Best Omnidirectional TV Antenna in 2022 – Buyer’s Guide
Cable and satellite TV subscriptions are becoming more and more expensive. A typical TV subscription provides 20 to 60 channels and cost thousands of dollars annually, depending on your location. While cord-cutting has become popular with the advent of Netflix, Hulu & Prime, people are also ditching cable in favor of free, over-the-air broadcasts as a TV antenna is a cheaper and easy way to access free over-the-air channels. These antennas offer a portal into the world of sports, sitcoms, news, and more across popular TV networks – for free without connecting a cable.
You no longer have to pay high monthly cable or satellite bills to enjoy your favorite shows. Our TV antennas can pull in all of your local news, weather, sitcoms, kids and sports programming with NO monthly contract or bills.
People who use TV antennas are surprised by the higher image quality, as cable and satellite services compress the video signal to reduce the bandwidth required to stream channels to cram in more channels than you can ever watch.
Types of TV Antennas
There are two major types of TV Antennas that provide distinct radiating patterns are Directional and Omnidirectional antenna.
For the first type, the focus of available energy needs to be emitted by the antenna in a particular direction. Directional antennas need to be angled in this specific direction to receive signals that you can then stream on your television. Directional antennas tend to carry almost double the signal of an omnidirectional antenna. Directional antennas take longer to set up and can only target one signal carrier at a time, limiting your channel access on time. Directional antennas need regular adjustments. If you don’t install them facing the right direction and right angle, you will not receive a good picture or sound.
An omnidirectional antenna radiates and receives energy equally in all horizontal directions. They are easier to install and have a 360-degree range, and don’t need to be pointed at any specific angle. Multi-Directional antennas pick up signals from multiple directions and transmit them to your television. Also known as “Rubber
Duck” or “Whip Antenna, they can pick up signals bouncing off other objects, making them ideal for people living in built-up or poor signal areas.
An omnidirectional antenna can deliver very long communications distances but has one drawback: inadequate coverage below the antenna. An omnidirectional antenna provides a better, stronger signal – and is also less sensitive to signal disturbances. The best omnidirectional TV antenna can be as good as having a satellite connection.
The omnidirectional TV antennas are available in different types.
Outdoor TV Antennas
The outdoor antennas are quite big and come with an installation kit. They are designed using durable materials and must withstand all sorts of external weather conditions offering better signals.
Indoor TV Antennas
The indoor TV antennas are the simplest to install and fit appropriately close to the TV. Most indoor antennas are lightweight and can be installed close to the window, wall, or even behind the TV, offering a higher range.
Amplified TV Antennas
The amplified TV antennas are integrated with an amplifier or the option for installing an additional amplifier. TV antennas with amplifiers aid in amplifying signals offering better reception and clarity. This feature prevents external noise, interference, and signal breaks. However, amplified TV antennas are not much selective, meaning they may render signals with noise.
Best Omnidirectional Antenna (Reviews)
1. 1byone 360°
1byone 360° Omni-Directional Reception Amplified Outdoor TV Antenna Support 4K 1080P UHF VHF Free HDTV Channels –
The 360 ° Omni-Directional Reception Antenna from 1byone allows you to receive the signal from all directions and does not require rotation or remote control. The outdoor antenna is ideal for Home, RV, Attic, and Marine usage.
The 1byone 360° omnidirectional antenna has a range of up to 150-mile range that enables you to watch local broadcast channels. Its HD quality transmission ensures clearer pictures, low noise, and access to more free broadcast TV signals. The antenna can receive free full HD channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox and allows you to enjoy the local news, weather, sitcoms, kids, and sports programming with no monthly contract.
The 1byone 360° Omni-directional antenna is weather resistant and comes with an anti-UV coating that ensures signal reliability on a windy or rainy day. At the same time, the waterproof/snow proof design allows shielding for minimum interference. Its bolt-ends even have retaining rings to make sure the wingnuts can’t back off. The product package contains an antenna with a built-in amplifier, power supply box, a 12V 200mA power adapter, a 39ft. coaxial cable with waterproof Kit, a 5 ft. coaxial cable to connect the power Box to TV, and an instruction manual.
