10 Best Outdoor TV Antenna For Rural Areas

If you live or have a vacation home in rural areas, then you already know that getting a proper TV reception can be rather tricky. In this article, we will do the best we can to present to you all you need to know about the topic.

Moreover, we performed extensive research to find the 10 best long-range TV antenna for rural areas models, which will be presented in one of the sections below. That way you can simply choose one of the ten models, make a purchase, install it, and enjoy great TV content.

So, are you ready to dig into the ‘best long-range TV antenna for rural areas’ topic? Let’s do this, shall we?

What is an outdoor TV antenna for rural areas?

As the name suggests, these types of antennas are positioned outdoor. This means that they are weather-resistant. The outdoor TV antennas are antennas that you normally see fixed on the rooftops. They come in various shapes, depending on their type and brand. Their positioning (on the rooftops) enables them to capture signals by avoiding as many potential obstructions.

Furthermore, the name also suggests that these antennas are used in rural areas, which is logical as the signals in rural areas tend to be weaker, mainly due to long distances between the user and signal towers. In urban areas, indoor antennas normally do the trick.

By choosing the best outdoor antenna for rural areas you get to enjoy many channels for free. The best thing is that these days you can even get HD channels.

The best long-range TV antenna for rural areas comes with an initial investment, which is not all that expensive, however, it lets you access many of your favorite TV channels for free, which means there are no ongoing monthly charges with the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas.

Outdoor TV antennas make use of the “over-the-air” signal, thus they are also known as the OTA Antennas.

Why should you get an outdoor TV antenna for rural areas?

‘Rural area’ is a very broad term and not all rural areas require the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas to be used. In areas with strong enough signal and indoor antenna might get the job done.

That said, it is important to determine your needs and requirements. These also include considering your TV shows and channel preferences. Whether you want to enjoy free channels or you do not might paying a monthly subscription fee also plays an important role. The exact location of your place and the power of the signal will also affect your decision.

That said, let’s take a look at some of the most important aspects of why you should consider getting an outdoor TV antenna.

Watch TV in The Best Quality

In comparison with indoor antenna, the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas enables you to watch your favorite shows, sports, and movies in the best quality. If you live in a rural area and are the kind of person that appreciates the crisp picture, then you should consider the best long-range TV antenna for rural areas.

Access Many Different Channels

The best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas gives you access to many different TV channels, which will keep you informed and entertained.

Minimal Interference of Signals

By purchasing the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas and installing it properly, you ensure minimal signal interference. Compared to indoor antennas, the difference can be huge and interference of signal almost completely avoided.

Watch Favorite TV Shows For Free

Most TV subscription plans are either limited to a couple of channels or extremely pricey monthly fees. With the use of the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas, you will be able to watch a great number of channels, all for free. This is one of the best aspects of getting the best long-range TV antenna for rural areas even if you have other TV signal alternatives. All you have to do is buy the antenna, install it properly, search for the channels (which is done automatically on many modern TV sets) and enjoy your favorite content for free.

10 Best Outdoor TV Antenna For Rural Areas Models

This is the section that will help out many of you. Herein you will learn about the 10 best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas models, which will enable you to simply pick one of them that best matches your needs and preferences, and, of course, the requirements of your location.

Best omni directional outdoor TV antenna for rural areas

Direct HDTV Clearstream Antenna for Rural Areas

Type: Omnidirectional; UHF & VHF

The Direct HDTV Clearstream 4 Antenna is also one of the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas options. This omnidirectional antenna is great for rural areas that have several signal towers surrounding the area and none of them at a huge distance.

This antenna has a forty-mile range, which is not that impressive, however, more than what many rural areas need. With this range, it is the best option for rural areas just outside of major cities or where signals may be coming from other nearby small towns that are within a 40 miles radius.

The Direct HDTV Clearstream 4 Antenna has a universal design and can as such be used not only outdoor but also indoors. It also comes with a mount that makes the installation process even simpler. The antenna is able to pick up even weak signals as it adds a strong boost to the signal. It works for both UHF and VHF signals.

This model is also way more affordable compared to the above heavy-duty alternative. Since it is intended for use with relatively nearby signal towers, which by definition means that there should be no need for the signal amplification.

Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna for Rural Areas

Type: Omnidirectional; amplified; UHF & VHF

The Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna offers a unique design that looks way more stylish compared to some other antennas. It comes in a relatively small size with an X-like shaped antenna. It does not look like an antenna and thus doesn’t disturb the looks of your house at all.

It offers an impressive range of 75 miles, which is more than enough for an average rural area. The Mohu Sky 60 TV Antenna is a multidirectional antenna, which means it will pick up signals from various directions. As such, it does not need to be adjusted in a specific direction for optimum signal strength.

