Freeview is a straightforward and versatile way of watching TV for free, and luckily, it doesn't take much equipment to set up - just one of the best indoor TV aerials. Other than a Freeview box and a TV licence, the next thing you'll need to get your hands on is a good quality TV aerial.
Indoor TV aerials are a great option for those living in flats, and simply lack the rooftop space for an outdoor antenna. They're also a brilliant solution if you're living in rented accommodation, without the permissions for fitting outdoor aerials.
The best indoor TV aerials at a glance:
• The best indoor TV aerial: Freeview Aerial With Amplifier Signal Booster - View on Amazon
• The best indoor TV aerial runner-up: Digital Freeview TV Aerial - View on Amazon
• The best indoor TV aerial for local use: Freeview Digital Aerial for Local Channels - View on Amazon
There are several reasons why someone might want an indoor TV aerial. The first is convenience. Indoor aerials are more convenient than outdoor aerials because they are installable without climbing onto your house's roof or outside wall. This can be especially helpful if you live in a rented property or have limited mobility.
Indoor areas are also cheap and have great flexibility, being easily moved around or taken on holiday if you use a 24-inch TV in a caravan, for example.
While great for many people, an indoor TV aerial has potential drawbacks. One is signal strength - Indoor aerials are more likely to experience signal loss than outdoor aerials. This is because walls and other obstacles block them. Along with this comes a limited range. Indoor aerials have a shorter range than outdoor aerials, which means that you may only be able to receive some of the available channels if you live far from the broadcast towers.
When choosing an indoor TV aerial, deciding whether to use an indoor or outdoor TV aerial depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are looking for a convenient, affordable, and flexible option, an indoor aerial may be a good choice. However, an outdoor aerial may be a better option if you are concerned about signal strength or range.
We've rounded up the very best indoor TV aerials in terms of quality and price. Shop our top choices below.
The best indoor TV aerial
With a huge 220-mile range, this Freeview ariel can pick up signals and deliver crisp imagery right to your TV. A 13.2ft high-performance Coaxial cable means you shouldn't need to buy more cable to get your TV plugged into the ariel outlet in the wall. Using your own TV remote, you'll have access to all Freeview channels, including HD channels, too.
Pros
- Long cable
- Huge range
- HD Channels
Cons
- A large size
The best indoor TV aerial runner-up
If you want something with more of an old school ariel which you can point in the right direction to help your signal, this might be the one for you. its tower profile could sit neatly behind your TV, where it draws its power from, and a long 14.8ft coaxial cable should be long enough to plug into your wall. Easy to set up and easy to install, you can turn your TV into a smart TV with this ariel.
Pros
- Long cable
- Sleek profile
- Easy to install
Cons
- The antenna might be a bit unsightly
The best indoor TV aerial for local channels
It makes up for what this lacks in range (only 80-120 miles) in its sleek design. It's a lot more compact than most of the other aerials on the market and still brings you all the channels on Freeview, including HD channels, too. A long 4-meter Coaxial cable will help you install this anywhere in the home and the super quick installation and set-up mean you'll get underway watching TV in no time at all.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Long Coaxial cable
Cons
- Much reduced range
Best portable indoor aerial
Often on the go? Look no further than this compact and lightweight TV aerial. It's ideal for portable TVs and comes with a 2m cable, making placement a breeze. We love the magnetic base which is ideal for placing on metal surfaces, thereby enhancing the signal reach and reception quality.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- 2m cable
- Affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for low signal areas
Best high-tech indoor aerial
www.currys.co.uk
The priciest option on our list, this low-profile aerial provides access to Freeview programmes in up to 4K Ultra HD quality. It has a built-in amplifier, an LED bar that indicates signal strength, as well as a 3G/4G filter. It's easy to install and use, and will look like a sleek gadget on your TV stand or bookshelf.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Built-in amplifier
- 3m cable length
Cons
- May struggle for reception in low signal areas
Do I need an aerial to watch Freeview?
Yes, an aerial is required to receive Freeview’s digital terrestrial channels.
How can I get a good signal with my indoor TV aerial?
Sometimes, even the best indoor TV aerials struggle in poor reception homes. Luckily, there are a few things you can try to pick up the best signal possible.
1. Place near a window: Simply put, the fewer obstacles there are between your aerial and the broadcast towers, the better reception you will get. Try positioning your aerial near a window for a clear line of sight.
2. Place high up: Ever tried placing your phone at the top of the fridge, just to get some signal? The same applies to your TV aerial. The higher you place it, the better your reception.
3. Distance to TV transmitter: Before choosing an indoor TV aerial, make sure to check the distance between your home and the nearest broadcast tower. This will help you select an aerial with the optimal reception range. Websites such as One For All can help you find the nearest TV transmitter.
Marina Avraam is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for heatworld and Closer across beauty, tech, and lifestyle.
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