 60-mile radius. Cord cutters will be happy to know that this antenna comes with a 10 ft. high-performance coaxial cable with a 6ft USB cable to make it easier to place it anywhere in your household for an optimal viewing experience.
Are you new to using OTA antennas and wondering how to set one up in your home? Check out our 5 Antenna Tips for New Cord Cutters.
Which antenna are you using and how many channels are you getting? Let us know in the comments below!