Best Rabbit Ear Antennas For Digital TV & FM Radios

Honestly, you don’t need an expensive cable TV subscription to enjoy HD signals on your TV. Yes, that may sound outrageous, but it is true. There is a way you can reduce your monthly expenses. All you need is a quality rabbit ear antenna.

Wait, don’t run off to your nearest store to grab just any rabbit antenna you find. You have to select the best one after a meticulous study. It might be a daunting task. That’s the reason why I have a list of the 10 best rabbit ear antennas that your money can buy.

In case you didn’t know, the rabbit ear antennas are not new. They have been around for quite some time now. They have evolved over time, and to say the least, it is quite surprising to see how much of a good signal you can get out of a rabbit antenna.

The number of channels that the rabbit ear antenna can capture depends on where you stay. If you are staying in a large city, the likelihood of your selected antenna capturing more channels is high.

Let’s check out the best rabbit ear antennas that you can buy today to ditch your cable or satellite TV services for good.

#1. Fosmon HDTV Rabbit Ear Antenna

Fosmon Rabbit Ear Antenna Review

Mount it on the wall or keep it on the table – this thing looks beautiful! With adjustable dipoles and brilliant reception, it is a must-have antenna to cut off expensive cable bills.

Okay, this rabbit ear antenna might not have that fancy loop, but don’t me mistaken! It is brilliant when it comes to reception. It works with both the UHF and VHF bands and has a range of 25 miles and up to 40 miles depending on the surrounding conditions.

Brilliantly designed, the Fosmon rabbit ear antenna can sit on your tabletop or you can mount it on the wall. It is about your preference! It is designed for HDTVs only. This means that you cannot use it for 4K TVs.

The long coaxial cable that comes attached with the antenna will allow you to place it close to windows. The cable is 5 feet long, giving you the flexibility to place the antenna far from the TV (if required).

As a best practice, keep the antenna as close to the window as possible to get the best reception. Also, ensure that the antenna is facing the broadcasting station. Also, don’t shy away from extending the dipoles all the way out to improve reception. Dipoles can extend up to 14 inches and they can rotate 360 degrees.

This rabbit ear antenna is powerful enough to receive HD signals for local broadcasting channels from PBS, NBC, Fox, CW, CBS, and ABC.

#2. Philips Rabbit Ears Indoor Antenna

Philips Rabbit Ear Antenna Review

With superior signal reception in both UHF and VHF bands, the Philips Rabbit Ear indoor antenna is 4K TV ready. It delivers outstanding quality that is difficult to believe.

Philips is a brand to be reckoned with and if you are looking for a rabbit ear antenna that will help you to ditch expensive cable and satellite services, this is my top pick. This antenna comes with weighted base attached with rubber feet, which ensure that it doesn’t move or slip from its position.

Designed to be 4K TV ready, this Philips antenna is capable of receiving signals in both the UHF and VHF spectrums. It can receive uncompressed HD (1080p) signals from a distance of 30 miles.

You can watch all your local TV shows including PBS, NBC, CBS, ABC, CW, Univision, Fox, and more. It doesn’t matter which TV brand you have at home. It works with every HDTV brand and delivers outstanding quality. Both the extendable dipoles and the loop come in action when receiving signals. You can extent the dipoles all the way up to 15 inches.

It is needless to say that it looks cute. However, there area few things that you need to know. It is better that you place the antenna close to the window or on a higher place. This improves the reception quality. It is better that the antenna faces the broadcast direction.

Although the antenna is capable of capturing HD signals from a distance of 30 miles, it is better that you add an amplifier if the broadcasting station is 20 miles away or beyond.

#3. GE Indoor Rabbit Ear Antenna

GE Indoor Rabbit Ear Antenna Review

4K ready, the GE rabbit ear antenna comes with a cute design and superior signal receiving capabilities and fits perfectly in a tiny budget.

GE has quite a reputation and it stands up to its name even in something like a rabbit ear antenna. Designed for indoor usage, the GE rabbit ear antenna has a heavy rubberized base that keeps its stable and prevents scratches on the table where you place it.

