The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (2023)

Especially if it's youto work at home, cellular dead zones aren't just annoying, they're mission critical. If you have a weak signal or no signal at home, an amplifier can help.

With that in mind, these are the best boosters for homes, apartments, cars, and anywhere you need better coverage. Below you will find everything you need to know before you buy.

Deeper insight: our best tested tips

The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (1)

SureCall Flare 3.0

The best for the home

4.0 excellent

Why we chose it

SureCall Flare 3.0 is affordable, supports AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon and combines an outdoor directional antenna with an indoor omnidirectional antenna. This means you can play around with the outdoor antenna to get the best possible signal, place the indoor antenna where you want and still have coverage. In our tests, it worked in three indoor rooms.

who it's for

This signal booster is ideal if you want to improve mobile coverage in a small to medium sized home. It is also quite easy to set up, which adds to its appeal.

ADVANTAGE

  • Not an installation
  • Flexible location
  • Raises multiple carriers

Disadvantages

  • Does not amplify T-Mobile bands 41 and 71

OUTBID NOW

$300.14 Amazon(opens in a new window)

Learn more

SureCall Flare 3.0 Review

The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (2)

(Video) Best Cell Phone Signal Booster 2023 [don’t buy one before watching this]

weBoost Drive Slank

The best for cars

4.0 excellent

Why we chose it

The WeBoost Drive Sleek provides an excellent, secure mount that fits almost any phone, while the USB-A port on the power adapter keeps your device charged. During testing, we got about a 17-18dB improvement compared to T-Mobile and Verizon, which was enough to keep our in-car navigation running the extra mile it took us.

who it's for

This is intended for frequent travelers who are often in places where cell phone reception is poor. It helps maintain your GPS throughout the journey and can prove invaluable if you ever need to make a call from a remote location.

ADVANTAGE

  • Improves the signal on all carriers
  • Secure phone holder
  • Easy to use

Disadvantages

  • Raises only one unit
  • No support for Band 41 or 71

OUTBID NOW

$199.99 Amazon (opens in a new window)

Learn more

weBoost Drive Streamlined walkthrough

The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (3)

weBoost Home Studio

Best for small spaces

4.0 excellent

Why we chose it

weBoost Home Studio is a two-part booster with a particularly small, discreet room spot so that it does not overcrowd an already crowded room. Like other weBoost products, it is based on a directional antenna that you mount outside on a mast or on the roof to receive the best possible signal. Within the space it occupies, the boost potential is about the same as the larger SureCall Flare 3.0. But because it's compact, it offers slightly less range than the Flare and much less coverage than a whole-home system like the weBoost Home Multiroom.

who it's for

Apartment dwellers should appreciate this booster, as it can cover a medium-sized room with cellular signals. It also works easily with all major US carriers.

(Video) Top 5 Best Cell Phone Signal Booster Of The Year 2023!

ADVANTAGE

  • Quick to install
  • A directional antenna works well for picking up signals
  • Small transmitter is easy to install

Disadvantages

  • The transmitter covers up to two rooms
  • No built-in signal strength indicator

OUTBID NOW

$349.99 Amazon (opens in a new window)

Learn more

weBoost Home Studio review

The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (4)

Cel-Fi Go X

Best for large houses or very weak signals

Why we chose it

With Cel-Fi's devices, you can achieve a signal improvement of 100 dB by amplifying the frequencies of just one carrier. However, note that the premium home boosters are Go+/Go

who it's for

If you need more boost than most consumer models provide (about 70dB improvement), check out Cel-Fi's specialty products. This extra signal can lead to a huge improvement, especially in rural areas.

OUTBID NOW

$1,099.99 Amazon(opens in a new window)

The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (5)

HiBoost 15K Smart Link

Best suited for large areas

Why we chose it

Most consumer signal boosters cover a few thousand square meters at most, but the HiBoost 15K Smart Link covers many times that area. HiBoost's units also have a unique and cool feature: LCD screens on the front panel that show the signal strength for each of the bands they cover. Keep in mind that for a large home installation, you'll likely need a splitter and additional panel antennas—one panel won't cover 15,000 square feet.

who it's for

If cost isn't an issue and you have an extremely large space to cover, you won't find a more suitable consumer option than the HiBoost 15K. But if you're just looking for cellular connectivity in a traditionally large home, the SureCall Flare 3.0 above is a more sensible choice.

