How much does TV aerial installation cost in 2025?

The way we watch TV has changed dramatically in recent years, with most homeowners now accessing streaming services, smart TVs and IPTV services.

However, TV aerial technology has also come on in leaps and bounds, allowing you to upgrade your TV experience even more

So, how much does TV aerial installation cost?

Here, we’ll give you the full lowdown, including price breakdowns for different types of TV aerials and the various factors at play.

How much does TV aerial installation cost in the UK?

The average cost of TV aerial installation in the UK is £250 – including both materials and labour.

However, costs can vary based on lots of factors – like the type of aerial and the number of TV points required.

Material costs

The average cost for materials when it comes to TV aerial installation is £150.

This includes the aerial, pole and bracket.

On the other hand, if you’re simply replacing an existing TV aerial, material costs will be closer to £50.

Labour costs

The average cost of labour for TV aerial installation is £150.

Alternatively, you’re looking at around £75 for a straight TV aerial replacement.

Just bear in mind that this can vary based on things like the type of aerial and ease of access.

Types of TV aerials and their costs

There are three main groups of TV aerials in the UK:

• Outdoor aerials
• Loft aerials
• Indoor aerials

The type you choose will have an impact on your overall costs – as well as the quality of TV you get.

Outdoor aerial installation costs

The average outdoor TV aerial installation cost is £250.

Outdoor TV aerials are installed on your rooftop.

They’re the best for reliability and good signal, making them more expensive than their in-loft counterparts.

There are a few different types of outdoor aerials – the most common are Yagi aerials, which have a long rod called a boom, with smaller ‘elements’ coming off it to pick up radio waves.

Meanwhile, high-gain TV aerials are ideal for areas that struggle with TV signal – they are longer and have extra elements attached to the boom.

• Yagi aerials typically cost around £40 - £50 (excluding labour)
• High-gain TV aerials cost around £30 - £40

Loft aerial installation costs

The average loft TV aerial installation cost is £90 -£150.

Loft aerials are installed in your loft.

This makes them easier and cheaper to install than outdoor aerials.

It also means they’re tucked away out of sight, which makes them a good option if you don’t like the appearance of standard outdoor aerials – or if there’s no suitable place on your roof to locate one.

However, their signal isn’t as good due to the interference of the roof and walls. This means they’re only really reliable if you live in an area with relatively strong signal.

Indoor TV aerial prices

The average self-fit indoor TV aerial cost is £60 (materials only).

Indoor aerials are kept indoors, next to your TV.

They typically come as kits that are easy for you to install yourself – saving you on installation costs.

However, they’re much less effective than outdoor aerials due to their location.

That said, they can be a valid option if you live in a built-up, urban area with strong signal – or if you don’t have permission to use the roof of your home.

Factors affecting TV aerial installation prices

There are lots of different things that can affect your total TV aerial price. Here are the main ones.

1. Cables

If your current cables are not of good quality, or are not suitable for use with your new aerial, you will need to pay for new cables.

2. Type of aerial

As every aerial is designed for a specific purpose, the price of each will vary.

3. Strength of local signal

If the signal in your area is poor, you may need a higher quality or more expensive aerial.

4. TV provider

Depending on your TV provider, you may need to choose a specific type of aerial. This could increase your cost.

5. Number of TV points

An aerial socket lets you connect your TV to your aerial. If you want to have access to a TV in several rooms, you may need to install extra TV sockets in your home, which will come with extra costs.

The average TV aerial socket installation cost is £110.

6. Accessibility of installation site

If your aerial is installed in a spot that’s hard to reach, like your roof, this could lead to longer installation times and higher labour costs.

7. Quality of the aerial

The higher the quality of aerial you need, the higher the overall price is likely to be.

8. Your location

Labour costs vary widely across different areas of the UK. In particular, they tend to be higher in the south than in the north. Look for TV aerial fitters near you to get an accurate price for the work.

9. Replacement vs new installation

Replacing an existing aerial will usually cost less than installing a new one from scratch.

10. Length of pole

Each aerial will need a different type of pole. If you’re replacing an existing aerial, you may find you need to buy a different type of pole too, which can add to your costs.

Replacing an existing aerial vs installing a new one

Replacing an existing aerial will generally cost less than installing a new aerial from scratch.

This is because it requires fewer materials and less labour time.

• The cost to remove and replace an existing aerial is around £125
• The cost to install a new aerial from scratch is around £250

You might find yourself replacing a TV aerial if your old aerial isn’t performing properly or you want to upgrade to one that’s better-quality.

Materials

• Material costs for an aerial replacement are around £50
• Material costs for a new TV aerial installation are around £150

Labour

• Labour costs for an aerial replacement are around £75
• Labour costs for a new aerial installation are around £100

TV aerial repair costs

TV aerial repairs typically cost in the region of £85 - £165.

Lots of issues that you may experience with your TV aerial can be repaired.

For instance, if you’re looking at pixelated pictures on your TV or the signal keeps disappearing, a repair could solve the problem.

TV aerial repair vs replacement

Wondering when it’s worth repairing your TV aerial? And when replacement might be a better option?

Well, it will likely come down to the extent of the repair, as well as the age of your aerial.