The 5 feet coaxial cable that comes attached with the antenna is long enough to try different placements. However, I will recommend that if your TV’s position allows, keep the antenna close to the window or on a higher place to ensure that you get the best reception.

It is even compatible with an amplifier, which means that if the transmission stations are too far, you still use the antenna to capture signals. Typically, the antenna can pick up UHF or VHF signals from a distance of 30 miles. However, if the distance is higher, you always use the amplifier.

The retractable dipoles (extendable up to 15 inches) and the loop together do an excellent job in picking up signals. This cute looking rabbit ear antenna from GE is not only 4K ready, but is also compatible with Smart TV and NextGen TV.

This rabbit antenna from GE can capture uncompressed signals in 1080p and works with almost every standard HDTV in the market. Did I mention that it is meant for receiving your local channels? Don’t expect it to capture foreign channels.

#4. RCA ANT111E Indoor Rabbit Ear Antenna

RCA ANT111E Indoor Rabbit Ear Antenna Review

Designed specifically for digital TVs, this energy star certified rabbit ear antenna comes with a sleek design and clear reception within a small budget.

Designed to capture HDTV broadcast signals along with UHF and VHF signals, the RCA ANT111E is a great indoor rabbit ear antenna that can help you cut down on your expensive cable or satellite TV bills.

Complete with a pair of extendable dipoles and a loop, this antenna comes with a solid base. You can put it on a tabletop without scratching the surface. The dipoles can be extended all the way up to 14.5 inches. The included coaxial cable is 6 feet long, allowing for optimal placement.

I will definitely suggest that you put this antenna close to the windows to get better reception. Don’t forget that the reception quality will depend on a number of factors that include things like the terrain, the buildings present near you, the distance of the broadcasting center from your location, etc.

So, ensure that you are placing the antenna close to the window. Also, if the antenna faces the direction of the broadcasting station, it is better. If those conditions are not viable, try to place the antenna on an elevated surface.

The range of this rabbit ear antenna is 30 miles, but you can extend the range by using an amplifier.

#5. Antop Indoor Rabbit Ear Amplified Antenna

Technical Specifications of Antop Indoor Rabbit Ear Antenna:

Brand Name	Antop
Antenna Type	Rabbit ear with curved panel
Supported Signals	UHF and VHF
Coaxial Cable Length	10 feet
Antenna Weight	1.14 pounds
Antenna Dimensions	10.47 x 6.61 x 2.99 inches
Range	40 to 50 miles

Antop Indoor Rabbit Ear Amplified Antenna Review

With a brilliant contemporary design and a sleek curved panel, the Antop antenna is designed to fit any modern home design, and it works like a charm.

It is needless to say that Antop is one of the most technically advanced indoor rabbit ear antennas in the market. It ships with a smartpass amplifier that amplifies the signal. Additionally, it has a built-in 4G LTE filter.

If you want to get long-range reception you have to turn on the smart switch. Turning it off will capture only the short-range reception.

The telescopic dipoles can extend up to 15 inches and the integrated coaxial cable is 10 feet long, giving the flexibility to place the antenna close to the window even if the TV is not very close to the window.

It has a beautifully crafted stand that will allow you to place the antenna on any flat surface. This antenna is 4K smart TV ready, and it can capture local channels like Univision, ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS, etc. like a charm.

The antenna also ships with an AC/DC power adapter.

#6. Antop Indoor Digital Rabbit Ear Antenna

Technical Specifications of Antop Indoor Digital Rabbit Ear Antenna:

Brand Name	Antop
Antenna Type	Rabbit ear with special rings
Supported Signals	UHF and VHF
Coaxial Cable Length	6 feet
Antenna Weight	10.6 ounces
Antenna Dimensions	7.17 x 4.88 x 2.68 inches
Range	30 miles

Antop Indoor Digital Rabbit Ear Antenna Review

A futuristic design with multi-directional reception, the lightweight Antop Indoor rabbit ear antenna is a perfect choice if you want to cut down your monthly bills.