It also packs a tightly integrated 15dB amplifier, which successfully provides high-quality performance.

The antenna comes with a 30-foot long cable and a mounting bracket for additional convenience and ease of installation.

The Mohu Sky 60 gives a very solid performance and signal quality. It also packs a clean peak filter technology that does an amazing job in filtering cellular as well as FM signals to eliminate any interference. This means less noise and more enjoyable clear pictures and HD channels.

However, you should keep in mind that the reception quality highly depends on the signal transmitted in the area of use and potential specific obstructions.

Lava Omnipro HD-8008 Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas

Type: Omnidirectional; non-amplified; UHF & VHF

The Lava Omnipro HD-8008 is another solid omnidirectional outdoor antenna. It also offers a more conceivable design as it doesn’t look like a traditional outdoor antenna. Its looks are more like those of modern indoor antennas. The antenna’s design is small and compact, however, it packs rather impressive capabilities.

For its size and type (in is an omnidirectional antenna) it offers an impressive range. It has been tested and proven for ranges around a one hundred and sixty-mile range even in hilly areas.

It is also built to survive all weather conditions and last a long time. It is UV protected and built to withstand high winds and storms, which makes it a great choice for a home in almost any area.

Channel Master CM-4228HD Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas

Type: Semi-Omnidirectional; amplified; UHF & VHF

The Channel Master CM-4228HD is a great choice for areas that offer signals from multiple towers that are in the same general direction. It is also a great pick mainly for people who have broadcast towers relatively nearby. For those conditions, it performs very well. Moreover, it is built to last a long time in all sorts of weather conditions.

This is a semi-multidirectional antenna since it is able to receive signals from up to 180 degrees. The antenna also packs a 12dB gain, which results in up to 80 miles of range. This is not as impressive as some of the antennas that offer 150-mile ranges, yet it is more than enough for most rural areas.

The Channel Master CM-4228HD offers simple installation. The antenna comes almost completely preassembled, so there is not much else for you to do than to install it to the rooftop or other appropriate, elevated area. Like most of the antennas on our list, this one also works with both UHF and VHF signals and supports channels in uncompressed HD.

Antennas Direct 8 Element Bowtie Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas

Type: Semi-Omnidirectional; UHF

The 8 Element Bowtie is one of the highly popular outdoor TV antennas these days. Moreover, it is also the antenna that inspires the design for most DIY antenna guides.

The 8 Element Bowtie offers a 70-mile range, which is all most rural areas need. It also enables a very simple and quick installation.

The antenna performs great and can receive a full HD, 1080p signal. However, its major downside is that it only works with UHF channels. If most or even all of your channels of interest are UHF-based, then you will not have a problem with that. However, it would be nice to see it cover VHF and maybe even FM frequencies.

When it comes to quality and durability, the Bowtie is impressive. It’s built to last, and it comes with a lifetime warranty on parts to confirm that.

best directional outdoor TV antenna for rural areas

Tree New Bee Amplified Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas

Type: Directional with 360° rotor; amplified; UHF & VHF

The Tree New Bee Amplified is a powerful antenna delivered by Tree New Bee. This powerful long-range antenna works with both VHF and UHF signals. Moreover, it also receives FM radio signals, too.

The antenna offers an amazing reception range of 150 miles. It also comes with impressively high sensitivity.

The Tree New Bee Amplified antenna is a directional antenna, however, comes with the benefits of the omnidirectional one since it has a motor that allows the entire antenna to rotate 360 degrees to pick up signals from any direction. As such, you are able to enjoy the best of both antenna types. The rotation of the antenna is controlled with a remote, which makes things highly practical and convenient.

This antenna supports HD signals, including 720p, 1080i, and 1080p, which is very impressive. It also enables you to connect two TV sets to it directly, without the use of a special signal splitting adapter. As the name suggests, the Tree New Bee Amplified also comes with a built-in amplifier with extra low noise.

All these aspects and features make this heavy-duty rural TV antenna model an excellent choice for the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas.

It definitely has the potential to be the best long-range TV antenna for rural areas. It is without a doubt one of the best alternatives for those in need of covering long ranges.

Keep in mind that this antenna is quite expensive, though, and as such, only worth the investment if none of the cheaper options can’t get the job done for you.

Mcduory Amplified Digital Outdoor HDTV Antenna For Rural Areas

Type: Directional with 360° rotor; amplified; UHF & VHF

The Mcduory Amplified Digital Outdoor HDTV Antenna is another great option for long-range use. It is also a more affordable option compared to the Tree New Bee’s model presented previously.

