These days, not many people understand the importance of a good antenna because most of people have cable or satellite television. The days of needing a good VHF antenna are almost obsolete, especially with digital television being the trend.
However, there are some important situations where you’ll not only want a good antenna, you absolutely need one. One such case is the operation of a ham radio. This is a hobby that necessitates having a good antenna. Without it, you are unable to reach the frequencies you need for proper transmission. Another case is the use of a CB radio. The range of communication you are able to achieve, in this case, is directly dependant on what kind of an antenna you have and how strong its reception is.
If you have no experience with antennas and do not know at least a little something about them, picking one out could possibly be a chore. You need to know what kind of frequencies it is good for, whether you need something special to mount it to, and whether or not you have the right cables to install it to your particular piece of equipment.
What is the Best VHF Antenna?
For these reasons, we have put together this list of the top 5 best VHF antennas, so that you can better decide which one, specifically, you need.
8 Element Bowtie Indoor and Outdoor HDTV Antenna Review
Starting off our list today is the 8 Element Bowtie Indoor and Outdoor HDTV Antenna, which features a 70-mile reception range. However, that range can be affected somewhat due to location, obstructions and building materials that might be in the way.
This is the most powerful of all the available 8-Element Bowtie antennas and all stations received will be in HD 1080 where it is available.
The unique, multipurpose arrangement of this antenna provides a great deal of flexibility yet easy installation. It an be used as an indoor antenna or an outdoor antenna, and it works particularly well in areas where different stations are located in differing directions.
Normally, with other antennas, you would then have to reposition the antenna to receive a signal, but this one will pick them all up once you have it positioned. This antenna includes all of the hardware you will need to mount it along with detailed instructions. The mount and coax cable are sold separately, however, and you may find that you need both. It also comes with a lifetime warranty on parts that will further put your mind at ease.
HDTV Rotor Remote Outdoor Amplified Antenna Review
Our next model is the Best Choice Products HDTV Rotor Remote Outdoor Amplified Antenna. This weather resistant outdoor HDTV antenna features a 36dB gain and a 150-mile range for pulling in those far away frequencies.
This antenna is designed to receive digital UHF, VHF and FM signals with the highest quality. The remote controlled motor turns the antenna 360 degrees in both directions to avoid tangles while picking up from any direction. This antenna includes a wireless remote controller and control box as well as dual TV outputs.
The specs for this product are as follows: Frequency: 40-890 MHz; Channels: VHF 1-12, UHF 21-69; Impedance: 75; Power: 3 watts; Power supply: AC 100 volts; Rotation speed: 2-4 rounds per minute. Batteries are not included, but can primarily be run from the AC plug. Antenna can be attached to a pole, however the pole is not included. The higher the antenna is, the more channels you will get, as the reception gets better with height.
RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna Review
Next, we have the RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi HDTV Antenna that features a 60-mile range and supports up to 1080i HDTV broadcasts for a high quality of sound and picture if towers are within the sixty-mile range limit.
This RCA antenna is manufactured using high quality and durable materials and construction and can withstand some of the toughest outdoor conditions, including wind, snow and ice. A preassembled designs means that it will be simple to install, with an easy-lock, fold-out UHF reflector with snap to lock elements as well.
This antenna also includes a mast, a locking mast clamp, mounting hardware and a 75-ohm matching transformer. You will get enhanced reception, thanks to the cross-phase, multi-element design and you can mount it on the rooftop, inside an attic or even on your wall with nearly the same great reception. Installation is simple and easy: just connect your antenna’s coax cable, find a good placement for the antenna and then scan for available channels.
Designed and manufactured in the United States, this outdoor HD antenna will meet all quality standards that have been established by the Consumer Electronics Association. Not all antennas are tuned to pick up VHF frequencies, as most are optimized only for UHF, but this one picks up both in great digital quality.
1byone 45-Mile Digital and Outdoor HDTV Antenna Review
Next is the 1byone 45-Mile Digital and Outdoor HDTV Antenna that comes with an included mounting pole for easy installation. The 1byone offers the ability to pick up great quality reception from up to 45 miles away by simply connecting a coax cable, doing a channel scan and enjoying what you come up with.
You will get a great picture and sound quality that surpasses cable and satellite by far, with HDTV, UHF and VHF reception, which is optimized for 1080P digital reception. In this package, you will receive a 19-inch J-shaped pole, one mounting base, two 19mm screws, one 43mm screw, three 6mm hexagon nuts, two plastic anchor bolts and a user’s manual to help you put it all together. 1byone is a leading global brand in TV antennas and has been a symbol of performance.
This antenna will stand up well in the sun, snow, wind and many other weather situations that might cause other antennas to malfunction or lose reception. The receiving frequencies for this antenna are 170-230 MHz for VHF and 470-862 MHz for UHF and is passive rather than active. Gain is 3-5 dB and 7-10 dB, with 75 ohms of impedance.
Winegard HD7694P High Definition VHF and UHF Antenna Review
Finishing up the list is the Winegard HD7694P High Definition VHF and UHF Antenna will gather HDTV reception up to 45 miles away from the nearest tower with impedance of 75 ohm and receives both H-VHF and UHF signals and outperforms any other antenna of its size. High gain is present across both frequencies for optimum receptions and the electronics offer a great transfer of the digital signal.
You can also pair this antenna with any streaming device such as Roku, Chromecast or Fire TV for the ultimate in programming availability. With a pairing of those services, you can watch all of your local stations as well as many other programs at a fraction of the cost.
The Winegard company has been in the business of antenna product manufacturing since 1954, was the first US all channel antenna and is in the CES Hall of Fame, so you will also be purchasing peace of mind with this antenna. You may have to try moving it into different positions for the best reception, as it will pick up different frequencies and channels from different locations.
My Vote for Best HD Antenna
Of these five VHF antennas that we have looked at, my top pick for personal pick as the best antenna for TV is the 8 Element Bowtie Indoor and Outdoor HDTV Antenna.
The first thing you will note is its long reception range, allowing it to pick up signals 70 feet from the nearest tower, barring any obstructions. While there are other antennas that will have a further range, you are unlikely to find one that can pick up stations in multiple different directions at the same time.
This antenna does that with ease, thanks to the variable positioning of the unit, and it is the most powerful antenna that this company makes. Add to all of this, the fact that there is a lifetime warranty in place on the parts, and you have the makings of a great antenna at a decent price.