TV antennas can receive both UHF and VHF signals from a range of over 70 miles. Antennas typically perform best when they have a line of site view to the transmitter. The way to facilitate this condition is to place your antenna in your attic. Of equal importance is your choice of TV antenna. Both of these factors will determine the quality of your TV signals and the number of channels you receive. We have done the detailed research and found that the top attic antennas are the ClearStream 4V and RCA Yagi Antenna. Let’s take a look at the details with our in-depth review.
Table of Contents
Detailed Reviews
Best Multi-directional Antenna ClearStream 4V
Top Features
- Superior performance
- 4K and 1080 HDTV reception
- Multi-directional antenna
- Massive Signal reception booster
If you are familiar with the ClearStream 2V, you will love the ClearStream 4V. It consists of two of the ClearStream 2V; strength, right? The antenna supports both UHF and VHF signals.
The ClearStream 4V receives 4K signals and full HD (1080) signals. It also has a reception range of 70 miles, regardless of the existing obstacles and the terrain around you. It is pretty excellent if you have a lot of tree cover since it comes with a built-in signal reception booster (the mesh-like feature behind it).
Pros
- Itās relatively compactĀ
- Multi-directional reception
- Outstanding picture and sound quality
- Weatherproof parts
- It doesnāt need a pre-amplifier in most situations
- Itās durable
Cons
- Coaxial cable and pre-amplifier not included.
- Not pre-assembled
User Reviews
According to most users, the ClearStream 4V is very durable. Its multi-directional reception potential has enabled them to receive more channels with a stable signal and minimum interference.
Some users found its price questionable for the quality they were receiving, while others were torn between the UHF and VHF failure. Some users seemed to have got a bad experience, but their reasons were so varied that a clear negative could not be identified.
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Best Directional AntennaĀ RCA Yagi Antenna
Top Features
- 4K, 8K, and 1080 HDTV reception
- Superior reception from an attic
- Durable antenna material
- Free RCA Signal App
- Pre-assembled design
- Ultralight antennaĀ
The RCA Yagi Antenna is perfect for both outdoors and indoors. Despite its small size, the antenna can receive all local digital broadcast channels without monthly subscriptions.
It supports both UHF and VHF frequencies and has a reception range of 70 miles, receiving 4K and 8K signals along with 1080p signals. The RCA Yagi Antenna comes pre-assembled and weighs only 2 pounds, making it easy to install.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Outstanding picture and sound quality
- Compact sizeĀ
- Very durable
- Very pocket-friendly price
Cons
- It comes without the coaxial cable
- Itās a unidirectional antenna
User Reviews
According to most users, the RCA Yagi Antenna gets a thumbs-up since it was easy to set up. It also has excellent picture and sound quality. Most did not observe any signal distortion and interference.
Some users complained about its inefficiency when the length of the 75 Ohm cable goes beyond 12 feet and its weak lead connection (wires that connect to the antenna). Others also complained about the low number of channels they were able to receive.
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Directional vs Multi-directional – which one should you pick?
Our top two picks, the RCA Yagi Antenna and the ClearStream 4V antenna – both meet the basic criteria of reliability, distance, number of channels on average, and how many users are satisfied. Therefore, choosing one over the other may become difficult. The matter is complicated even further since their signal stability, picture, and sound quality are also excellent. You could consider the many users reviewing the RCA Yagi (over 10,000) who have mostly found it to be worthwhile.
Anyone could argue that its low price is why it has garnered massive sales, yet the subsequent positive feedback overrules this notion. The Clearstream 4V can also stake a claim to being better by that criterion. It has mostly positive reviews from over 8000 users despite its price.
The main difference between the two is that one is multi-directional and the other is directional
A directional antenna is better at receiving signal energy in one particular direction while a multi-directional antenna is better at receiving signals from all directions. Use a directional antenna when all your transmitters are located in one particular direction. Whereas we recommend going multi-directional when your transmitters are scattered all around your location. The simpler approach without having to do much research on transmitters would be to buy both and keep the one that works best!