It looks futuristic, and it is lightweight! You can place this antenna close to the window or on a table top – it is absolutely your choice. However, it is always recommended that the antenna is placed close to the window for better reception.

The dipoles that form the rabbit ears can extend all the way up to 15 inches. The special ring design and the dipoles provide the antenna with the ability to capture signals from all directions, thereby reducing blind spots.

This one comes with built-in 4G LTE filter that blocks out 3G and 4G wireless signals that are usually responsible for creating noise. In fact, Antop is the first company that introduced this technology in rabbit ear antennas.

While one of the easiest ways to get better reception is to place the antenna close to the window, if might not be a feasible option because of the coaxial cable length (6 feet). If that is the case, you can use the 180 degrees swiveling movement of the dipoles to adjust the reception.

What’s best is that if your TV supports plugging in an antenna, this Antop rabbit ear antenna will support your TV. It doesn’t matter which brand of TV you prefer. The antenna is HDTV-ready and even supports 4K 1080p transmissions.

#7. GE Pro Flat Panel Rabbit Ear Antenna

Technical Specifications of GE Pro Flat Panel Rabbit Ear Antenna

Brand Name	GE
Antenna Type	Rabbit ear with flat panel
Supported Signals	UHF and VHF
Coaxial Cable Length	6 feet
Antenna Weight	15.2 ounces
Antenna Dimensions	3.75 x 6.25 x 10.5 inches
Range	Up to 30 miles

GE Pro Flat Panel Rabbit Ear Antenna Review

With superior reception and a stylish flat-panel design, this rabbit ear antenna from GE is capable of fitting into any modern home décor.

This rabbit ear antenna from GE comes with a glossy flat panel with integrated amplifier that will allow better reception up to 30 miles. You have the freedom to mount it on the wall or you can place it on a table top.

You can extend the retractable dipoles up to 15 inches to get better reception. As always, it is better that you place the antenna close to the window for best reception. Capable of receiving uncompressed 1080p signals, this rabbit ear antenna can deliver clear HD videos and high-quality audio.

To make this thing work, you will have to hook it up to power source. The antenna works with all major TV brands and supports both UHF and VHF bands.

#8. RCA ANT1251F Amplified Indoor Rabbit Ear Antenna

Technical Specifications of RCA ANT1251F Amplified Rabbit Ear Antenna:

Brand Name	RCA
Antenna Type	Rabbit ear with flat panel
Supported Signals	UHF and VHF
Coaxial Cable Length	6 feet
Antenna Weight	1.9 pounds
Antenna Dimensions	8 x 7 x 9 inches
Range	40+ miles

RCA ANT1251F Amplified Rabbit Ear Antenna Review

“Aesthetically pleasing, this amplified rabbit ear antenna from RCA can receive HDTV broadcasts. Its compact design is perfect for any interior décor.”

Well-crafted and aesthetically pleasing, the RCA ANT1251F is designed to fit into any home décor. It is compact and its rabbit ears can be extended to reach 38.6 inches 40 inches accounting the base). The flat base of the antenna ensures that it sits nicely without losing balance.

The antenna comes with SmartBoost amplification and the ability to filter out low noise. This improves the overall reception quality. It works in both UHF and VHF bands and captures HDTV broadcasts in 1080p. The flat panel is the part of the antenna that captures the UHF signals.

Of course, as with any other antenna on this list, you need to ensure that antenna is positioned correctly to get the best reception. Placing it close to things like refrigerator, routers, etc. will cause interface. You shouldn’t put it behind some metal casing either. The best place to keep the antenna is close to the window.

If your TV is too far, placing the antenna close to the window might not be an option. So, it is better that you extend the dipoles to see if the reception quality improves or not. Do not forget that the reception quality will depend on many factors like broadcast power, terrain, distance from the tower, etc.

#9. Philips Modern Loop Rabbit Ear Antenna

Technical Specifications of Philips Modern Loop Rabbit Ear Antenna:

Brand Name	Philips
Antenna Type	Rabbit ear with loop
Supported Signals	UHF and VHF
Coaxial Cable Length	4 feet
Antenna Weight	7.2 ounces
Antenna Dimensions	2.75 x 7.75 x 5.75 inches
Range	Up to 30 miles

Philips Modern Loop Rabbit Ear Antenna Review

With a modern design and extendable dipoles, the Philips Modern Loop antenna is a great choice if you are thinking of ditching the cable and reducing your monthly bills.

