There are two main types of TV antennas: indoor and outdoor. While some are marketed as “attic antennas,” there’s actually no such thing. You can place any antenna in the attic. Typically, a larger outdoor antenna will perform better in the attic than a smaller antenna that’s marketed as an attic antenna.

Consider several factors. First, how far are you from a major city? If you are within 25 miles without too many trees around, you can probably get away with an indoor antenna. If you’re between 25-40 miles away, you will likely need a small outdoor or attic antenna. If you’re over 40 miles away, you will likely need a large outdoor antenna. You can find a list of recommended antennas here.

Tree coverage around your home can also impact the signal. While you can always start with an indoor or small outdoor antenna, a larger model may be needed if you experience signal breakup on windy days. When setting up an antenna in a wooded area it’s best to set it up in a clear spot in the direction of the broadcast towers and away from trees.

Not sure what kind of antenna you need? Take our simple quiz to help narrow down the options. You can also find a general list of recommended antennas here.

Whichever antenna you decide to purchase, be sure to try it out in different locations using a TV tuner as a guide to find the best spot where the most channels are picked up. Refer to other articles on this site for more information or what to do if you’re missing a channel.

Did you know you can use an antenna similarly to how you watch cable? Ditch the costly subscription fees, but keep the cable capabilities (record, pause, rewind and fast forward) with an OTA DVR device. Here are the products we recommend: