How Much Does a TV Antenna Installation Cost in 2025?
Installing a TV antenna costs an average of $315, with most homeowners spending between $217 and $432.
Factors affecting cost include location, antenna type, and indoor versus outdoor installation.
Connecting additional TVs costs $20 to $50 each, and an amplifier adds about $100.
Professional installation ensures optimal reception and prevents potential damage from
Access local channels with a TV antenna, potentially saving up to $150 per month on cable bills.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Purchasing and installing a TV antenna costs between $217 and $432, or $315 on average. Whether you're cutting the cord or seeking better reception, a TV antenna provides access to over-the-air local and national channels. The total cost depends on factors like your location, the type of antenna, and whether you choose an indoor or outdoor installation. Hiring a professional ensures your antenna is installed correctly and safely for optimal performance.
TV Antenna Cost Factors
While most installations cost between $217 and $432, several factors can influence the total price of your TV antenna installation, including the type of antenna, installation location, and wiring requirements. Here are the most significant factors to consider.
TV Antenna Type
Choosing the right type of antenna is crucial for the best experience. The main types of antennas include:
Unidirectional vs. Multi-Directional
Unidirectional Antennas: As the name implies, this antenna receives signals best when aimed at the signal source. When set up correctly, they pull in signals from farther away and get better reception than multidirectional types. These work best when used with a motorized rotor.
Multidirectional Antennas: Capable of receiving signals from multiple directions, these antennas are ideal when broadcast towers are in different locations. However, they can be more susceptible to noise and offer slightly lower picture quality compared to unidirectional antennas.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Indoor: Indoor TV antennas cost $20–$150. They're less than 1 foot in height and can be placed right on top of the television unit. However, they can't compete with the range or quality of the larger outdoor antennas.
Outdoor: These outdoor units cost $30–$300. At 8 feet or more in height and length, they pick up signals from vastly farther distances and with better reception.
Amplified vs. Non-Amplified
Unamplified: Passive units cost $20–$150, require no power source, and work well when you’re within 20 miles of a signal. Indoor units often need amplification more than outdoor units.
Amplified: These units cost $50–$200 and help amplify the signal of incoming stations and work best if you have a long coaxial cable run. However, they can oversimplify strong signals that block out the weaker ones. You’ll also need electricity to run them, and you may need to hire an electrician to set up the power source. Hiring an electrician costs between $165 and $540.
Location
Where you choose to install your antenna will also impact the overall cost.
Indoor Antenna Installation
The total installation cost of a TV aerial ranges from $250 to $500, including labor and the unit. Labor runs from $200 to $300. The units alone cost $20 to over $200. Add-ons like additional TV runs, amplifiers, rotors, and DVR boxes increase the price.
Digital aerial installation costs also vary by region and provider. For example, Sling TV installs one for $100 to $150, with Dish Network's antenna coming free with a Dish subscription.
Outdoor Antenna Installation
Purchasing just an outdoor antenna unit will set you back anywhere from $30 to $300. Connecting additional TVs costs $20 to $50 each, and adding an amplifier costs around $100.
If you’re quitting cable but still want the local stations, get an HDTV antenna. As more and more Americans become cord-cutters, HDTV antennas grow in popularity. And it’s not like the days of fuzzy pictures and three channels. Today, with the switch to all digital over-the-air (OTA) stations, you can get anywhere from 10 to 50 channels.
Attic vs. Roof Antenna Installation
Attic and rooftop antenna installations cost about the same, ranging from $230 to $600. While rooftop installations offer better reception, factors like high winds, homeowner association (HOA) restrictions, or local regulations may prevent rooftop mounting. In these cases, the attic is the next best option.
Local Terrain and Home Location
The higher you place a TV antenna, the better the signal, as long as it has a clear line of sight. While the size and quality of the unit help, terrain also plays a role. For example, a home surrounded by buildings or trees has a hard time with reception and might need an amplifier, regardless of how high it’s located.
