It is becoming even more expensive to subscribe to cable and satellite TV.
So, you can unsubscribe from premium TV and go for free over-the-air broadcasts rather than spend tens to hundreds of dollars monthly.
Besides, broadcast TV gives you higher image quality than compressed video signals from cable and satellite services.
But you need a good indoor antenna before enjoying HD-quality broadcasts, especially if you live close enough to a broadcast tower or in a city or apartment where an outdoor antenna is not an option.
Unlike an outdoor antenna, an indoor antenna takes minimal space and can easily fit next to your TV. It is the cheapest solution for receiving TV transmissions from the nearest broadcasting transmitter.
But indoor antennas come in ranges. Some range up to 50 miles, and others can go as far as over 200 miles.
So if you live far away from a broadcasting tower, look for one of the best indoor antennas that cover a 200-mile radius.
The best 200-mile indoor TV antennas
- Best overall and most channels: Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna
- Best HD picture quality: U Must Have Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna.
- Best for attics: Five Star TV Antenna Indoor/Outdoor Yagi Satellite HD Antenna.
What to consider when looking for an indoor TV antenna
Indoor TV antennas come with different abilities and features.
Before buying one for your home, there are several considerations you should make to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
1. Amplified indoor TV antenna
Go for an amplified indoor TV antenna if you live in a mountainous area, in a home surrounded by high buildings or trees, or far away from a transmission tower.
You can use this TV tower locator tool to tell how far you are from the nearest tower.
If you are far, the only way of getting the best reception in such areas is to use an amplified indoor TV antenna.
Note that an amplified indoor antenna differs from a cable TV signal amplifier.
2. Maximum range
The maximum range of an indoor TV antenna is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider.
It determines how far the antenna will reach the local broadcast stations to grab TV signals.
Generally, standard indoor antennas can get a maximum range of 80 miles. However, some high-end indoor TV antennas, such as those we’ve covered here, have in-built signal boosters that help them reach up to 200 miles.
3. Decibels value
An indoor TV antenna’s decibels (dB) value determines its gain. In other words, the value specifies the antenna’s ability to grab long-range signals in any direction, measured against the antenna’s strength.
Therefore, a higher number means the antenna is excellent at picking up long-range signals. Ideally, most long-range TV antennas have a value of 30 decibels (dB).
4. Number of channels
Determining the number of channels you want to watch will help you select the best indoor TV antenna.
In North America, TV broadcasting is available in three frequency bands, VHF-Low (channels 2 to 6), VHF-High (channels 7 to 13), and UFH (channels 14 to 51).
Most antennas can only cover one, two, or three bands, not all.
You should go for an indoor antenna that is designed to capture VHF-High and UHF reception.
5. Signal Level Indicator
Consider going for an antenna that comes with a Signal Level Indicator. The Signal Level Indicator will tell you the best place to mount the indoor antenna to get the most channels.
Generally, most indoor antennas with this feature will show the strength of the signal received.
In addition, it becomes easier to install the antenna indoors. You only have to move the antenna’s direction and position to find the best reception in your room.
6. Block filter
Some indoor antennas are so advanced that they have a unique 3G/4G block filter.
The function of the block filter is to shield all higher-frequency, non-TV signals from your antenna, including phone signals. That helps to ensure you get the best possible reception on your TV.
You won’t have to go to extreme DIYs like using aluminium foil to achieve this effect.
7. Aesthetics
Since you will mount the antenna indoors, aesthetics is a crucial factor to consider. Ideally, choose an antenna that will blend well with your interior.
For example, if you love keeping a tidy living room, go for an aerial that you can easily hide in the house. Also, consider one with a stylish design to make it an excellent addition to your home décor.
Top 3 200-mile indoor TV antennas -detailed reviews
Considering the features we’ve addressed above, we’ve come up with our list of the top 3 indoor TV antennas that cover 200 miles and above.
1. Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna
The Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna is a long-range antenna that can grab signals up to 250 miles.
It has an indoor smart switch amplifier to boost signals and ensure you get clear pictures even when using a 1080p or 4K TV.
The antenna is best for receiving HD channels where it delivers brighter, more realistic colours and greater detail.
