Whether you live in an apartment with no outdoor aerial access, are searching for a new aerial for your RV, or are looking for the best aerial for your extra TV, this best indoor aerial review is for you. It is a complete round-up of all the best indoor TV aerial 2020 UK worth your money.
But here’s the thing:
Indoor aerials come in different shapes and sizes. Some will have a short-range and are ideal for urban areas. Other great options are fitted with a signal filter to give top-notch reception. And although some aerials are fitted with amplifiers to boost weak signals, even the best indoor aerial will not work in areas that are outside the range of the local transmitter.
To make your search for the best indoor TV antenna easier, we’ve gone ahead to include the key features, pros, and cons of our favourite picks of indoor aerials.
Want to learn more about the things you need to consider when choosing an indoor aerial? Please scroll down for a detailed buyer’s guide, where we dive into the nitty-gritty of the best indoor aerials.
Last update on 2022-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2022-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2022-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let’s face it: the cost of cable TV can significantly add up. Results from a recent study revealed that on average, a Brit could spend up to £149 per month on cable TV.
But the TS-ant Store has come to save the day with their TS-ant Indoor TV Aerial. The aerial has a range of up to 240KM, one of the best ranges we found during our search for the best indoor TV aerial. With this wide range, the antenna gives clear and crisp images even when you’re miles away from the transmitter.
And that’s not all. The TS-ant Indoor aerial has two switchable modes. Choose the amplifier mode for long distances and the non-amplified option if you’re within a short radius from the TV broadcast tower. The 5-metre long coax cable gives you flexibility. You can place the amplified aerial almost anywhere in your home to allow the best reception.
This aerial is as well sleek, lightweight, and stylish. Its installation, too, is straightforward. You can place it on a flat surface or stick it on your wall using the provided adhesive sticks.
And to rubber-stamp the top-notch quality of this indoor aerial, the manufacturer provides a 90-day refund period. If your aerial is faulty, the 12 months warranty lets you ask for a replacement or refund for the product.
Overall, the TS-ant Indoor aerial is an excellent indoor aerial that is easy to set up and works well within an impressive 240KM range.
Last update on 2022-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another close contender in this roundup of the best indoor aerials is the RGTech Monarch 50 Indoor HDTV Aerial. It was developed by NASA Hall of Fame scientist Dr. Argy Petros giving you access to Freeview channels. This aerial is compatible with all digital TVs.
Because it is omnidirectional, the RGTech Monarch indoor TV antennae can intercept both analog and digital signals from any direction up to a radius of 50 miles. And the integrated 4G filter blocks 4G mobile signals that would interfere with your aerial, giving clear and crisp images. The reception is excellent, with both 4K and 1080p.
But one of the standout features of this indoor aerial is its versatility. You can use it almost anywhere, including your loft, garage, RV, car, and more. It is easy to install and requires no assembly. Plug in your new aerial, auto-search for the channels available, and enjoy watching your favourite Freeview channels.
A long 15 feet cable allows easy installation. Plus, the 3 x 3 metre removable adhesive tapes allow flawless window mounting for the best reception.
Another of the most important considerations when shopping for the best indoor TV aerial 2020 UK is durability. Your antenna should serve you well and also last through the years. Luckily, the RGTech Monarch indoor aerial comes with a generous five-year warranty. You’ll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee if the aerial doesn’t work for you.
From its generous warranty, sleek design to its easy set-up, the RGTech Mornach indoor aerial is a choice worth considering.
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If you are looking for a temporary replacement for your destroyed outdoor aerial, then a budget option would be ideal. One such option is the Freeview Indoor TV aerial by Woeita. It has a decent 50 miles signal range and reception.
What’s more, it is easy to install and comes with a 12 feet coaxial cable to ensure its installation is as flawless as possible. The sticky back pad allows you to install your new aerial to almost any surface. Just ensure that the antenna is in or close to a window and that it faces the broadcast tower’s direction.
