Essentials

Digital TV antennas: How to watch the Super Bowl and Olympics without cable or streaming

By Carolin Lehmann

Updated on: February 4, 2022 / 2:55 PM EST / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald #99 — You can watch Super Bowl LVI with a paid Peacock subscription -- or for free using a digital TV antenna. Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

Between paying for cable and paying for streaming services, it can get expensive to watch great content on your TV -- especially if you want to watch the Super Bowl, watch the Olympics, see other live events or just watch a favorite sitcom. But there's a way around these costs: digital TV antennas. Like the television rabbit ears of your parents' generation, these affordable indoor antennas will pull in over-the-air HDTV channels such as CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox and PBS free of charge.

If you live on the first floor of an apartment complex, or otherwise live in a partially blocked-off area (those near mountains, for example), a digital TV antenna may not pick up a good signal -- or any signal at all. But for many homes, a digital TV antenna is the first step in cutting the cable TV cord -- a way to getting channels to watch without paying a monthly fee. Indoor TV antennas can also be used as a backup to watch TV if a storm knocks out your cable or satellite.

Want to get started? Consider the digital TV antenna options ahead from Walmart and Best Buy.

Amplified HDTV antenna

Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna — Amazon

This HDTV antenna, an Amazon best seller, claims to have a 200-mile range and comes with an 18-foot-long coaxial cable. Rated 4.3 stars by Amazon reviewers.

Amplified HDTV antenna, $30

$30 at Amazon

Camkey 2021 outdoor indoor digital TV antenna

This antenna has up to a 200-mile reception range and is waterproof, so it can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Camkey 2021 outdoor/indoor digital TV antenna, $20 (reduced from $100)

$20 at Walmart

Best Buy Essentials amplified ultra-thin film indoor HDTV antenna

This antenna has a range of up to 50 miles. It can be mounted on the wall or set on your TV stand. It has a two-sided black-and-white design, so you can choose which side blends in best with your wall or electronics.

Best Buy Essentials amplified ultra-thin indoor HDTV antenna, $30 (reduced from $35)

$30 at Best Buy

Clear TV indoor amplifying and broadcasting antenna

Clear TV Indoor Amplifying & Broadcasting Antenna — Walmart

Reviewers recommend this uber-affordable antenna.

"I have an antenna on all my TVs and this one gets just as many channels as its more expensive sister," reviewer Meg says. "I am thrilled."

Clear TV indoor amplifying antenna, $15

$15 at Walmart

Core Innovations indoor TV antenna bar

This aesthetic antenna bar allows you to access channels up to 80 miles away from a signal. It displays the current signal strength, helping you find the most ideal spot to place it.

Core Innovations indoor TV antenna bar, $50 (was $80)

$50 at Best Buy