Furthermore, it ensures low noise and gives you access to more free broadcast TV signals.
Why you should buy
- Easy to install.
- It has a compact design.
- Receives more channels than its competitors.
- You can tuck it neatly behind your TV.
- Enhances gain, range, and frequency performance.
- It has a long coaxial cable that makes it easy to mount higher on a wall.
The Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna will constantly scan for new channels once they start broadcasting.
You can, therefore, be sure to receive new channels that are within a 200-mile radius even if they weren’t in service during your first scan.
2. U Must Have Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna
U Must Have Amplified HD Digital Antenna is a long-range antenna that captures digital TV signals from over 250 miles.
With the antenna, you should be able to receive HD channels and crystal clear TV and HD sound quality.
Furthermore, the antenna has a signal booster to filter out cellular and FM signals, ensure low noise, and access more free broadcast TV signals.
Why you should buy it
- It is easy to install.
- Delivers brighter and more realistic colors.
- It has a high-performance coaxial cable.
- Captures many crystal clear channels.
U Must Have Amplified HD Digital Antenna has a compact design that will plug directly into the ANT IN port on your TV, making for an easy installation.
3. Five Star TV’s Yagi Indoor/Outdoor Antenna
The Five Star TV Antenna is a Yagi satellite indoor and outdoor HD antenna. It allows you to enjoy free local channels in 4K, 1080p, 1080i, and 720p.
Furthermore, the antenna enhances signal reception through its in-built high-performance amplifier.
Once mounted, it will pick up VHF and UHF channels as far as 200 miles away, depending on your location.
Why you should buy it
- It reduces signal noise interference.
- Its extended length offers stability and better signal reception.
- It is easy to install.
The Five Star TV Antenna Indoor/Outdoor Yagi Satellite HD Antenna is ideal for mounting in an attic, chimney, roof, eave, and mast.
This tops the list of the best 200-mile outdoor and indoor TV antennas. Note that it will receive a better signal when placed higher on a wall.
Does an indoor antenna have to be by a window?
An indoor TV antenna does not have to be by a window. However, placing it by the window is the recommended option.
Ideally, place the indoor TV antenna as high as possible to extend its signal strength and point it towards the broadcast towers. You should also buy an antenna with an amplifier, such as those listed above, in order to get better signals.
Do 200-mile antennas work?
A 200-mile antenna works for people living far away from the broadcast tower.
However, obstacles like trees, mountains, and buildings can reduce effectiveness if not placed well.
What is the longest-range indoor TV antenna available?
Many manufacturers claim to have antennas that can pick up signals from 250 miles away.
However, the 200-mile radius from our tests is more practical since most of them failed the 250-mile test.
You should, therefore, consider the above options when looking for the best 200-mile indoor TV antennas.
Where should you place an indoor antenna?
The best place to mount an indoor TV antenna is in or near a window.
Also, placing the aerial in an area with fewer obstructions, between the mounting position and broadcast towers, is helpful. Note that ceilings and thick walls can cause obstructions.
How to boost an indoor TV antenna signal
Boosting an indoor TV antenna signal is about knowing where to place it. First, however, here is what you should do:
- Know the location of your local broadcast transmitters to determine the best area to mount the indoor antenna. Therefore, position the antenna parallel to the wavefront and perpendicular to the signal direction.
- Use a Signal Level Indicator to show you where to mount the antenna and pull in the strongest signal.
- To produce the best results, place the antenna higher on the wall, preferably near the ceiling or above low-lying objects and obstacles.
- Mount the antenna to a wall that runs at a 90-degree angle to the first wall.
- Mount the antenna on an exterior wall instead of an interior wall.
You can also improve reception by removing obstacles, checking antenna connections, reducing the number of TVs connected to the antenna, and running a channel scan.
Conclusion
The best TV antennas are those that produce the strongest signals.
Therefore, consider the Gesobyte, U Must Have, and Five Star TV if you are looking for good 200-mile indoor TV antennas.
You can use them to enhance signal reception, filter out cellular and FM signals to ensure clear pictures, and get many channels for free.
Remember that for the best signal reception, consider placing the antennas in or around the window and away from obstacles.