Viewing Hack: These Indoor Antennas Let You Watch the World Cup on TV Without Cable
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
With everything moving to streaming services right now, live TV might seem like it's an archaic thing of the past. But don't count it out just yet — there's still programming, like sporting events and award shows — that aren't easy to find or are even available online, and first-run primetime shows are still broadcast over the airwaves before making their way on to any streaming platforms.
More from Rolling Stone
That's where a good TV antenna comes in. With the World Cup in full swing , now's a great time to pick up a new OTA (over the air) antenna, which will can you a feed of your local FOX affiliate for free. All of the antennas on our list can also receive a Telemundo feed, which will let you watch Spanish-language World Cup coverage without needing cable.
In short: buy the antenna once, and use it to watch World Cup games on TV this summer, and live television shows for the rest of the time you own the device with no additional charges.
What Channels Do You Get With An Indoor Antenna?
These days, the best digital TV antennas can pick up all of the major networks in up to 4K quality. It's more than just the four major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC), as the best 4K antennas can pick up more than 50 channels, including PBS, Univision, Telemundo and ION. No more rabbit ears reaching up to the ceiling, or coat hangers and tin foil or whatever other old-school tricks you used to try and pick up something resembling a signal. These antennas bring a picture that's crisp and clear, and are HD and 4K capable.
What Are the Best Indoor 4K TV Antennas?
There are plenty of good 4K antennas available, and different models too if you don't want a big black thing blocking your window. We've selected a sampling of our picks here, so you can start watching live TV without being beholden to the behemoth cable companies.
TOP PICK
HIDB TV Antenna for Smart TV
$19.98
More than 10,000 people have bought this indoor TV antenna on Amazon in the last month alone, with reviewers praising its easy setup and signal strength. The antenna supports up to 4K Ultra HD viewing of all your local channels; a 10-foot cable makes it easy to position and maneuver to get the best reception.
BEST-REVIEWED
Fallmist 4k TV Antenna
$21.43 $36.99
42% off
This Amazon pick is 42% off right now as of this writing. The slim design helps the antenna tuck in easily behind your TV or on a shelf, though some reviewers say it's been effective when placed outdoors on a patio or near the roof as well (it's made with a weatherproof design). This 4K antenna comes with a 16.5-foot cable.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
HD Digital TV Antenna Indoor with Signal Booster
$22.93 $25.47
10% off
This is one of the most powerful units in the digital antenna space, and we've personally used this indoor antenna at a cabin, where it was able to pick up local channels easily, even in the woods. This indoor/outdoor antenna displays content in up to 8K quality, and it's compatible with nearly every make and model of TVs. With 1200 miles of range and a super-long 33-foot cable, this home antenna is hard to pass up.
What Makes a Good 4K Antenna?
Easy Install: The latest 4K antennas are simple to install too, even the ones that look big and clunky. Hook it up to your TV's co-ax jack or sometimes USB, stick the unit to a window (or stash it on a console), and start watching.
Amplifier: While they all perform the same basic function, some digital antennas are better than others and offer extra perks. A unit with an amplifier will probably cost a bit more, but if you're in a rural area, it can make a huge difference. Also if you do get one with an amp, we recommend that it comes with an on/off switch, since running the amplifier all the time can actually mess up a signal if it's in short range.
Signal Strength: Keep in mind that things like signal strength and clarity can vary, depending on where you're located and how far you are from the nearest broadcasting tower. Even if an antenna says it's 4K, that still depends on the signal that's being broadcast, not the antenna itself. As far as channels, an antenna boasting that it gets a high number like 60+ may be technically correct, but a lot of those will be repeats, radio stations, or just unwatchable.
Best of Rolling Stone
Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter . For the latest news, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .
1. U MUST HAVE Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna
Sometimes a name says it all: If you're looking for a quick, simple, and affordable antenna, this one's a "must have."
The flat antenna features a powerful amplifier signal booster with Crystal Clear Filter Technology for picking up signals over a wide range – up to 200 miles. It also filters out cellular and FM signals, which means a crisper picture, lower noise, and usually around 50 channels.
This supports 4K and 1080p, and older TVs too (though you might need a converter box). Setup is easy, and an 18-foot cable should provide enough slack to get near a window.
U MUST HAVE Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna
2. Vansky Amplified HD TV Antenna
On the outside, it may look nearly identical to many of its competitors. But Vansky's Digital HDTV antenna outperforms the hordes of other similar antennas. The number of channels is nicely high, at 57, and the picture quality is clean and glitch-free up to 1080p.
It comes with an amp booster that's detachable whenever you don't need it, but acts as a huge help with a maximum range of 120 miles when on. It's also weather-resistant, protected against lightning and anything else interfering with signals. Setup is easy too, and with a 16.5-inch cable, reaching the window should be no problem.
Vansky Amplified HD TV Antenna
3. WeGuard Amplified HD Digital Indoor TV Antenna
If you're living somewhere with natural obstructions like mountains, or near other heavy-use electronics like a microwave, consider this powerful little antenna.
WeGuard's stingray-looking unit packs a built-in Smart IC Chip inside, as well as CleanPeak Filter technology to filter out cellular and FM signals for a cleaner picture with low noise.
The amplifier does a nice job of picking up signals and putting up a clear quality, with a range of 90-120 miles, high-gain and low error, and about 48-60 channels.
WeGuard Amplified HD Digital Indoor TV Antenna
4. GE Amplified HD TV Antenna
There's a few simple but really convenient alternate options for setting this up. Usually these units need to go in a window, which can be an eyesore and block out sunlight. But GE's clever fix here gives you the option of laying it flat, along with a stand to set it on a sill too.
As far as picking up broadcasts, there's a helpful LED Signal Finder light meter to show you how strong of a signal it's getting at any given second, which especially comes in handy when finding the best spot in your house.
The highest number of channels any user reported was 65, slightly more than the others here. But at a much higher price than its competitors, there wasn't much improvement in picture quality – it's the LED Signal Finder that's the real star of this show.