(Video) (2023) How to Boost iPhone Signal (Service)!

OUTBID NOW

$599.99 Amazon (opens in a new window)

The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (6)

SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 RV

The best for motorhomes

Why we chose it

RV boosters are kind of a hybrid between car boosters and home boosters. SureCall's Fusion2Go 3.0 RV, for example, uses an outdoor omnidirectional antenna—useful since your RV is constantly moving—and offers two antenna options inside. It works with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, so you can pick it up regardless of your preferred carrier.

who it's for

Although this model is not quite as powerful as a home amplifier (it only provides 50dB of gain), it is still better than regular car boosters. Campervan owners just need to be careful to place the interior and exterior components far enough apart and in the correct orientation.

OUTBID NOW

$350.14 Amazon(opens in a new window)

The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (7)

WeBoost installed home completed

The best for technophobes

Why we chose it

With the WeBoost Installed Home Complete solution, you get the same 72dB signal improvement as most other boosters, but with a guarantee of absolutely optimal indoor and antenna placement – ​​after all, WeBoost installs everything for you.

who it's for

If the prospect of home improvement scares you, WeBoost's professional installation package might be worth the hefty price tag. It is also useful if you just want to be sure of the best possible performance.

OUTBID NOW

$1,299.99 Amazon (opens in a new window)
(Video) Best Cell Phone Signal Booster for 2023 | Reviewed | Top 5

Buying guide: the best cell phone amplifiers for 2023

Which brands are the best cell phone amplifiers?

Booster manufacturers must use several tricks to detect the best signal from surrounding towers and then amplify it without destroying the operators' systems. As a result, you'll mostly have to stick to boosters from the big four companies: Cel-Fi, HiBoost, SureCall and weBoost (for a specific use case, we also offer one from Wilson, which you can read about below) . Cheaper boosters available on Amazon are often not FCC certified, which means they can cause problems with nearby cell phones and networks.

Do cell phone boosters really work?

Boosters help most when the signal is weak, not when there is none at all. While your phone displays bars, people in the cell phone industry measure the signal in -dBm. A number above about -90 dBm (eg -80 or -70) is a strong signal. Anything below -110dBm is definitely weak and you may not be able to keep a signal below -120dBm. services such asCellMapper(Opens in new window)can show you the signal you receive on your phone.

If you're hesitant to invest in a home amplifier and primarily need coverage for calls, you should definitely give Wi-Fi calling a try. All major wireless carriers support this feature, and you can often get better call performance by connecting to your Wi-Fi network.

How do cell phone boosters work?

The basic principle behind signal amplifiers is simple: a large antenna is better than a small one. Instead of relying on the tiny antenna in yourTelephoneThey pick up cellular signals with a large antenna in your window or outside your home (or car), relay the signal to a device that cleans and amplifies it, and then sends it out through a repeater in your home.

Boosters generally consist of three main components: an external antenna that is placed outside your home, a booster that cleans and amplifies the signal, and an antenna that you keep indoors. A coaxial cable connects them all.

Some SureCall products combine a booster and an indoor antenna in one unit. This makes SureCall boosters easier to install and place. That's why SureCall Flare 3.0 is our top pick for home boosters. However, if you have a larger home and are willing to use coax, you can greatly increase the range of the boosters with a few multi-panel splitters and antennas. This can get complicated. Therefore, at this point, you can hire a professional installer to set up the system (especially to reduce interference between multiple antennas in the home).

weBoost recently released its first two-part booster for small houses and apartments, the weBoost Home Studio. It is small and practical, but only covers one or two rooms in your house.

Most boosters handle bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, and 66. These include basic coverage bands for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The main missing band is 71, T-Mobile's 600MHz frequency band. Because it took TV stations a while to get out of this band, the FCC has not approved band 71 consumer boosters. If you want to boost this band, use an industrial amplifier like the WilsonPro 710i or SureCall Force8.

