Antennas Direct ClearStream 4MAX
This is the antenna I ended up keeping. It is technically an outdoor unit, but I mounted it in the corner of my basement near an egress window and it pulls 38 channels including all the local networks in HD. Build quality is solid and the included mast is sturdy.
I cut the cord and moved my media room to the basement, then spent six months testing antennas to find what actually pulls in channels underground.
When I finished my basement and put a TV down there, I assumed any indoor antenna would work. It did not. After running six different antennas through real signal tests, these are the five that actually pull in stable channels from below grade.
| Antenna | Range | Amplified | Best For |
| — | — | — | — |
| Antennas Direct ClearStream 4MAX | 70 mi | Optional | All-around pick |
| Winegard Elite 7550 | 70 mi | Yes | Long-range basements |
| Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro | 65 mi | Yes | Window mounting |
| Channel Master CM-4228HD | 80 mi | Optional | Outdoor-to-basement runs |
| RCA Outdoor Yagi | 70 mi | Optional | Budget pick |
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antennas Direct ClearStream 4MAX | 70 mi | Check price | |
| Winegard Elite 7550 | 70 mi | Check price | |
| Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro | 65 mi | Check price | |
| Channel Master CM-4228HD | 80 mi | Check price | |
| RCA Outdoor Yagi | 70 mi | Check price |
The full reviews
Antennas Direct ClearStream 4MAX
This is the antenna I ended up keeping. It is technically an outdoor unit, but I mounted it in the corner of my basement near an egress window and it pulls 38 channels including all the local networks in HD. Build quality is solid and the included mast is sturdy.
Winegard Elite 7550
The Winegard has a built-in amplifier and a tuned design that handles both UHF and VHF, which matters because many local stations still broadcast on VHF. In my basement test it pulled in two extra channels the ClearStream missed.
Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro
If you have a basement with a daylight window, the Mohu Leaf flat antenna sticks directly to the glass and gets above-grade-level performance. The amplifier is detachable, which I appreciate because it lets you tune the gain to your specific area.
Channel Master CM-4228HD
For full basements with no windows, mount this on the eaves of your house and run coax inside. The CM-4228HD is bombproof and gets long-range stations even in fringe areas. It is the most work to install but the best performance.
RCA Outdoor Yagi
The budget pick that still works in basements. Mount it near a window or in a window well and you will get most local channels. It is not pretty, but for under 40 dollars it does the job.
Frequently asked
Yes, but you almost always need an amplified antenna and often a longer coax run to mount it near a window or vent. Pure indoor antennas in a buried basement rarely work.
Most basement situations benefit from an amplified antenna. A separate amplifier inline can help if you split the signal to multiple TVs.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
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