Pros
- Elegantly engineered
- Strong but lightweight
- Snaps together in a few minutes
2. Lava Omnipro HD-8008
Lava Omnipro HD-8008 Omni-Directional Attic or Roof Mount TV Antenna with Mounting Pole for Clear Reception –
Watch your favorite shows for free from NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, PBS, QUBO, TELEMUNDO, UNIVISION, RTV, including your local news, weather, sports, with the all-new 2022 LAVA Omni Directional HD-8008 HDTV antenna that is 100% omnidirectional and receives signals in all directions.
The LAVA Omni Directional HD-8008 antenna fits 90% of the area that uses the antenna. East, South, or West, all signals come in perfectly without any pointing or tuning required. The Omni-Pro antenna installs quickly and never needs adjusting. The antenna’s new design with a built-in amplifier improved receiving elements, making it more reliable and robust.
LAVA Omni Directional HD-8008 is the perfect solution for any rural or suburban area, with excellent reception quality within a range of about up to 125 miles. It also includes a low noise amplifier for increasing the signal strength to provide better quality channels. This unit supports up to 8 TVs when you have two 4-way LAVA splitters and can be installed inside your attic or outdoors. You can get free HD quality of about 130 channels.
LAVA Omni Directional HD-8008 comes with a coating that protects the antenna from Ultraviolet rays. This antenna is waterproof and so is compatible to work under rainy weather. The 360 degrees rotating antenna allows the user to eliminate manual adjustments for better reception. The Omni pro antenna receives UHF, VHF, and FM signals. This antenna is shielded from any noise during transmission. The Lava Omnipro antenna is compatible with old and new TVs alike.
Pros
- Clear transmission even with low-quality signals
- Easy to Install
- Long Range Pickup
- Works with All HDTVs
- FM/UHF/VHF
Cons
- The coax cable is RG59 instead of the RG6
3. Furrion Access
Furrion Access Omni-Directional Rooftop Antenna for RVs, trailers and motorhomes. Receives VHF, UHF, FM, AM, Wi-Fi and 4G LTE Signals –
The Furrion Access is an all-in-one Omni-Directional antenna that serves as an AM/FM Antenna, LTE Antenna, and TV Antenna. The rooftop antenna allows you to receive high-quality radio signals with a consistent and reliable connection. It also connects directly to your TV to provide crystal-clear HDTV entertainment, while the Mobile 4G LTE internet keeps you connected wherever you go.
Lightweight and sleek, the Furrion Access antenna weighs only 2.6 pounds and is aerodynamically engineered to withstand high wind resistance drag. Featuring 360-degree signal reception, the Omni-directional Antenna can receive signals from all directions that do not hamper even when traveling. Its built-in high gain low noise amplifier and SignalSmart technology significantly reduces interference and deliver crystal clear signal quality.
The Furrion Access Antenna is designed for superior durability using injection molded ASA material and features certified IP56 Waterproof housing that is UV resistant. The Antenna is surface-treated to withstand severe weather conditions. The omnidirectional antenna package comes with a detailed installation containing easy-to-follow steps and clear diagrams indicating how to install the Antenna with ceiling mount bracket and wiring.
The Furrion Access Antenna is packed with SMD technology & micro-electronics that ensures excellent performance while dual 4G Antennas optimize reception & signal strength. The Omni-directional Antenna is compatible with HDTVs of various digital terrestrial signals (DVB-T, ISDB-T, DTMB, and ATSC) and DAB/FM radios. You can connect the Omnidirectional Antenna with the Furrion Access Router to access US Nationwide 4G LTE.
Pros
- All-in-one Antenna that allows you to connect your Stereo, TV, and Router at the same time
- Easy Installation
- Durable
- Aerodynamic
- 360° Signal Reception
Cons
- Slightly expensive
4. ANTOP AT-415B 720°
ANTOP AT-415B 720° UFO Dual Omni-Directional Outdoor HDTV Antenna with Exclusive Smartpass Amplifier &4G LTE Filter –
The Antop AT-415B 720° UFO Dual Omni-Directional Outdoor HDTV Antenna provides 720° completed coverage reception with the help of 360° Vertical and 360° Horizontal Omni-directional UHF/VHF Reception that provides excellent non-adjusted reception from various signal locations. The omnidirectional antenna provides Full HDTV clarity and 720p, 1080i, and 1080p 4K picture quality smoothly.