Most home amplifiers also boost the signal by 64 to 71 dB. Again, this is due to FCC regulations. If you need more amplification, you can upgrade to Cel-Fi's line of single-carrier boosters, which can reach up to 100 dB by boosting just one carrier frequency at a time.

Booster Store Waveform has onecomprehensive guide to how boosters work(Opens in new window)on his website.

What is the best cell phone booster for cars?

Boosters in the car are similar to boosters in the home, with one exception: you can only buy boosters for one device in the car. These are much less powerful than home amplifiers (the ones we tested amplify at 23dB instead of between 65 and 75dB), but are cheaper, can be installed and removed in seconds, and transmit no further than the holder that holds your phone. We like weBoost Drive Sleek as a single device booster.

The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (8)

The small fin on top of the car indicates that a booster is in use (Source: Sascha Segan)

RV owners and people who need to power multiple devices in one vehicle can get in-car boosters with small radiant antennas that can power multiple devices. However, this can be difficult because the output antenna is so close to the input antenna.

How to install a cell phone booster?

You can install all commercially available cell phone boosters yourself and without drilling. Ideally, however, you hide the cables on your baseboards. You also need to find the optimal antenna location outside your home.

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Both SureCall and weBoost have options that allow you to rely on a professional installer to handle difficult tasks such as mounting the antenna on your roof and properly aligning it. SureCall works withDish-Tochter OnTech(Opens in new window)can install one of its boosters for an additional fee. weBoost has a special product, Installed Home Complete, that comes with the OnTech installation. The installation fee for the weBoost product is $200 (price varies for SureCall products). So whether it's worth installing depends on your budget and DIY skills.

Can you boost the 5G signal?

Cellular repeaters generally cannot amplify the "good parts" of cell phones5Gnetwork. AT&T and Verizon have a small amount of 5G on older cellular bands 2 and 5. Boosters take care of that, so a booster might give you a 5G icon, but that signal won't give you an experience significantly different from 4G. The fastest 5G networks for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are currently in the n41, n77, n260, and n261 bands; No consumer amplifier reliably supports these bands.

There is a practical way around this. Although self-powered amplifiers do not work in these bands, passive antennas can still improve the signal on bands 41 and 71. You may only get 10-20dB gain instead of 70dB, but it is not insignificant (and just the fact that (the antenna is outside ) can help).

If you're willing to take on a small installation project, this is itWaveform's grid-like parabolic antenna(Opens in new window)IMIMO panelantenne(Opens in new window)Improve the signal in the 5G band n77. connect oneMobile antenna for outdoor use(Opens in new window)to a WLAN hotspot with TS9 connection, e.gNetgear Nighthawk M6, can also convert the outdoor mobile signal to indoor WiFi signal.

(Video) Best Cell Phone Boosters for RV In 2023 - Top 10 Cell Phone Boosters for RVs Review

Don't forget to boost your WiFi signal

The best cell phone boosters in 2023 (12)

(Source: Sascha Modvillig)

It's not just cellular signals that can benefit from amplification. Check this one outQuick tips to improve your wireless signalfrom your router, extend and optimize your WiFi coverage and speed up surfing. Or go directly to our summaries ofthe best wireless USB adaptersIThe best range extenders.

FAQs

What cell phone boosters actually work? ›

As long as you have a sliver of 5G, 4G, or LTE signals, FCC-approved signal boosters, like those from weBoost and WilsonPro, really do work as claimed. They'll improve your signal strength for reliable calls and faster data.

Is there any booster to increase mobile signal strength? ›

Buy a Cellular Booster. This is the most expensive solution, but also the most effective. Network signal boosters collect weak signals using large antennas and then rebroadcast them within your house or car.

