Ready to cut the cord but not sure how to get started? It’s easy to find an antenna that can pick up network channels and local stations including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and even PBS, that way you can free yourself from a hefty cable bill. We’ve pored through the options to find some great choices that are powerful enough to get a reliable signal when located in an average attic.

Looking for big range without a big price tag? The Homevision Technology Digiwave Antenna can access local channels up to 70 miles away from the broadcast source. It is compatible with any TV, DVR, or computer equipped with a digital tuner, so you can have multiple options for viewing. This powerful TV antenna allows you to pick up both UHF and HD signals and can get clear reception for local channels in frequencies from 470 to 862 MHz. Made from sturdy materials including solid aluminum and a waterproof dipole box, this antenna is designed to resist the elements even in a non-weatherproofed attic, so it can continue to provide your household with free access to TV channels for a long time. Many components of the antenna are pre-assembled, too, making this exceptionally easy to install.

Best Overall

Homevision Technology Digiwave Antenna (ANT2088)

With the GE Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna, you get a premium product at a discount price. GE is one of America’s most-trusted electronics brands, and their antenna is specifically designed to be installed in an attic so it can provide fantastic reception while staying out of sight. The antenna’s compact, high-performance design makes it easy to install and angle for the best reception to your home. In order to further boost performance, this antenna comes with signal-enhancing reflectors that increase signal strength and reduce signal dropouts. The GE Pro also provides broad-spectrum reception for both UHF and VHF stations, and it receives uncompressed 1080P signals for better definition. It even comes with everything you need to install it including a mounting bracket, mast, assembly instructions, and a limited-lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

Best Value

GE Pro Attic Mount TV Antenna

Are you located in a rural area or somewhere with lots of signal interference? A larger antenna that was designed to be located outdoors may be your best bet, and a rotating antenna could provide even better reception by picking up channels from a wider geographical range. The Supersonic SC603 Durable HDTV Outdoor Antenna checks all these boxes at a budget-friendly price. It has a full-band DTV/VHF/UHF/FM receiver to increase your signal reception and supports a wide variety of broadcast types including 1080p, 1080i, and 720p. It also has a stunning reception range of 120 miles and can be used for two TV sets at once. Plus, it even comes with a wireless remote control for extra convenience. For ease of installation, this TV antenna includes a 50-foot coaxial cable, plastic safety ties, and cable staples.

Best Rotating

Supersonic SC603 Durable HDTV Outdoor Antenna

Why pay for more than you need when you can watch free local TV channels with a flat antenna like the professional-grade Antop Antenna Inc .PL-402VG? This antenna features a patented design that generates enough power to provide a signal to multiple televisions in one home — even when located in an attic — and it can support a variety of broadcast types including HDTV, 1080p, and even 4K ULTRA HD. Discreet and easy to disguise, this antenna combines the best of both worlds since it features the power and range of a big outdoor antenna with the style-consciousness of a smaller indoor antenna. With a signal range of up to 60 miles, multidirectional signal reception, and VHF enhancement rods for channels 2-13, this affordable antenna is one to beat.

Best Flat

Antop Antenna Inc. AT-401BV

If you have a larger home or multiple TVs, you need a more powerful antenna solution to ensure that each one receives local channels with clear reception. If that’s your situation, check out the Antop Antenna Inc. AT-401BV. Though it’s a little pricier than some of the others on our list, it’s still a bargain when you consider you’ll only need the one antenna to power every TV in your home. This model is engineered with a patented design that includes VHF enhancer rods, a smartpass amplifier, and 4G LTE filter. The VHF enhancer rods cover channels in the 2-13 range so that you have fewer blind spots, and the smartpass amp helps the antenna deliver the correct balance of short- and long-range reception, even when located in the attic. It also has an amplified multi-directional reception range that allows you to access channel signals that originate up to 70 miles away and it’s compatible with digital converter boxes.

Best Splurge

Some attics are dark, unwelcoming places used only for extra storage, and in those cases, nearly any antenna will get the job done. If you’ve taken the time to insulate, lay flooring, or even decorate your attic, however, you may want something that’s a little less of an eyesore. If that sounds like your home, check out the Philips HD Wing Passive White TV Antenna. It’s sleek, compact design has a futuristic look that may even enhance the style of your attic space. But beyond looks, the antenna features a versatile mount that can be installed/adjusted in a variety of ways to ensure you’re receiving the best possible reception. The Philips HD Wing also picks up both VHF and UHF frequencies in order to help maximize the channels you will be able to receive.

Best for Furnished Attics

Philips HD Wing Passive White TV Antenna

Since GE is the number one antenna seller in the U.S., it’s no surprise that they make one of the most versatile models on the market. Made for enhanced high-definition reception, the GE Pro Outdoor/Attic Mount Antenna optimizes your free digital channels in full 1080P HD. Compatible with all television brands, the antenna is 4K Ultra HD capable and works within 70 miles of the broadcast source. While compact, this antenna packs a powerful punch with its broad-spectrum reception capabilities that can pick up both VHF and UHF stations. It’s rugged enough to hold up to tough outdoor conditions, but also easy to mount in the attic if you prefer keeping it out of sight. It comes with a weather-resistant mounting bracket, a mast clamp, and a J-mount that allows you to position the antenna in a wide variety of angles so you can experiment with what position gets you the best reception. Plus, it comes with a limited-lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, so you can purchase worry-free. 

Most Versatile

GE 29884 Pro Outdoor/Attic Mount TV Antenna

About Our Trusted Experts

Patrick Hyde lives in Seattle where he works as a digital marketer and freelance copywriter. With a Master’s degree in history from the University of Houston and a job in Seattle’s booming tech industry, his interests and knowledge span the past, present, and future.

Our favorite pair of rabbit ears for your attic has to be the Homevision Technology Digiwave Antenna. This simple attic-bound antenna is affordable, easy to install and provides excellent, high-quality reception in even the most remote locations.

  • Can weather affect my reception?
  • There are a wide variety of factors that can affect the reception of your antenna. Everything ranging from fog to rain and snow can have an impact on your overall signal as atmospheric moisture can occasionally reflect your signal.
  • What can potentially interfere with my signal?
  • While most attic antennas can penetrate most residential building materials, you’ll want to place your antenna away from any large metallic objects. This includes ductwork, and data wiring, both of which can interfere with digital signals. To keep this interference to an absolute minimum, it’s recommended to place your antenna a minimum of six feet away from these objects.
  • How can I prevent signal loss from roofing materials?
  • While eliminating signal loss entirely is difficult, you can help minimize the effect by using a higher gain antenna. If your antenna is still struggling to maintain an effective signal, you can also invest in a low-noise pre-amplifier.

There are a wide variety of factors that can affect the reception of your antenna. Everything ranging from fog to rain and snow can have an impact on your overall signal as atmospheric moisture can occasionally reflect your signal.

While most attic antennas can penetrate most residential building materials, you’ll want to place your antenna away from any large metallic objects. This includes ductwork, and data wiring, both of which can interfere with digital signals. To keep this interference to an absolute minimum, it’s recommended to place your antenna a minimum of six feet away from these objects.

While eliminating signal loss entirely is difficult, you can help minimize the effect by using a higher gain antenna. If your antenna is still struggling to maintain an effective signal, you can also invest in a low-noise pre-amplifier.