Best Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas: Types & Trusted Brands | Buyers’ Guide
Nowadays, the residents of rural areas or country estate owners are still facing the problem with TV signal strength as well as the cell network coverage. And it becomes a real challenge to receive TV broadcast and cell signals from the nearest towers, which would be more likely located far away. Besides, the bad signal may be caused by the following factors: presence of different artificial and natural barriers, terrain features, weather conditions, and absence of a signal tower within a coverage area.
Why are over-the-air TV antennas becoming so popular?
The modern society is so used to the massive information stream, that it would feel shaky without. Which is why, having moved to a new house in a rural area, the majority of owners would primarily arrange a TV-set. And in order to ensure its uninterrupted broadcasting, it is necessary to get an appropriate antenna. Commonly, it should be selected depending on location of the nearest transmitting tower and a type of TV signal to be picked up.
So, how to select the right options suitable for your particular case? This issue requires a comprehensive analysis of the existing variants. In this regard, we are going to give you corresponding recommendations and an insight review of the critical features and high class models available on the market.
Key factors influencing on selection of an appropriate TV antenna for rural area | Buyer’s Guide
Indoor vs. Outdoor
It would be reasonable to connect an indoor antenna to a TV-set at your house if the nearest transmitting device is not too far away. That is, proximity to a town or a big village with a repeater available allows considering this option for receiving an adequate TV signal. A weak signal requires an amplifier. The latter will also depend on a type of a broadcasting signal. Overall, indoor units are more suitable for a city. On the contrary, their use in a rural area would hardly be the best solution.
If a television tower is located far away from a receiving end, the signal is fading. Broadcasting quality is decreasing, the sound and image are distorted. Outdoor antenna installation is the only appropriate solution especially for rural areas. Such antenna can be arranged at the front of a building, on the roof, wall, or on a separate mast. The outdoor antennas are offered in a directional or Yagi-type design and in an omni-range one. The latter will pick up a signal in case of its appropriate setup in any direction independently from the signal source.
Active vs. Passive
In general, this parameter also relates to the quality of the broadcasting signal. A normal signal will be supported sufficiently by a passive antenna, if it works within a 19-mile radius or less. These antennas have particular advantages like affordability in terms of price, and durability. However, I would like to highlight that a passive antenna should be purchased only if a signal is strong enough. Otherwise, a separate amplifier will be required to gain it, thus increasing the total cost of the equipment. All other cases require an active-type antenna with an integrated amplifier. In particular, this would do its job in case of a long distance, or shorter ranges with an obstacle (building, facility, elevator) between a recipient and a TV tower, or lowland location of your house.
Satellite vs. Terrestrial
Satellite antennas always come in a dish-type design which effectively reflects waves and redirects them to a feeding system. These antennas receive the signal directly from the satellite, thus excluding any barrier interferences like forests, buildings, mountains, etc. The usage of such antenna would be highly reasonable in rural areas or at rough terrain locations. However, there are several downsides which make this option not so clear. High price around $300-$400 and dependence on weather conditions are among the major disadvantages.
Terrestrial models are simpler in design and pick up the signal from a TV tower or a repeater. They can work with analogue or digital signal depending on a response range. These antennas are suitable for usage at the remote locations up to 200 miles away from a signal source. The terrestrial antennas can cover the VHF (very high frequency) or UHF (ultra high frequency) bands, or their combination. Namely, the VHF band covers from 54 to 216 MHz, the UHF band – from 470 to 890 MHz frequencies. They determine broadcast channel numbers.
Who makes the best TV antennas for rural areas? Trusted Brands
In order to have a trouble-free and stable broadcasting of your favourite Tele shows and movies, you should better choose models from one of the below-mentioned manufacturers, which are well-known in this industry. They are the following:
- Antennas Direct - one of the U.S. leaders on telecommunications technology market providing the advanced and reliable products to their customers. Mohu Inc. - one of the Antennas Direct affiliates focusing on indoor solutions.
- Wineguard – a highly recognizable U.S. brand in the field of connectivity products and services which has been introducing its innovative solutions since 1954.
Top Rated TV antennas for rural areas
Find our picks reflecting the recent developments in the telecommunications industry and meeting requirements of the most sophisticated customers like an innovative multidirectional design from Antennas Direct, an outstanding signal range from Fivestar, a versatile indoor/outdoor model, ability to support several users, and other outstanding features from the most reliable brands.
