This article reviews the top-rated indoor TV antennas designed for rural reception. We compared signal reach, durability and price across leading brands like Antop, ClearStream and Channel Master. Whether you live 50+ miles from broadcast towers or need multidirectional reception, we’ve got you covered.
Read on for our picks of the best indoor antennas for rural areas that will bring in channels crisp and clear. We’ll also provide tips on positioning your antenna for maximum range.
Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna
The Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna is a powerful and innovative product that offers an extended range of up to 70 miles. It boasts an unsurpassed gain of 17.4 dBi, making it one of the most potent antennas. The antenna uses patented technology to receive TV signals from broadcast towers up to 70 miles away.
The DB8e model is particularly suitable for rural areas where heavy foliage or roofing materials may interfere with the incoming signal. The antenna’s unique design includes brackets that allow the two panels to target broadcast towers in multiple directions. This feature sets it apart from other extreme-range bowtie antennas.
The product reflects Antennas Direct’s commitment to cutting-edge antenna technology. The company has redesigned the popular bowtie antennas, making them smaller while doubling their power and halving their size. The antenna also includes a reflector that focuses its power for added range and protects against multipath interference.
Setting up the antenna is straightforward. Users can locate the broadcast towers serving their area using the official website, place the antenna in the attic or outdoors, connect it to the TV using a coaxial cable, and scan for available channels using the TV remote control. The antenna lets users enjoy all their favorite local and network shows in Full HD 1080.
The product dimensions are 48″L x 36″ W x 6″D, with a lifetime warranty on parts. The package includes two 28″ cables to combine antenna panels. The antenna is 4K ready, with all-weather mounting hardware and an adjustable mast clamp.
The Antennas Direct 8-Element Bowtie TV Antenna has received positive customer reviews, with many praising its performance and ability to pick up many stations. It is available for purchase on Amazon Prime.
RCA Compact Outdoor or Attic Yagi TV Antenna
The RCA Compact Outdoor or Attic Yagi HD TV Antenna is a high-quality digital antenna that provides clear VHF and UHF reception. It supports 4K, 8K, and 1080p TVs and is compatible with NexGenTV™. The antenna boasts a super long range of up to 75 miles from the broadcast towers, making it ideal for those living in remote areas.
One of the key features of this antenna is its ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions due to its durable construction and materials. It can also be mounted in the attic, providing superior reception in both scenarios. Thanks to its pre-assembled design, easy-lock fold-out UHF reflector, and snap-lock elements, the antenna has an easy installation process. The package includes a mast, locking mast clamp, mounting hardware, and a 75-ohm matching transformer, although the coax cable is sold separately.
The antenna allows users to enjoy top-rated HDTV network programming on channels like CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, and more without any monthly fee or subscription. This makes it a great complement to streaming players and a dependable backup source when storms knock out cable or satellite services.
The product also comes with a free RCA Signal Finder app, which acts as a digital compass guiding users to the most high-definition channels and aligning the antenna perfectly. However, it’s important to note that products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US, and international users may require an adapter or converter.
Customer reviews highlight the antenna’s excellent performance, with many users reporting significant savings from cutting their cable subscriptions. Some users have received over 50 channels with full signals, including all major networks in 1080 HD. The antenna has also proven durable, with one user reporting that it survived a Category 4 hurricane. The RCA Compact Outdoor or Attic Yagi HD TV Antenna is highly recommended for those who enjoy high-quality TV programming without hefty cable bills.
Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna Long 250+ Miles Range
The Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna Long 250+ Miles Range is a high-quality product designed to provide users with total HD channels without needing a monthly bill. This upgraded antenna can receive channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, PBC, Fox, and many more, making it an advanced tool for accessing news, sitcoms, kids’ programs, and sports.
The antenna boasts of crystal-clear TV and HD sound quality, thanks to its new generation intelligent switch control powerful amplifier signal booster. It has a built-in Smart IC Chip and Crystal Clear Filter Technology that picks up signals within a 230-mile range. This technology filters out cellular and FM signals, resulting in a clearer picture, low noise, and access to more free broadcast TV signals with enhanced gain, range, and frequency performance.
The indoor HDTV antenna can reach up to 250 miles and be placed anywhere in your home. It constantly scans for new channels as they’re made available for broadcast. The package includes an 18ft long coaxial cable and a USB power adapter, making placing the antenna in your house more accessible for the best reception.
The product has a team of TV tech professionals ready to assist with any problem. If there are issues with the antenna, customers can contact the team anytime for a complete replacement or refund. The antenna is also easy to install, with some users reporting great HD signals for local stations.
The product dimensions are 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.04 inches, weighing 13.1 ounces. It has received positive customer reviews, rating 4.3 out of 5 stars from 43,352. However, users are advised to re-scan for channels after moving the antenna and switch the amplifier to “short range” if their house is close to the broadcast tower (within 35 Miles).
Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna- up to 200 Mile Long Range
The Five Star Outdoor Digital Amplified HDTV Antenna is a cutting-edge technology that offers an impressive range of up to 200 miles. This antenna supports high-resolution HDTV formats, including 4K, 1080p, and 720p, providing access to local free channels, news, sports programs, and weather updates. It operates on VHF 40-230MHz and UHF 470-860MHz frequencies and can support up to five TVs simultaneously with the provided installation kit.
The antenna also supports FM Radio broadcasting, making it a versatile addition to your home entertainment system. The 2020 version of this antenna has been upgraded with a high-gain booster for improved HDTV quality. It features six reflector elements that enhance the UHF HDTV image quality by 25% compared to four parts. These more prominent elements also stabilize the signal, ensuring consistent reception.
The built-in Auto Gain Control Chip with a gain booster enhances the image resolution by adjusting the gain from 15-35db. The premium copper cable inside the motor ensures shielded and stable signal transmission. The antenna also includes an LTE filter that removes interference from phone signals, providing high-quality DTV/VHF/UHF images.
The antenna’s all-directional 360-degree rotation feature allows it to reach a wider area, increasing the number of HDTV channels you can receive. The durable design of the reflectors prevents wind damage, enhancing the antenna’s longevity. The package includes the Five Star Antenna, an installation kit with a 40ft Coax Cable, a 4-way Splitter, 15 cable clips, and a J Pole. The product comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Customer reviews indicate that the antenna provides excellent reception, especially in elevated areas, and can pick up many channels with clear, crisp picture quality. However, some users have noted that the unit seems cheaply made with a lot of plastic, raising concerns about its durability. Despite this, many customers are pleased with the antenna’s performance and would recommend the product.
Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse TV Antenna, 35+ Miles Range
The Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse TV Antenna is a compact, indoor UHF HDTV antenna designed to receive free broadcast television from towers located up to 35+ miles away. This makes it an ideal choice for urban and suburban areas. The antenna features a patented loop design that is paper-thin, allowing it to grip any smooth surface indoors, such as walls or windows. This makes it suitable for small living spaces like dorm rooms, apartments, and RVs.
The ClearStream Eclipse antenna is multi-directional and reversible, with a black or white double-sided design that can be painted to match your wall, furniture, or accent color. It comes with a 12-foot detachable high-performance coaxial cable, a peel-and-stick strip, and instructions for easy installation. The antenna operates at a UHF 470 – 608 MHz frequency and has a peak gain of 4.35 dBi.
The product also includes access to the free Antenna Point app on Android or iOS devices, which helps users find their TV towers and channels. The antenna measures 10.1″H x 8.6″W x .04″ D and weighs 1.6 oz. A lifetime manufacturer warranty backs it.
The Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse TV Antenna has received positive customer reviews, rated 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 8,140 global ratings. Users have praised its compact size, easy installation, and reliable reception. However, some users have noted that the antenna’s performance can be affected by weather conditions, time of day, and the presence of obstacles like trees or buildings.
Mohu Arc Indoor TV Antenna, 40-mile Range, UHF/VHF Multi-Directional, 10 ft.
The Mohu Arc Indoor TV Antenna is a functional and aesthetically pleasing device to enhance your viewing experience. Its modern curved design adds a touch of elegance to your indoor decor while delivering top-notch performance similar to the renowned Leaf antennas from the same brand.
This antenna has a range of 40 miles and is equipped with multi-directional UHF and Hi-VHF elements that can receive TV signals from both sides. It also features a reversible black or white flat antenna design that can be painted for a custom look. The product supports OTA DTV broadcasts in Full HD 1080p, UHD 4K, 8K, and NEXTGEN TV, depending on the coverage area.
The Mohu Arc Indoor TV Antenna comes with a 10 ft. high-performance coaxial cable and an indoor base stand with keyholes, allowing you to either hang it on a wall or place it on a tabletop next to your TV. The package includes the Mohu Arc digital TV antenna, a 10′ high-performance coaxial cable, an indoor base stand, and assembly and installation instructions.
The product dimensions are 8.5″H x 11.75″ W x 2.5″D, making it compact enough to fit in various spaces. It also comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty, ensuring you get value for your money. This antenna is a product of Mohu, an Antennas Direct company known for its range of easy-to-install indoor digital TV antennas engineered using technology from the USA.
Customer reviews indicate a generally positive reception, with users praising its easy installation, stable performance, and the ability to receive a wide variety of local channels in high definition. However, some users noted inconsistencies in reception for specific channels, suggesting that the antenna’s performance may vary based on location and signal strength.
Five Star TV Antenna Indoor/Outdoor Yagi Satellite HD Antenna
The Five Star TV Antenna Indoor/Outdoor Yagi Satellite HD Antenna, released in 2020, is a state-of-the-art device designed to maximize your HDTV choices. This antenna can receive network and local television in full 1080 HD quality, even in challenging reception environments. It outperforms many other TV antennas on the market, ensuring you don’t compromise on picture quality or channel variety.