Runner Up – Clearstream 4Max
Top Features
- 4K and 1080p signal reception
- Multi-directional antenna
- Superior 70+ mile performance
The Clearstream 4Max is arguably one of the best antennas out there. On its own, it is a very great pick for an antenna. You could say it only came second after the ClearStream 4V because of a 2MHz difference in the frequency range, i.e., the 4V has 400 – 700MHz while the 4Max has 400 – 698MHz.Ā
Why would you also pick the ClearStream 4V over the Clearstream 4Max? The ClearStream 4V is more popular with way more reviews (9000+) than the Clearstream 4Max (1000+), with most of the formerās reviews being highly positive.Ā Ā
Otherwise, the Clearstream 4Max supports 4K and 1080p signals and receives both UHF and VHF frequencies. The antenna comes withĀ multi-directional reception for areas with several transmitters located separately. The ClearStream 4Max has a reception range of 70 miles. The product is also suitable for both indoor mounting and outdoor.Ā
Pros
- Sealing pads
- Adjustable clamp
- Lifetime warranty on parts
- 4K ready
- Easy installation
- 20-inch mountĀ
- Great reception for both UHV and VHF-High signals for medium strength
- Sturdy and durable mount, you can easily mount outdoor if necessary
- Multi-directional reception
Cons
- No coaxial cable
- No built-in amplifier
User Reviews
Most users agreed on one thing; the Clearstream 4Max is one of the best antennas they have ever used. Complemented by its being easy to set up, the product also received more channels than most other antennas on average.
Some users complained about its loss of the UHF range compared to the previous generations of the same antenna. Others were still torn between the UHF versus the VHF debate (some say it works better delivering the former, while others say with the latter). However, its lack of a built-in amplifier made it weak in some locations.
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Longest Range: EXTREMEtenna
Top Features
- 1080i and HDTV signal reception
- Multi-directional antenna
- Superior audio quality
As stated by the category, the EXTREMEtenna has a more extended reception range of up to 80 miles than others on this list. The EXTREMEtenna receives both UHF and VHF frequencies. It also supports full HD 1080p signals and allows for a 180 degrees reception span.
Pros
- Comes pre-assembled
- It can withstand harsh climatic conditions.
- Good coverage range.
- Easy to install
- Durable.
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Coaxial cable and mast are sold separately
User Reviews
Most users were satisfied with the EXTREMEtenna for its robust build, which allows it to withstand harsh climatic conditions. The antenna was also easy to install and offered a good viewing experience to its users.
Whereas some users found the price a bit expensive, others didnāt mind. With the EXTREMEtenna as well, some users were back with VHF versus the UHF weaker signal reception debate.
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Most Versatile: GE Attic Mount
Top Features
- 4k and 1080p HDTV reception
- Multiple TV support at the same time
- Includes a Signal Booster or Amplifier
The GE Attic Mount can be installed in your attic, as the name suggests, but will also work just fine outdoors. With a reception range of 60 miles, the product supports 4K and full HD image quality at both UHF and VHF frequencies.
This antenna is easy to mount and install. It also reduces signal dropout and ensures uncompressed HD quality signals.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 4K-ready, the picture quality is perfect
- Compact size, suitable for attic installation
- Easy set-up and easy mounting options
- The curved signal reflectors enhance weaker signals
- It is easy to assemble
- Its value is worth its buying price
- Durability
Cons
- Unattractive design
- Not multi-directional
- Poor quality antenna build
User Reviews
Many users were highly pleased with the GE Attic Mount because of its ability to support more than one TV set. With the GE Attic Mount, the VHF versus UHF weak signal debate was still here, and you can conclude that itās impossible to satisfy all users.
Some users complained of the variation in the range (miles stated) from which they received excellent signals. At the same time, others said the antennaās delivery reduces due to obstructions like buildings and high rising landscapes.
