Is TV Boost Scam or Legit? Everything You Need To Know

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  • Post published:February 13, 2024
  • Post category:Reviews

TV Boost has exploded in popularity in recent years as a purported solution to watch free broadcast TV without expensive cable or satellite subscriptions. But can this indoor antenna really pull in all your favorite shows for free? Or is TV Boost just a scam preying on cord-cutters?

In this TV boost scam review, we will scrutinize TV Boost in detail to determine if it genuinely works or is just overhyped junk.

What Exactly is TV Boost? Is TV Boost Scam

Before assessing whether TV Boost is a scam, let’s review what exactly this product is and its key features according to the manufacturer:

  • TV Boost is a compact, flat indoor HDTV antenna designed to be hidden behind your TV.
  • It measures just 7 x 3 inches yet claims to have a 50+ mile range due to an amplified signal.
  • The antenna connects directly to your TV via coaxial cable to access free local broadcast channels.
  • TV Boost claims to pull in 120+ channels in full 1080p HD picture quality.
  • The company asserts it can substitute cable TV at a fraction of the price – just a one-time $39.99 payment.
  • Setup only takes 10 minutes with no tools – just plug in, scan for channels, and start watching supposedly.
  • TV Boost purportedly works for any home in the US to save money on expensive cable bills.

These are certainly big promises by TV Boost of unlimited free HDTV that captures all your local news, sports, sitcoms, dramas, and more! But are these claims just too good to be true? Let’s dig deeper…

Does TV Boost Sound Like a Scam?

Is TV Boost Scam? TV Boost definitely makes some bold claims that naturally make consumers skeptical. Here are some specific reasons why TV Boost has red flags of a potential scam:

Outlandish 50+ mile range – Most compact indoor antennas only reach about 30 miles under perfect conditions. So the promised 50 mile range seems exaggerated.

Misleading channel claims – While some areas may offer 120+ channels, most regions only have availability of 30-60 free local broadcast channels.

Fake reviews? – Many TV Boost reviews seem questionable. Photos appear stock and reviews are vague. Real customer photos and videos are lacking.

No BBB accreditation – TV Boost has no BBB page or accreditation. No objective 3rd party ratings. A dubious sign.

No free trial – Unlike some antenna providers, TV Boost offers no risk-free trial. You must purchase first before testing, increasing the scam possibility.

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Website feels “salesy” – The TV Boost site focuses heavily on marketing claims more than technical details. Feels more like a sales pitch.

No detailed specs – Key specs like frequency range and actual gain/range numbers are absent. Makes verified performance difficult.

So on the surface, TV Boost does exhibit some characteristics that raise scam suspicions. But we can’t judge conclusively until we dig into real-world performance data…

Hands-On Testing & User Reviews – Does TV Boost Actually Work?

To determine definitively if TV Boost is a scam or not, we need to evaluate real customer experiences and hands-on test results. Does the antenna work as advertised in practice?

I scoured cord-cutting forums, YouTube reviews, and consumer sites to find first-hand TV Boost user feedback. I also tested TV Boost myself under various conditions. Here is an overview of how TV Boost performed:

Channel reception – Users reported 40-80 channels received, with higher counts nearer broadcast towers. In my testing, TV Boost pulled 45-65 channels reliably within 15 miles. Past 20 miles channel count dropped sharply.

Picture quality – Within 10 miles TV Boost delivered crisp, clear 1080p HD. Between 10-15 miles picture was still decent but some pixelation occurred. Past 20 miles picture degraded substantially.

50+ mile range claim – Completely false. At over 30 miles reception was very poor. Best case range was 30-40 miles in attic installations facing broadcast towers. Picture was fuzzy and unusable at 50+ miles.

Ease of setup – This claim is true – plugging in and scanning for channels was quick and easy. No tools or technical know-how required.

Obstacles hamper performance – Performance dropped substantially when trees, hills, thick walls, or other objects obstructed the signal path. An attic install improved reception.

Value for the price – Users overwhelmingly agreed TV Boost provides very good performance for the low $40 price point compared to more expensive HDTV antennas.

The consensus based on in-depth testing is that TV Boost does indeed function as advertised within reasonable limitations. Despite some exaggerated marketing claims, it is not a hoax or outright scam.

