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You might think everything is streaming these days, but over-the-air TV and radio remain essential for many households — especially for free-to-air channels, live sports, and local broadcasts. Picking the right antenna is like choosing the right pair of shoes: the wrong fit makes everything uncomfortable, while the right one takes you places. A good antenna reduces pixelation, keeps your favourite shows uninterrupted, and often costs less than a single month of some streaming subscriptions. So, where should you buy, and how do you avoid costly mistakes? Let’s walk through the essentials and spotlight UK retailers that make the process simple.
Antennas aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in shapes and strengths designed for different uses: compact indoor aerials for flats, powerful rooftop antennas for rural homes, and specialised DAB aerials for digital radio. Knowing the main categories helps you match your living situation with the right hardware, saving money and frustration.
Indoor antennas are great for city apartments and homes near transmitters. They’re typically compact, often desk-top or thin panel designs, and can sit on a shelf or behind a TV. Expect to mount them 3–10 feet from your TV for best results. They’re easy to try before committing to a permanent rooftop solution, and most retailers like Currys, Argos, and Amazon UK stock a wide range that starts at about £10 and goes up depending on design and gain.
If you live several miles from the nearest transmitter or in a rural area with hills, an outdoor aerial is usually the best choice. These are mounted on a mast and raised 10–30 feet above the roofline to clear obstructions. Outdoor models command better reception and longer life in bad weather but require installation — sometimes by a pro for safety and legal compliance. Stores like Screwfix and local satellite installers often supply both aerials and mounting kits.
Amplified antennas include an in-line amplifier to strengthen weak signals before they reach your TV. They’re useful when cable runs exceed 50–100 feet or when you split a signal to multiple rooms. Think of an amplifier as a megaphone for a whispering signal — it helps, but if the original signal is garbage, amplification won’t magically produce channels. Retailers such as Maplin and AO.com offer a good selection of amplifiers, usually compatible with standard coax connectors.
Digital radio (DAB) uses different antenna characteristics than TV. If you rely on crystal-clear radio, consider a dedicated DAB aerial, either indoor or external. These are often sold by Richer Sounds and John Lewis, where staff can advise on matching the aerial to your receiver's input. If you’re a radio enthusiast, the investment in a purpose-built aerial can make a noticeable difference to station clarity and tuning stability.
There’s a fairly wide market for antennas in the UK, from big-box electronics chains to specialist audio stores. Below I highlight retailers where you can find a variety of products, competitive pricing, and useful customer resources.
Currys is a go-to for many shoppers thanks to its broad selection of indoor and outdoor antennas, plus knowledgeable staff in stores. You’ll find budget indoor aerials and mid-range amplified models alongside roof-mount kits. Currys often bundles promotional prices and sometimes includes installation offers through partner services, making it a convenient one-stop shop.
Argos is perfect for quick buys and local pick-up, stocking compact indoor aerials and basic rooftop options. Their catalogue format makes comparisons straightforward, and many products are competitively priced for budget buyers. If you want to try an antenna without waiting for shipping, Argos’s network of stores is handy.
For sheer variety and the ability to read thousands of customer experiences, Amazon UK is hard to beat. You can compare indoor panels, amplified units, and specialist rooftop aerials from various brands. Watch out for third-party seller listings and check reviews and ratings to avoid cheap clones. Amazon also makes it easy to buy coax cable and accessories in specific lengths measured in feet.
If sound quality matters — especially for DAB and FM — Richer Sounds is an excellent choice. They focus on hi-fi and AV gear, and their staff will often help you pick a radio aerial or antenna that suits your setup. Expect a premium selection and the kind of hands-on advice that helps demystify connector types and amplifier matching.
John Lewis carries a curated selection of AV accessories, including trusted-brand antennas. Their reputation for quality and solid guarantees makes them a great choice if you prefer to buy from a department store with strong buyer protections. They tend to stock mid-range products aimed at mainstream buyers who want reliability over rock-bottom prices.
Screwfix is where tradespeople shop for masts, stainless fixings, and outdoor aerial components by the foot. If you’re building a rooftop system or need robust mounting gear, Screwfix supplies professional-grade parts. For full installations, local aerial fitters and satellite companies will source parts from Screwfix and other suppliers and install them safely at heights of 15–30 feet or more.
Maplin and AO.com offer online-focused selections, often including specialist connectors, splitters, and amplifiers. Maplin, having relaunched, provides useful hobbyist-friendly equipment, while AO.com blends appliance retail with decent AV accessory options. Both are worth checking if you need a specific connector type or a high-gain indoor aerial.
Choosing an antenna is about matching location, budget, and ambition. Ask yourself: how far am I from the transmitter? Do I have a clear line of sight? How many TVs need the signal? Answering these will narrow your choices quickly.
