So you are looking to improve your TV reception? If you live in an area of low signal strength an outdoor TV antenna preamplifier might be a good place to start.
These nifty little devices will help amplify weak signals, extend your reception range, and multiple the number of channels at your disposal. Sounds good right! Across this guide, we will review some of the best outdoor antenna amplifiers on the market today.
This should hopefully allow you to compare and choose the ideal one and wave goodbye to weak signal problems.
[amazon table=”24247″]
Here are the top 5 picks (keep scrolling for picks 6 – 7).
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[amazon box=”B08H4DX232″]
Say hello to the big daddy. The Winegard Boost XT Preamplifier is one of the most popular products on the market. It works with both passive and non-amplified outdoor antennas to help deliver clearer signals, increased range and more TV channels. Some might say it is a channel master.
Not to be confused with the Winegard LNA-200 – which also happens to be a fine preamp – the Winegard separately amplified VHF and UHF signals to deliver maximum performance, alongside the lowest interference and noise levels.
This is enhanced by Winegard’s sensational clear circuit technology, which offers the lowest noise (as low as 1dB) helping facilitate increased range and less signal breakage/pixelation. Want to feel like you are setting things up like a pro?
The Winegard Boost XT pro preamplifier comes with an integrated signal meter that helps you install the device with ease. You can pair it with the Winegard connected app to enjoy non-nonsense, fast antenna positioning. It also comes with a range of additional components.
There is a 110V adapter, USB power cable, app-enabled Bluetooth signal meter, hose clamp and a brilliant user manual.
Highlights:
[amazon box=”B07PM48BMP”]
This little gem is a fantastic choice for giving your outdoor antenna some enhancement. It is built to work with any non-amplified/ passive TV antennas to help boost the picture quality they receive. What makes this amp unique is its dual output.
This allows you to connect the amp to your primary TV sets as well as a second device, such as another cable TV, FM signal radio, or another OTA streaming device. Lovely. Another superb aspect of his amp is its built-in 4G LTE filter.
This ingeniously blocks signal interference from 3G/4G smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, wireless networks, and mobile phone transmitters. And the result? Yes, you guessed it. Clear digital TV reception with ultra-low noise. Toodle pip pixelated images!
Highlights:
[amazon box=”B084YQX5Q6″]
Cimple CO is proudly America. It is US-based and family-owned. This top-notch digital TV antenna booster signal amplifier is one of their highest-rated products. It is designed as a premium distribution amplifier and will increase your TV signal’s reception without any signal degradation or pesky ground loops.
Said otherwise, signal quality won’t matter. The 24dB distribution amplifier offers unrivaled versatility. You will be able to easily adjust the variable gain in VHF, UHF, and FM bands to match your signal reception desires. It features bespoke coaxial cable mounting ports for hassle-free installation (remember our tip).
A top-end RG6 coax cable also comes in the box to facilitate installation ease. Its power indicator light will help you tell if the amplifier is operational.
Highlights:
[amazon box=”B08HVT5789″]
This amplifier is a sure-fast way to improve the quality of the content you watch on TV, without going down the costly cable/satellite path. Like the other sterling preamps featured in this list, this one works with every passive antenna on the market.
It will strengthen the signals they capture for clearer TV channels with no pixelation or fuzziness. The Philips Outdoor HD TV Antenna Amplifier comes equipped with innovative TruAmp Technology which gives you clear and pure reception – irrespective of whether you live in a rural area.
Low noise amplification, improved UHF and VHF reception also boost signals for your digital TV. If this was not enough, the amplifier comes with a weatherproof design that can withstand all that the elements can throw at it – for longer.
Highlights:
[amazon box=”B07DGYGGSF”]
Are you looking for a reasonably priced pre-amplifier? Well, the PDB HDTV Preamp is a hard one to match. Despite its compact size, this high-quality device will give you a real signal booster.
It can quite literally save your non amplified antenna, enabling it to deliver clear signals, boost your mile range and increase the number of tv stations at your fingertips. A salient feature of this amplifier is its Twin Amp Technology. This will turn the amp into a workhorse by amplifying VHF/UHF signal separately, assuring you of maximum signal output as well as guarding against pixelation.
The preamble is also fitted with a 4G LTE filter to minimize image pixelation and block out troublesome smartphone signals that interfere with your viewing pleasure. Moreover, it is integrated with a bandpass filter for blocking out RF signals, which are a major culprit in signal dropout.
As for the noise figure, this device will keep noise interference to an all-time low (at a minimum of 1dB) and gain a number favorable for both UHF and VHF signals. Special skills are not required to hook up this device to your outdoor TV antenna.
All the necessary hardware mounting stuff is included in the box for super easy and fast set-up. A 3″ coax cable is also inside the box.