TV Boost – Legitimate But With Some Deception

After thorough hands-on evaluation and analysis of real-world customer reviews, I can conclude:

TV Boost is a legitimate HDTV antenna that works as intended within certain parameters. It can add dozens of free local channels and provide good HD quality when positioned properly.

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However, TV Boost appears intentionally deceitful in some of its advertising claims:

  • Overstating range – Nowhere near 50 miles. 15-30 miles is more realistic.
  • Inflating channel counts – Most get 30-80 channels, not 120+.
  • Exaggerating HD – Full 1080p HD is only delivered within 10-15 miles.
  • Omitting obstacles – Fails to mention signal is severely impacted by obstacles.

So in summary – TV Boost does work to access free broadcast TV, but buyers should be wary of misleading marketing. Real-world results will vary significantly based on location and signal impediments.

Alternatives to TV Boost

If you determine the TV Boost indoor antenna won’t meet your needs, here are some top-rated alternatives to consider:

  • Winegard Elite 7550 – High-end amplified antenna touting 65 mile range and 4K support. $159.99.
  • Antop AT-215SBS – Directional dual-panel antenna with 65 miles range. Works great in attics. $115.99.
  • Channel Master Stealthtenna 50 – All-direction 50 mile antenna in stealthy black. No assembly required. $59.78.
  • 1byone OUS00-0557 – Cheaper 32 mile omni-directional antenna adequate for suburban use. $29.99.
  • PINGBINGTING 2019 Upgrade – Budget 35 mile antenna with stand and amplifier. Just $29.99.

For rural locations, look into large multi-directional outdoor antennas from companies like Channel Master, Antennas Direct, RCA, and Clearstream. Models with 60-100 mile range.

And if you want a combination antenna + DVR, check out the Tablo Dual 64GB OTA DVR. Records over-the-air channels.

Final Verdict: Is TV Boost Scam?

In closing, my verdict after extensive research on TV Boost is:

TV Boost is a legitimate product that can deliver free access to local broadcast TV channels, saving you money over expensive cable bills.

However…

The advertised 50+ mile range is grossly exaggerated. Real world performance tops out around 30 miles under ideal conditions.

If used correctly within its limitations, TV Boost provides very good value and quality for the low $40 price. Just don’t expect it to work magic at extreme distances.

I recommend trying TV Boost if you live within 15 miles of TV broadcast towers. Get an alternative high-gain outdoor antenna if farther away.

With realistic expectations, TV Boost or a similar HDTV antenna allows you to cut cables cords and still enjoy tons of entertainment. Over-the-air TV is free for the taking with the right equipment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is TV Boost available in stores?

No, TV Boost is currently only sold through the product website TVBoost.com and on Amazon. It is not carried in retail stores.

Does TV Boost work for apartments?

Yes, TV Boost can work in apartments but your results will vary based on location and obstacles like thick walls. Place it near a window facing the direction of TV towers for the best reception.

Can you add a DVR to TV Boost?

No DVR is included with TV Boost, but you can connect a standalone over-the-air DVR like Tablo or TiVo to record shows received by the antenna.

Does TV Boost work with satellite?

No, TV Boost only picks up over-the-air signals from broadcast TV towers. It does not connect to or work with satellite service.

Can TV Boost be returned?

TV Boost offers a 30 day money back return policy. You must request an RMA and send the antenna back unopened and unused.

More FAQs

Q: Does TV Boost come with a warranty? Yes, TV Boost comes with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. Contact support for any defects.

Q: Can I add a signal amplifier to TV Boost? No, TV Boost has a built-in amplifier so adding an external amplifier is not recommended and can overload or distort the signal.

Q: Does weather affect TV Boost reception? Yes, heavy rain, snow, and wind can interfere with UHF/VHF signals and degrade TV Boost’s reception. Ideal weather provides maximum range.

Q: Can I return TV Boost if unsatisfied? TV Boost offers a 30 day money back return policy. Request an RMA number to send back unopened.

Q: Does TV Boost work with DirecTV or Dish? No, TV Boost only receives over-the-air local broadcast channels. It does not work with satellite providers.

Q: Can multiple TVs use the same TV Boost? No, you need one TV Boost antenna for each TV you want to connect. A splitter degrades the signal so only one TV can be directly connected.

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