This outdoor antenna allows you to enjoy local HD channels without cable bills. It receives 4K, 1080P, 1080i, and 720p HD Channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, PBC, Fox, sitcoms, kids, sports programs, and more. Thanks to its upgraded smart chip, the antenna can pick up VHF and UHF Channels. This technology enables it to reach signals as far as 200 miles, depending on your distance from the nearest signal tower and the obstructions between your house and the signal tower.
The Five Star Antenna has an innovative design with extended antenna length for more stable and strong signal reception. It has longer and larger receiving elements than other Yagi antennas. The antenna is also weatherproof, durable and can withstand strong wind, heavy rain, and lightning while still receiving high-definition and digital signals.
Setting up the Five Star TV antenna is easy. You connect the antenna’s coax cable to the back of your digital-ready TV, find the optimal placement for the antenna, scan for available channels, and you are ready to enjoy your free content. The antenna can be mounted in various places, such as the attic, roof, chimney, eave, or mast for better signal reception.
The product has received positive customer reviews, with many praising its strong performance, easy installation, and excellent reception. It has a global rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with 64% of reviewers giving it a 5-star rating.
Channel Master CM-5020 Directional Outdoor TV Antenna 100 Mile Range Masterpiece Series
The Channel Master CM-5020 Directional Outdoor TV Antenna is a high-quality product that provides superior television reception. This antenna, which comes in silver, can receive signals from up to 100 miles away. It operates on a bandwidth of 54 to 216 and 470 to 700 MHz, with a gain of 10dB for VHF and 16dB for UHF. The antenna has a front-to-back ratio of 17dB and a turning radius of 6 feet.
The product dimensions are 190″L x 20″ W x 100″H, which weighs 11.5 lbs when installed. The antenna can withstand wind resistance of up to 30 LB at 100 mph without ice. It has a U-bolt mounting clamp that can accommodate up to 2.5 inches.
The Channel Master CM-5020 is designed for use in the US and may require an adapter or converter for international use due to differences in outlets and voltage.
Customer reviews indicate mixed experiences with the product. Some users have reported excellent results, receiving clear, sharp images from many channels. Others, however, have had less success, particularly those living further away from signal sources. Despite this, the consensus is that the Channel Master CM-5020 is a reliable and effective outdoor TV antenna.
Channel Master Flatenna Ultra-Thin Indoor TV Antenna 35 Mile Range
The Channel Master Flatenna Ultra-Thin Indoor TV Antenna is a high-quality, reliable product designed for indoor use. It has a sleek, ultra-thin design is dual-sided in black or white, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any home decor. The antenna is non-amplified and has an impedance of 75 Ohm. It boasts a maximum range of 35 miles and dimensions of 9 x 13 x 0.25 inches.
One of the critical features of this antenna is its omnidirectional reception, meaning it can receive signals from all directions. This feature, combined with its gain of 3dB for VHF and 6dB for UHF, ensures optimal signal reception. The product has a professional-grade coaxial cable and connectors, including a 12-foot detachable cable. These components offer maximum protection against interference, providing a clear, high-quality signal.
Installation of the Channel Master Flatenna is quick and easy, with multiple mounting options available. It can be mounted on a wall or window or flat on a tabletop. Adhesive tabs are included to aid in mounting the antenna to a wall or window. For best reception, locating the antenna as high as possible and away from metal surfaces and power-consuming appliances is recommended.
The Channel Master Flatenna is a flexible, paper-thin indoor TV antenna capable of receiving over-the-air (OTA) broadcast signals from up to 35 miles away. It provides accessible live digital TV networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, The CW, Univision, Telemundo, and more.
The product has received positive customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 839. It ranks #87 in TV Antennas on Amazon. The product was first available on August 15, 2017, and as of August 14, 2023, it is currently unavailable for purchase.
Winegard Elite Outdoor VHF/UHF HDTV Antenna – 70 Mile Range
The Winegard Elite Outdoor VHF/UHF HDTV Antenna is a high-quality antenna with optimized reception for over-the-air HDTV signals. With a range of up to 70 miles, it can receive VHF and UHF signals, allowing users to access free HD channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, Univision, and more.
The antenna features an integrated LTE filter and a 20dB ultra-low noise amplifier with Winegard’s Clear Circuit Technology. This technology helps to deliver more range, reduce signal dropout and pixelation, and maintain the purest signal path possible. The TwinAmp Technology separately amplifies the VHF and UHF signals, increasing signal handling capability up to 10x and reducing intermodulation.
The Elite’s Flex Mounting System provides angling options for optimal positioning in the attic or outside the home. Users can position the antenna toward their nearest broadcast tower for optimal reception. The antenna has an embedded Boost ultra-low noise amplifier, inline 5V power inverter, 3′ USB power cable with 110V adapter, and mounting bracket.
The product is made in the USA and weighs 1 pound, with dimensions of 5 x 17 x 30 inches. It has a black color and an impedance of 75 Ohm. The manufacturer does not discontinue the product and is available for purchase on Amazon.com. The product has received a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from 673 global ratings.