How do I know what signal booster to buy? ›

Okay, let us begin with the process of making the right choice for you:
  • #1 Highest downlink power & uplink power of best amplifier. ...
  • #2 Highest gain in decibels provided by the best signal booster. ...
  • #3 Outside signal strength helps determine best booster. ...
  • #4 Type of antenna needed helps choose best amplifier kit.
Sep 9, 2021

What is the best portable cell phone booster? ›

The best cell phone signal boosters you can buy
  • WeBoost Home MultiRoom. The best signal booster for most people. ...
  • SureCall Fusion4Home. The budget, easy-to-use signal booster. ...
  • SureCall Fusion2Go Max. The best signal booster for your car. ...
  • SureCall Flare 3.0. A more elegant-looking signal booster. ...
  • WeBoost Drive Sleek. ...
  • Cel-fi GO X.
Mar 13, 2023

What is the difference between cell phone extender and booster? ›

As mentioned above, the terms booster, repeater, and extender all refer to the same thing. These interchangeable terms refer to a system that takes existing signals, amplifies them, and reemits them. Depending on the context, these terms can also refer to the actual amplifier in the three-part system and the antennas.

Do cell boosters work in rural areas? ›

Overall, boosters for rural areas will significantly improve cell reception in remote homes, farms, vehicles, and businesses. Signal Booster Benefits: Eliminate searching for usable service. Reliable 4G and LTE coverage wherever you need it.

How can I boost my cell phone signal for free? ›

How to Boost Cell Signal for Free
  1. Toggle Airplane Mode / Restart Your Phone. ...
  2. Use WiFi Calling. ...
  3. Go Outside. ...
  4. Remove Obstructions. ...
  5. Change Your Location. ...
  6. Ensure Phone Software and Carrier Settings are Up to Date. ...
  7. Keep Your Phone Charged. ...
  8. Check for Damage to Your Phone.
Jan 24, 2023

How can I boost my weak mobile signal? ›

Make Sure Your Phone is in Peak Working Condition
  1. Update your software. ...
  2. Turn off any services you're not currently using. ...
  3. Change your Voice and Data settings. ...
  4. Turn airplane mode on and off. ...
  5. Reset your network settings. ...
  6. Manually re-select the network operator. ...
  7. Have your phone checked for damage.
Mar 23, 2023

What are the disadvantages of signal booster? ›

The most notable disadvantage of a cell phone signal booster compared to a femtocell or microcell is that signal boosters do not create a signal. Since these boosters can only amplify an existing signal, they won't work in areas or regions that don't have a signal to latch onto.

What is the difference between signal booster and extender? ›

An extender utilises amplification to take the signals coming from your Wifi network and send out a strengthened signal, unlike WiFi Boosters this does not establish a second network.

Do cell phone boosters work through walls? ›

Unfortunately, they lose a lot of power when having to travel through walls, so it is common for cell phone signals to be weaker indoors or in areas where there are a lot of tall buildings. Cell phone boosters work by using a donor antenna on the outside of a building, in an area with better reception.

What is the difference between a signal booster and a signal amplifier? ›

What is the difference between a signal booster and an amplifier ? : There is no difference they are simply different words for the same thing. The word amplifier is used by those in the trade or with more specialist knowledge, whereas the term "booster" tends to be used more by the general public.

What is better than WeBoost? ›

HiBoost is better than WeBoost! HiBoost is better than WeBoost! Here is the BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): HiBoost is a better developed hardware for the cost, than its comparable market competition WeBoost.

How to get a Verizon signal booster for free? ›

Can I get a Verizon Signal Booster for Free? Unfortunatley at this time there is no way to get a free Verizon Signal Booster. Years ago, Verizon used to offer free signal boosters to customers, however that practice was discontinued.

Is a booster better than an extender? ›

What's the difference between a WiFi booster, repeater, or extender? WiFi boosters, repeaters, and extenders are mostly the same thing - devices to improve WiFi coverage. There isn't a clearly defined difference between devices that manufacturers describe as “repeaters” and devices described as “extenders”.

How far can a cell booster reach? ›

For example, a signal booster for a small office space can cover 2,500 sq ft. For large offices or commercial spaces, the signal boosters' reach can range between 5,000 sq ft and 15,000 sq ft.

