Finding the best long-range attic TV antenna is a joy, especially for people in rural areas. As the name suggests, a long-range antenna is one that should have a high signal reception range, preferably over 60 miles. Since rural areas tend to be far from most broadcast towers, these high reception ranges are essential to enjoying good signal strength and picture clarity. You just need to ensure that there are no obstructions like hills or wooded areas in the signal’s line of sight.
When choosing your long-range attic TV antenna that will work for your home, it is best to get either a multidirectional or omnidirectional antenna. These will allow you to receive signals from multiple towers, so you won’t need to aim your antenna specifically to a single broadcast tower. You should also consider the quality of your coaxial cable as it will determine your picture and sound quality. Find an HD-ready coaxial cable as this will give you the best results. Below are our eight top picks for the best long-range attic TV antennas.
Best Long Range Attic TV Antenna
1. Best Overall: RCA Yagi Long Range HDTV Antenna
Specifications
- 70-mile maximum range
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- Upto 4K UHD picture quality
- Free signal finder app
- Easy set-up
We agree with over 8,000 five-star Amazon reviewers that the RCA Yagi HDTV Antenna is our top pick for the best long-range attic antenna. This HDTV antenna receives both UHF and VHF signals from up to 70 miles away, at full HD picture quality. It is even 4K UHD ready to offer you the absolute best sound and picture quality.
Plus, it is compatible with your Smart TV, and you can combine it with your favorite streaming service for the ultimate viewing experience. Do you struggle to align your antenna to the broadcast tower? The free RCA signal finder app will sort that out quickly with your purchase of this antenna.
This yagi antenna is easy to set up. The elements need only be snapped open, then you attach the antenna to the mast clamp, connect the coaxial cable, mount, and scan for channels. You will have to get your own coaxial cable as that is not provided. This antenna can fit in most attics but is tough enough to withstand outdoor conditions should you decide to mount it outside.
2. Best Budget: GE Attic Mount TV Antenna
Specifications
- 60-mile maximum range
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- 4K UltraHD ready
- Signal enhancing receptors
- Easy assembly and installation
It is amazing the features you get with the GE Attic Mount TV Antenna at its current price point. Within a 60-mile range, you can receive UHF and VHF signals in full HD picture and sound quality. Further, you have an additional guarantee of signal strength from the antennas’ signal-enhancing reflector rods.
These reflector rods not only ensure signal strength but also reduce signal dropouts for overall improved performance. The antenna package comes with a mounting bracket and an antenna mast and is easy to assemble and install.
You only need to buy a coaxial cable and follow the simple installation instructions. You can also connect multiple TVs to this antenna should you choose to buy a signal splitter and additional coaxial cable. It fits perfectly in most attics for out-of-sight installation, so you won’t have problems with your HOA.
3. Best Runner Up: PBD WA-2608 Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna
Specifications
- 150-mile maximum range
- Remote-controlled 360° rotation
- Full HD quality
- 40-foot RG6 Coaxial Cable
- Snap-on installation
The PBD WA-2608 Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna is our second pick for the best TV antenna with a long signal range. It has an impressive 150-mile maximum signal range within which it can receive both UHF and VHF signals at full HD picture and sound quality.
In addition, it is 4K Ultra HD ready to guarantee you the best possible viewing experience. It also has a built-in preamplifier that boosts and strengthens signals before they reach your TV and a built-in splitter to allow a dual-TV connection.
A control box helps you rotate this antenna 360° using a remote control without leaving your seat. This gives you access to more channels and makes this multidirectional antenna omnidirectional. You also get a pole mount and flexible J-mount to secure the antenna. This makes assembly and installation a breeze as the parts are simply snapped together and folded out; no extra tools required.
4. Best for Furnished Attics: 1byOne Amplified HDTV Antenna
Specifications
- 200-mile maximum range
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- Full HD quality
- 16.5-foot Coaxial Cable
- Smart Switch Technology
The 1byOne Amplified HDTV Antenna is the perfect long-range TV antenna for a furnished attic. Its compact 13.3” by 9.3” size allows it to be easily concealed and blend into your attic’s decor. The 16.5-foot long coaxial cable gives you enough lead to finding the right spot in your attic with the strongest signal.
This indoor antenna is easy to install as it comes with either power-grip suction cups or mounting screws that affix it to your preferred spot. Once installed, you will start to receive UHF and VHF signals from up to 200 miles away in full HD picture quality.
CleanPeak filter technology is built into this antenna to insulate it from FM and cellular interference for low-noise channel reception. Smart Switch Control allows you to adjust the signal amplifier to match your distance from the towers. The 1byOne Antenna is affordable and durable, giving you value for money for a long time to come.
5. Best for Rural Areas: Five Star HDTV Antenna
Specifications
- 200-mile range
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- 4K UltraHD and ATSC 3.0 ready
- 40-foot RG6 Coaxial Cable
- Multidirectional
Being deep in the country will not affect your TV viewing experience with the Five Star HDTV Antenna. This five-star Yagi antenna receives UHF and VHF signals from up to 200 miles away, making it the best attic TV antenna for rural areas. You will watch all your favorite channels in full HD and, if your TV can handle it, in 4K Ultra HD.