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Budget Pick: GE TV Antenna
Top Features
- 4k and 1080p HDTV signal reception
- Multiple TV set support
The GE TV Antenna comes with a reception range of 70 miles receiving full HD (1080p) and 4K image quality signals. It supports both UHF and VHF frequencies. This antenna can also facilitate multiple HD TV set connections at once and is very easy to install.
Pros
- 4K ready
- Easy to install
- Price is budget-friendly
- Limited-lifetime warranty
- Great performance even indoors
- Multiple antenna component inclusion
- US-based technical support
Cons
- It cannot be installed outdoors in some locations
- Coaxial cable sold separately
User Reviews
Many users were satisfied with the GE TV Antennaās compatibility with installation in the attic, on the floor, and outdoors. The ability to support multiple TV sets was a plus. Also, despite the label saying āall-weather friendly,ā some users reported corrosion when left outside for a while in some Canadian climates, in unprotected locations.
Note:
The GE TV Antenna is more expensive than the RCA Yagi Antenna, so you are better off picking the latter unless you have a specific issue with it. It is called a budget for a reason, save those few extra bucks!
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How we Picked the Best Products for this Article
When buying an attic TV antenna, you want to go with one that has a higher range and supports 4K and full HD image quality. Any other additional attributes are a plus in your decision-making. These criteria might help you arrive at the best decision;
Range
The reception range is the first thing to check for when it comes to an attic antenna. The attic antenna should be able to pick up signals from the broadcasting towers even if itās installed out of sight. Consider the distance between your house and the broadcasting towers and select one accordingly.
Buying an attic antenna with a reception range thatās a little longer than you require will help pick up any weaker signals. You will receive channels at their best image quality when the antenna can adequately pick signals.
Image and sound quality
Here, consider the image quality that your TV set can support. Then, check the picture and audio quality an attic antenna can provide. Some antennas can provide picture quality of up to 1080p HD, Ultra HD, or 4K.
On a TV that supports 1080p, you can only watch content in 1080p despite having an antenna capable of providing 4K content. Always consider an antenna that is compatible with your TVās image and sound quality.
Ease of use
This point is where the āease of useā factor comes in when choosing a good antenna. Even if an antenna has many features, they are futile if you cannot understand how to use them.
Consider an antenna that comes with a proper instruction manual that is easy to understand and follow. Usually, user reviews also come in handy when establishing whether an antenna is as easy to use as promised or not.
Durability
Attic antennas made of high-quality, durable materials tend to be more expensive than their non-durable material counterparts. The price usually drives people to buy the cheaper product, but as an adage goes, āCheap things are sometimes expensive.ā
Expensive in the sense that a poorly made antenna will require more maintenance and repairs, hence, costing you more in the long run. Therefore, always prioritize the quality of a product over its cost. Pick an antenna made of durable material.
Shape and Size
Attics are usually small spaces. Keep the size of the room you have to work with in your attic and its shape in mind when choosing an attic antenna. These considerations will help you in deciding what design and dimension the antenna you want should have. You should consider a more compact design and size.
Gain
The higher the gain of an antenna, the better the sensitivity. An antenna with a higher gain can receive even the weaker signals, providing a stable picture, more channels, and better audio quality.
Itās best to consider an antenna with a higher if you live in a densely populated area surrounded by many buildings. The same goes if you are in a rural area where trees can block the signals.
Price
Price is a consideration for anyone who is on a tight budget. However, it should only be considered while keeping other factors constant or considering all the different aspects.
A cheaper attic antenna may not be long lasting, while a more costly antenna may be durable but with a shorter reception range. Shortlist the brands that offer all the desirable features and contrast their performance and virtues to find the ideal one.
Conclusion
A good attic antenna should be long lasting, support good image and sound quality. It should also have a long reception range. Considering the factors covered above, dive into this list and happy hunting!
- Best Directional Antenna RCA Yagi Antenna
- Best Multi-directional Antenna ClearStream 4V
- Runner Up Clearstream 4Max
- Longest Range EXTREMEtenna
- Most Versatile GE Attic Mount
- Budget Pick GE TV Antenna