An outdoor aerial is the best way to access your favourite TV channels. They provide a more stable connection than indoor or internal TV antennas, creating a much more consistent viewing experience for the user.
If you’re watching TV in the United Kingdom, Freeview is pretty much a must-have. With over 70 standard channels and 15 HD channels, it’s one of the most popular ways to access television channels without the need for a subscription.
However, to enjoy Freeview, you need to have a reliable TV aerial. In this article, we will be discussing the best outdoor digital TV aerial covering options at a range of price points.
So, what are our favourites?
Best Options At A Glance
Product Summaries
SSL 48 Element Outdoor TV Aerial
- Brand - SSL
- Dimensions - 61.2 x 23.6 x 9.8 cm
- Weight - 1.86 kg
- Impendence - 75 Ohm
- Special Feature - 4G & 5G Filtered
Another great budget-friendly aerial from SSL is the SSL 48 Element Outdoor TV Aerial. It’s currently selling on Amazon for £36/$48.
Similarly to the 26 element aerial from SSL, this aerial is well optimised for the reception of 4K Ultra HD digital Freeview TV signals as well as BT TV. This again allows you to watch all locally available channels without the need for extras.
The SSL 48 element comes with everything you need for a complete installation. This includes an adjustable antenna pole (46cm length), 10M RG6 Black coaxial cable with F Connector and ICE TV Aerial Plug, Aerial Pole Clamp, 10 x Cable Clips, a rubber waterproof boot, mounting screws and an easy-to-follow installation guide. What more could you need!
If you’re on the market for a reasonably priced aerial with an easy-to-follow setup process, don’t overlook the SSL 48 Element Aerial.
Buy the SSL 48 Element Outdoor TV Aerial on Amazon for £36/$48:
Moonraker DTV-1000 Pro Outdoor Digital TV Aerial
- Brand - Moonraker
- Dimensions - 12 x 4 x 22 cm
- Weight - 200 g
- Impendence - 75 Ohm
- Special Feature - 12/24V Power
Next we have the Moonraker DTV-1000 Pro Outdoor Digital TV Aerial. It’s currently selling on Amazon for £50/$66.
The DTV-1000 has been specifically designed for effective digital TV reception. It has an integrated low-noise amplifier which can be powered by the antenna power out option on your set top box, a digital TV or even via the supplied 12V or 24V DC power cord.
The flexible and varied mounting options make the DTV-1000 one of the simplest ways to enjoy digital TV at home, away or on the move. You can use the suction cup installation for mounting on almost any smooth surface, or the pole mounting installation for solid mounting in your home or caravan. These different options give the DTV-1000 an edge over some some of it’s less versatile competitors.
The design of the DTV-1000’s housing is also really functional. It is lightweight, compact, waterproof and anti-UV. This makes it extremely portable as well as resistant to deterioration from the elements.
The Moonraker DTV-1000 is an effective and durable antenna with a variety of mounting options. It’s also one of the best best outdoor aerial for smart TVs. What’s not to love?
Buy the Moonraker DTV-1000 Pro Outdoor Digital TV Aerial on Amazon for £50/$66:
SLx Digidome 27895K4 Outdoor TV Aerial
- Brand - SLx
- Dimensions - 16.6 x 24.8 x 26.6 cm
- Weight - 100 g
- Impendence - aprx. 75 Ohm
- Special Feature - 4G Filtered
Another great automatic dispenser is the SLx Digidome 27895K4 Outdoor TV Aerial. It’s currently selling on Amazon for £50/$66.
The SLx DigiDome’s innovative design means that you no longer need a bulky high-element aerial for efficient signal reception. SLx’s revolutionary technology allows for full reception in a compact and modern design that is easy to install.
The unique omni-directional design means that this aerial receives all locally available digital TV signals, meaning you can watch all your favourite channels without interruption. It is capable of receiving both VHF and UHF frequencies, making it a well-suited solution for your TV.
SLx include everything you need to quickly install and set-up your new aerial. This includes a 10m coax cable, cable clips, a wall bracket, fixings, and an amplifier. The set-up process is simple and straightforward using their easy-to-follow user guide, which is also included.
If you want an aerial with a modern design that still delivers the performance of a traditional high-element aerial, the SLx Digidome aerial is a perfect choice.
Buy the SLx Digidome 27895K4 Outdoor TV Aerial on Amazon for £50/$66:
SSL High Gain 70 Element Tri Boom Outdoor Aerial
- Brand - SSL
- Dimensions - 112 x 45 x 12 cm
- Weight - 1.52 kg
- Impendence - 75 Ohm
- Special Feature - 4G Filtered
Finally we have a premium option in the SSL High Gain 70 Element Tri Boom Outdoor Aerial. It’s currently selling on Amazon for £60/$79.
This 70 Element Tri Boom Aerial is really capable – it is able to receive all available Freeview digital TV signals regardless of whether it’s used outside or inside. The TV Aerial kit includes a Steel Tripod Stand, an F Connector, an ICE Male connector, a 10m RG6 cable, an antenna Pole, 10 Cable Clips and a waterproof cap. This gives you everything you need to get started.
It also has a built-in LTE/4G filter to avoid interference and channel loss. This is ideal for the reception of available signals in weak and fringe areas, like on the outskirts of larger towns and cities.
This aerial is physically durable as well. It has been designed with strong and durable anti-rust elements, making it both waterproof and weather resistant. The sturdy and expandable tripod legs ensure that your aerial will be physically stable in any environment.
If looking for the best outdoor TV aerial for Freeview UK, this aerial from SSL is an excellent choice.
Buy the SSL High Gain 70 Element Tri Boom Outdoor Aerial on Amazon for £60/$79:
The Best Outdoor Aerial For Smart TVs
There’s loads of great options on the market, but what’s the best outdoor aerial for your home?
The SLx Digidome 27895K4 Outdoor TV Aerial is definitely one of our favourites. It’s great value for money and the omnidirectional design makes for efficient signal reception on both VHF and UHF frequencies.
If you’re looking for something that’s slightly more affordable, the SSL 48 Element Outdoor TV Aerial is also a great choice. It’s a compact model that doesn’t compromise on reception and service.
If you want something that’s more heavy-duty, the SSL High Gain 70 Element Tri Boom Outdoor Aerial is a good upgrade option. It takes up much more space than the others on the list, but if that’s not an issues it’s a solid choice.
FAQs
A professional aerial install usually costs around £200. They can be tricky to setup, and if you’re setting one up on your roof or the side of your house they can be quite awkward to work on.
If you’re replacing or repairing an existing aerial, the cost will be slightly cheaper at around £100 thanks to the existing fixings/connections.
It’s worth noting that prices will fluctuate depending on when you live, meaning that installs in London will typically cost much more than they will in Scotland.
Outdoor TV aerials are usually more reliable when it comes to getting a strong signal, but indoor aerials are a great option if you don’t have access to a roof/outdoor area to install an outdoor aerial.
The comparison comes down to the effectiveness of an outdoor unit versus the convenience of an indoor unit. If you have the ability to install an outdoor aerial, this is likely the better option overall.
You can use most of the features on your smart TV without an outdoor aerial assuming you have access to a WiFi connection. Applications like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube can all be accessed with an internet connection even if you don’t have an aerial.
If you want to watch standard TV channels, you will need an aerial of some kind.
Thanks for reading our article. If you’re interested in improving you TV setup, you may want to take a look at our article covering the Best 24 Inch Smart TV.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any queries – we’d be happy to help.
