Best Cell Phone Signal Booster for Rural Areas

1. Rural CEL-FI GO G41

The Nextivity CEL-FI GO G41 cell phone signal booster provides maximum gain for your chosen carrier. While other home boosters boost all carriers’ signals at the same time at low gain levels, the CEL-FI GO G41 boosts one carrier at a time—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, UScellular, or GCI Alaska—and provides stronger signal gain on that carrier’s clearest frequency.

For the best reception from long distances or weak cell towers, this system combines the CEL-FI GO G32 with a high-gain grid parabolic antenna. This antenna provides up to 25x more gain than a standard LPDA antenna and up to 15x more gain than a high-gain LPDA.

The CEL-FI GO G41 helps you stay connected and reduce dropped calls, undelivered text messages, and missed email messages. Transfer data faster in areas with weak cell service and buildings that block external cell signals.

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2. Cel-Fi GO X G32

Nextivity’s GO X is the most powerful cell phone booster for rural areas. It offers the highest gain on the market, up to 100dB. The only downside is that it can only boost one carrier at a time. However, you can switch between carriers when needed using the Cel-Fi WAVE app.

It’s highly customizable, and has multiple outdoor antenna options to really maximize the booster’s reach to the nearest cell tower. With the Quicksilver Yagi, you can reach cell towers up to 5 miles away, with the Arrow, you can reach cell towers up to 10 miles away, and with the Long Ranger, you can reach cell towers up to 20 miles away.

Unless you’re in a complete blind spot, this configuration will maintain a connection no matter how weak your cellular reception is. Rated to cover up to 15,000 square feet, but indoor coverage will vary depending on outside signal strength.

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3. Rural weBoost Home Complete Cell Signal Booster

The weBoost Home Complete cell signal booster delivers maximum power for the best cellular reception in your home or small office. Home Complete can reach cell towers up to 26% farther away than weBoost’s second most powerful home booster, the Home MultiRoom.

For the best signal, this system combines the Home Complete booster with a high-gain wideband donor antenna. High gain LPDA (directional) antennas have an average of 2½ times the gain (+4dB) of a standard LPDA antenna, while high gain omnidirectional antennas have 60% more gain (+2dB) than a standard omni antenna.

Stay connected with the strongest cell signal and experience fewer dropped calls, undelivered text messages, and missed email messages. Get faster data transfers, even in remote areas with weak cell service.

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4. Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel

The Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel Cellular Booster is the perfect choice for rural homes. It can cover up to 4,000 square feet with stronger cell reception in optimal conditions, which is more than enough for most people. With up to 26dBm uplink and up to +72dB gain, it has a very wide range and can significantly amplify weak signals.

When paired with the Bolton Quicksilver Outdoor Yagi Antenna, it works wonders in weak signal areas. This antenna can communicate with cell towers up to 5 miles away. Distance from the signal source is no longer an issue.

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5. HiBoost Multiroom Series-15K Smart Link Deluxe

HiBoost Multiroom Series-15K Smart Link Deluxe is a high-quality cellular booster specifically designed for homes and farms. With improved signal, this booster is a reliable solution for uninterrupted connectivity.

HiBoost Multiroom Series-15K Smart Link Deluxe is the perfect solution for those looking for a reliable cellular booster for their rural homes or farms. It provides maximum signal improvement and comprehensive coverage, making it an excellent choice for reliable connectivity in remote areas.

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6. weBoost for Business 200

The weBoost for Business 200 is one of the best cellular boosters for remote businesses, and for good reason. With a maximum gain of 72dB, it provides the most stable cellular signal possible on all available networks. The ability to generate up to 25dBm on the uplink is perfect for running your business smoothly in all signal environments.

In the best conditions, it can cover up to 10,000 square feet, but this will vary depending on how weak the cellular signal is. Multiple antennas may be required to maximize coverage.

This device has multiple antenna configurations. For areas with weak signals, we recommend the Yagi/Panel kit.

The Office 200 is a self-installation device. If you prefer professional installation, consider the weBoost for Business Installed Office 200.

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7. SureCall Flare 3.0

The SureCall Flare 3.0 cellular booster is an affordable yet reliable rural cellular booster. It includes a Yagi antenna and a stylish amplifier that are ideal for weak signal environments. The indoor antenna is built into the amplifier, making the Flare 3.0 one of the easiest devices to install yourself.

With up to 72dB gain and 26dBm uplink, it provides optimal amplification and range to even the furthest cell towers of its kind. It’s rated to cover 3,000 square feet, but will likely only provide coverage from multiple rooms to a single point.

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8. HiBoost Mini Series- Sidekick

The HiBoost Mini Series- Sidekick is a compact and efficient cellular booster that’s ideal for smaller homes and spaces. It can significantly improve signal quality and ensure a stable connection anywhere in your home.