The Antop AT-415B is aesthetically designed and lightweight and is aimed for simple DIY and SIMPLE SET-UP in 5 minutes. Tools-free and easy installation with minimum effort. The Omnidirectional antenna features ANTOP’s exclusive Smart pass technology Amplifier that allows effortless adjustment between short and long-range reception, and the intelligent switch can avoid signal overload. The Antop antenna can pick up signals in up to 65-mile range and comes with a 33ft coaxial cable.
The Antop AT-415B comes with built-in 4G LTE Filter shields against interference and blocks unwanted 3G and 4G wireless signals for stable performance. The omnidirectional antenna is UV protected and provides quality reception, whether sun, storm, or snow. All ANTOP Antenna products come with a 30-day money-back.
Pros
- Easy to Install
- 4k Picture Quality
- 4G LTE filter
- 720 reception
Cons
- Low coverage range
5. Channel Master Omni+
Channel Master Omni+ Omnidirectional Outdoor TV Antenna, RV – VHF/UHF with 360 Degree Reception Span –
The Channel Master Omni+ receives signals from all directions, simultaneously reducing the need for pointing and rotating your antenna when towers are located in multiple directions. The Omni+ can receive next-gen broadcast technologies, including ATSC 3.0, 4K, and HDR. The omnidirectional antenna can be installed in apartments, townhomes, businesses, clinics, beauty salons, auto repair shops, recreational vehicles. You can also install the antenna on a tripod for outdoor events and tailgating.
The Omni+ can receive HDTV signals from broadcast towers located more than 50 miles away. Its’ hybrid UHF/VHF design allows for reception from channels two and above, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox.
The Omni+ comes with a mounting bracket that you can easily mount to a wall or eave without requiring additional mounting equipment. If wall or eave mounting is possible, the omnidirectional antenna comes with U-Bolts for mounting to a pole or an existing satellite mount. The Omni+ does not have built-in amplification. This allows the user to install a more robust external amplifier like the Channel Master Amplify for better performance.
Pros
- Compatible with all HDTV’s and 4K TV’s
- Easy to Install
- VHF/UHF Coverage
Cons
- Limited Range capability
How to Choose The Best Omnidirectional TV antenna
Range
The range is a vital aspect of an omnidirectional TV antenna as it determines how far your TV antenna can catch signals. Before purchasing an antenna, consider the nearest broadcasting tower distance. For example, if the broadcast tower distance is 50 miles, an antenna which only supports 35 miles will not be helpful. You can use a website such as fcc.gov and enter your zip code to check how far you are from the local TV stations. Generally, outdoor TV antennas have a range of at least 50 miles; however, if you plan to install an antenna in rural areas, the higher the range, the better. An antenna with a 150-mile range can pick up a better quality signal from a broadcasting tower than the one with a 50-mile range.
Interferences
There are thousands of waves that are transmitted on air. Sometimes, these waves collide and interfere with themselves, especially 4G and 3G mobile networks, which may challenge the antennas in identifying various channels and providing the best quality picture. Some omnidirectional outdoor antennas are equipped with 4G filters and a built-in pre-amplifier. The 4G filter removes the interference from mobile network signals, while the pre-amplifier delivers a more precise transmission.
Installation and Setup
Omnidirectional antennas are easy to install and set up. Most of them are built with a DIY design that makes it easy to install them on walls, poles, masts, or your desired position where they will receive uninterrupted signals. An omnidirectional TV antenna should take no more than five minutes to install, with the bulk of the work accessing a rooftop, attic, side of the building, or other high perched area to mount it on. Look for pre-assembled omnidirectional TV antennas with Snap-On mechanisms that expand out and lock into place.
Weather Protection
Some outdoor TV antennas offer UV protection, waterproofing from rain and water, while some are also snow proof. Consider antennas with weather protection features as harsh weather can interfere with the quality of transmission.