Just be sure to check out what channels are available in your area via FCC maps to orient the antenna correctly. Speaking of orientation, this multidirectional antenna can easily be converted to an omnidirectional one via a remote-controlled rotator.
That gives you access to more channels from the comfort of your couch. The antenna comes with an impressive installation kit that includes a 4-way splitter that allows multiple TV connections. You also get a 40-foot long, high-quality RG6 coaxial cable that allows you to install the antenna indoors or outdoors.
6. Best Indoor/Outdoor: Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V TV Antenna
Specifications
- 60+ mile range
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- 4K UltraHD and ATSC 3.0 ready
- Weather monitoring hardware
- Multidirectional
When you want the indoor or outdoor option, the Antennas Direct ClearStream 2V TV Antenna is your best option. This 4K UltraHD ready antenna has an impressive signal reception range of over 60 miles. It is also multidirectional, allowing you access to more of your favorite channels.
For easier access, you will receive access to Antennas’ exclusive Antenna Point App that helps locate all broadcast towers and channels in your area. Weighing slightly above 5 pounds, this lightweight antenna is easy to install indoors and outdoors.
A 20-inch mounting plate and weather-monitoring mounting hardware allow you to attach the antenna wherever suitable, without worrying about the weather. Further, all the parts come with a lifetime warranty. It, unfortunately, doesn’t come with a coaxial cable, but that can be purchased at your local hardware store.
7. Best Quick Installation: Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna
Specifications
- 75-mile maximum range
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- 4K UltraHD ready
- 30-foot coaxial cable
- Multidirectional
Uniquely designed, the Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna certainly does not have a textbook antenna design. This lightweight multidirectional antenna weighs only 3 pounds but has a signal reception range of up to 75 miles.
Compatible with UHF and VHF signals, the antenna is fitted with Clean Peak Filter technology that filters out FM signals and cellular noise. This gives you clear pictures and better access to more of your favorite channels.
The Mohu Sky Antenna offers full HD picture quality and is even 4K UltraHD ready if your TV can handle it. It comes with a built-in amplifier and can be powered by either its power cube or via USB, which ensures that you maintain great picture quality.
It is also easy to install as you only need to screw the pole to the unit and install the pole in your preferred spot. While some may consider it rather expensive, this durable antenna is certainly worth every penny.
8. Best for Weak Signals: Antennas Direct DB8e HDTV Antenna
Specifications
- 70+ mile range
- UHF signal reception
- Easy assembly
- Multidirectional
- Weather-proof
Bowtie antennas were an improvement on the classic wire dipole antennas as they had wider bandwidth performance. The Antennas Direct DB8e HDTV Antenna demonstrates this by specializing in pulling distant channels with medium to weak TV signals.
The design consists of two Antennas Direct DB4 antennas mounted together on a central boom. This allows you different alignment patterns that will give you the best reception. Installation is relatively easy as the parts come mostly assembled.
You will need to get a number of things from your local hardware, including the coaxial cable and a mast. If you want to add VHF signals to this UHF-only antenna, you can purchase a preamplifier and UHF/VHF antenna combiner from Antennas separately.
This bulky antenna is quite heavy, so whether it is in your attic or rooftop, remember to mount it as securely as you can.
Best Long Range Attic TV Antenna FAQ
1. Why can’t I find some channels at night?
Atmospheric temperature affects signal strength even for the best attic antennas. At night, atmospheric temperatures drop significantly, affecting your antenna’s signal reception and causing some channels to disappear.
Disappearing channels could also be a result of having more electric household devices switched on at night, causing interference with your signal reception. In this case, you should consider moving your antenna away from these devices or getting antennas with LTE filters or reflectors to minimize electrical interference.
2. What is the best position for an antenna in the attic?
The best position for an antenna in the attic is the corner with an unobstructed line of sight to the broadcast towers. You should pick several spots that have the least amount of blockage from your house structure and face the broadcast towers as directly as possible.
Then test each of these spots to see which of them has the best reception. You can use a portable TV or a laptop to test the picture quality at each spot before permanently mounting your antenna in your attic.
3. What is the best size for an attic mount antenna?
The size of your antenna will affect its directivity/gain, i.e., its ability to focus electromagnetic energy, thereby partly affecting its overall performance. So, in theory, longer antennas or those with broader reflectors will give you better signal reception.
However, some attics can be quite small, and you must take this into account when choosing among attic antennas. Large antennas will be cumbersome to reposition, while smaller antennas may give you inferior reception.
4. How can I boost my antenna’s signal?
There are several ways to boost your indoor attic antenna signal. First, you should find out which channels are available in your area and which of those you would like to watch. The FCC database should help with this so you can see which channels have the strongest signals based on your location.
Then you should aim the antenna towards the broadcast towers while avoiding any obstructions. Should all these fail, you may need to get a signal amplifier to help boost your antenna’s signal reception.