You want a high-quality, stable cellular connection without the inconvenience of not being able to make calls or load online pages wherever you are. That’s why the HiBoost Mini Series- Sidekick is the best choice for you.

Traveling the countryside in an RV can be an amazing experience, but sometimes cellular signal issues can occur. That’s why using a cellular signal booster is important for a comfortable living and recreational experience. The benefits include improved connectivity, better data speeds, and staying connected with family and friends even when you’re away.

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9. weBoost Office 100

weBoost Office 100 is an excellent choice for those looking to boost multiple carriers at a slightly lower cost. It offers the same high-quality performance as the Office 200, but at a lower price. If you don’t mind missing out on some of the bells and whistles, like an LCD display, this booster will give you strong, reliable coverage without breaking the bank.

The weBoost Office 100 is ideal for anyone who needs strong multi-carrier coverage in medium to large spaces and doesn’t mind giving up the LCD display. It’s a great option for homes or offices with solid outside signals who want reliable coverage at an affordable price.

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10. Bolton Velocity Vehicle

The Velocity Vehicle is designed to keep drivers and passengers connected, even in the most challenging environments. Built with the highest gain and uplink. Even when there is only a slight cellular signal, Velocity will keep all your devices connected.

This model features a magnetically mounted antenna that is ideal for everyday cars, SUVs, and trucks. Easy to install. Configurations for RVs, off-roaders, and semi-trailers are also available.

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How to Choose the the best Cell Signal booster?

Choosing the best cell phone signal booster and antenna for your location requires examining the specific needs and requirements of your location. This includes understanding factors such as signal strength, coverage, and the amount of gain needed to adequately improve cell service.

There are different types of antennas that can be used to boost cell service, such as directional and omnidirectional antennas. Each type offers specific benefits in terms of signal strength and coverage, and should be chosen based on the unique challenges of your location.

In rural areas, directional antennas are often the best choice. They can pick up weak signals from a single cell tower and amplify them while reducing interference from other sources. Alternatively, omnidirectional antennas can cover a wider area, but may be less effective at significantly improving weak signal issues.

In addition, vehicle cellular booster solutions are designed for vehicles and offer impressive signal boosting capabilities to improve cell service while on the move. This is perfect for those who enjoy the RV and camping lifestyle, as well as those who work from the road. These products are compatible with a variety of smartphone devices and ensure a more stable cell phone signal during road trips, allowing travelers to stay connected wherever they go.

When choosing an indoor antenna, consider factors such as the layout of your building, the coverage you want within your building, and the strength of the cell signal you receive. Panel antennas are best for areas with solid walls and floors, while dome antennas are better suited for open spaces and ensure even signal distribution.

FAQs

What are the best cell phone booster brands?

Booster manufacturers have to use a variety of methods to detect the best signal from nearby towers and then amplify it without messing up the carrier system. That’s why you should mainly stick with boosters from the big four companies: Cel-Fi, HiBoost, SureCall, and weBoost. Cheap boosters sold on Amazon often aren’t FCC certified and can cause problems with nearby cell sites and networks.

Do cell phone boosters really work?

Boosters are most helpful when your signal is weak. They won’t help you when there’s no signal at all. While your phone will display bars, people in the wireless industry measure signals in -dBm. Anything above about -90dBm (e.g. -80 or -70) is a strong signal. Anything below -110dBm is definitely weak, and anything below -120dBm may not be sustainable. Services like CellMapper can show you the signal your phone is receiving.

If you’re hesitant to invest in a home booster and need coverage primarily for phone calls, try Wi-Fi calling. All major carriers support this feature, and you can often get better call performance over your home Wi-Fi connection.

How do cell phone boosters work?

The basic principle behind signal boosters is simple: a big antenna is better than a small one. Instead of relying on your phone’s small antenna, a booster uses a large antenna in a window or outside your house (or car) to capture cellular signals, pass them through a device that cleans and amplifies them, and then transmits them through a repeater inside your home.

A booster typically consists of three main components: an outside antenna that sits outside your home, a booster that cleans and amplifies the signal, and an antenna that you place inside your home. A coaxial cable connects all of these.

Some products combine the booster and indoor antenna into one unit, making installation and placement easier. However, if you have a larger home and are willing to use coax, you can greatly extend the range of your booster with a splitter and multiple panel antennas. This can get complicated, so it’s recommended that you have a professional installer set up the system at this point (especially to reduce interference between multiple antennas within your home).

Most boosters cover bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, and 66. These are the primary coverage bands for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The important missing band is 71, T-Mobile’s 600MHz rural coverage band. The FCC has not approved consumer boosters for band 71 because it took a while for TV stations to move out of that band. If you want to boost that band, you’ll need to buy an industrial booster like the WilsonPro 710i or SureCall Force8.

Most home boosters also boost signals between 64 and 71 dB. Again, this is due to FCC regulations. If you need more boost than that, you’ll need to go with Cel-Fi’s line of single-carrier boosters, which can boost one carrier’s frequency at a time, up to 100 dB. The Booster Store Waveform has a comprehensive guide on their site on how boosters work.