ANTENNAS DIRECT 8-ELEMENT BOWTIE TV ANTENNA | Best Powerful
This outdoor multi-directional antenna is offered by one of the leading providers of the broadcasting equipment. It is the most powerful 8-element bowtie antenna from the Antennas Direct lineup. And it is capable to transmit a strong signal within 70-mile range and even more, thus being an ideal solution for remote areas. An unmatched gain of 17.4 dBi makes this antenna one of the most powerful in its class. It is a UHF 470 MHz to 698 MHz antenna for 14-69 US channel broadcasting. This antenna allows enjoying your favourite TV shows, news or movies in full HD, if available, free of charge.
This model features the patented elements and a strengthened design which ensures a free rotation of panels to be pointed at any direction of the nearest TV tower or repeater.
Features
- Range (mile): 70+
- Frequency: UHF
- Weight (lbs): 10
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 36 x 6 x 48
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This powerful antenna would become a perfect choice for the residents of rural areas wishing to get an awesome TV signal strength with no interruptions.
DIRECT 8-ELEMENT: Check the current price
ANTENNAS DIRECT CLEARSTREAM 2V | Best Compact and Versatile
This is another cutting-edge model from Antennas Direct in our top list. Indeed, this is the most versatile antenna among others reviewed by us. The Clearstream can be used both outdoors and indoors (which is also possible due to a compact and elegant design). Its patented loop technology allows picking up TV signal 60-mile away from the nearest tower or repeater. The received picture will be broadcasted free of charge and in a Full HD 1080 from the networks like ABC, NBC, Fox, etc.
This antenna comes in a multidirectional design capable to translate a signal within UHF and VHF bands. The maximum signal gain amounts to 10.2 dBi. Due to its arrangement versatility, this antenna also comes with all-weather mounting kit.
Features
- Range (mile): 60
- Frequency: VHF / UHF
- Weight (lbs): 5
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 9 x 11.7 x 20
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The Clearstream multifunctional antenna is standing as one of the best performance compact and versatile models among other counterparts in its class.
DIRECT CLEARSTREAM 2V: Check the current price
FIVESTAR OUTDOOR HD TV ANTENNA 2019 | Best Budget for 200 mile-range
This terrestrial outdoor antenna with motorized 360-degree rotation is designed to receive VHF/UHF and FM band signals. The TV signals are picked up to broadcast the picture in 1080p,1080l, 720p Full HD. The TV signal can be improved thanks to 50% larger VHF elements and two additional UHF elements, as well an auto-gain system which allows gaining 15-35dB more.
An integrated LTE filter serves for removing any interference caused by 4G cell phone signals. This antenna is delivered with an installation kit to proceed with its connection right away after its receipt by a customer. A durable copper cable is used to enhance signal transmission. Overall, the antenna is made of high quality materials to withstand any weather conditions.
Features
- Range (mile):200
- Frequency: VHF/UHF
- Weight (lbs): 4.7
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 17.8 x 7.4 x 6.8
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This model is an excellent option for outdoor use with an impressive long signal range suitable for remote rural areas.
FIVESTAR OUTDOOR: Check the current price
VANSKY OUTDOOR TV ANTENNA 150 MILE RANGE | Best Cheap
The outdoor TV antenna is capable of receiving digital TV UHF/VHF designed to receive digital TV UHF/VHF and FM signals to watch over-the-air broadcasts in clear Full HD 1080 P. Coming with dual TV outputs this antenna can be connected to 2 TVs simultaneously. This model can be used at the most remote areas due to its capability to pick up a signal being 150 miles away from a broadcast tower. The high gain reception up to 32dB for VHF and up to 36 dB for UHF improves the quality of a picture.
This model can be 360-degree rotated with the help of an infrared remote control. This antenna is specifically designed for outdoor applications featuring high-grade materials to withstand any weather conditions.
Features
- Range (mile): 150
- Frequency: VHF 40~300MHz / UHF 470~890MHz
- Weight (lbs): 4.4
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 10 x 6 x 1.6
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This is one of the most affordable outdoor HD antennas on the modern market; however it features several outstanding advantages reflecting its effectiveness, user-friendliness and durability.
VANSKY OUTDOOR: Check the current price