It offers the same incredible range of 150 miles. It has also been designed to support 720p and 1080p signal, which means you’ll be able to enjoy the HD channels. Moreover, the antenna is designed to work with both UHF and VHF signals. It is suitable for a frequency of 40 – 300 MHz for VHF and 470-890 MHz for UHF. That way it makes sure you will be able to receive a wide range of channels.

Another great plus side of this antenna is that it supports two TV sets simultaneously without the need of any special adapter. Great, right?

In addition, it also has a 360-degree built-in motor rotor that controls the rotation via the use of its wireless remote controller.

The installation of this antenna is also very simple and easy. Since it comes with an easy-to-follow user manual, you should be able to handle the installation on your own.

As an outdoor antenna, it is weather resistant and comes with lightning protection so that you do not need to worry even on a stormy day.

The Mcduory Amplified Digital Outdoor HDTV Antenna also features High-Gain, Low-Noise amplifier, which boosts the picked-up signal.

GE Pro Outdoor Yagi TV Antenna 33685 For Rural Areas

Type: Directional; non-amplified; UHF & VHF

The GE Pro Outdoor Yagi TV Antenna 33685 might be the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas for those looking for simplicity and affordability.

This directional antenna is designed to receive both the UHF and the VHF signals. It works for a resolution of 1080p, which means it delivers HD signals for your enjoyment. Moreover, the antenna is also able to support the 4K signals which means it offers a future-proof solution.

The GE Pro Outdoor Yagi TV Antenna 33685 comes with a 70-mile range, which will be more than enough for most rural areas.

The antenna is designed to be easily installed outside and withstand the test of weather and time.

Another great aspect of this antenna is the fact that it is relatively affordable.

Winegard HD8200U Platinum Outdoor TV Antenna For Rural Areas

Type: Directional; non-amplified; UHF & VHF

The Winegard HD8200U Platinum will not impress you with its looks as it offers one of the most classic antenna looks, however, it is its performance that got here to this list.

If you want a high-quality antenna that will last a long time, then this antenna is a good choice for you. It belongs to Winegard’s Platinum Series and features a very decent 65-mile range. Moreover, it’s capable of collecting both VHF as well as UHF signals.

The Winegard HD8200U Platinum can also be paired with a streaming device like Chromecast, Fire TV, or Roku for users that want to enjoy a wider range of programs.

The antenna is completely future-proof as it supports 4K Ultra HD TV channels.

One of the most impressive features of this antenna is its built quality. It is made of steel hardware that has been coated with zinc, that way it is fully resistant to corrosion as its boot cover keeps it protected against adverse weather and harsh environment.

RCA Yagi Outdoor TV Antenna For Rural Areas

Type: Directional; UHF & VHF

RCA’s Yagi outdoor antenna is another highly popular choice. It’s a directional antenna that offers a range of 70 miles and has a really great reputation anywhere you look. Yes, if you are the one that relies on reputation, this antenna sure checks that aspect.

It supports 1080i HDTV signals, and it receives both UHF and VHF channels. The antenna has a multi-element, cross-phase design that gives a better reception, and thus an overall better viewing experience.

When it comes to build quality, the Yagi is impressive. It comes basically fully pre-assembled. There’s a fold-out UHF reflector which is easily-locked. There are some other elements that all snap-lock into place smoothly for overs easy and quick installation.

The package also includes the mast, all the mounting hardware, and the transformer, which enables you to have the antenna up and running in no time.

Best Outdoor TV Antenna for Rural Areas – Key Factors

There are some important aspects you need to consider when deciding whether or not you need the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas. In the section coming up below, we will take a more detailed look at how to select the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas based on your preferences as we’ll go over our buyer’s guide.

However, we decided to point out three important questions that you need to ask yourself that will help you determine if an outdoor antenna is what you need in the first place.

Do you really need an outdoor antenna?

This is a good place to start. You might live in an area where an indoor antenna will get the job done properly. As such, it makes sense to determine the quality of the signal. If you live near the signal tower, with no or few obstructions on the way, and also have a house or a building that doesn’t have heavy-duty walls with lots of metal in them, you may be getting all the channels you want with an indoor antenna.

However, the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas will still bring you a better signal and more channels. It is up to you to decide.

What channels can you receive?

This is an important question to answer. Before you go out and buy an antenna, you need to make sure that there are channels that match your needs available in your area. At that point also consider your preferences and favorite shows. If there is a channel that you love watching 90% of the time, it doesn’t do you any good if the antenna provides you with 100s of channels if that channel is not one of them, right?

There are many free online sites where you can search by your zip code to determine what channels should be available in your area. One of such sites is antennaweb.org. Visit the site, enter your ZIP code, and click ‘Go.’

What do you need?