To know the transmitter’s direction, you’ll need to look at the direction the other outdoor aerials in your neighbourhood are facing. Test your aerial in various points to establish the spot with the best reception. Plus, your TV has to have a built-in tuner for you to watch HD channels.
And don’t let the low price fool you. The Woeita Freeview Indoor TV aerial gives a wide range of channels and produces excellent picture quality.
On the downside, as expected of such a cheap indoor TV antenna, this aerial is made of cheap plastic and is not as sleek as other options we have reviewed in this roundup of the best indoor aerials.
The Woeita Freeview Indoor TV Aerial is a budget pick that gives you absolute value for your money.
Last update on 2022-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Next is another great indoor aerial from Hulier. It has a range of 120 miles and has an integrated signal amplifier. The signal booster amplifies weak signals to produce steady and crisp images even when you are miles away. If you leave next to the transmitter, you do not need to use the amplifier as the non-amplified aerial will work just fine.
Whether you are watching VHF or UHF channels, this aerial is a great pick. The reception, too, is great. You can enjoy your favourite HD channels in ultra HD 4K or full HD 1080P resolution. It also has a 14.5 feet coax cable for easy installation. And the adhesive tapes in the back ensure versatility in your location of set up.
Another great feature that makes this the best indoor aerial for the money is its omnidirectional signal. The aerial intercepts signals from all directions and has superior sound and picture quality.
Finally, this indoor TV antenna is well-made. It has a simple yet sleek design and is made of top quality flame-resistant material.
With a 14.5 feet coax cable, 120 miles signal range, and 4K and 1080P resolution, the Hulier indoor aerial is highly efficient and does what it is supposed to do.
Last update on 2022-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our review of the best indoor aerial couldn’t be complete without including a product from 1 BY ONE, a renowned manufacturer of budget indoor aerials. The 1byone indoor Freeview portable TV aerial is extremely slim and compact. It measures a mere 238 x 138 x 0.7 mm and fits in any room almost inconspicuously. And to make its installation a breeze, this aerial has adhesive tape on its backside.
A four-metre cable allows you to install your aerial in the location that offers the best reception. You can stick your indoor TV antenna to the wall, window, behind the TV, or any other preferred location. Want a new aerial for your RV or boat? This indoor aerial is also very portable, making it ideal ideal for your road or boat trips.
The reception is excellent for all Freeview full HD 1080P channels available in your area. And the aerial has a wide range of up to 40 kilometres. If you live in rural areas where the reception is still poor, consider buying an indoor amplifier. The amplifier will boost the weak signals to give better pictures.
Like with all other 1byone products, this indoor aerial also has a great 24 months warranty. That’s a sign that the aerial is built to last.
This is the best indoor aerial for the price tag. It is affordable, easy to set up, and has great reception
Last update on 2022-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whether you’re searching for an indoor aerial for your car, or want a new aerial for your bedroom or boat this affordable option by August is worth considering.
It has a magnetic base that attaches to any large metal surface for improved reception. What’s more, the August DTA250 indoor aerial is ultra-light and easy to carry. You can toss it in your TV case or laptop bag and its extra weight will almost be negligible.
The included two metre coaxial cable is versatile and can be used with all digital TVs. And although the cable isn’t very long, at this price point, this is something that you can overlook. Your aerial will intercept most Freeview DVB-T and DAB radios within its coverage.
Are you searching for the best indoor aerial for your loft? The August DTA250 indoor aerial is a versatile easy to install option that gives decent reception with crisp images.
Last update on 2022-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The GEEKERA Indoor TV Aerial makes it to this list of the best indoor aerial for its impressive signal range and high efficiency. Thanks to the detachable amplifier, this indoor TV antenna can intercept TV signals in a range of up to 260 kilometres. And you can detach the aerial if you live near a signal broadcaster.
The aerial produces a steady signal with clear and crisp images. Additionally, reception is excellent in both in ultra HD 4K and full HD 1080P. There’s also a long 17 feet coaxial cable for easy installation.
