What channels can I get with an antenna in my area?

Enter your ZIP code in the finder. It checks every TV station's FCC coverage area and lists the ones that reach you, with the expected signal strength, network, distance and direction.

Which way should I point my TV antenna?

Toward your transmitters. The finder shows each station's compass bearing and draws them on a compass; if most sit in one direction, aim a directional antenna there, otherwise use a multi-directional one.

Do I need a VHF antenna?

Only if some of your channels broadcast on RF channels 2 to 13. The finder flags it. Many cheap flat antennas are weak on VHF, so check the box says VHF and UHF.

Why can't I get a channel the finder says is strong?

Usually terrain or buildings in the way, the antenna facing the wrong direction, or a channel scan done before the antenna was placed. Rescan, try a higher spot, and compare with the FCC's terrain-based DTV map for your address.

Is over-the-air TV really free?

Yes. Once you have an antenna, local broadcast channels are free to watch in the US, with no subscription.

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Antenna Channel Finder by ZIP Code

Enter your ZIP code and you'll see the free over-the-air channels that reach you, how strong each signal should be, and which way the transmitters are. It also tells you what kind of antenna to buy and whether it needs VHF.

How to use it

1
Enter your ZIP code. Use the ZIP where the TV is.
2
Read the summary. See how many channels have a good signal, the antenna we'd buy, and the direction to aim it.
3
Check the station list. Each station shows its channel number, network, distance, compass direction and band.
4
Scan for channels. Connect the antenna, aim it, and run a channel scan in your TV's settings.

How the finder works

Every full-power and low-power TV station in the US has an official FCC service contour: the area where the FCC expects its signal to be usable. We take the center of your ZIP code and check it against the contour of every station within 150 miles. Inside a contour and close to the transmitter is strong; near the edge is weak; just outside is fringe, which can still work with a good roof antenna.

The data is the FCC's own public records: service contours and TV Query for channels and transmitter sites, plus Census ZIP code centers. It doesn't model hills and buildings, so a valley can lose a station that looks strong here. The FCC's DTV reception map does use terrain, and it's a good second opinion for your exact address.

Reading the results

Channel is the number your TV shows (the virtual channel, like 7.1). RF is the frequency the station actually broadcasts on, which decides what antenna you need.
Band: RF 2 to 6 is VHF-low, 7 to 13 is VHF-high, 14 to 36 is UHF. Many flat indoor antennas pick up UHF well and VHF poorly, so if your stations include VHF, buy an antenna rated for both.
Direction is the compass bearing from you to the transmitter. If all your stations sit in one direction, a directional antenna aimed that way gets the most from them.
Network comes from FCC facility records last updated in January 2024. A handful of stations have switched networks since, so treat it as a strong hint.

Which antenna

Main stations are	Start with
Under 20 miles	Indoor antenna, near a window facing the towers
20 to 35 miles	Amplified indoor antenna, or attic
35 to 60 miles	Outdoor or large attic directional antenna
Over 60 miles, or weak	Long-range roof antenna, often with a preamp

After you mount it, run a full channel scan on the TV (it's in the TV's channel or broadcast settings), and scan again whenever you move the antenna. Some stations have moved to NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), which older TVs can't decode without a converter box. To record or watch antenna channels on every screen in the house, see our HDHomeRun setup guide, and for the bigger picture, how to watch local channels free.

Questions people ask

What channels can I get with an antenna in my area?: Enter your ZIP code in the finder. It checks every TV station's FCC coverage area and lists the ones that reach you, with the expected signal strength, network, distance and direction.
Which way should I point my TV antenna?: Toward your transmitters. The finder shows each station's compass bearing and draws them on a compass; if most sit in one direction, aim a directional antenna there, otherwise use a multi-directional one.
Do I need a VHF antenna?: Only if some of your channels broadcast on RF channels 2 to 13. The finder flags it. Many cheap flat antennas are weak on VHF, so check the box says VHF and UHF.
Why can't I get a channel the finder says is strong?: Usually terrain or buildings in the way, the antenna facing the wrong direction, or a channel scan done before the antenna was placed. Rescan, try a higher spot, and compare with the FCC's terrain-based DTV map for your address.
Is over-the-air TV really free?: Yes. Once you have an antenna, local broadcast channels are free to watch in the US, with no subscription.

Last updated October 16, 2026 by the IPTVTips team. Free to use, no account needed. Found a bug? Tell us.

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