I’ve tried my fair share of so-called “signal-boosting” gadgets, from WiFi extenders to TV antennas promising free HD channels. Most of them either underdelivered or completely flopped. So, when I came across the Broadwave Antenna, I was cautiously intrigued. It claimed to pull in local TV channels in crisp high definition without cable, all while being “plug-and-play” and able to pick up signals from up to 200+ miles away.
Too good to be true? That’s what I wanted to find out.
What Is the Broadwave Antenna?
The Broadwave Antenna is a digital HDTV antenna marketed as a cord-cutting solution that picks up free over-the-air TV broadcasts. It supposedly:
- Works indoors or outdoors
- Has a built-in amplifier
- Covers a wide signal range (some listings say up to 300 miles)
- Supports 4K and 1080p HD content
- Doesn’t require a monthly subscription
It’s often advertised through third-party websites with heavy discounts and urgency tactics like “Only 4 left in stock” or “70% off today only.”
Why I Bought It
Cable bills have been creeping up, and I mostly watch local news or free-to-air channels anyway. I figured if this could deliver even half the channels it claimed, in decent quality, it might be worth the one-time purchase.
What pushed me to try it was the low price point. I saw it listed for about $39.95 (with a fake markdown from $119), and it came with the usual promises of “no buffering,” “instant setup,” and “zero subscription fees.”
My Experience Using It
The package arrived in a generic, unbranded box. The antenna itself felt a bit flimsy, plastic casing, thin coaxial cable, and a small booster attachment that didn’t exactly scream “premium.”
Setup was quick. I plugged it into the back of my TV, ran a channel scan, and… got a grand total of 6 channels. Most of them were either grainy or cut in and out frequently. I moved the antenna near a window, changed directions, even elevated it using a tripod, but still the same result. Occasionally, a few more channels would pop up, but they’d drop again within hours.
I tried it on a different TV upstairs. Same issue. Poor reception, choppy signal, and zero sign of the advertised 100+ channels in crystal clear HD.
After about a week of testing, I gave up. I got more frustration than function out of it, and ironically, my older rabbit-ear antenna from a local store performed better than this one.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Lightweight and compact
- No monthly cost
Cons:
- Extremely inconsistent signal
- Build quality feels cheap
- Does not deliver on the 200+ mile range claim
- Marketing is misleading (especially the fake urgency and exaggerated specs)
Is the Broadwave Antenna a Scam?
Let’s be honest, this feels like a rebranded generic antenna with inflated marketing. The “Broadwave” name isn’t tied to any recognizable manufacturer, and you’ll find similar products under different names like OctaAir, Novawave, and others, all promising nearly identical features.
The reviews on their official website seem fake or overly glowing. Meanwhile, real users on Reddit, Amazon, and forums report similar issues: weak signal strength, barely any channels, and poor quality overall.
So while it’s not an outright scam (you do get a physical product), it absolutely does not live up to the promises.
Where to Buy and Price
- Broadwave official site: ~$39.95 (often with inflated fake discounts)
- Amazon/Ebay: Lookalike models often sold under different names at similar or lower prices
- Return policy: Usually vague or difficult to claim
If you’ve already bought one and aren’t happy, be prepared for hoops if you try to get your money back.
Alternatives
- Mohu Leaf 50
- ClearStream 2MAX
- RCA Compact Outdoor Yagi
- Channel Master FLATenna
Conclusion: Would I Recommend It?
No. Unless you live in an area with exceptionally strong signals and can place the antenna near a window facing a transmission tower, you’re unlikely to get much use out of the Broadwave Antenna. In my case, it felt like throwing money at a promise that was never going to be fulfilled.
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