Designed with modern home décor in mind, the Philips Modern Loop rabbit ear antenna is meant to capture uncompressed 1080p broadcasts. It receives both VFH and UHF bands, thereby allowing you to watch your favorite local channels for free without paying anything.

The quality of reception is great provided you place the antenna properly. The general rule of thumb says that the antenna should be away from interference-causing devices like routers, refrigerators, etc., and preferably, it should be placed near the windows. If placing near the windows is not a possibility, try placing it on a higher ground and extend its rabbit ears.

This fancy-looking antenna from the house of Philips is compatible with all major HDTV brands in the market. There shouldn’t be any compatibility issues.

#10. HIDB Portable Rabbit Ear Antenna

Technical Specifications of HIDB Portable Rabbit Ear Antenna:

Brand Name	HIDB
Antenna Type	Rabbit ear
Supported Signals	UHF and VHF
Coaxial Cable Length	2.5 feet
Antenna Weight	2.8 ounces
Antenna Dimensions	1.5 x 1.5 x 3 inches
Range	Up to 50 miles

HIDB Portable Rabbit Ear Antenna Review

Sleek form factor, great reception, ultra-portable – these things define the HIDB antenna. If you want to ditch cable for good, HIDB is a good choice.

Designed to be sleek and portable, this rabbit ear antenna from HIDB is highly portable. It has a suction cup for easy installation on multiple surfaces. The double-sided tape further enhances the ease of installation. You can place it anywhere on car top, metal door, window, table, etc.

It is designed to capture signals from as far as 50 miles and provides full HD reception from local channels like PBC, Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, etc.

However, do not forget that the reception quality will depend on many factors like terrain, distance, surrounding location, etc. If you are unable to get good reception, consider using an amplifier.

This portable antenna can work with smart TV, portable TV, PCI tuner card, and digital tuner.

Rabbit Ear Antenna Buying Guide

You should be very careful while purchasing a rabbit ear antenna. Buying a wrong one will not only lead to frustration, but will also lead to financial losses as you may have to purchase a second one.

Before you head out for shopping, here are a few things that you need to remember:

UHF and VHF reception

The antenna you are purchasing should have both UHF and VHF reception capabilities. That’s because, many channels now broadcast in VHF band. If you settle for a rabbit ear antenna that is UHF only, you will be highly disappointed. For instance, Fox 11 transmits in VHF band. Any UFH-only antenna cannot pick up Fox 11.

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Compatibility

Almost all rabbit ear antennas that are manufactured today are compatible with modern HDTVs. However, if you have an older TV set, the modern rabbit ear antennas will usually never work with them. You will need a digital converter box if your TV was manufactured in the year 2007 or earlier.

Expectation

Set the right expectation, please. You need to understand that a rabbit ear antenna will not give you access to channels like HBO. You can get them only through a satellite TV or cable subscription.

However, if you don’t care about those hundreds of channels, and you are happy with the mainstream channels, a rabbit ear antenna will work just fine and help you reduce your monthly expenses.

Reception quality

Don’t forget that there are cheap rip-offs of everything. So, make sure that you are buying a rabbit ear antenna from a reputed brand like Philips, GE, Antop etc. These companies have carved a niche for themselves. The products they offer are reliable. In the case of antennas, reception is all that really matters. So, I will always suggest that you settle for a famous brand even if it costs you a little more than the rip offs. Eventually, it will be worth the investment.

Build quality

One of the major problems that you will face with the rabbit ear antennas is that the dipoles are quite flimsy. Frequently adjusting them may lead to broken dipoles. So, you need to ensure that the overall build quality of the antenna is good.

Coaxial cable length

The rabbit ear antenna you buy needs to connect with your TV. That connection is established using the coaxial cable. The cable length is very important. The longer the cable, the better it is. Ideally, the cable length ranges between 4 feet and 5 feet. But if the cable length is longer, you will get the flexibility of placing it closer to the windows even when it remains connected to the TV.