Highlights:
[amazon box=”B07NF7WLY6″]
If you have been struggling with excessive pixelation on your local TV channels, then the simplest thing to do is to buy the GE outdoor TV antenna amplifier. It is ideal for those in problematic signal strength areas. Intended for use with passive outdoor TV antennas, this amplifier clears up the low-strength or pixelated channels for impressive pickups and high-quality images.
It works tirelessly to boost signal strength and help compensate for cable loss and minimize irksome signal drops. Installing this antenna in your home will be a breeze. All the necessary hardware needed for the installation is inside the box and ready to go.
Items include a power inserter, power supply, zip ties, rubber boat, and an easy-to-understand user manual. Oh, and did I mention that this is the ultimate HDTV preamplifier. It has full 1080p compatibility.
Highlights:
[amazon box=”B003P92D9Y”]
This article would not be complete with a review of an RCA digital signal preamplifier. If you live in a rural area with poor signal quality or face long cable runs, this device will pull you in with some damn fine signal. The signal preamp is specifically designed to improve your outdoor antennas performance in low signal strength areas.
It automatically compensates for signal loss resulting from long cable runs or multiple VCR/TV connections. It boasts RCA’s advanced SmartBoost technology which amplifies weak signals, thus multiplying the amount of channels at your disposal.
It also features a switchable FM trap that can assist you in reducing interference from FM frequencies, meaning clearer signals. The mastery of this antenna is its ability to increase the number of antennas direct to your TV. This means not only more channels, but that these TV stations will be better quality and free. This device pays for itself.
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Let’s face it: poor TV signal is a pain in the behind. Yet it need not be. Equipped with this list, you can bag yourself the best outdoor antenna preamplifier of 2021!
But first, it is essential to outline what to look out for before making your purchase. Chances are: if you go shopping for an outdoor antenna preamplifier without being in the know, you’ll end up coming home with something pretty shabby – and that’s putting it politely.
Many models out there will do nothing to improve your outdoor TV antenna signal strength and reach. Worse many low-end models will only amplify the noise (not to mention your frustration). In short, pay attention. Follow these factors and you will have a perfect antenna preamp in no time.
First up: noise level. One of the key things to look out for in a new outdoor TV antenna is the noise level it produces when amplifying your TV signal. An ideal noise level does not exceed 2dB, whether it is a UHF or VHF signal (we’ll explain more about this later). Anything above this is far too noisy an amplifier and will not give you a better signal.
Too much noise on your TV signal will disrupt your viewing experience and leave you feeling hacked off.
It might seem obvious, but easy installation is of paramount importance. No one wants to spend hours standing on a roof twirling around with an outdoor TV antenna. We can all think of far better things to spend time doing. Given this, make sure you purchase an antenna that is simple to install.
This could not be stressed enough. Devices that come with mounting hardware will allow for a hassle-free and fast installation. An easy-to-understand manual is always a must. Trust us on this.
Sorry, this one is a bit techy. But bare with us. Preamplifiers are engineered to support two types of frequencies, namely UHF (Ultra High Frequency) and VHF (Very High Frequency). Importantly, the UHF features a higher gain count (rating from 20-26dB) than the VHF signal.
This being the case, the antenna you have at home will dictate the type of amp you purchase. Namely, what type of signal it supports. If your antenna supports only UHF or VHF signal, be on the lookout for an amplifier that supports that signal type.
Using a UHF and VHF antenna with a UHF-only signal will result in a blockage of broadcasts. The converse is true. If you run into difficulties, contact the manufacturer of your antenna or ask tradesmen for advice.
Another key factor that defines a decent preamplifier for your outdoor antenna is signal gain. As a general rule of thumb, signal gain ranges for preamplifiers stretching from 12 to 30dB. It is easy to think that the higher the gain, the better. But this is seldom true.
If you are experiencing a signal loss of approximately 15dB be sure to purchase a pre-amplifier with a signal gain rated under 15dB. Going for an amp with a high gain number, say 30dB, can lead to over-amplification and damage your TV tuner.
Gain control relates to signal gain. Gain control features prevent your TV tuner from getting damaged. The UHF signals typically have an incredibly high gain. In extreme cases, this can lead to your tuner becoming damaged.
To prevent this, look to see if your pre-amplifier has an auto gain control function. This can automatically minimize the amount of gain if the signal surges or is too powerful. Furthermore, gain control helps weak signals achieve maximum gain.
You must also consider looking for a preamp that has a built-in splitter. At times, this is also referred to as a distribution amplifier. What this does is improve the signal level by giving the preamp the ability to deliver signals to multiple receivers.
It could not be stressed enough. Purchase a preamplifier that comes backed with a manufacturer’s warranty. no matter how good your choice, it is possible that devices come with manufacturer defects, which cause malfunction. A warranty will give you options in case your device breaks, too.
The longer the warranty, the better. Yet, the best warranty will offer you a free replacement or repair for your faulty device. Without further ado, let’s look at the best outdoor TV antenna preamplifiers of 2021.
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