TV Antenna Wiring
Your antenna needs coaxial cable wiring to get to your TV. Most installers include the first TV line and hookup in the project cost. In some installations, coax is already run through the home. In others, it will need to be run new. Additionally, sometimes the coax can't be run through walls without incurring much more cost, so coax is run outside the home (over or under siding). Expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 per additional TV hookup.
Amplified or motorized antennas also need somewhere to plug in for electricity. As mentioned above, you may need to hire an electrician to set up the power source. Electrical circuit or outlet installation costs $610 to $2,600 if you don’t have a readily available source.
Average Antenna Replacement Cost
Replacing a broken or underperforming digital aerial costs the same as installing a new one, averaging around $314. Some installers might reduce the price if you already have the cables run and electrical wiring for amplified service in place.
Antenna repairs cost between $120 and $320, which is about $100 less than a new installation or replacement. If the damage is minor, repairing an antenna might be a cost-effective option.
Additional Features for a TV Antenna
Along with the TV antenna itself, additional items can help maximize the utility and reception in a home.
Interference filter: Maximizes signal quality by removing interference from radio waves. This feature costs $5–$25.
Amplifier: These boost the signal of incoming stations for better reception and quality and cost $50–$200. While amplifiers are often included with amplified antennas, standalone units are available for those looking to enhance their existing setup.
Motorized rotor and mount with remote: This setup allows you to point a unidirectional type directly at different sources when changing channels for the best reception. These cost about $100–$300.
Pole or mast: Allows mounting anywhere on your property, not just the roof or attic. Expect to spend another $100–$200 in labor to install it.
DIY vs. Professional TV Antenna Installation
While DIY antenna installation might seem cost-effective, an improper setup can lead to significant issues:
Structural Damage: High winds can rip improperly secured antennas from mounts, causing damage to your roof.
Water Infiltration: Water can infiltrate your home if the antenna is improperly installed, leading to significant damage. Water damage cleanup and repair costs between $1,400 and $6,300, depending on the severity.
Poor Reception: Incorrect placement and alignment often cause weak signals or missing channels.
Hire an antenna installation professional near you to ensure your antenna is installed correctly and safely, providing optimal reception and minimizing risks. A qualified installer has the tools and expertise to complete the job efficiently.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mounting your TV antenna on the roof or in the attic at the highest possible point provides the best reception. Ensure a clear, unobstructed view toward the broadcast towers. The best view is free from trees, buildings, or walls that could interfere with the signal and potentially damage the antenna.
Your TV antenna should be mounted as high as possible with a clear, unobstructed view toward the broadcast signal source. Elevating the antenna improves the chance of receiving clearer and uninterrupted reception. Obstacles like trees, buildings, and hills can interfere with the signal, so avoid mounting it on the ground or below the roofline. Installing it on the roof or in the attic ensures a direct line to the transmission towers, enhancing both signal strength and picture quality.
To strengthen your antenna signal, start by ensuring your antenna is in an optimal location with a clear view toward the broadcast towers. If you're still experiencing weak signals, consider adding an amplifier for an additional $50 to $200.
Check for nearby obstructions or metallic objects that might interfere with reception, such as appliances or metal fences, and keep the antenna at least 6 feet away from them. Additionally, ensure your coaxial cable isn't excessively long, which can reduce signal strength.
Even though a few rare cases are exceptions to the rule, grounding won't improve your TV antenna reception. Like other issues, it's best to speak with a TV antenna specialist to learn which options will deliver the strongest reception. While grounding may not work, your pro will offer other ideas to improve reception.
An outdoor HDTV antenna costs $20 to over $200, with some units running upward of $500. Indoor units run as little as $20 but with poorer quality reception. Like most things, you get what you pay for. However, you may not need a top-of-the-line antenna. Discuss your needs with a local TV antenna installer.
A TV antenna won't always provide perfect reception due to factors like your distance from broadcasting towers, nearby obstructions, and weather conditions. To minimize issues, research your area's signal strength and choose the right type of antenna for your location. Tools like the DTV maps from the Federal Communications Commission can help you check local digital TV channel reception. Selecting an appropriate antenna and proper positioning and installation will improve your chances of receiving consistently clear signals.
