In today’s fast-paced modern world, everything we do is evolving, from big things like how communication is done, down to smaller ones, like something as simple as watching television.
Yes, that’s right. Modern technology has reached the point where it has managed to revolutionize almost everything, even our living rooms. Once upon a time, you had to get a television, connect an antenna to it, and go outside, hoping you can get a good reception while also trying to not trip over the wires you took with you. It’s not the biggest problem, but it’s a problem nonetheless. And even if you manage to clean up the wires and find a proper spot for your antenna, the resulting reception isn’t always satisfactory. Worst case scenario, you only get it on channels yo don’t like.
Thankfully, the last few years in today’s digital age have found innovation for television antennas by cutting the cord, literally. And with an increasing number of cable and satellite TV subscriptions getting expensive as time passes by, then it’s certainly no wonder why more and more homes are ditching pay TV and choosing digital over-the-air broadcasts. It’s a no-brainer at this point, of course. You get to go cordless, and depending on where you live, you get a lot more free channels, as well as save more money.
So if you’re one of the growing number of people who are choosing to leave that satellite dish behind and go cordless, then here are the best cordless TV antennas you can buy without breaking the bank:
1. First on the list is a wireless TV antenna manufactured by Mohu, a consumer electronics company famous for their paper-thin leaf indoor HDTV antennas. As one of the most successful companies in the game, the company offers the Leaf Metro, which is easily one of the best-performing antennas paired with a wallet-friendly price. At less than 20 dollars, the Leaf Metro offers a nonamplified and reversible unit that you can easily stick on a wall via Velcro patches.
The size is not bad as well. Coming in at 11.5 x 3.4 inches, the antenna packs a lot of punch behind its modest proportions. Furthermore, the unit also comes with a rated range of 25 miles, plus a detachable 10-foot cable, making it perfect for small houses.
2. Second on the list is the Amazon Basics Ultra Thin Indoor HDTV antenna. Flat, wall-mountable, a
Like the Mohu Leaf Metro, the unit also comes with a 10-foot cable, and sports a solid build due to its strong components and parts. Aesthetics are also put into consideration and accommodated, what with the antenna colored white on one side and black on the other. Overall, the antenna performs quite well for a unit in its price range.
3. Third on the list is the 1byOne Paper Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna. Reasonably priced and made of plastic, the antenna proves that more often than not, simplicity goes a long way. Flat, colored black, and much larger than the other antennas on this list, the unit is easily the least portable and stylish on this list. However, with an average channel count of around 28-30, and a rated range of 35 miles, the 1byOne Paper Thin antenna proves that it’s not what’s on the outside that counts, but what’s on the inside.
4. At fourth place is the attractive and brightly-colored Homeworx Antenna. At a price range that comes just shy of 10 bucks, the Homeworx Antenna (which sports a bright-blue color) is the perfect HDTV antenna for those with a steep budget.
The price range comes with a set of limitations though, especially with the range of channels it can reach. However, while the channel count is not that high, it still boasts a range of 25 miles, and where you live will determine whether this will be a deal breaker or not. Furthermore, placement options are also quite limited with its 56-inch cable. Luckily, the antenna comes with its own features, like a clip-on stand and an included suction cup.
Overall, the performance is not up to par with the others on the list. Nevertheless, its low price is good enough for it to make this list, as it is perfect for those who are just getting introduced with the technology and doesn’t require as much leeway with the services.
5. Last but not the least is the ViewTV 25 Mile Mini Flat HD TV Antenna. At just around 8 dollars, the ViewTV antenna is easily the cheapest on this list. Sporting a flat, oblong design, the antenna is also incredibly compact, and can be easily either mounted on the wall with the included screws or attached in a window with stickers.
However, the antenna also suffers a bit from its price range, as the performance is far from exceptional, even with it rated range of 25 miles. Furthermore, the included 56-inch cable is also very limiting. This means that the channels it can reach will depend on how close you are to broadcasting towers.
So that’s it. Our top five cordless antennas on the cheap side. Sure, they’re not the most advanced, nor are they at the top of the cordless antenna list. But for the money you need to shell out, the performances are all satisfactory enough to warrant a purchase, especially if you’re working with a steep budget. Furthermore, these are not the only budget antennas available on the market, although in terms of balanced price and performance, these should be you top picks. Just remember that as with wireless antennas, your mileage may still vary, as it depends on where you live. Hoping for higher results and more features also means that you may need to shell out more money.
Nevertheless, these antennas are more or less bang for your buck, and is a wallet-friendly way of joining the cordless crowd. Watch away!