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The cost of cable, satellite, and livestreaming services keeps rising. But if you want to watch local channels and broadcast sports, pay-TV isn't your only option. The best indoor TV antennas cost as little as $20 and let you enjoy dozens of networks — including NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox — without a subscription. That means you can watch popular shows and big sports events like the Super Bowl for free. And who doesn't love free?
The best indoor TV antennas are affordable, slim, and easy to tuck out of sight. Our top pick is the Channel Master FLATenna, a reliable, no-frills option that sticks neatly on a wall or window. We're also fans of the Mohu Gateway, which sits on a base and blends in nicely on an entertainment console.
We've also included picks for budget shoppers and a model that can work outside. Our recommendations are based on hands-on testing and thorough research across popular antenna brands, so you can find the right option for your setup with confidence.
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Staff PickBest overallThough it doesn’t have an amplifier, this affordable passive antenna will work great for most needs.
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Best tabletop antennaRather than wall-mounting it, this sleek antenna is designed to rest on any surface near your TV.
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Best on a budgetThis antenna offers a solid range at a super-low price. Just plug it into your TV’s tuner to start watching.
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An amplified antennaThis antenna includes an amplifier to boost its signal, is ultra-thin, and includes push pins to hold it in place.
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For use indoor or outdoorsThis stable antenna can be set up indoors or outdoors but takes up more space than other options.
TV antenna FAQs
How do I connect an indoor antenna to a TV?
The best TVs sold today have built-in digital tuners and a coaxial port for connecting an antenna. If your TV was made before 2009, you may need to buy a separate digital tuner.
To connect your antenna, just run a coaxial cable from the antenna to the TV's antenna port. Some antennas include this cable, but if not, you'll need to purchase one. Planning to place the antenna in a window or farther from the TV? Measure the distance first to make sure the cable is long enough.
If your antenna is amplified, don't forget to plug it into a power outlet to ensure it works properly.
What channels can I watch with an antenna?
Antennas pick up over-the-air broadcast channels available in your area. This typically means local networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, along with a few dozen other stations. However, channel availability varies by location.
One way to check available channels in your area is through the AntennaWeb tool. Just enter your address in the search bar, and a list of channels available at your location will appear in the results.
Can I watch sports with an antenna?
Yes, TV antennas can pick up several channels that regularly broadcast sports, including Fox, CBS, NBC, and ABC. This includes the upcoming Super Bowl on NBC.
However, antennas do not support cable channels that broadcast sports, like ESPN, Fox Sports, TNT, TBS, NFL Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV. To access those stations, you'll need a pay-TV or streaming subscription. Check out our guide to the best sports streaming services for top recommendations.
Do you need a TV antenna with an amplifier?
Not necessarily. Many people get great TV reception with a non-amplified antenna, especially if they live close to broadcast towers.
An amplifier can help if you're far from TV stations or in a rural area, since it boosts weaker signals. That said, amplified antennas need power, which means extra cables, and they can sometimes boost interference along with the signal — making reception worse, not better.
If you live near broadcast towers, a standard (non-amplified) antenna is often the simpler, cleaner choice and works just as well.
What are the limitations of using an antenna?
TV antennas only pick up free, local channels. They won't give you access to cable networks like ESPN, AMC, FX, or Disney Channel, which are available through cable or live TV streaming services.
Reception can also vary based on where you live. Things like nearby buildings, trees, weather, room layout, and how close you are to broadcast towers can all affect signal quality. Because of this, antenna performance can be less consistent than cable or streaming.
Finally, antennas don't include recording features. To record shows, you'll need a separate DVR that supports over-the-air broadcasts. Some TVs also don't offer a full on-screen guide for antenna channels, which means you may have to flip through channels manually — though many of the best smart TVs sold in 2026 now include built-in antenna guides.
What video quality can I get with an antenna?
Most over-the-air TV channels broadcast in HD, typically 720p or 1080i. That's the same resolution you get from most cable or live TV streaming services.
However, antenna broadcasts can actually look better than cable. That's because cable providers often compress their signals more than over-the-air broadcasts. As long as your reception is solid, picture quality is usually excellent.
Some stations are also beginning to broadcast in 4K (Ultra HD) resolution and high dynamic range (HDR) using the new ATSC 3.0 standard (also known as NextGenTV). These broadcasts are already live in many major cities and continue to roll out to more areas. You can find more information about ATSC 3.0 broadcast availability on the NextGenTV website.
You don't need a special "4K antenna" to receive NextGenTV signals, but you do need an ATSC 3.0 tuner. Some newer 4K TVs have ATSC 3.0 tuners built in, but they're not standard with all models. ATSC 3.0 tuners can also be bought separately.
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