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Whether you plan on cutting the cord completely or just want access to local channels, a TV antenna is an affordable solution. The best attic antenna gives you access to public broadcasting channels and around-the-clock entertainment, but without the monthly bill.
Attic antennas offer decent reception without the obtrusive look of a rooftop antenna. They often receive better reception than indoor antennas but may not perform as well as roof-mounted options. However, mounting an antenna in the attic is an easier and safer project than a rooftop installation. Attic antennas are protected from the elements, which makes for a safer installation and better longevity. They also make use of wasted attic space.
Antennas offer a variety of mounting options. They can be placed on the attic floor or installed on the ceiling or a wall. Before choosing an antenna, check which channels are available in your area and take a look at the signal strength and transmitting antenna location of those channels. Ditch the cable bill and go back to basics with one of the best attic antennas.
Our Top Picks
The best attic antenna for your home will depend on your location and the size of your attic space. It’s important to check which channels are available from your property and test their signal strength. A few factors to look for in an attic antenna include durability, performance, and ease of installation. Here are the top picks.
Best Overall
Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V TV Antenna
This powerful antenna from Antennas Direct is a versatile and compact unit. It has a 60-mile range and picks up both UHF and VHF channels. The patented technology is ideal for suburban or rural areas where the signal may be spotty.
The dedicated UHF and VHF elements deliver reliable reception, even in less than ideal locations. These elements have a wide beam angle to eliminate the need for rotation. This unit is engineered to pick up a signal from a wide-angle range.
With the help of a few tools, this antenna is easy to assemble and can be installed indoors, in an attic, or outdoors. The package includes the antenna, a mount, and all-weather mounting hardware. The included 20-inch mount has a pivoting base to install on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Best Bang For The Buck
GE Pro Outdoor TV Antenna, Long Range
The GE Pro Outdoor TV Antenna is a budget-friendly pick that doesn’t compromise on quality. This antenna has a 70-mile range and picks up both UHF and VHF channels. It also includes signal enhancing reflectors to increase the reception and reduce signal dropouts.
The antenna can be mounted in the attic or on the roof. The package includes a weather-resistant mounting bracket, mast clamp, and J-mount for a range of installation options. The mounting bracket is adjustable to accommodate floor, wall, or ceiling installation. Another option is to mount the antenna directly to an existing standard antenna mast.
Instructions are included for easy installation. Overall, the UHF/VHF capability and adjustable mount make this an affordable pick without sacrificing features.
Upgrade Pick
Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna
This eight-element bowtie antenna from Antennas Direct is a powerful and versatile pick. The antenna features two adjustable, multidirectional panels. The panels have specially designed brackets so users can individually adjust the angle of each side, allowing the antennas to target broadcast towers in different directions.
The adjustable brackets also offer the flexibility to pick up a range of broadcast signals, even from widely spaced broadcast towers. The antenna picks up UHF channels 14 to 69, has a 70-mile range, and can be installed in the attic or outdoors. It includes all-weather mounting hardware and an adjustable mast clamp for installation.
Antennas Direct’s unique design is smaller than most standard bowtie antennas but still delivers as much power. The antenna has a reflector design for added range and protection against multipath interference. The smaller comparable size makes it a great pick for attic installation.
Best Rotating
McDuory Outdoor Digital Antenna 360 Degree Rotation
This rotating directional antenna from McDuory receives both UHF and VHF signals. It includes a built-in amplifier, which helps it achieve its impressive 150-mile range. To take advantage of nearby channels, it features a 360-degree rotation motor with an included remote. The 360-degree rotation allows the antenna to receive signals from different directions.
This antenna has a snap-on design, which means users can assemble it with ease (although additional tools are needed for mounting). The package includes an antenna, a control box, a 40-foot outdoor coaxial cable, a J-shape adjustable-angle mount, and a remote to control the rotating motor. The control box allows the antenna to support two TVs without a splitter.
This unit can be installed in an attic or on a rooftop. It is weather resistant and lightning protected to withstand outdoor conditions if needed. The antenna measures nearly 20 inches long, so it will need adequate space to rotate if installed in an attic.
Best Long-Range
Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna
This directional antenna from Five Star has an impressive 200-mile range. It picks up both UHF and VHF signals as well as FM radio. The antenna features 360-degree motorized and remote-controlled rotation to pick up channels from different directions.
The installation kit includes a J-mount pole, a 40-foot coaxial cable, and a coaxial splitter. The included four-way splitter means this handy antenna can support up to five TVs.
The antenna is weather resistant and can be mounted in an attic or outdoors. The antenna features six reflector elements designed for receiving more channels and improving the picture quality. It’s a well-suited and affordable pick for those who are hoping to reach signals from a distance.
Best For Furnished Attics
Winegard FL5500A FlatWave Amped Digital HD Indoor TV
In a furnished attic that is part of the daily living space, it may make sense to choose a smaller indoor antenna. The FlatWave Indoor Amplified TV Antenna is a small and unobtrusive antenna option for attics, living rooms, bedrooms, and more.
The antenna includes an embedded low-noise amplifier to pick up high UHF and VHF channels within a 60-mile range. While this antenna does need an external power source to operate, it includes a USB power cable that can be plugged into a TV or wall outlet.
The flat antenna measures 13 inches by 12 inches, and it’s easy to adjust or reposition to pick up great signal. Installation is simple, too: Attach it to a window, wall, or tabletop with the included 3M Command brand strips.