And that’s not all. This indoor aerial has a detachable stand. You can place your aerial on a flat surface, which is especially useful when camping. Or you can attach it to a window or wall in the most appropriate location for the best reception.
The aerial is omnidirectional and can receive signals coming from any direction. Plus, this aerial comes with a 60-day money-back policy and a 24-month warranty.
Enjoy Freeview TV with the GEEKERA New Indoor TV Aerial – it has a broad signal range, and its reception is impressive.
The top advantage of having the best indoor aerial is that they are affordable and easy to install. But if you do not know what to look for in an indoor aerial, you will likely make a wrong misguided choice.
Here we’ll go over each of the essential features of the best indoor TV aerial 2020 UK to inform your purchase. But first, let’s start with the basics.
The best indoor aerial is a television antenna placed on top or next to your TV. And its main purpose is to intercept TV signals from a local transmitter. The cost of the best indoor TV aerial depends on its type.
The best indoor aerials are available in two main types: amplified and non-amplified passive types.
Most of the best indoor aerials are a plug and play. Simply plug in the aerial, and you are good to go. However, the cheaper non-amplified passive TV antennas will only work in aerials that are near a transmitter. If you live miles away from your local TV transmitter, a non-amplified aerial will give a poor signal or no signal at all.
And that’s where amplified indoor aerials come in!
Booster aerials (or amplified indoor aerials) have high signal gain to boost the weak signals. Images are clear with no distortion.
In a nutshell, the best indoor TV aerial 2020 UK is highly effective in receiving television signals from a wide range of free over-the-air channels. It should also be well made and compact enough to fit in your space.
You and I both agree that outdoor aerials offer the best picture signal and are highly reliable. But in some cases, the best indoor aerial may be your best option.
Below we’ll look at the benefits of installing the best indoor aerial.
The Benefits of the Best Indoor Aerial:
The cost of a TV Aerial depends on whether it is for outdoor or indoor use. But, generally, the best indoor aerials are more affordable than outdoor aerials. They are also easier to install (since you do not need any professional help).
Do you live in an apartment that has no space to mount your outdoor aerial? Then the best indoor aerial will come in very handy.
If your house has space for only one outdoor aerial, you probably wonder how you can get reception for the other TVs in your bedroom or guestroom.
The best bet is investing in one of the best indoor aerials with amplified signals. These will catch even weak signals to give you access to a wide range of Free view channels.
Trees are not only beautiful but will add that extra serenity to your home and backyard. However, sometimes, these trees may block your television signals. Your TV will have poor picture signals, and some stations may not even be available.
If you want to gain access to better picture quality and all your favourite stations, you may need to cut down the trees or branches that interfere with the signals. But what if you do not want to trim your trees? In that case, the best indoor aerial is your best alternative.
Bad weather such as high winds and storms often affects television reception. The bad signal reception is usually caused by fluctuations in the air radio waves caused by moving trees and other debris.
And unfortunately, the only solution to bad signal reception due to bad weather is to wait for favourable weather conditions.
What if you experience a whole week (or two) with bad weather? That means no TV for you. But the best amplified indoor aerial may solve this problem. It is designed to work indoors and can pick even the weakest signals.
If you live within a 25km radius from your nearest transmitter, the best indoor TV aerial 2020 UK may be your quickest and best alternative to your outdoor aerial – before you can replace it. The best indoor aerials are easy to install and cheaper than outdoor aerials.
If you struggle with weak TV reception, then check out our guide to improve your poor TV signal instantly!
Here are the essential features you must look at when choosing the best indoor TV antennas.
Without a doubt, the signal strength is one of the essential features you must have in mind when choosing the best indoor aerial. And the magnitude of the signal that’s best for you will depend on the antenna’s distance from the nearest transmitter.
There are two types of indoor TV antennas: amplified and non-amplified. Non-amplified antennas are best for homes within a short radius from the nearest local transmitter and are perfect for urban areas. But if you live a few kilometres from town, your aerial’s signal strength may be too low, causing distorted images.