Start by checking the distance to the nearest transmitter and your expected signal strength. If you’re within a mile or two and have a clear view, a compact indoor antenna often performs well. If you’re several miles out or there’s lots of tree cover, an outdoor aerial mounted 15–30 feet high is better. Many retailers and comparison sites provide postcode-based signal tools to guide your choice before purchase.
Most modern aerials use standard coaxial connectors (sometimes called F-type), but double-check your TV or radio input. If you’re connecting multiple TVs, you’ll need a splitter and possibly an amplifier to maintain signal quality over long cable runs measured in feet. Know the cable lengths you’ll need — buying a 50 or 100 foot coax run is common for rooftop installations.
Indoor antennas are inexpensive but may fail sooner in challenging reception areas. Outdoor aerials and stainless fixings cost more upfront but can last many years with proper weatherproofing. Think of indoor models as a test drive and outdoor aerials as the long-term solution if you expect the same address for several years.
Installing an antenna is part art, part science. Small tweaks to placement or height can mean the difference between a smooth picture and a stuttering one. If you’re uncomfortable on a ladder, call a professional; safety matters when you’re 15–30 feet off the ground.
Place indoor aerials near a window or high on a shelf, aiming the device toward the direction of the transmitter. Avoid placing them behind thick walls, inside cabinets, or near large metal objects like radiators which can block signals. Often moving an antenna just a few feet will dramatically improve reception — treat placement like tuning a guitar until it sounds right.
A rooftop antenna performs best when raised above roofline obstructions. Typical mast heights range from 10 to 30 feet depending on your surroundings. Use stainless U-bolts, and weatherproof all connections with tape or sealant. Grounding the mast is essential to protect against lightning — that’s not optional if you want to keep your household wiring safe.
Even with the best gear, problems can arise. Poor reception may be caused by obstructions, bad cables, loose connectors, or interference from nearby electronics. Before replacing hardware, methodically check each component so you pinpoint the real problem.
Signals can be interrupted by nearby wireless devices, LED light fittings, or poorly installed connectors. Try turning off potential culprits and re-test. If you’re splitting a signal to multiple TVs, ensure you’re using a powered splitter or amplifier to avoid a weak signal at each outlet. Replacing cheap coax with higher-quality 75 ohm cable often pays dividends, especially for runs longer than 50 feet.
If you have long cable runs — 50–100 feet or more — or you’re distributing signal to several rooms, a low-noise amplifier can help preserve picture quality. However, amplifiers also amplify noise, so install them close to the antenna rather than the TV when possible. Replacing older, corroded connectors and ensuring snug fittings will often improve performance as much as a new aerial.
There’s more to a good setup than the antenna itself. A few thoughtful accessories make installation easier and boost long-term reliability.
Invest in good coaxial cable in the length you need — 25, 50, or 100 foot reels are common — and use weatherproof F-type connectors. Cheap cables can introduce loss that kills weak signals, especially over distance. If your cable run is long, consider a thicker cable with lower attenuation per foot.
Splitters let you feed multiple TVs from one aerial, but each split reduces signal strength, so balance splitters with amplifiers. An aerial rotator can help if your location receives signals from multiple transmitters in different directions; think of it as a steering wheel for your antenna, turning it to the best angle for reception.
Price varies from store to store and by brand. Indoor aerials start around £10–£25, mid-range amplified models sit in the £30–£80 zone, and high-end outdoor aerial systems with mast and fittings can reach £150–£300 depending on components and labour. Look for warranties and check retailer return policies before buying — a longer warranty often signals a manufacturer’s confidence in the product.
If you live in a strong-signal area, a modest indoor aerial from Argos or Amazon will often be enough. If you need reliability and longevity, invest in a weatherproof rooftop aerial and stainless fittings from Screwfix or specialist retailers. For radio enthusiasts, spending a bit more on a quality DAB aerial at Richer Sounds or John Lewis can significantly enhance listening pleasure.
Before you click buy, run through this simple checklist: check transmitter distance and direction, decide indoor vs outdoor, measure the cable length you’ll need in feet, ensure connector compatibility, and compare warranty terms. Armed with that info, selecting between Currys, Argos, Amazon UK, Richer Sounds, John Lewis, Screwfix, Maplin, and AO.com becomes straightforward. Each retailer has strengths — choose based on product range, price, and whether you need professional installation.
Choosing the right antenna in the UK is a practical mix of understanding your location, choosing the correct antenna type, and buying from the right retailer. Whether you opt for a simple indoor aerial from Argos, a premium DAB setup from Richer Sounds, or a robust rooftop system sourced via Screwfix and fitted by a local installer, the improvements to picture and sound can be immediate and dramatic. Treat the process like a small project: research, measure in feet, pick the right gear, and test placement before finalising the fit. You’ll be surprised how much free TV and radio enjoyment you can reclaim with a single sensible purchase.
