Best TV Antenna Booster & Amplifier in 2022 | Comparison & Buyers’ Guide

It happens that an incoming TV signal might be very unstable for its proper transmission by an antenna. This could be caused by a remote location of a broadcasting TV tower, cable losses, some natural or artificial interference, etc. In such cases an antenna booster would become a strictly required device. Let’s figure out if it is really an indispensable purchase; which types are offered on the market; and what you should primarily consider to choose the most appropriate option covering your needs.

What is the best TV antenna booster? Advanced models of TV boosters are indispensable devices for signal strength improvement. Their installation and connection should neither cause any difficulties, nor require special mounting skills. The state-of-the-art models are suitable for both inside and outside installation, featuring an all-weather proof design. Right after its connection you should notice TV signal improvement, as well as noise and interference reduction which contribute to a clear picture and eliminate any pixelation. Besides, some modern boosters may be used as signal splitters thanks to multiple output ports. They are usually compatible with various device connections, including other TV systems, FM stereo, OTA devices, etc., transmitted in 4K, HD, UHF, VHF and other ranges.

Best TV Antenna Booster & Amplifier Comparison

Types of TV signal boosters

There is a common classification of all models of TV signal boosters available on the current market. Depending on design peculiarities, boosters are divided into several types based on frequency range and place of installation.

In particular, TV boosters are designed for different frequency bands, signal spectrum, and distance from a transmitter. In this regard there are single-band and multi-band models suitable for different applications.

There are two options for TV amplifier installation: indoors and outdoors. Indoor TV boosters come in a compact design to be installed next to the antenna. Although, there are such advanced models like ANTENNAS DIRECT 8-PORT TV DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER, which are primarily designed for indoor use; but they feature enough capacity to boost splitted signal with the use of 50 ft. coaxial cable or more. However, this variant has one downside occurred due to cable losses; for instance, in case of weather deterioration when signal strength loss is observed.

Outdoor and mast-mount boosters are installed at the same height with the antenna to provide the maximum signal gain. For instance, the WINEGARD LNA-200 BOOST XT ANTENNA AMPLIFIER SIGNAL BOOSTER is compatible with all non-amplified/passive antenna brands. However, such installation is comparatively vulnerable as any thunder stroke or a high wind can damage the device.

Besides, we can define bi-directional TV signal amplifiers which operate in both upstream and return frequency ranges. They are also called as active return models which boost the signal in both directions. This could be very useful if you have several TVs at your place, thus you can ensure a reliable reception in each location. The ANTRONIX 9 PORT BI-DIRECTIONAL CABLE TV SPLITTER SIGNAL BOOSTER is a bright example of a bi-directional amplifier which features 9 outputs for multiple devices which can be connected simultaneously without compromising signal strength. On the contrary, passive return bi-directional models commonly feature one port only to amplify TV signals on the upstream. Nevertheless, such models are the most demanded types for home use.

How does a TV signal booster work?

A TV antenna amplifier or a signal booster is designed to receive unstable digital/analogue signal and amplify it. This can be reached by filtering noise interference and frequency adjustment. Depending on a video signal (SDTV, EDTV, HDTV 720p or 1080i/p etc.) an amplifier can process different bandwidths. A frequency regulator allows receiving maximum TV signal boost up to 20 dB at 1000 MHz. Nevertheless, the signal gain in the range from 10 dB to 14 dB would be the best situation; as too much gain from a TV signal amplifier may result in worse signal than the initial one due to external interference boost. Any TV amplifier works in the following way:

• Signals, received from an antenna, go through a matching transformer.

• Then they are amplified with a simultaneous stabilization of a circuit.

• After that a frequency adjustment takes place.

• At the outlet an amplified signal is re-broadcasted directly to a TV receiver or other compatible device excluding appearance of pixilation, noise or signal loss.

Taking into consideration the above-mentioned, before improving a TV signal with the help of an amplifier, firstly check proper functionality of your antenna; as a booster is not designed to receive signals, it can only enhance those already transmitted.

Amplifier vs. Preamplifier | Difference

Often confusion may arise from the difference between a distribution amplifier and a preamplifier term. And is there any difference at all? Actually, there is.

Preamplifier is recommended to use mainly for outside applications with antenna installations or cable runs. This device is designated to eliminate signal losses due to long cable runs or distance from TV broadcasting towers.

A distribution amplifier is suitable for signal loss compensation caused by its splitting to multiple TV systems. These devices are designed for indoor applications.