Repair

A repair could be worth it if…

• It’s a smaller, easier repair
• Your aerial is relatively new
• Your aerial is in good condition

Replacement

A replacement will be the preferable option if…

• It’s a bigger repair
• Your aerial is older
• Your aerial isn’t in great condition
• The cost of the repair is close to the cost of replacement

Remember, the cost of replacing your aerial with a newer model is just £125. Meanwhile, the average repair costs £120, which is almost the same!

With that in mind, unless it’s a minor, low-cost repair, a replacement is likely to be the more sensible option.

Satellite dish installation costs

The average cost of satellite dish installation is £300 (including the cost of a satellite receiver).

If you’re hoping to access Sky TV, Freesat, Soarsat or foreign TV systems, you might want to invest in a satellite dish instead of – or as well as – a TV aerial.

Satellite systems typically cost more than installing a TV aerial.

This is largely because nearly all TVs sold in the UK don’t have a satellite dish connection – meaning you’ll probably need to pay for a satellite receiver as well as the dish itself (this is what decodes and demodulates the signal so you can watch your favourite shows).

Here’s how the two compare.

Satellite dish

• Receives signals from satellites in orbit
• Offers more channels
• Better image quality
• More reliable signals
• May have monthly fees
• Can be placed almost anywhere on your roof
• More expensive than a TV aerial

TV aerial

• Receives signals from broadcast towers on Earth
• Number of channels available depends on location
• Signal quality can vary depending on location
• No monthly fees
• Must be positioned in the perfect spot to get full reception
• Costs less than a satellite dish

DIY TV aerial installation: is it worth it?

If you’re looking to get a budget indoor aerial, you should be able to install it yourself. After all, these typically come as kits designed for self-assembly.

However, if you’re looking to install a loft or outdoor aerial, we’d strongly recommend hiring a professional.

This is because setting your aerial up correctly can be difficult.

You’ll need to:

• Choose the right aerial for your needs
• Pinpoint the best location for it
• Fit it properly

If you’re fitting an outdoor aerial, you’ll even need to scale your roof, which you shouldn’t attempt without the right safety training and equipment.

If things go wrong:

• The signal will be less clear
• Your aerial could even fall off your roof
• You could injure yourself
• You could even end up injuring someone in the vicinity
• You could damage your property

Ultimately, hiring a professional is the best way to make sure your aerial is installed safely and to a high standard.

Are TV aerials being phased out?

Many homeowners nowadays can enjoy watching TV without a TV aerial, thanks to the rise of technology such as streaming services and smart TVs.

But this doesn’t mean that TV aerials are being phased out. Rather, aerial technology has also advanced and has become a cost-effective and reliable option.

In fact, many homeowners nowadays opt for a hybrid viewing experience, allowing them to enjoy streaming services as well as digital terrestrial TV.

• Broadband speeds can still make viewing TV shows and films a frustrating experience
• A TV aerial provides a simple and reliable alternative
• Terrestrial TV can produce a clear picture quality and no interruptions

Of course, as technology continues to evolve over the next decade, TV aerials could become less and less necessary.

Don’t worry if you’re overwhelmed by the choices. An experienced and knowledgeable TV aerial fitter will be able to help you find the best solution for your home.

Find an experienced TV aerial installer near you

Ready to reap the benefits of a new TV aerial?

Then all that remains is to find an experienced TV aerial installer near you.

Luckily, you’re in the right place.

At Checkatrade, all our tradespeople have to pass up to 12 checks to get listed on our directory, and regularly receive reviews from homeowners on everything from punctuality to professionalism.

In fact, we’re so confident in the quality of the TV aerial installers on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000 (Eligibility and T&Cs apply).

Enter your postcode into the search box below to find a trusted TV aerial installer.

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to install a TV aerial?

The cheapest way to install a TV aerial is to buy a self-fit indoor aerial and install it yourself. A budget indoor aerial of this kind could cost just £60 (materials only).

However, these aerials are much less effective than outdoor aerials due to their location. So, it’s worth spending a little more on a loft or outdoor aerial if you can.

How long does it take to install a TV aerial?

How long it takes to install a TV aerial will depend on what type you choose and whether you need to add aerial sockets.

• Outdoor aerial: 2-4 hours
• Loft aerial: 1-2 hours
• Aerial socket: 1-2 hours

Can I use my old aerial for digital TV?

Yes, as long as your old TV aerial is large enough and positioned correctly, you should be able to use it for digital TV. TV aerials don’t differentiate between analog and digital signals so your old aerial should work for both.

What are the benefits of a professional TV aerial installation?

Getting a professional to install your TV aerial comes with lots of benefits. Here are the main ones.

• Advise you on the best aerial for your needs
• Position your aerial correctly
• Install your aerial to a high standard
• Work at height safely
• Correctly fit your aerial so it doesn’t fall
• Share tips and advice

Do I need a satellite dish for Freesat?

Yes, you’ll need a satellite dish to access Freesat.

Most are compatible with Freesat so if you already have a dish, you may be able to keep it. Alternatively, talk to a satellite dish installer near you to get a dish capable of receiving Freesat.

You’ll also need a Freesat TV box or a Freesat-enabled TV to connect your satellite to.

You can expect to pay roughly £175 for satellite dish installation (excluding VAT). Meanwhile, a Humax Freesat box will typically cost around £145.

How do I find a reliable aerial installer near me?

It’s easy to find a reliable aerial installer near you right here on Checkatrade.

All the tradespeople on our directory are carefully checked and vetted so you know you’re hiring someone you can trust.

Enter your postcode into the search box below to get started.