What free TV channels can you get with an antenna?

Enter a ZIP code, see every over-the-air channel you can realistically receive and what kind of antenna it takes — built on the FCC's public broadcast data. The lookup tool is in final testing and launches here soon.

Broadcast TV is still free

In nearly every US market, the major networks — ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, plus dozens of subchannels — broadcast over the air in HD, unencrypted, and free. A one-time antenna purchase replaces a monthly bill for live local TV. The only real question is which stations reach your address, and that's what this tool answers.

What actually determines your reception

• Distance to the towers — most stations in a market transmit from the same antenna farm; under ~25 miles an indoor antenna often works, beyond ~40 you'll want an attic or roof mount
• Terrain and buildings — a hill between you and the tower matters more than raw distance
• VHF vs UHF — most channels moved to UHF, but some markets keep a major network on VHF, which flat "leaf" antennas receive poorly; you need to know before you buy

What the tool will show

For your ZIP code: each receivable station with its network, real RF channel and band, the direction and distance to its transmitter, and an honest signal grade — so you can point a directional antenna correctly and skip buying gear that can't work at your address. The data comes from the FCC's public licensing and coverage records, refreshed regularly.