Top-9 TV Antenna Boosters

ANTENNAS DIRECT TV DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER | Best digital antenna booster with the highest dВ gain

Antennas Direct, Inc. was founded in 2004 as a provider of broadcasting equipment. Nowadays, it is one of the largest companies on the national telecommunication market.

The CDA8 HDTV distribution amplifier is designed to boost the signal in order to split it to 8 TV systems and digital converter boxes, thus ensuring a stable reception at each location. It can generate 4.5 dB gain per port. This device can be used both for domestic- and professional-grade applications with its capacity to maintain the signal strength even with the use of 50 feet coaxial cable or more between the antenna and the receiver.

This amplifier is primarily for indoor use; however, it features a waterproof housing which ensures its safe outdoor operation (except its connections which require additional protection from the environment and an appropriate power inserter). It comes with a 15V DC power adapter with overload protection, and a 40-in. coaxial cable.

Features

• Signal gain (dB): 4.5 per port
• Weight (oz): 0.16
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 4.5 x 4.53 x 1.5

This is a top-quality TV distribution amplifier which ensures reliable signal transfer to multiple recipients with minimum losses.

Along with the outstanding model reviewed-above, Antennas Direct offers a vast variety of TV signal boosting devices for different applications. In particular, their 4-Port TV Distribution Amplifier - CDA4 can be connected to only 4 TVs; however, it features higher signal gain of 7.5 dB per port, thus providing stronger signal for a clear picture with no unwanted interference. This model is also designated for indoor use, but it can be installed outdoors if additional power supply units and waterproof clamps are provided. The device comes with an indoor power supply and 3 ft. coaxial cable.

Antennas Direct PA-18 Ultra Low-Noise Preamplifier, 4K Ready, Rural Areas is another decent product which we’d like to review in our top list. This preamplifier is made for outdoor applications in a mast-mounted all-weather design. This device would be suitable for long-distance applications. In particular, it can boost the weakest signals coming from the antenna through a 100 ft. or more coaxial cable to a TV, or a splitter. It is capable of reaching 18.6 dB signal gain in VHF range, and 15.4 dB signal gain in UHF range at 40-862 MHz.

Antennas Direct ClearStream Juice VHF/UHF Low-Noise 19dB Preamplifier with Filters can be also used for weak signals when over 100 ft. coaxial cable and splitters are used, similarly to the above-mentioned model. However, it can ensure an outstanding reception featuring 17.5dB VHF / 19dB UHF gain in its class. This preamplifier comes in a durable all-cast design to withstand any environmental conditions. Besides, it has a built-in low pass filter which minimizes any wireless interference and grants the best signal-to-noise ratio for uninterrupted reception.

ANTRONIX 9 PORT BI-DIRECTIONAL CABLE TV SPLITTER SIGNAL BOOSTER/AMPLIFIER - VR900B/AC | Best multi-port indoor

Antronix Inc. is the U.S. based company which focuses on TV broadcasting and communication technologies. It offers a wide range of broadband products like multi-taps, various passives, amplifiers, etc.

This 8+1 amplifier features 8 outputs to boost TV signal in forward and return directions. Besides, it has a passive VoIP port which prevents voice service failure even in the case of power supply loss. This device uses an innovative CamPort technology with an auto-seizing F port which ensures reliable clean wiring for multimedia use.

This model comes in a durable powder coated aluminum design which is resistant to various aggressive ambient conditions. More than that, the Antronix VR900B/AC features 6 kV surge and short-circuit protection contributing to its long-term and trouble-free operation.

This is an awesome residential-grade amplifier which can be also used as a splitter with an easy wiring for several TVs to ensure reliable reception and avoid signal drops.

ANTRONIX: Check the current price

Winegard LNA-200 Boost XT HDTV Preamplifier, TV Antenna Amplifier Signal Booster | Best outdoor TV antenna amplifier

Wineguard is a well-known U.S. brand which has been designing and distributing antenna products since 1954.

The Winegard Boost XT TV fits any outdoor passive/non-amplified antenna. It comes with a TwinAmp technology which boosts signals in VHF and UHF ranges and contributes to reduction of noise (1 dB typical) and external interference. This separation serves for 10X increase of signal transmission capacity. Boost clear circuit technology is another awesome feature of this model which considerably reduces noise level 1 (dB typical), thus enhancing signal strength and clear image.

This amplifier has a durable built-up to cope with any weather conditions. It comes with a 110V adapter, a power, inserter, and hose clamps.

Features

• Signal gain (dB): 18
• Weight (oz): 9.6
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 3 x 4.5 x 1.5

This Wineguard preamplifier does the great job if you live in a rural area far away from the TV broadcasting stations or if you have an elongated coaxial cable between your antenna and TV/splitter.

Winegard LNA-200: Check the current price

GE OUTDOOR TV ANTENNA AMPLIFIER - 42179

This is another decent TV amplifier which is designed to strengthen signal from outdoor non-amplified/passive antennas. Its PureAmp technology ensures a crystal-clear reception by means of signal boosting, external noise filtration and 4G/5G LTE interference blocking. It is compatible with 4K, HDTV, UHF, VHF systems to provide a full 1080p high-quality picture.

This device is designed to overcome any weather conditions as it is primarily intended for outdoor use. Besides, this amplifier can be used indoors, or it can be mast- or wall- mounted. This model includes an installation kit to provide an easy connection with the help of a power inserter, 4 power supply zip ties and 2 rubber boots.

Features

• Signal gain (dB): n/m
• Weight (oz): 8.3
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 7 x 5.5 x 2.3

It is an excellent TV antenna for the price which will help to upgrade your reception with no hassle.

GE OUTDOOR: Check the current price

ANTOP HD SMART BOOST ANTENNA AMPLIFIER | Indoor TV antenna signal booster with the highest dB gain

The Chinese Antop Antenna was established in 1980 as a provider of over the air radio wave technologies. Today the company has several RDE, production facilities and branches in China, as well as the U.S. subsidiaries. All their production lines and processes are certified by ISO 9001: 2008, thus guaranteeing reliability and high performance of their products.

The Antop introduces a smart TV signal booster with an integrated adjustment dial. The latter ensures an adequate reception power between short and long ranges. This TV booster can support 2 devices including another TV, FM, OTA streaming device, or a projector, at once. The noise-free reception is achieved thanks to an integrated filter which blocks 3G and 4G interference. Besides, it can be used as a preamplifier to improve VHF and UHF signals in case of a long distance from the nearest station.

The amplifier comes with an AC/DC adapter, two 5 ft. coaxial cables, and 2 anchors.

Features

• Signal gain (dB): 14
• Weight (oz): 12.9
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 10.3 x 5 x 2.2

This HD Smart booster from Antop will give you an exceptional opportunity to support several device connections and expand your reception range.

ANTOP HD: Check the current price

GE INDOOR TV ANTENNA AMPLIFIER – 42178 | Best Cheap

GE Appliances is the U.S. company which designs and manufactures products for home applications, including electronics and water products. In 2016 it was acquired by HAIER Group, one of the largest manufacturers of domestic appliances in the world.

This TV signal booster is designed for use with indoor non-amplified/passive antennas in order to attain a reliable reception and exclude the risks of signal drops. It boosts VHF and UHF signals, as well as HD broadcast signals. This model enhances signal-to-noise ratio due to its low-noise amplification, and it compensates cable losses, thus ensuring an ideally clear reception. Its patented PureAmp technology allows filtering noises and blocks wireless internet interference.

Installation of this device is pretty easy with the help of the AC power adapter which is delivered in the package.

Features

• Signal gain (dB): n/m
• Weight (oz): 2.8
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 7.3 x 2.9 x 1.8

This budget-friendly TV amplifier can be used by anyone who wants to get an improved reception and more TV channels without facing any installation and setup issues.

GE INDOOR: Check the current price

Best-Selling TV Antenna Boosters | Comparison Table

How to Install TV Booster? | Tips and recommendations

Before getting a TV signal booster, you should check which number of ports or outputs of the device you need. If you are going to use several TVs, choose the one with the appropriate number of outputs. Besides, check compatibility of the booster with the devices to be used like TV and splitting systems, digital converter box, etc.

Installation would be quite simple requiring just a coaxial cable which you should have already with the existing antenna system. Otherwise, the cable is commonly delivered together with a TV booster in the package.

One of the most important issues in booster installation is its arrangement in a close proximity to a TV. If you`re going to boost the signal for multiple TV systems, select a spot next to your antenna splitter. This necessity stems from the fact that cable losses can negatively affect quality of the image. Only indoor antenna systems can be considered as an exclusion from the general rule, as they usually come with a short cable and multiple output ports, excluding need in additional splitting devices.

Next step implies reviewing the manufacturer's installation guidelines which are attached to your device. In general the procedure consists of disconnecting the cable from a TV, line splitter, etc. Run the coaxial cable from the antenna to the input side of the booster. Then connect the cable from its output side to your TV or a splitter. Be careful, all manipulations must be performed when power is off!