It is no coincidence that more people are looking for the best TV antenna for Los Angeles. The ‘cord-cutting’ phenomenon has been on the rise partly due to the presence of on-demand TV streaming and the rediscovery of free over-the-air (OTA) TV. Fans of local channels, nationally syndicated shows, and live events can fully enjoy these without cable TV costs by simply installing a TV antenna. Plus, OTA TV antennas can work with Smart TVs to give you the best of both worlds.
Free TV antennas offer a variety of advantages beyond freeing you from monthly cable costs. With antennas, you can get access to substations that are unavailable on cable or satellite TV. You can also get channels from other markets if you are near their broadcast towers. Further, unlike satellite TV, antennas are not as easily affected by bad weather. So why don’t you go ahead and check out our top picks for the best TV antenna for Los Angeles?
Best TV Antenna for Los Angeles
1. Best Overall: Mohu Leaf 30 Indoor TV Antenna
Specifications
- Multidirectional
- UHF/Hi-VHF signal reception
- Full HD broadcast
- 40-mile maximum range
- 10-foot detachable coaxial cable
The Mohu Leaf 30 Indoor TV Antenna is the best indoor HDTV antenna currently on the market. It is especially advantageous for city dwellers and some suburban dwellers as it has a maximum signal reception range of just 40 miles. This non-amplified antenna is easy to set up as it comes with pins and hook-and-loop tabs to attach it to a surface.
So once you connect the 10-foot coaxial cable to your TV and run a channel scan, you will be good to go. This unpowered antenna is quite small, measuring about 10 inches by 12 inches. This makes it easy to attach out of sight but does not affect its longevity as it is made of sturdy material. Some people even attach it to a safe place outdoors to improve connectivity.
The Mohu antenna offers full HD quality pictures at a pretty reasonable price, making it an excellent free TV antenna.
2. Best Budget: Philips Modern Loop Rabbit Ears Indoor TV Antenna
Specifications
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- Full HD broadcast, 4K UHD-ready
- 30-mile maximum range
- 4-foot coaxial cable
- Passive
The Philips Modern Loop Rabbit Ears Indoor TV Antenna is the best HDTV antenna you can get for about $10. This affordable antenna is a modern take on the classic dipole antennas attached to older TV sets. Stabilized by a weighted base, this passive antenna has a sleek matte finish that adds style to your home decor. It also has rubber feet to keep it from sliding off your selected surface.
Four feet of coaxial cable gives you some allowance to place the antenna in an ideal spot to boost your indoor signal strength. The two dipoles have a 15-inch extension allowance to help you receive the clearest signal. You will receive UHF and VHF channels in full HD or even 4K UHD from as far as 30 miles away. This antenna is a great option if you live in the city and are just starting the cordless life.
3. Best Runner Up: 1byOne Indoor Flat Digital Antenna
Specifications
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- HDTV compatible
- 200-mile maximum range
- 16.5-foot coaxial cable
- Smart Switch Control
For the best indoor TV antenna, 100 mile range reception is an impressive addition. With the 1byOne Indoor Flat Digital Antenna, you get much more. This antenna receives UHF/VHF signals from as far as 200 miles away, which is very impressive for an indoor antenna at that price point.
Plus, you will receive your favorite channels in glorious HD as it is compatible with HDTVs. This lightweight (1 ounce) antenna has adhesive pads that make installation a breeze. It is compact, measuring about 13.3 inches by 9.3 inches, so it can easily be installed out-of-sight.
Its 16.5-foot long, the high-quality coaxial cable allows attachments as high up on the wall or window as you want for the best signal reception. The 1byOne antenna has Smart Switch Control to adjust the signal amplifier based on your proximity to the broadcast towers. A 5-foot USB cable comes with the package to power your antenna.
4. Best Seller: Gesobyte HDTV Antenna
Specifications
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- Full HD broadcast
- 200-mile maximum range
- 18-foot coaxial cable
- Smart Switch Control
The best-selling indoor TV antenna, at least according to Amazon, is the Gesobyte HDTV Antenna, and we can see why. First, this antenna’s amplifier has Smart IC Chip NextGen technology, allowing reception of UHF and VHF signals from up to 200 miles away.
It also comes with Crystal Clear Filter Technology that minimizes noise and other interferences for optimal signal strength and better access to more channels. These channels will be broadcast to you in full HD as this antenna is compatible with HDTVs. The 18-foot long coaxial cable allows you to find the best spot for your antenna, while adhesive pads secure it to your wall or window.
The antenna comes with a USB power adapter with a built-in voltage surge protector to ensure your antenna is safely powered for optimal performance. It also has Smart Switch Control to adjust your amplifier based on your proximity to the broadcast towers. With all these features, it is no wonder that the Gesobyte HDTV Antenna is our pick for a bestseller.
5. Best For TV and Radio: Five Star Outdoor Antenna
Specifications
- UHF/VHF/FM signal reception
- Up to 4K UHD broadcast
- 200-mile maximum range
- 40-foot coaxial cable
- Multi-directional with 360° rotation
If you are looking to get the best quality TV and Radio signals, you should definitely get the Five Star Outdoor Antenna. This antenna has a long-range reception of up to 200 miles and a full band DTV/VHF/UHF/FM receiver. It has a built-in super low noise amplifier and an LTE filter to reduce 4G cell phone signal interference and noise-free signal reception.
