Removing yourself from the city’s hustle and bustle and choosing to remain in the country’s purity and serenity is a great choice.
It’s, without doubt, a lot better for both your mental and physical health to be surrounded by mother nature.
Nevertheless, there are some aspects that you’ll have to think of in order to adapt with minimal losses; one of them is the TV.
In fact, the majority of the population depends on TV, whether through subscriptions such as Netflix, or the standard cable and satellite connections.
Either way, you need to make sure that you’ll still be able to view your favorite shows, and that’s where our list of the best outdoor TV antennas for rural areas comes into play.
These antennas come with a plethora of advantages, such as being cost-effective, as they are a one time purchase, in addition to the easy setup process.
Contents
The 5 Best Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas in 2021
Without further ado, let’s get to the focal point of our topic today, and that will be our chosen list of the ultimate outdoor TV antennas for rural areas.
1. Channel Master EXTREMEtenna – Best Overall
We start today with the Channel Master EXTREMEtenna, as it combines strength, durability, and quality in one product.
Firstly, it’s an eight-bay antenna made mostly out of aluminum, so it’s naturally rust-proof.
It also has a few plastic elements designed to withstand UV light without any trouble.
Now, let’s jump to the technical details. The Channel Master EXTREMEtenna has a range of 80 miles, which is quite impressive.
Plus, it supports high VHF, high UHF, and 1080i HDTV. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t support low VHF.
Moreover, it boasts 12 dB gain, which means that the reception is top-notch.
Additionally, the Channel Master EXTREMEtenna is a multi-directional antenna that can go 180° in any direction, therefore, guaranteeing you a wide variety of channels from different broadcasting towers.
Furthermore, the Channel Master EXTREMEtenna is quite compact and small in size, which makes installing it a piece of cake.
Another thing that makes its setup process incredibly easy is that it comes pre-assembled, so there’s hardly any hard work you’ll have to do in that area.
Still, one thing that you’ll have to keep in mind is that it does not come with either a mast or a coaxial cable; hence, you’ll have to purchase these on your own.
Also, if you want it to support more than one TV, in order to prevent the signal from becoming any weaker than it should be, a signal booster is advised.
Pros
- Multi-directional 180°
- 12 dB gain reception
- Comes pre-assembled
- 80 miles range
- Supports high VHF and UHF
- 1080i HDTV
- Compact
- Aluminum build
Cons
- Doesn’t support low VHF
- Might need a signal booster
- Mast and coaxial cable are sold individually
Final Verdict
Our final verdict regarding the Channel Master EXTREMEtenna is that it’s the full package. You have a range of 80 miles in all directions, 180° all around, VHF, UHF, and 1080i HDTV support, plus 12 dB of gain.
Additionally, it’s incredibly durable and element proof due to its excellent build. All of these attributes easily put it on the top of our list today.
2. Winegard HD8200U Platinum Antenna – Runner-Up
Our runner-up and a close competitor to the Channel Master EXTREMEtenna is the Winegard HD8200U Platinum Antenna.
This device is focused on rigidity and strength in parallel with providing state-of-the-art quality for its users.
The design of the antenna itself goes through several stages in order to reach its final state.
First, its platinum core is zinc plated, granting it excellent corrosion resistance.
You’ll then find that you don’t have a single boot brace, but double, and they’re both covered with a layer of polyethylene to make it completely weather resistant.
Consequently, they can easily stand in the way of strong winds, UV light, and rain. One more thing is that it can support insulators, which will definitely boost its lifespan significantly.
One factor where the Winegard HD8200U Platinum Antenna surpasses the Channel Master EXTREMEtenna is the VHF and UHF support, as it supports both the high and low varieties of each frequency, allowing for a vast range of channels.
Add to that the fact that it boasts 65+ miles in terms of range, meaning that finding a broadcasting tower will be an easy task.
Additionally, it supports 4K Ultra HD and 3D, so you can watch anything that you want in any quality without facing any trouble whatsoever.
On the other side of the spectrum, though, all of these fantastic features must be accompanied by a few disadvantages, and these include its hefty price tag, which not everyone can afford.
Still, when you think about purchasing an antenna, you’ll find that its overall cost is no more than two or three months of your regular subscriptions.
So, maybe with the Winegard HD8200U Platinum Antenna, the price will add up to four months instead.
Still, it remains cheaper than years and years of the said subscriptions. It’s also quite large as it weighs around 16 pounds, which makes installing it a tricky task.