When it comes to the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas, you still have various options. There are directional and omnidirectional antennas, amplified and non-amplified ones, ones that cover UHF or VHF or both.

As such, it is important to know what you want and the specifics of your location. Is there a single signal tower you want to target (use directional antennas) or are there several signal towers (use omnidirectional antennas) of your interest? Is the signal tower near or far? What is the strength of the signal? Will it require an amplified or non-amplified antenna? Are frequencies of your interest UHF or VHF or perhaps both?

Answering the above questions will help you determine the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas for your specific situation. Knowing this kind of information will also make it rather easy to select the best long-range TV antenna for rural areas from the list of the best 10 options that we are about to take a closer look at.

Best Outdoor TV Antenna For Rural Areas – Buyer’s Guide

Whether you want to simply pick one of the 10 best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas options presented above or if you want to explore further, you will definitely benefit using the information provided below.

As such, let’s take a look at the most important aspect when buying the best long-range TV antenna for rural areas.

Related post : Best 10 TV Antenna that Picks Up Cable Channels

Access to channels

The main purpose of getting the antenna is to access channels that you want to watch. As such, make sure that the antenna will enable you what you want. Are the channels available in the area? What range will you need? Are they UHF or VHF?

Interference & Height

The most common interference issues are caused by tall buildings, which is a rare issue in rural areas. However, there is also electric interference, which is caused by all your appliances, especially wireless ones. Placing your antenna higher can often solve the interference issues.

Installation

These days most antennas offer a rather simple installation. The actual process will vary on the type of rooftop you are dealing with. Make sure to prepare properly – consider the tools you need, safety precautions to take, how to minimize the wall drilling, length of the coaxial cable, etc.

Weatherproof

All proper outdoor antennas should be waterproof and the ones we presented herein check that box. However, if you go off the list, make sure to double-check that since there are quite many “outdoor” antennas that perform rather poorly under bad weather conditions.

Terrestrial or Satellite Antenna

OTA antennas, which we discussed herein, all fall under the “terrestrial” category, which means that they enable you with free signal reception. On the other hand, you can also decide on a Satellite TV, in which case you will need to pay to get access. Make a proper decision based on your channel needs and budget.

Related post : How to get free satellite Tv

Reception (Signal Strength)

Use local professionals to measure the signal in your area or use websites that provide you detailed information based on your zip code. It is important to know what kind of signals you are dealing with to select a proper antenna.

Television Amplifier

If the signals are relatively week, you need to consider antennas with built-in amplifiers or consider external TV amplifiers. Though, keep in mind that in cases when signals are strong enough amplification can also be a bad thing.

Price

Price is always an important factor for most users. Make sure to get the highest quality while staying within your budget zone. Keep in mind that the priciest products are not necessarily the best, and also, that getting a cheap low-quality product can cost you more in the long run if it doesn’t last or doesn’t perform well.

Antenna Placement

It is important to determine where you intend to position/install your antenna before buying it. In case you have some limitations in that aspect, it may determine the type of antenna that will best suit your needs.

Trustworthy seller

Finally, stick with trustworthy sellers. If buying online, make sure to check the reviews and sellers’ ratings. Also, make sure that you have a return option.

FAQs

How to find OTA Station in your area?

The DTV coverage map will list all stations in your area. You can find it with a quick Google search.

How can I get better TV reception in rural areas?

Using the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas.

How many antennas do I need if there is more than one TV?

If you are using the best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas, one should be enough. Some antennas enable you to use it directly with two TV sets, with others you will need to use a proper adapter that will help you split the signal.

Do outdoor TV antennas need a separate power supply?

Most don’t. However, if they have built-in amplifiers or motorized rotors, then the power supply is needed.

How high should a TV antenna be mounted?

If you can get it 30 feet above the ground it would be great. The higher the better, however, make sure to consider the sturdiness of the antenna rod.

Do I need a digital antenna if I want to pick up digital signals?

Many antennas these days are able to receive UHF and VHF, however, you need to pay attention to that aspect when selecting the antenna.

Should I install it in the attic or on the roof?

If the antenna is weather-proof the roof will be a better choice, however, if the antenna’s performance will be affected by the weather, you better place it in the attic.

Will I need a router or a signal amplifier?

If you want to use more TV sets, you will need a router/adapter that splits the signal. An amplifier may be needed if the signals are low and the antenna doesn’t come with a built-in amplifier.

Do HDTV antennas work in rural areas?

Yes. All best outdoor TV antenna for rural areas models support HD TV signals.

Why is my antenna not picking up channels?

There are many potential issues taking place. The most common ones include physical obstructions (buildings, mountains, trees, …), too great of a distance between the antenna and signal tower, or your directional antenna is pointed in the wrong direction.