Here are the essential features you must look at when choosing the best indoor TV antennas.

• Signal Strength/Range

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.

• Compatibility and Channel Availability

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.

• Budget

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.

• Signal filtering

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.

• The direction of the Signals

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.

• Location

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.

• Geography

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.

• Cable Length

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.

• Design

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.

Types of Indoor Aerials

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.

1. Rod or monopole indoor aerials

Monopole aerials closely resemble car radio aerials. They are often omnidirectional, although some options can be horizontal or vertically polarised.

2. Loop indoor aerials

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.

3. Log periodic indoor aerials

 These indoor aerials’ appearance is similar to that of outdoor areas and can be polarised horizontally and vertically.

4. Patch indoor aerials

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.