Pros
- Low and High VHF and UHF
- Zinc-plated body
- 65+ miles range
- 4K Ultra HD
- 3D support
- Polyethylene boot cover
- Double boot braces
- Insulators support
Cons
- Expensive
- Large in size
Final Verdict
To sum up, the Winegard HD8200U Platinum Antenna is an excellent option for anyone who has the funds and the space to accommodate it.
With channels from both low and high VHF and UHF in 4K Ultra HD and 3D, if needed/wanted, plus a durable body that is supported by zinc and polyethylene, this antenna will last you a lifetime easily. Consequently, if your wallet can take the hit, go for it.
3. 8 Element Bowtie Antenna – Highest Gain
The third product on our list is the 8 Element Bowtie Antenna, and it sports a rather unique design, which is the bow-tie design.
It’s composed out of four parts, all shaped like a bow tie. You know, this unique design has advantages and disadvantages, and we’ll discuss them thoroughly.
But, first, let’s speak about the physical build and its consequences. The 8 Element Bowtie Antenna has a rigid frame with aluminum mesh, making it corrosion-resistant and weather-proof.
Another thing that is weather-proof is the cable box that contains all the wires going to and from the antenna.
Moreover, the 8 Element Bowtie Antenna comes with its unique base included. The said base is battery-powered and designed to pivot around, allowing you to set the antenna in more than one position to focus on specific signals that you would prefer.
Furthermore, the antenna itself is a multi-directional, all-around 180° unit. Now, we have reached the focal point of this antenna, which is the gain. The 8 Element Bowtie Antenna comes with 17.4 dB of gain, which adds up to unprecedented strength of reception no matter in what situation you choose to place the device.
Add to that its range of 70 miles, and you won’t have to worry about signal again. Additionally, it supports UHF and 1080i HDTV whenever possible, so quality is a given here.
On the other hand, the 8 Element Bowtie Antenna does not support VHF. Although UHF is way more common, some people might still prefer the channels broadcasted through VHF frequencies, so you must do your research here first.
We have previously mentioned that the unique design has its disadvantages; these disadvantages include its large size and heavyweight. These two features mean that installing it might need more than one person to guarantee your safety and overall smoothness of the setup process.
Pros
- Flexible
- 70 miles range
- 1080 HDTV support
- UHF support
- Base included
- Pivoting base
- Battery-powered base
- Weather-proof cable box
- 17.4 dB gain
- Rigid frame
- Aluminum mesh
- Multi-directional 180°
Cons
- No VHF support
- Large
- Heavy
- Coaxial cable not included
Final Verdict
If your number one priority is signal strength, and you don’t want to be bothered by it at all once you’ve installed your antenna, then the 8 Element Bowtie Antenna is the best choice for you.
It comes with a whopping 17.4 dB of gain, 70 miles range, 180° all-around coverage, 1080i HDTV support, and UHF support. Nevertheless, keep in mind that it does not support VHF frequencies and is rather large and heavy.
4. Xtreme Signal Long Range Yagi Style Antenna – Best Clarity
Our fourth product is the Xtreme Signal Long Range Yagi Style Antenna, and it’s all about the clarity of the signal received.
You see, with the Yagi Style Antenna, trees, hills, mountains, buildings, electronics, and all of these obstacles become irrelevant.
That’s because, in addition to all of its outstanding technical features that we’ll discuss in detail later on, it’s designed with a robust back reflector that eliminates the effect of obstacle interference.
This takes the quality of the signal to a whole new level.
Now, let’s jump onto the technical details that we have just mentioned.
The Yagi Style Antenna enjoys 70+ miles in terms of reception range and 16 dB in gain.
Moreover, it supports both UHF and VHF, so that you can watch any channel that you want, all in HD.
These channels include ABC, NBC, Fox, and so much more.
Add to that the built-in transformer that gives you a choice between the 75-ohm connection and the coaxial connection so that you can decide which one will suit you better.
Furthermore, the mounting hardware included is rather flexible.
It allows you to adjust the Yagi Style Antenna in several different positions according to the position of the broadcasting tower and the channels you would like to receive.
Another aspect that adds to the value of the Yagi Style Antenna is its low price tag, as it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Still, you might end up needing a pre-amp or a separate rotor, which are, in the end, added expenses.
One last thing is that the Xtreme Signal Long Range Yagi Style Antenna is quite light at only 4.5 pounds. However, the design is quite bulky and tricky to deal with.
