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TV reception can be a nuisance for those living in remote areas where the signal is weak or there is a lot of interference. A long-range antenna will help to pick up VHF, UHF, FM and HD signals to boost TV and radio signals.
Channel Master is a well-known brand creating two series of antennae, the Advantage, and the Masterpiece. We are going to compare the Channel Master 3020 from the Advantage range and the Channel Master 5020 from the Masterpiece range. We will look at all of their features and then include them in a side-by-side chart for a quick recap. With some pros and cons of each, we will decide which is the better antenna.
We will start with what the Channel Master 3020 and the Channel Master 5020 have in common.
Channel Master 3020 vs 5020 – Similarities
Quick Glance
The following comparison chart has all of the specifications of the Channel Master 3020 and the Channel Master 5020.
Channel Master 3020 | Channel Master 5020 | |
| Image |  |  |
| Size | 153 x 95 x 22 inches | 116 x 101.5 x 20 inches |
| Weight | 7lbs | 11.5lbs |
| Elements | Not stated | 28 |
| Range | Up to 100 miles | Up to 100 miles |
| Amplifier Included | No | No |
| Gain/Ratio | VHF-8.6 dB, UHF-9.5 dB, F/B- 16 dB | VHF-10 dB, UHF-16 dB, F/B 17 dB |
| Impedance | Not stated | 300 Ohm |
| Turning Radius | 8ft | 6ft |
| Wind Resistance | 37lbs with 100 mph and no ice | 30lbs with 100 mph and no ice |
| Construction | High-quality materials to withstand extreme outdoor conditions | Heavy-duty, ½ inch aluminum elements, powder-coated finish, UV stabilized plastics, bifurcated rivets |
| Snap Out Reflectors | Not stated | Yes |
| What’s Included | U-bolt mounting clamp up to 2.5 inches, user guide | U-bolt mounting clamp up to 2.5 inches, user guide |
| Price |
Antennae Range
The Advantage and Masterpiece series have 3 ranges, 45 miles, 60 miles and 100 miles. We are going to focus on the Channel Master 3020 and the Channel Master 5020, which have a 100-mile range. They do come with amplifiers but if you choose to add an amplifier, you can increase the range.
What’s Included
You will receive a U-bolt mounting clamp for up to 2.5 inches with the Channel Master 3020 and the Channel Master 5020. They also come with a user guide.
Surprisingly, that is all the antennae have in common. Looking at the differences, we noticed that some had similarities and others were missing information.
Differences Between Channel Master 3020 and Channel Master 5020
Appearance
While both are obviously antennae, they are easy to tell apart.
Channel Master 3020
The antenna measures 153 x 95 x 22 inches and weighs 7 pounds. It is chrome. There is no information about the number of elements the antenna has.
Channel Master 5020
It measures 116 x 101.5 x 20 inches. It weighs a little more at 11.5 pounds and it is chrome and black. There are 28 elements in total.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 5020
Read next – Channel Master 3671 vs 5020: Which Antennas is Better?
Gain/Ratio
It is important to remember that the exact signal gain will depend on your area, the position of towers and the height of installation.
Channel Master 3020
The gain with VHF signals is 8.6 dB and 9.5 dB for UHF. The front-to-back ratio is 16 dB.
Channel Master 5020
In each case, there is a little more gain. VHF is 10 dB, UHF is 16 dB and the front to back ratio is 17 dB.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 5020
Read next – Clearstream 2V vs Clearstream 2 Max: Which Antennas are Better?
Impedance
Impedance controls the flow of electricity. It is especially important for the voltage to the current at the input to the antenna.
Channel Master 3020
There is no information regarding the impedance.
Channel Master 5020
The impedance is 300 Ohm.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 5020
Turning Radius
If you have any other wires or cables close to where you want to install the antenna, you should check the turning radius.
Channel Master 3020
The turning radius is 8 feet.
Channel Master 5020
The turning radius is 6 feet.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Wind Resistance
Channel Master has ensured that both the antennae are suitable for high winds.
Channel Master 3020
It can withstand up to 37 pounds of wind at 100 miles per hour as long as there is no ice.
Channel Master 5020
Again, with 100 mph of wind and no ice, this antenna can withstand up to 30 pounds.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 3020
Construction
The product descriptions are different, this might be because of a lack of information but we aren’t going to make assumptions.
Channel Master 3020
It is made from high-quality materials that are able to handle extreme outdoor conditions.
Channel Master 5020
It has a heavy-duty construction with ½ inch aluminum elements and a powder-coated finish. There are UV stabilized plastics and bifurcated rivets.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 5020
Snap Out Reflectors
Snap out reflectors make assembly even easier.
Channel Master 3020
The information doesn’t say that these are snap-out reflectors.
Channel Master 5020
This antenna has snap-out reflectors.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 5020
Pros and Cons
We will take a quick look at some pros and cons of Channel Master 3020 and Channel Master 5020 before our final verdict.
Channel Master 3020
Pros:
- Excellent at picking up HDTV when towers are in the same direction
- The great picture quality on a wide range of channels
- It can handle mountains and buildings that would normally interfere
Cons:
- It is incredibly long, perhaps a little unsightly for some and you might not be able to install it alone.
Channel Master 5020
Pros:
- The build is sturdier
- The exceptional range for all types of signals and HD is perfectly clear
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- It is a little pricey
The Final Verdict
Both the Channel Master 3030 and the Channel Master 5020 are large antennae. While the assembly is easy, you may want to have a professional install them! That being said, the Channel Master 5020 is easier to assemble, slightly smaller, and very well built. The gain is a fraction better, but this is enough to receive more channels and better picture quality. Currently, it is about $20 more expensive, but we felt it was worth it. So, today’s winner is the Channel Master 5020.