In such cases, amplified indoor aerials are your best choice. These types will increase the best indoor aerial range from 20 miles to up to 50 miles.
The amplification in any best indoor aerial is indicated in decibels. An aerial with the highest decibels rating has the highest amplification. But if your indoor TV antenna is extremely powerful, the signals may overwhelm your digital tuner compromising its performance.
Remember to check whether the indoor aerial you pick covers VHF, UHF, or both. In most cases, a UHF aerial works well, but it’s best to pick an aerial that supports both UHF and VHF (to ensure you’re missing out on no channels).
What if your choice of aerial isn’t compatible with your TV? Ensure that your antenna has a flexible return policy. That way, you can always return or exchange a faulty or incompatible indoor aerial.
Sometimes, in an attempt to save our hard-earned cash, we may think that the cheapest aerials are the best and most economical options. But that’s not always the case. More often than not, cheap aerials are poorly made and will not last.
The opposite is also true. The most expensive antennas are not necessarily the best indoor aerials out there. That’s why you must do your homework before making any purchase. Read online reviews like this one and others from various verified buyers to know what people say about the product. That way it will be easier to choose the best indoor aerial that fits your budget.
Your mobile phone network also broadcasts on the same wavelength as your TV. Therefore, the 3G and 4G signals may interfere with your TV signals, which can cause distortion and glitches on your TV. But with a signal filter, you’ll get crisp and clear videos with zero interference. Also, always check that your best indoor aerial has this feature to prevent any interference.
From what direction are the broadcasts from your local TV transmitter? The answer to this question will determine the angling on your aerial. In most cases, you just have to check the angling on your neighbours’ outdoor aerials to determine which direction the signals are coming from.
In your search for the best indoor aerials, you will also notice that most aerials can either be angled horizontally or vertically. And some great options are omnidirectional. These can receive signals coming from any direction and do not require any angling.
Another key factor you must have in mind when choosing the best indoor aerial is your home’s location. Indoor TV antennas only work when you are within a 25 kilometres radius from the closest transmitter. If you are farther away, you’ll need to invest in an outdoor TV antenna for top-notch reception.
If your home is surrounded by obstacles such as large trees, tall buildings, and hills, then you might notice interference with your TV signals. In such cases, you may need to invest in an amplified directional aerial, which is easier to angle and will provide better signal interception than omnidirectional aerials.
Omnidirectional TV aerials are best for homes in a flat area with little or no obstacles.
How long is the cable of your TV antenna? Ensure that it is long enough to reach your power socket without requiring an extension. Some antennas come with detachable cables, while others are non-detachable.
You probably have the best digital TV that is sleek and attractive. Then, you’ll also need the best indoor aerial that matches the looks. It should also be compact enough to fit in the available space without, of course, compromising on quality.
As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t go for looks and forget functionality. It is better to choose an aerial that lacks the looks but does what it is meant to do instead of a subpar yet sleek option.
The best indoor aerials are commonly classified into four main groups depending on their polarisation. And although some of the best indoor aerials are omnidirectional and can intercept TV signals from either direction, most indoor aerials in the UK must be polarised either vertically or horizontally.
Let’s have a closer look at the types of the best indoor aerials in the section below.
Monopole aerials closely resemble car radio aerials. They are often omnidirectional, although some options can be horizontal or vertically polarised.
Loop aerials, on the other hand, comprise a circular loop. These are usually highly sensitive and do not need to be polarised horizontally or vertically and will work well with transmitter types. On the flip side, loops may sometimes miss out on some channels.
These indoor aerials’ appearance is similar to that of outdoor areas and can be polarised horizontally and vertically.
Finally, we have the patch aerials. These are omnidirectional, and you do not have to angle them in the direction of the transmitter. You can either mount them on your wall or hide them behind your TV. In fact, some of the best patch indoor aerials double up as a photo frame for greater inconspicuousness.
The cost of TV Aerial (as you might have noticed from our review above) depends on the range, length of the cable, and an amplifier’s presence. An amplified indoor aerial with a wider range and long cable costs more than one with a shorter cable and a narrower range.
