The Channel Master Flatenna (or FLATenna 35) is a well-made leaf-style antenna that’s capable of getting UHF signals.
Channel Master classifies the Flatenna as omni-directional, but it performs much like the dozens of other flat antennas on the market described as a multi-directional antenna.
There are two models – the Flatenna 35, an unamplified antenna, and the Flatenna+, which has an amplifier the company calls a “MicroAmp.”
I bought the Flatenna 35, and tested this antenna on a 2023 Vizio Smart TV just outside of Boston. After placing the antenna in a window facing local towers, I picked up 62 channels, including a couple of channels on the Hi-V band.
The Flatenna includes a 12-foot detachable, RG6 coaxial cable that you can plug into any Smart TV or older, non-Smart TV.
Design
The Flatenna measures 13.5 inches in width and just over 9.5 inches in height.
The width and height of the antenna panel is on the smaller side compared to some other similar antennas that I have here around the house. For example, the ClearStream FLEX from Antennas Direct is 2.5 inches wider and taller.
One side of the antenna panel is white, and the other is black, so you can show the side that best matches your home decor. Both the finish on the antenna, and the coaxial fitting on the bottom of the antenna feels durable and very well made.
Adhesive strips are provided with the antenna, making it easy to mount on a wall or window.
The quality of the build is something that’s difficult to quantify unless you’ve spent some money on the scores of cheap antennas found across major online retailers.
Specifications:
- Best Placement: High in a window, or against a wall facing local towers.
- Use cases: Good for metro areas and cities where TV viewers are close to towers.
- Antenna reception: omni-directional
- Receives bands: UHF
- Amplification: N/A (Only FLATena+ model)
- Gain: UHF: 6 dB, VHF: 3dB
- Impedance: 75 Ohm
- Weight: 13 oz
- Size: 13.5L x 10.75H x .75W in
Performance
Generally, a larger antenna panel can deliver better reception. However, if you just need UHF reception from nearby towners, the Flatenna 35 is very good at receiving local stations with a strong signal.
The model I purchased from Channel Master does not include an amplifier. Given that I am between two TV markets, not using an amplifier generally gives me better results with maximizing my channel lineup.
According to Channel Master, the Flatenna offers 3db VHF gain and 6db UHF gain.
With the Flatenna, I was able to receive 62 channels, although I noticed slight pixelation on a few channels broadcasting from towers around 30 miles away.
Conclusion
The Flatenna 35 is a good buy because it performs well when it comes to getting UHF signals. It does not over promise on what it can deliver. Channel Master says the antenna has a one-year limited warranty.
If you are living in a metropolitan area or large city, the Flatenna is a better pick than simple rabbit ears, which are known as low-gain antennas.
You should mount a Flatenna 35 in a window, facing it toward the broadcast towers from which you want to receive signals.