How do I get my cell phone signal in a dead zone? ›

To get a cell signal in a dead zone, it's pretty simple. All you need to do is to invest a cell phone signal booster. A cell phone signal booster improves cell services and allows users to use services in the places where have none or almost none service.

What happens when you dial * 3370? ›

Hidden Battery Power / Boost Signal Strength

By pressing *3370# or #3370#, you'll activate your phone's “reserve battery power”. Battery life will increase by 50%. The reserve will automatically charge up the next time you change your device. Other claims state dialing the same sequence will boost cellular reception.

How do you make a homemade cell phone antenna? ›

All you need to do is wrap a piece of copper wire with foil. Then chop one end off a 3.5mm RCA cable and strip the insulation, tape that end to the wire in the foil, and connect the other end with the jack to your phone to boost the signal.

What is the code to boost cell signal? ›

Android code: *#*#7262626#*#*

Knowing this is helpful in deciding whether or not to install a signal boosting system.

How can I make my mobile signal booster at home? ›

Turn Your Old Iron Hanger Into a Simple Signal Booster

An old iron hanger to make the indoor and outdoor antennas. An insulated wire or TV cable to transfer the cell signal. Connectors to attach the cable to the homemade antennas.

Why is my mobile signal so bad in my house? ›

It might be because your house is too far from a cell tower; there are tall trees, hills, or high structures surrounding your home; your house is built with heavy materials; or there could be an interference caused by electronics, weather, or something metal in your home.

What causes poor signal strength? ›

Bad cell phone reception is an ubiquitous problem across the United States, and the causes of bad signal fall under two categories: localized poor coverage due to building materials or destructive interference, and geographical distance from or obstacles between your phone and the nearest cell tower.

Why is signal booster illegal? ›

Why is the Certification Process Needed for Signal Boosters? Cell phone signal boosters are illegal in certain countries because boosters with too much power have the potential to disrupt the cellular network.

Will a cell phone booster work without signal? ›

So, cell phone signal boosters don't create a cell signal. In order to work they need an existing cell signal to amplify. If there is absolutely no cell signal in a particular location, then a cell booster will not work there to enhance signal.

Is a cell booster better than WiFi? ›

The booster broadcasts the signal often through a larger, more powerful antenna as an additional wireless signal. Booster signals are generally stronger and more reliable than that just broadcast from your regular router.

Is there a cell phone booster that doesn t require an outside antenna? ›

Cel-Fi Pro

Don't fret if you don't own a home where you can install an outdoor antenna for a signal booster: This indoor Cel-Fi model still offers powerful boosting of up to 100dB.

Why are mobile phone boosters illegal? ›

This is because unauthorised cellular mobile repeaters can cause serious interference to mobile networks. It is illegal to operate a repeater that uses the radiofrequency spectrum licensed to a mobile phone carrier without their written permission.

How can I make my cell phone signal stronger at home? ›

9 Tips for Boosting Your Cell Signal at Home
  1. Go Outside. ...
  2. Move to a Different Location in Your House. ...
  3. Check Your Phone's Performance. ...
  4. Remove or Replace Your Phone Case. ...
  5. Try WiFi Calling. ...
  6. Switch to a 3G Network. ...
  7. Try a Microcell or Femtocell. ...
  8. Switch Carriers.
Jul 12, 2021

How do I boost my phone signal at home? ›

A repeater amplifies the signal from outside a building and use it to improve the indoor signal. It's typically larger than a femtocell, and doesn't need a broadband connection in the same way a femtocell does. A repeater works best when there is a good outdoor signal that can be boosted indoors.

Can a cell booster make signal worse? ›

Sometimes, when you broadcast a boosted signal from interior antennas, it reaches the exterior antenna. The result is a feedback loop, which can cause your signal strength to get worse or drop out entirely.

Do you have to pay monthly for a signal booster? ›

No. There is no fee to register or use a signal Booster.

Can anyone use an ATT cell booster? ›

Only AT&T customers, pre and post paid who have phones that meet AT&T's post-3G cellular requirements can connect and use it. It is not a cellular booster but a femtocell, like the MicroCell was.

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