In this article, we will show you Best Indoor TV Aerial For Weak Signal Areas. If you wish to watch over-the-air channels in the UK, you can do it for free with Freeview. Chances are you already have a TV with Freeview built into it. The only additional hardware you need is a working aerial, giving access to 70+ standard channels.
Roof aerials are quite expensive, and it’s not worth the hassle of setting up for those who live in an apartment. Instead, you can pick up a portable indoor aerial at an affordable price. However, not all of them are built the same, and they might not work at all in places with inadequate Freeview coverage.
If you are on the hunt for an indoor aerial, consider taking a look at our selections below. They are suitable for usage in weak signal areas. Setting them up with Freeview TVs and set-top boxes is straightforward, and you can enjoy up to 15 HD channels with compatible Freeview HD devices.
Best Indoor TV Aerial For Weak Signal Areas
The following list showcases the five best indoor aerials for weak signal areas. They work with most Freeview TVs, boxes, and recorders, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility.
If you decide to purchase one of the aerials, simply click the Amazon UK link below the product to view the price.
1. August DTA240 – High Gain Freeview TV Aerial
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The August DTA240 is the top best seller in its product category on Amazon. It’s a portable indoor aerial capable of receiving VHF 174-230 MHz and UHF 470-860 MHz frequencies, ideal for Freeview HD broadcasts.
With a 30db typical antenna gain a receiving range of 120 miles, it’s suitable for usage in congested areas. The integrated smart IC chip clears external signal interference to deliver better picture quality.
The aerial comes with a magnetic base, which serves as a passive amplifier when placed on a metal object with a large surface area. It has a low-profile design and weighs only 50 grams, so you can carry it anywhere you want. No external wall adapter is required, as the aerial gets power over the standard 2-meter coaxial cable.
The August DTA240 doesn’t include an amplifier, which isn’t surprising considering its reasonably low price tag. Nonetheless, it’s a stellar deal at only £11.
2. Biling Indoor TV Aerial
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The Biling Indoor TV aerial is slim and lightweight. The pre-applied adhesive sticker behind the antenna allows you to stick it on a wall, window, under the TV, and other flat surfaces. It can receive both standard and high-definition Freeview channels.
The aerial comes with a detachable signal amplifier. You can power it over USB to increase signal reach and reception. The integrated smart filter also delivers a noise-free, crystal-clear image. Furthermore, the receiving range extends to over 120 miles.
The aerial’s coaxial cable is 4 meters long, which keeps the signal strength healthy while also making it easier for users to connect to a Freeview TV or receiver box. It’s also a high-quality cable with proper shielding that ensures zero signal degradation from noise and electromagnetic interference.
The Biling Indoor TV aerial is waterproof and easy to set up. It has received thousands of positive reviews, which puts it among the top aerials you can buy on Amazon UK.
3. SLx 27806R TV Aerial For Digital Freeview HD
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This indoor TV aerial from SLx, one of the most prominent names in the AV industry, is capable of receiving VHF and UHF signals. It enables access to 70+ SD and 15 HD Freeview channels. One of its key highlights is the discrete design. Its fabric finish blends well with the aesthetics of a minimalistic home entertainment setup.
The separate USB-powered amplifier improves channel reception and picture quality. It has a 4G filter built-in, reducing possible interferences from 4G mobile signals. Thanks to its compact size, you can hide the amplifier at the back of your TV and forget about it.
You can mount the aerial to the wall or place it on a flat surface. The aerial’s coaxial cable is rather short at 1.5 meters, but the unit itself doesn’t require an external power supply.
The SLx 27806R isn’t as portable as the August DTA240 or as versatile as the indoor aerial from Biling, but it has a striking design that complements your existing decor.
4. TS-ant TV Aerial
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The TS-ant TV aerial delivers the best range reception in its class, which goes over 150 miles. The built-in signal amplifier lets you switch between two different reception modes for picking up channel broadcasts from broadcast towers nearby and far away.
The aerial can pick up both VHF and UHF signals. Thus, you get to watch SD and HD Freeview channels. The amplifier also has a processing chip that reduces noise from the signal and boosts image clarity.
Since it’s a flat antenna, you can screw it to the wall. It also comes with a small stand that attaches to the antenna’s rear portion. The coaxial cable is 5 meters long, and it’s shielded as well.
It’s worth mentioning that the amplifier is powered over USB, but you can use a DC 5V adapter if you have one lying around. The TS-ant aerial also comes with a 3-month refund window and 1-year warranty.
5. Cuwada Indoor Digital TV Antenna
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The Cuwada indoor aerial is easily differentiable from others because of its circle-shaped, flat antenna. It’s paper-thin, and you can stick it pretty much on every flat surface, whether it’s the wall, under the table, or the window.
The separate USB-powered amplifier offers three stages of signal amplification. It can pick up terrestrial broadcasts from as far as 130 miles. The integrated noise filter and processing chip also boost the video and audio quality.
The 3-meter coaxial cable is military-grade, with the copper core being 99.7% pure. It reduces signal attenuation and is immune to external interferences. Like every other aerial in this list, the Cuwada indoor TV aerial doesn’t necessarily require a power supply. Having said that, the amplifier needs power over USB to work.
Things to Consider when Buying Indoor Aerial for Weak Signal Areas
We had our criteria set when choosing the best aerials for weak signal areas. If you are in the market to buy one, here are the things you definitely should look out for:
Amplifier
If you live in an area with a broadcast tower within a few miles, you won’t necessarily have to get an aerial with an integrated/external amplifier. It comes in handy only when your area has a weaker Freeview coverage and a lot of external noise/interference.
Most of the aerials we have covered in the list above come with an amplifier, and you can power them directly from your TV’s USB port. The range is also adjustable on some amplifiers.
Maximum Signal Reception Range
Outdoor aerials are superior in terms of signal reception range. The newer indoor aerials are also quite capable. Before you purchase one, we recommend visiting freeview.co.uk/check-channels-home and then entering your postcode and house name/number to check how close you are to the nearest broadcast tower.
Based on how far the tower is, get the indoor aerial capable enough to pick up the Freeview channel broadcasts from that particular distance.
Mounting Options and Coaxial Cable Length
The longer the coaxial cable is, the better flexibility you get when positioning the aerial for the best signal strength. Furthermore, a tiny stand, adhesive stickers, or a magnetic base makes it simpler to place the aerial on pretty much any surface you want.
Related – Can You Watch Smart TV Without an Aerial?
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you leave, check out the FAQ below to clear your doubts about indoor aerials.
1. Does the indoor aerial need to be placed near the window?
Unless the broadcast tower is a bit far from your area, it doesn’t really matter where you place the aerial. If you are getting weak signals, you definitely place it near a window and try scanning for the channels again.
2. What channels can I watch with an indoor aerial?
Freeview has 70 SD channels and 15 HD channels to offer. Using an indoor aerial, you get free access to popular channels like BBC One, ITV, STV, Channel 4, Sony Movies Action, HGTV, Channel 5, PBS America, CBS Reality, POP, and many more. The channel lineup will vary depending on the area, reception range, and signal strength.
3. Do you need a TV license to watch aerial channels?
According to UK laws, everyone who watches television broadcasts must pay for an annual TV license. Concessions apply to senior citizens only. The rest of the people will need a TV license to watch aerial channels without breaking the law.
4. Do I get Freeview Play with aerial?
No, aerials don’t give you access to Freeview Play. To enjoy catch-ups and on-demand content, you will need a TV or receiver that supports Freeview Play, along with an internet connection of at least 2 Mb/s.