Pros
- Back reflector
- Built-in transformer
- Adjustable mount
- 70 miles range
- UHF and VHF support
- HDTV
- 16 dB gain
- Light
- Affordable
Cons
- May need pre-amp
- Bulky design
- No rotor
Final Verdict
The Xtreme Signal Long Range Yagi Style Antenna is an excellent choice for everyone.
It supports both VHF and UHF in HD, has 70 miles in terms of range, 16 dBs in terms of gain, and the mounting hardware allows you to set the antenna in various positions according to your channel preferences.
It’s also lightweight and affordable, making it a common favorite. Our only advice is to be careful when you are dealing with it to avoid injury.
5. PBD Digital Outdoor TV Antenna – Budget Pick
Our budget pick is the PBD Digital Outdoor TV Antenna; it has a range of 150 miles alongside 360-degrees rotation.
This means that it’ll seek channels no matter how far they are and no matter their frequencies.
It comes with a unique feature, which is the ability to do motorized rotations. You can use the included remote control to enable this feature.
The antenna will search for clear signals in all directions while steering clear of the coaxial cable.
UHF and VHF frequencies can be easily picked up, and you have a guaranteed clear signal with a resolution that’s up to 4K.
Not only that, but the PBD Digital Outdoor TV Antenna can work with two TVs simultaneously.
Within the package, you’ll receive the remote control, a 40-feet coax cable, the mounting pole, and the power supply adapter. Of course, in addition to the PBD outdoor TV Antenna itself.
When it comes to installing this antenna, it doesn’t get much easier than this. You simply follow the instructions, and you’ll be good to go.
Another thing that you don’t need to worry about is the weather; this antenna is entirely weather-proof and can withstand the toughest of weather conditions.
One thing that we always recommend when installing this antenna is to install it at least 30 feet above the ground, as its signal is highly affected by highland terrain.
Pros
- Range up to 150 miles
- 360-degrees rotation using the remote control
- Weather-proof
- Easy to install
- Clear installation instructions
- Transmits up to 4K resolution
Cons
- Impacted by highland terrain
Final Verdict
After all, is said and done, the PBD Digital Outdoor TV Antenna is a marvelous outdoor TV antenna for rural areas.
It has a range of 150 miles and 360-degree rotation. It transmits with resolution up to 4K, is completely weatherproof, comes with a remote control, and can be installed pretty easily.
How to Pick the Best Outdoor TV Antenna For Rural Areas
Now that we’re finished with the in-detail review of our five top outdoor TV antennas for rural areas, we’ll touch on the essential criteria that should create the pillars of your decision.
Element-Proof
One point that we’ll discuss later-on is that the best way to set up these antennas is to place them as high as possible, preferably on the roof of your house.
They can be placed in the attic, but that arrangement will require specific criteria in order to work.
Either way, it’ll be exposed to all sorts of elements, so you’ll need to make sure that your device is waterproof, UV light-proof, heat-proof, and snow proof so that it can survive the havoc that the change of seasons will bring on it.
As we’ve said, outdoor TV antennas are meant to be a one-time-purchase, but if you neglect the quality of your investment, you’ll undoubtedly need to replace it early-on.
Reach
Reach does not depend entirely on your antenna; it also depends on how far the nearest broadcasting tower is from your house.
Consequently, in order to make the best choice, you need to do your research first and find how far the broadcasting tower is from you so that you choose an antenna with a suitable reach.
Frequency
TV channels are broadcasted via two types of frequencies; the ultra-high frequencies (UHF) and the very high frequencies (VHF). Each of these frequencies carries specific channels, so our best advice is to go with an antenna that can support both frequencies.
This choice will give you the freedom of viewing all the channels freely, not just a particular category.
Direction
We have just spoken about the antennas’ reach and how it depends on the proximity of the broadcasting towers. You know, the thing with these broadcasting towers is that they can be placed in multiple directions from you.
If that’s the case, you might want to go with multi-directional antennas. They will allow you to receive a signal from different channels and various broadcasting towers with equal strength.
While, if you choose to go with the directional antenna, you’ll be receiving a strong signal but from broadcasting towers in one direction only. That can be a little bit restrictive in the variety of channels that you’ll be receiving.
Signal Strength
Surely, as children, we have all seen the screen go black/gray/ white with the disrupted signal.
Now, if you don’t want that to happen in the middle of your favorite TV show, you’ll need to go for the strongest signal available on the market.
This will guarantee you a continuous, high-quality viewing of your favorite programs without that no-signal screen popping up or the whooshing sound that usually comes along with it.