Bandwidth
TV channels broadcast over UHF (ultra-high frequency) and VHF (very-high frequency) frequencies. The wavelength of UHF runs from 450 MHZ to 1.3 GHz, while VHF bands vary from 50 MHZ to 225 MHZ. However, the UHF wavelength is 70 centimeters while the wavelength of VHF is 6 meters, which makes it easier for them to pass through any obstruction for a longer distance.
Indoor antennas usually run on UHF because UHF frequency is higher and not very long-lasting, while outdoor TV antennas commonly run on VHF bands. With the advancement in technology, some antennas offer both frequencies. Channels 2-6 are included in the VHF-low band, while channels 7-13 are included in VHF-Hi bands. The other channels, which are 14 – 69, belong to the UHF band. To receive optimal transmission, it is ideal to select an antenna that serves both VHF and UHF signals. If you purchase a low-cost antenna that can only work with VHF or UHF frequency, you may miss out on some of your favorite channels and may also have to sacrifice picture quality/sound quality.
If the product you are purchasing does not specify the frequency, it is generally provided only UHF bandwidth as it is easier to pick up. Consider the type of content you are planning to watch before deciding on the frequency; however, an antenna that works on both frequencies is worth the extra dollars.
Splitter
If you want to use an outdoor antenna to feed multiple TVs in the house, you need to use a splitter to distribute the signal to various devices. However, this will also split the strength of the signal. You can use a distribution amplifier that will not limit the strength signal as much as a traditional splitter.
Durability
Omnidirectional TV antennas should work at a -10° C ~ 50° C operating temperature. Extreme operating temperature and come correctly sealed to withstand the elements.
Outdoor or Indoor Installation
Indoor antennas are usually lightweight and compact and can be placed inside the house attic, near the window, or behind the TV. These are lightweight and easy to hook up on your room wall. Antennas meant for the outdoors are heavyweight and designed to withstand extreme temperature conditions, including wind, snow, and rain. You may select between outdoor and indoor devices based on your preference. Outdoor antennas are more preferable as they provide better reception quality and range. However, if you are living near the broadcasting station, then you can have an indoor antenna.
Antenna Gain
Antennas with a high gain range hold the ability to amplify and catch signals. The higher the gain of an antenna, the more quality channels it lets you view. The gain range depends directly on the performance of the antenna.
Noise Margin
TV antennas with higher noise margins offer stronger signals. The unit for noise margin is dB hence, check for an antenna that provides a high noise margin by scanning its specifications.
Antenna Height
One of the main obstacles that might cause an interruption is tall buildings or electronic devices inside your house.
Getting higher antennas that stay above the range of these obstacles allows a signal to pass through effortlessly. This is also a great addition to look for in an antenna if you live in an area with hills to get a stronger signal with minimum interference.
Tips to Mount Omni Directional Antenna
Over-the-air TV reception is a lot like radio reception in that where you put your antenna will affect how well it works.
Remove the Obstacles
Check if there are obstacles near your installation place that might impact its functionality. This could be walls, LED lights, or anything that can conduct electricity. Avoid placing your antenna next to metal and electronics. Remove or place the antenna away from them.
Antenna Alignment
Ensure that the antennas align and are on a level. Keep the cables straight and do not wrap them around the antenna.
Install at a Mid-Level Height
Omnidirectional antennas are not the best at picking up signals at a lower range. So install them at a mid-level, where there are no obstacles in the way, but the antenna is also not too high so that you can get signals from both high and low ranges.
Signal Reception
Several factors, such as location and environment, can lead to good or poor signal reception. Therefore, you should give the sellers your location details to analyze the channels available to your locality. Additionally, it would help if you considered getting one that supports a combination of UHF and VHF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can one connect their antenna to several televisions in the house?
There are several devices used to enable the hooking of all televisions to one antenna. An example of these devices is the four-way splitters linked by the coaxial to the TV. As such, you should ensure that the cable is very long to reach the television.
Q. How high should you mount the TV antenna be mounted?
Generally, you should mount your TV antenna 30 feet above ground level to receive a clear connection from your nearest broadcasting towers. It is recommended to hire a professional if you don’t have the necessary equipment to install the antenna at this height. Additionally, if you are living in apartment buildings or rented accommodation, you need to check with the r landlords to add antennas at this height to ensure they are not breaking their contracts.
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