Dipole length

The length of the dipoles when fully-extended should not be any less than 10 inches. Typically, you will get antennas in which dipoles will extend up to 15 inches, but is not unlikely to find units where the fully extended dipoles can be as long as up to 40 inches.

Placement

Many manufactures of rabbit ear antennas make only tabletop antennas that you can place on a flat surface. However, you are not really limited to that. You can find antennas that can be wall-mounted too! Again, there are some that will allow you to put them on a table or mount them on the wall. Select whichever you prefer. I will, however, suggest that you don’t opt for a wall mounted option, because the moment you mount the antenna on a wall, the flexibility to move it to different locations is gone.

Rabbit Ear Antenna General FAQ

How to make rabbit ear antenna work better?

You need to remember that rabbit ear antennas are indoor antennas. They aren’t big despite the fact that their dipoles can be extended. However, since they are designed to work indoor, their reception quality can be negatively impacted by several other devices like routers, refrigerators, computers, and more.

It is important that you place your rabbit ear antenna far from those devices. To get the best result, everyone will suggest that you place it close to the window. If your TV’s placement doesn’t allow the antenna to be placed close to the window, you should consider either changing the coaxial cable (use a longer one) or move the TV closer to the window.

If the coaxial cable is attached to the antenna and it cannot be removed, moving the TV is always an ideal option.

If nothing works, find a higher spot for the antenna and keep the dipoles fully extended and pointed towards the direction of the tower.

If none of these methods work, consider wrapping the ends of the antenna in aluminum foils. That can help to boost the overall reception.

You can even try using an amplifier to amplify the signals picked up by the antenna. An CB amplifier can help to improve both the picture and the sound quality.

How to make rabbit ear antennas work?

Rabbit antennas are designed to work out of the box. It simply means that you need to attach the coaxial cable of the antenna to your TV’s ANT-IN port. Now, adjust the position of the antenna.

Start by keeping the ears in a V shape and then extend the ear that is pointing towards the direction in which the tower is. Adjust the position of that ear by moving it up and down. If your rabbit ear antenna needs a separate power source (the ones that flat panels), ensure that you are plugging it to wall socket.

How to adjust rabbit ear antennas?

This is a simple task! Start by placing the antenna far from other electrical devices, and if possible, close to windows. Make it face the broadcasting tower and extend out the dipoles. Adjust the position of the entire antenna unit if needed. It is always a trial-and-error method.

You need to understand that there will be certain blind spots inside your house where your rabbit ear antenna cannot catch signals. So, position adjustment is necessary.

Why won’t my rabbit ear antenna pick up NBC, CBS, or Fox anymore?

There may be a few reasons for this to happen. Check whether your antenna is placed properly or not. Try adjusting the antenna. If that is not working, look into the antenna and TV connections. Secure them properly.

If nothing works, try to figure out whether your antenna is UHF-only antenna or not. Many rabbit ear antennas sold earlier as “HD digital antenna” were UHF-only antennas. So, if you are no longer receiving those channels, consider upgrading your antenna to one that supports both UHF and VHF bands.

Why should you buy a rabbit ear antenna?

If you are paying for cable or satellite TV connection to watch local channels that are available for free, you should get a rabbit ear antenna. Any HD digital antenna that can receive both UHF and VHF signals can give you access to those channels for free. Why pay?

Do rabbit ear antennas still work?

Yes, they do! They work perfectly with any modern HD TV or smart TV. If you have a very old TV set, you will need a digital converter box to make the rabbit ear antenna work with the TV set.

What is the normal range of rabbit ear antennas?

The usual range of rabbit ear antennas is between 25 miles and 30 miles. However, you need to understand that the range may decrease depending on several factors like terrain, trees, building, etc. In case your rabbit ear antenna is receiving weak signals even if you are within the stated range, it may happen that the terrain is not right or the surroundings are creating some sort of obstruction. Consider using an amplifier to increase the signal strength.