This $12 TV antenna helped me finally cut the cord (2024)

FAQs

Do I need an antenna to cut the cord? ›

While an antenna can be nice to have, it isn't essential to cutting the cord, and getting one set up can be more trouble than it's worth.

Connect your antenna coaxial cable to the “Antenna In” jack on the back of your digital tuner box. Use a second coaxial cable to connect the “Out to TV” on the digital tuner box to the “Antenna In” on the back of the TV. Set the TV to Channel 3 or 4 as indicated on the back of your digital tuning device.

An HDTV antenna offers, in many markets, an array of free over-the-air television programming. For some people that will be enough to replace cable.

Our pick of the best TV antennas, based on our testing, is the Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro. While it's not immune to stutter in inclement weather, most channels come through crystal clear just a few miles outside of town.

While smart TVs typically come with built-in antennas, they are used for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity — not for picking up free-to-air channels. You can always try using a less sophisticated analog antenna, but there's a good chance you'll experience signal problems.

Use a streaming device: smart TV, game console, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast or Apple TV. You won't need that cable box anymore, but you will need some kind of streaming device to watch services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.

Most people don't need a streaming service to watch local broadcast networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW and PBS and dozens of sub-channels. You can watch the most popular TV shows on local broadcast channels for free using a TV antenna.

The cheapest live TV services for cord-cutting are the free ones: Pluto TV and Xumo. There are paid ones that cost very little, like Philo, Frndly TV, and Sling (especially the individual Blue or Orange plans).

The Paper Clip Antenna

If you live in an area with great over-the-air TV reception, a paper clip may be the first option you want to try. All you need to do is straighten out the paper clip and put it into the cable/antenna plug on your TV (that round connector you used to connect the cable outlet from your TV).

Method #4: Sign Up for a Live TV Streaming Service. Live TV streaming services offer live streams of the same channels you'd get over broadcast or cable. Since you're streaming over the internet, however, there's no need for equipment. There's also no annual contract and the services can be cancelled at any time.

Where is the best place to put an indoor TV antenna? ›

If possible, place your indoor TV antenna in an attic or a second-story location, preferably by a window. Sometimes objects in the room or roofing materials will interfere with the signals, so it pays to try a few different attic locations.

A Smart TV is a television that can be connected to the internet to access streaming media, such as Netflix. It can also run entertainment apps, internet music services, and web browsers. So, in this day and age many people ask, “Do I still need an antenna for my TV?” The short answer is: Yes!

If you are wondering how to get free to air channels without an antenna, or if it is possible, you'll be pleased to know that you can do so by watching content over the web using your digital TV. While you won't need an antenna, you will need an internet connection that is set up to a smart TV.

UHF/VHF rated antennas should be used to receive the most important channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, etc.)

With a TV antenna, you can potentially get the big four broadcast networks, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. There are a variety of other local networks available for free on over-the-air channels such as local PBS affiliates and The CW Network.

Free local channels without a TV antenna

A number of local ABC, CBS, FOX, CW and NBC stations have their own apps available on Smart TVs and streaming devices. You can find these apps by doing a broad search for a station (e.g. NBC), or by searching for a station using its call sign.

Antenna Range Claims

The curvature of the Earth will block most over-the-air broadcast signals at roughly 70 miles.

An indoor TV antenna placed in or near a window pane will likely get dozens of independent stations along with the four large broadcasters. Smaller cities and rural areas will have less channels, but most Television Market Areas will have your four big broadcasters. I'm talking about ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC.

Choose an antenna that receives both VHF and UHF signals. VHF and UHF refer to the frequencies stations use to broadcast their signals. If your favorite shows come on a network that's only on cable or satellite, you won't be able to watch them with an antenna. Most cable channels don't broadcast over the airwaves.

The signal could be lost in the coaxial cable distribution.

If you are using a splitter, this could also weaken signal strength. Try disconnecting the splitter and running the cable directly into the TV/converter box and run a channel scan. If reception improves, a distribution amplifier is likely to be the solution.

How do I get rid of cable and still watch TV? ›

Use a streaming device: smart TV, game console, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast or Apple TV. You won't need that cable box anymore, but you will need some kind of streaming device to watch services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.

The cheapest streaming service that offers local channels is Sling. It costs $40/month and offers a lineup of NBC and FOX in select markets. The next best thing is Paramount+, which offers CBS affiliate channels. As a general rule, you should check with each service to see what they offer depending on your area.