Picture this: You've set up your Freeview or Sky Box and indoor satellite, only to realise that the cable connecting the two falls short by around one metre. You've tried moving the aerial a little closer but your signal goes haywire leaving you with a static screen and very little hope – we've all been there, but luckily, aerial cables are here to help.
Aerial cables are used to connect a set-top box to indoor TV aerials, and can also be used to extend existing cables. The quality of your aerial cable will determine the visual and audio quality of your transmission, so it's always a good idea to do your research before making a decision. After all, the faster you can watch that crime documentary on BBC Two, the happier everyone involved will be.
To save you the pain of looking through hundreds, upon hundreds of cables on the internet, we've done the hard work and found the very best aerial cables that'll give you the most stable and high-quality transmission. Shop our top picks below.
The best aerial cables
Editor's pick
This 3m cable is ideal for connecting your Freeview TV to your aerial, and also works great as an extender via an adapter. It provides a high-quality picture with minimal interference, and the set-up is easy and hassle-free.
Pros:
Affordable
Comes with adapter
Cons:
Some reviewers complained of interference issues
Best all-rounder
Connect your TV, VCR, or TV aerial with the AmazonBasics coaxial cable. It can be used both indoors and out, and its UL CL2 rating permits in-wall use, thereby reducing cord clutter. There's minimal line interference, meaning crisp sound and high-quality video.
Pros:
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Effortless set-up
Provides clear audio/visual
Cons:
Connectors are a little flimsy
Best short aerial cable
If you're in need of a short lead, this one will do the job fantastically. The gold-plated connectors protect against electromagnetic interference, providing a sharp image and clear sound quality. The cable is well constructed and heavy-duty, with well-attached connectors that fit perfectly.
Pros:
Heavy duty
Delivers high-quality sound and video
Short cable reduces clutter
Cons:
A few reviewers complained of missing adapter
Best aerial cable for tight spaces
This aerial cable ensures high-level transmission and minimal interference to your devices thanks to the gold-plated connectors. It features a 90-degree connector to fit tight spaces and the additional plug adapter enables cable extension should you need it.
Pros:
Works great for tight spaces
Gold-plated connectors provide excellent signal
Additional plug adaptor
Cons:
Plug adapter sits loosely on cable
Longest aerial cable
If length is what you're after, look no further than the Labgear aerial cable. The double screen copper construction offers brilliant sound and picture, and the length makes it ideal for rooftop aerials.
Pros:
Great value for money
Excellent signal strength
Cons:
Complaints of low-quality construction
Recommended
The Ugreen aerial cable promises smooth, high definition video and stable transmission. The plug adapter included can be used for connection via an aerial socket or extending an existing cable, and the triple shielded construction ensures optional performance.
Pros:
High video and audio quality
Triple-shielded, durable construction
Cons:
A few signal dropouts reported
Pricier than other options on this list
Read more:
The best Freeview box: HD, 4K, recorders and smart streaming
The best streaming devices: For TV, media, streaming and on-demand
**Marina Avraam**is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for heatworld and Closer across beauty, tech, and lifestyle.
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