Do Cell Phone Boosters Work in Very Remote Areas?

Yes, they do! Cell phone boosters are specifically designed to help in areas where signals are weak or unstable, including very remote areas. The key is to choose a booster with a strong external antenna, such as a directional or high-gain LPDA, that can reach distant cell towers. When used with proper installation, this can significantly improve signal strength.

Can a signal booster improve internet speeds in rural areas?

Absolutely. A stronger cell signal means faster data speeds, which can make a big difference when streaming video, browsing the web, or working from home. A booster can help eliminate slow data speeds and buffering, even in rural areas, by amplifying the signal from your phone or cellular modem.

Is a directional or omnidirectional antenna better for rural areas?

For most rural areas, a directional antenna is the best choice. These antennas focus on receiving signals from a specific direction, making them ideal for reaching distant cell towers. Omnidirectional antennas, on the other hand, receive signals from all directions, making them better suited for urban or suburban areas with multiple towers.

How long do cell phone boosters usually last?

Cell phone boosters are built to last. With proper care and regular maintenance, such as checking connections and cleaning the antenna, your booster can easily last for years. Most boosters come with warranties, such as a 3-year hardware warranty offered by many top models, for added peace of mind.

Do I need a professional to install a booster in a rural area?

It depends on your comfort level and the complexity of the installation. Some boosters, like weBoost Installed Home Complete, come with professional installation, which can be a good option if you want to make sure everything is set up perfectly. However, many boosters are designed for DIY installation and can be installed and operated by yourself with the right tools and instructions.

Are cell phone boosters legal for rural areas?

All of the best cell phone boosters for rural areas that we recommend are FCC approved. They are 100% legal to use anywhere in the United States.

Do signal boosters work on farms?

Yes. Most farms are far from cell towers. You will need a signal booster that has a very long reach to the cell tower.

Can I use a rural signal booster when camping?

If you have access to power, an enclosed space (like a cabin or vehicle), and some cell signal, a cellular booster can help you stay connected while camping.

Can I improve my cell service with a signal booster in the woods?

If you’re looking to improve your cell reception in a cabin or home in the woods, yes. All you need is a small portion of your existing cell signal.

Can I improve my cell reception with a signal booster in the mountains?

If your cell signal reaches the mountains, our top recommended equipment can help improve your cell reception.

Will this cell booster keep me connected when I’m off-grid?

It depends. If you’re in a dead zone, unfortunately, a cell booster won’t work. However, if your cell signal is weak, it can help you maintain your connection when you’re off-grid, if it’s available.

What’s the best cell booster for your car?

Car boosters are similar to home boosters, with one exception. You can only buy a single unit, a car cradle booster. These are much less powerful than home boosters (the one we tested boosted 23dB instead of 65-75dB), but they’re inexpensive, take a few seconds to install and remove, and don’t radiate beyond the base that holds your phone. We like the weBoost Drive Sleek as a single-device booster.

Car signal booster installed in your car?

A small pin on the top of the car indicates that the booster is in use (Source: Sascha Segan) RV owners and people who need to boost multiple devices in their vehicles can get a car booster that has a small radiating antenna to handle multiple devices. However, this can be tricky because the output antenna is so close to the input antenna.

Can it boost your 5G signal?

Cellular boosters generally can’t boost the “good parts” of a 5G network. AT&T and Verizon carry a small amount of 5G on older cellular bands 2 and 5. The booster handles this, so the booster can bring up the 5G icon, but the signal doesn’t provide a significantly different experience than 4G. The fastest 5G networks for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are currently in the n41, n77, n260, and n261 bands, and consumer boosters don’t reliably support these bands.

There’s a clever way around this. While there are no powered boosters that work in these bands, passive antennas can still improve your signal. You’ll only get a 10-20dB gain, not a 70dB gain, but that’s not insignificant (and the fact that the antenna is external can help).

If you’re willing to take on a bit of an installation project, Waveform’s Griddy parabolic antenna and MIMO panel antenna will improve your signal on the 5G band n77. You can also turn your outdoor cell signal into an indoor Wi-Fi signal by connecting an outdoor cellular antenna to a Wi-Fi hotspot with a TS9 connector, such as the Netgear Nighthawk M6.

Conclusion

Boosting your cell phone signal in rural areas can make a big difference in staying connected, whether you’re working from home, keeping in touch with loved ones, or simply enjoying the convenience of a strong, reliable signal. With the right cell phone booster, annoying dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and dead spots can be a thing of the past.

Investing in a rural cell phone booster is a worthwhile decision for individuals who live or work in remote areas. Understanding the factors that contribute to weak signals and choosing the right cell phone signal booster for your needs can help you dramatically improve your cell phone reception and stay connected to loved ones, work, and emergency services.