This outdoor antenna is also fitted with Auto Gain Control technology that automatically adjusts signal levels based on your location for optimal signal gain. The antenna comes assembled with a 40-foot long coaxial cable that allows you to mount the antenna as high as you want. You will have to get your own mounting pole, though.
A motorized, remote-controlled, 360° rotation capability allows you to adjust this antenna to receive your favorite channels from the comfort of your couch.
As with all good outdoor antennas, the Five Star Antenna is made of durable materials with a special windproof design to enhance its durability further. It is also designed with two extra UHF elements and 50% larger VHF elements for enhanced channel reception and supports a dual TV connection without splitters.
6. Best Indoor/Outdoor Antenna: Five Star Indoor/Outdoor Yagi HD Antenna
Specifications
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- Up to 4K UHD broadcast
- 200-mile maximum range
- 40-foot coaxial cable
- Easy to set up
Dual-purpose antennas always give you value for money, and the Five Star Indoor/Outdoor Yagi HD Antenna offers this value for money. After all, you are getting an indoor antenna and an outdoor antenna for the price of one. Made from durable, all-weather material, this antenna can receive VHF and UHF signals from an impressive 200-mile range at up to 4K UHD picture quality.
This is facilitated by built-in booster technology that also reduces noise interference for optimal viewing. Installation involves mounting it on its 20-inch mounting pole, attaching the 40-foot coaxial cable to your TV’s F-connector, and running a channel scan.
The antenna sometimes comes fully assembled or with pre-assembled snap-lock and fold-out parts that are easy to put together. You can mount this antenna in your attic or on your roof, wherever you will get the best signal. After all, the longer antenna length and larger elements ensure you get stronger and more stable signals, whether indoors or outdoors.
7. Best for RVs: GE UltraPro Mobile TV Antenna
Specifications
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- Full HD picture and sound quality
- 60-mile maximum range
- 6-foot coaxial cable
- Easy to set up
Picnics and road trips can be extra fun with the GE UltraPro Mobile TV Antenna. With this compact, weather-resistant mobile antenna, you won’t have to miss out on your favorite shows while on the road. From as far as 60 miles away, this antenna will give you up to 4K UHD picture and HD sound quality for UHF/VHF signals.
Its 6-foot coaxial cable allows it to be easily installed indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference. This antenna has a sleek design and adjustable base that can fit into any decor and makes it easy to set up.
The package comes with all the mounting hardware necessary, including screws and a rubber foot pad to secure the antenna safely to your chosen surface. You only need to attach the coaxial cable after mounting the antenna and run a channel scan to begin viewing your favorite channels. The GE Mobile Antenna is affordable and worth every penny for on-the-go free TV.
8. Best Attic Mount Antenna: GE Long Range TV Antenna
Specifications
- UHF/VHF signal reception
- 4K UltraHD ready
- 70-mile maximum range
- Signal enhancing reflectors
- Easy to set up
Our top pick for the best indoor antenna that can be mounted in your attic is the GE Long Range TV Antenna. It can also be the best TV antenna outdoor as it is made of durable, weather-resistant materials that allow it to function outside. From as far as 70 miles away, you will receive full HD picture quality of both VHF and UHF signals.
In fact, this antenna is 4K UltraHD ready and is designed with signal enhancing receptors that reduce signal dropouts to give you optimal viewership.
This long-range antenna can support multiple televisions. You only need to get excellent quality coaxial cables and signal splitters that do not come with the antenna. What is included is a J-mount, mounting bracket, and an antenna mast clamp to help you secure your antenna to your attic. Just remember to mount your antenna as high as possible and run a channel scan to enjoy all your favorite local channels fully.
Best TV Antenna for Los Angeles FAQ
1. Which TV antenna should I buy?
Any of the ones listed above should work well at your house. You only need to consider which channels are available in your area and those you would like to watch. Then figure out the signal bands of those preferred channels and how far you are from their broadcast towers.
You will select the best TV antenna for you based on its signal reception range and the signal bands it receives. Your location and surrounding terrain will also play a role in your selection.
2. Will the material of my home affect signal reception for my TV antenna?
The material of your home and the homes in your neighborhood can affect your TV antenna’s signal reception. Building materials like brick, stucco, and metal siding can interfere with incoming signals. For outdoor TV antennas, just ensure they are not aimed at tall buildings or roofs that can cause signal obstruction.
Alternatively, you can get the best indoor TV antennas that are designed to overcome obstacles caused by your home’s building material.
3. Can I use one antenna for multiple TVs?
Yes, you can. You can get the antennas designed with dual TV connection capabilities. Alternatively, you can attach signal splitters to your antenna’s coaxial cable to distribute the signal to other TVs. In theory, you can attach as many extra TVs as you want, but you will lose signal strength with each addition in practice. Therefore, you may need to consider a distribution amplifier to help maintain signal strength for each TV.
4. Why can’t I find an F-connector port on my TV?
Because you have an analog TV. These are televisions manufactured before 2007 and therefore do not have the F-connector at the back. Analog TV transmission ended in 2009, so to watch your favorite over-the-air channels, you will need a DTV converter box, also known as digital television adapters (DTA).
Attach one end of the converter box’s coaxial cable to the ‘Out to TV (RF)’ port of the DTV box and the other end to the ‘Antenna In (RF)’ port on your TV. Turn the power on and follow the instructions of your converter box to complete the installation.
