If you're using an antenna to get your television, you might still experience some frustration with a poor signal from time to time, no matter how good of an antenna you have or how good of a location you think you live for picking up signals. And when you are watching your favorite shows, the big game, or even just channel surfing, the last thing you want is interference.
Mitigating that problem is just what a TV Antenna Amplifier is for. It will take your signal and enhance it as best it can, giving you a clearer picture, better sounds, and even a few more available channels in some cases. It is a worthwhile investment for most households that rely on an antenna to get television, and there are quite a few different models out there.
We know that this can be confusing, so we picked out the top options for several categories and explain what you should be looking for below.
Being perhaps a slightly less common device than you are used to, you might find that you do not know precisely what to look for from one of these devices. What is a good price range? What do the terms and numbers mean? What can you reasonably expect from one? If you do not know about these things, perhaps you should look at what makes an amplifier great before looking at the products.
Here are all the key points and features:
Signal Gain
This is perhaps the main reason people get a TV Antenna amplifier. These devices can enhance the signal you are receiving through your antenna, turning the unintelligible into a good show and clearing up some of the problems from more distant signal sources or your signals in problematic environments. Signal is lost when using longer cables from the antenna at a rate of about 6dB-10db per 100 ft of cable, depending on the cable used. Using a splitter can also weaken your signal, with the amount dependent on the number of additional connections you have available or plan on using. These may create a need for a preamplifier instead of an amplifier.
You will want to look for the "gain" number on any amplifier, usually measured in dB, to help you figure out the proper balance. While you want to balance out your signal as much as possible, you do not want to overcompensate, which can cause problems.
However, you should note that all the technical considerations listed above are dependent on several factors, often varying with the exact type of equipment and wires used. If you have a complex setup, we recommend taking a closer look at a more in-depth article or consulting an expert to help you determine what you need.
Additional Features
Some amplifiers might have additional features to check out and may improve your television experience in ways other than just enhancing the signal. They might include:
There are additional features as well, although perhaps not as common. We always recommend carefully going over every amplifier you are interested in for this reason.
Noise
If you use an amplifier, you will be introducing signal noise into your experience. A good amplifier will have a lower noise number (or higher noise reduction number, depending on how it is measured) to reduce this effect.
Ease of Installation
While it should not be the most crucial consideration, you may want to consider the ease of installation of your potential TV antenna amplifier. This is especially important if you are not the most technologically proficient person or it is meant for outdoor use. Being unable to install your amplifier or not effectively setting it up is as bad as (or potentially worse) than not having one.
Compatibility
While this should not be the greatest concern for most people, you should still check to ensure that the device you are interested in is compatible with your setups. Some top brands might not be easily connected to either your antenna or your amplifier or may require some additional converters or equipment that could cost you money or delay your improved signal. Unfortunately, since there are so many splitters and TVs on the market, we cannot provide a guide to this, but there are many online resources that should help.
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the top options on the market today. Note that there is no particular best amplifier for all households, only the best amplifier for your household's needs and your interests. For that reason, we have selected the top options in several categories instead of a general top four.
Compact, affordable, and effective for most people, the Channel Master Ultra Mini TV Antenna Amplifier CM-3410 might be one of the easiest, simplest, and generally effective amplifiers we have come across. While it is not the best or has the most features, the amplifier provides a 15 dB gain and has noise levels of 2dB (not perfect, but sufficient for most people). These things combined with its small size makes it installable in practically any setup (except for satellite TV), leaving compatibility issues to other buyers.
In terms of accessibility, it is one of the easiest amplifiers to install, complete with a design allowing for wall-mounting and housing that means you can set it up outdoors. The product is available in 1, 2, 4, and 8 port versions. We recommend going with as few extra ports as possible, as extra ports can reduce signal quality even if they are not being used, possibly requiring compensation. While the price may vary depending on the model and retailer, it is generally competitive compared to other amplifiers.
You should consider the Channel Master Ultra Mini TV Antenna Amplifier CM-3410 if:
If money is not a concern and you simply want the best TV Antenna Amplifier available, you should look at the Channel Master CM-7778HD Amplify+. It is a more complex model built for the outdoors that can achieve significant gain for your signal, allowing for up to 26 dB and a low gain of 16dB, which is on the upper end of what is commonly available. The noise produced is also minimal at 1.5 Db.
This is effectively a professional device, and you can expect to pay for that. However, it allows for several different installation types (with UHF and VHF inputs) and has a switchable FM trap, more readily blocking outside signals that could interfere with your experience. Being of that level of design, you can expect it to be weatherproof for outdoor use, a must with some setups.
Although, if you are willing to spend this much money on a TV antenna amplifier, then you might want to consider what else you can do for your signal and TV experience, including other products and devices as well. Look into what you can when you are performing the relatively easy setup.
You should consider the Channel Master CM-7778HD Amplify+ if:
The Antronix Amplifier MRA4-08/AC might not be the cheapest amplifier on the market, and the other ones listed here are likely only a few dollars more. Still, it is among the best that we could find for a lower price, as we opted not to consider products sold cheaply but could not necessarily deliver to our standards. The Antronix Amplifier certainly delivers.
It has four output ports and provides 7.5 Db per port, which, while not the best listed here, might be precisely what is needed for your connection (sometimes the highest numbers in this regard aren't always the best). It also has a 3dB noise figure and may improve the reception of related devices and your simple TV signal, depending on your setup. While not as durable as the best in the business, it has some features to prevent wear and tear and provide short-circuit protection and a five-year warranty.
Sadly, it might not be compatible with all types of antennas, so you will need to check whether it is compatible with your setup. If it is, however (and this will likely be the case), then it is undoubtedly worth your consideration.
You should consider the Antronix Amplifier MRA4-08/AC if:
Some signals are worse than others. For these situations, it might be best to find an antenna amplifier specializing in improving lousy signals. For that, we recommend the RCA TVPRAMPP1Z, which is simultaneously affordable yet something that is a step up from the norm.
How so? First, it has an FM trap for reduced interference from outside signals and sources and separate amplification for both VHF and UHF. It allows for a maximum gain of 22dB, one of the top gains we found among the standard antenna amplifiers. This device is specifically built to boost a signal as much as possible before anything else, and if that's what you want, this is what you should get.
Unfortunately, there are a few issues you should know about. The amplifier's build simply is not as tough as some other devices, and it might be more prone to breakages or malfunctions. While by no means does this happen at the simplest tap or with every other device, it is mentioned enough to be worth noting. If this prospect does not bother you, then move forward with this product and see how it does for you. Some customers may also report issues with reliability, but ultimately it could be that even this device was not good enough for their extremely weak signal.
You should consider the RCA TVPRAMPP1Z if:
What might be best for one person will not be best for everyone, and only you know the exact needs of your household. However, you should not just be bearing the annoyance of a poor connection when there are solutions just a few clicks and an installation away. We hope that you can pick out the best selection for your household and that you can soon receive the TV signal and quality programming you are hoping for.