Setup
Now, we’ve previously touched on the importance of the proper placement of the TV antenna, that is, on the roof of the house or in the attic. Just make sure that it can penetrate the roof and actually receive the signal.
For instance, if you have an aluminum roof, then the attic option is out of the window. You’ll have to place it on top as aluminum will not allow the signal to pass through.
Interference
Last but certainly not least, when you’re living in a rural area, you might think that you’ll have no obstacles such as skyscrapers, airplanes, and any sort of electronic device that creates waves that could interfere with the signal.
Unfortunately, that is not true as you’ll be facing a totally different type of obstacles such as hills, mountains, trees, and even the electronics present in your own home.
That’s where proper placement comes into play again, as placing your antenna on the roof will give you the much-needed height to eliminate the effect of these obstacles as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap up our article, we’ll go over a couple of frequently asked questions that might very well pop into your head while you’re conducting this research.
Why Choose an Outdoor Antenna over Monthly Subscriptions?
That is one of the most common questions that will pop into your head when considering purchasing an outdoor antenna. With the variety and availability of different subscriptions, it’s so easy to have them piling on top of your debit/credit card every month.
You think that $10 is a tiny amount to pay, but when you subscribe to more than one, you might find yourself easily paying up to 40$ or $50 a month for enticing services such as Netflix, Hulu, ABC, Fox, etc.
At the end of the day, with work and life attractions, you’ll find that you don’t use all of them, so you’re not getting much value from your investments. That’s why an outdoor antenna is much more cost-effective than monthly subscriptions.
It’s a one-time investment, then you’ll forget about it, except for regular maintenance. It’s also totally unrelated to your Wi-Fi, so if you encounter any problems with your internet, they won’t be projected onto your TV.
Is an Outdoor Antenna Necessary in Rural Areas?
There is a reason why outdoor antennas must have the term “outdoor” in their name. They’re designed differently in order to withstand the elements of nature.
Their signal is powerful, with an average range of 70 miles each way. This way, the signal can penetrate obstacles such as trees, hills, and mountains to provide you with a clear signal for a variety of different TV channels.
Can I Use One Antenna for Multiple TVs?
Absolutely. With some antennas, you’ll find that they already come with this option, while with others, you’ll need some extra pieces. A splitter, a second coaxial cable, and a pre-amp, which will allow you to maintain the same broadcasting quality level, are all that you’ll need.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Antenna
The answer to this question depends on several different variables, but the most important one is your closeness to the broadcasting tower.
If you are close to it, then an indoor antenna is definitely easier to install, more aesthetically pleasing, has a longer lifespan since it is protected inside the house, and may come with a few more options.
While, if you’re situated further away from the broadcasting tower, then you have no other option than to go with an outdoor antenna to maintain the quality of the signal that you’ll be receiving.
When Will I Need a Signal Amplifier or a Rotor?
A signal amplifier is needed when the signal is too weak. You might be able to avoid such a situation by searching for pre-amplified antennas which are present on the market today.
The thing is, you’ve to be careful with installing an amplifier as it’ll strengthen the overall signal. This means that the sound will be louder, and the noise will be louder as well.
On the other hand, rotors grant your antenna much-needed flexibility through the remote control. This means that you’ll be able to turn the antenna around in order to reach different broadcasting towers and receive various channels.
Final Thoughts
This will be a wrap on our article covering the five best outdoor antennas for rural areas.
To sum up, when you search for an antenna for your rural house, make sure that you know how far your nearest broadcasting tower is, whether you want to see channels from UHF alone, VHF alone, or both, and the signal strength that you will be needing.
The very last thing that we are going to remind you of is our recommendations. Our first recommended product is, of course, our top pick, the Channel Master EXTREMEtenna.
This antenna is a multi-directional one with 80 miles of range, VHF, UHF, and 1080i HDTV. It’s made out of aluminum and plastic, making it corrosion-resistant and UV light/heat-resistant. Plus, it’s incredibly rigid and relatively compact.
Our second recommendation is the runner-up, the Winegard HD8200U Platinum Antenna, our only bow-tie antenna.
It’s entirely weatherproof, has a range of 65+ miles, and supports both VHF and UHF plus 4K ultra HD and 3D. All of this gives you the freedom to watch anything that you could want.
The last of our recommendations is our budget pick, the PBD Digital Outdoor TV Antenna.
That’s due to its 150 miles range and ability to transmit up to 4K. Moreover, its installation is pretty straightforward, and it can stand up to almost any weather condition.