Another feature that may cause the cost of TV Aerial to go up is a signal filter. The filter blocks 3G and 4G signals from nearby mobile devices that would otherwise interfere with your TV signal.
On average, the cost of TV aerial can be a mere £9 while the price of premium options can go all the way up to £50.
Some indoor aerials are fitted with an amplifier that boosts weak and medium television signals. The booster is especially crucial if you live in an area whose signal strengths aren’t as great (or live far away from the transmitter).
On the downside, the signal booster doesn’t always guarantee a weak signal boost. If you live in a rural area, an outdoor aerial is perhaps your best solution. In some cases, using amplified aerials may cause picture interference, especially if the aerial stands too close to the TV. A good idea would be to place them as far as you can from the TV and, if possible, next to a window.
Omnidirectional vs. Polarised Indoor aerials
To get the best signal reception, you must place your aerial in a way that it intercepts the TV signals of your favourite TV stations. Your TV antennas are either omnidirectional or polarized.
Polarized antennas must be angled accurately in the exact direction that the signals are coming from. Omnidirectional indoor aerials, on the other hand, can intercept signals from any direction.
If you live in an area with low reception, an indoor aerial may be your answer to getting better and stronger reception. That’s because some great indoor TV antennas come integrated with a signal booster. The booster intercepts and strengthens weak and medium signals to give steady and clear images.
Whether you have a polarised aerial or are using an omnidirectional indoor TV antenna, you’ll need to perform a channel scan after installing your aerial. And unless your aerial is placed in the signal “hotspot” of your home, you might not catch your favourite channels.
Place your aerial higher than your TV and near (or on) your window for best reception of all the channels available. Also ensure that you place your aerial in the direction of your transmitter.
Are you looking for the best aerial for your modern home that will do what it is meant to do without cluttering your space? Consider the best TV aerial for the loft. You’ll only need to position your TV antenna correctly and at the appropriate height.
Also, note that loft aerials are not ideal for use with metal roofing.
The best indoor TV aerial should have a wide range to intercept TV signals from the nearest local transmitter. And if you live within a radius wider than 15kms away from the transmitter, choose an amplified indoor TV aerial. These have signal boosters that amplify weak signals.
Another key feature of the best indoor aerial is the signal filter. The filter blocks 3G, 4G, and LTE waves are likely to interfere with your TV signals.
Although all the indoor aerials reviewed above are compatible with digital TVs, our best indoor aerial for digital TV is the TS-ant Indoor TV Aerial. It has a broad signal range of 240 kilometres and a 5 metre cable for easy installation. The aerial is also compatible with both analog and digital signals.
The best indoor aerial for Freeview TV should be highly receptive to a broad signal range. It should also support all signals, including 4K and Full HD 1080 images. What’s more, the aerial should be compact, sleek, and well-made to match the interior of your home.
There are a few smart tips to help you get the best signal from an indoor aerial. First, ensure that you’re within a 25 kilometre radius from the TV broadcast tower.
And before installing your new aerial, test its reception in different corners of your home. The best place to install your aerial should be next to a window at a point higher than your TV.
If you can’t find that perfect spot to place an indoor aerial, then why not check out our guide to the best outdoor TV aerials.
Our top pick of the best indoor aerial is the TS-ant Indoor TV Aerial. It has an impressive signal ranges and is highly efficient in both urban and rural areas.
But if you are searching for an affordable aerial for your home or RV, we highly recommend the Woeita Freeview Indoor TV Aerial.
But, regardless of your choice of indoor TV antenna, always remember to refer to the buyer’s guide above.
Happy shopping!
Another great option to get good quality reception and a subscription free television service, is to check out the best freesat boxes to access a wide variety of channels, or watch TV via the internet using a 4G router.
Hannah is an extremely well-experienced home product tester. She has been crafting product roundups and other informational articles for over five years. As a mother of one who loves her work’s freedom, Hannah dedicates most of her day to freelance writing. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, read, hike, or Netflix and chill.
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