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Few things are more dangerous than being in the midst of an emergency and unable to make a call. Most heavily-populated areas have well-established cell phone networks, letting you call an ambulance or summon the police at a moment’s notice if the situation requires it. Unfortunately, more rural areas have a long way to go in order to meet that standard. Dropped signals result in risky miscommunications and, when paired with the distance between rural settings and major services, the delay is something you just can’t afford. Thankfully, cell phone boosters are built specifically to address this issue so you are never without a signal when you need one.
Of course, as with any new tech, it can be challenging to ID the best cell phone boosters for rural areas. Well, fret not, because here we break down the top selections for the best cell phone boosters for rural areas, along with some tips on getting the most out of the booster you pick.
- Best Overall: weBoost home cell phone booster
- Best Value: Bosuru cell phone signal booster
- Honorable Mention: HiBoost cell phone booster
- Best Heavy Duty: SureCall fusion4home cell booster
- Best Analog: Bolton technical long-range cellular antenna
Best Overall
weBoost home cell phone booster
Best Value
Bosuru cell phone signal booster
Honorable Mention
HiBoost cell phone booster
Best Heavy Duty
SureCall fusion4home cell booster
Best Analog
Bolton technical long-range cellular antenna
Why should you trust us
Reviewing products for five years, I use my background in journalism to objectively assess a wide range of important items. Focusing on survival gear, tactical supplies, and automotive products, I use my science education to provide honest reviews. My work is featured on Narcity Media, The Drive, and Car Bibles. Some of my recent pieces for Task and Purpose include reviews of machetes and hiking boots, two other items that are extremely useful in rural settings.
Types of cell phone boosters for rural areas
Booster box
The most common type of cell phone boosters for rural areas are built to attach to your existing antenna. Most come with all the installation hardware, with the main component being the cable. You run this from your antenna to the booster box (which features an additional, built-in antenna) which you place indoors, connecting it to an AC wall outlet. The amplifier improves the power within a set range, typically no further than 5,000 square feet, though this amount decreases if the signal has to move through walls.
Antenna
A heavy-duty way to improve your cell phone signal is to increase the capacity of the antenna itself. This works to enhance the actual signal captured by your system, helping your cell phone perform better and reducing dropped calls. Unlike booster boxes, which work within a limited frequency range and are only compatible with certain carriers, an antenna can handle a far broader range of devices and services. Keep in mind that this type of booster requires a more intensive installation and tends to come with a higher price tag.
Key features of cell phone boosters for rural areas
Antenna
This is the component of the cell phone booster that takes in the signal. It is a key part of the booster since, when an antenna is blocked by geographical features like trees and mountains, the signal is depleted. While your main antenna may face barriers, having an antenna on the booster amplifies the signal received by the booster box. Antennae are usually made out of metal encased in a polymer for added durability without disrupting the signal.
Repeater
Once the antenna receives the signal (measured in decibel milliwatts, or dBM) it sends the electrical impulse to the repeater. It then amplifies this frequency before broadcasting the ultimate signal, and its increased strength, throughout the area. The power of the repeater will dictate the range of the booster box itself.
Compatibility
Depending on the frequencies with which the cell phone booster works, it will be compatible with certain cellular carriers and not others. However, since most major cell carriers work within the same frequency range, it is usually not an issue. It is particularly important to check that the device is compatible with all types of signals, including 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE. Some models are built to also work with 5G technology. A good way to check that the signal reception is reliable is to look for FCC guideline adherence.
Benefits of cell phone boosters for rural areas
- Improved download speed: A cell phone booster enables you to download files more quickly. This saves time and helps prevent premature battery drainage since it takes less power to get the same effect.
- Faster uploading: In addition to being able to download items more rapidly, a cell phone booster lets you upload files more quickly. Not only does this make it easier to share information, but it can also make working online a whole lot less frustrating.
- Peace of mind. Being unable to get cell phone service in a rural area is more than an inconvenience, it is a matter of safety. Whether calling in a wildfire or an ambulance, time is of the essence. With a booster, you don’t have to worry about your call getting through.
- Fewer dropped calls. Losing connection mid-conversation is a nuisance at best. It can also present as unprofessional in certain situations. A cell phone booster virtually eliminates these issues, letting you talk when you want to — not just when your phone has bars.
- Save money on landlines. For years, the only way to make a call from rural areas was with a landline. These are often costly to install and charge a monthly fee for usage. Instead, making an upfront investment into a booster lets you get rid of your landline without foregoing the ability to make calls.
Cell phone boosters for rural areas pricing
- Under $200: While you can find some boosters in this range, they are usually weaker, with the amplifier having a harder time getting through walls.
- Between $200 and $400: This is the sweet spot for cell phone boosters. In this category, you can find boosters with a broad range, high compatibility rating, and a long lifespan.
- Over $400:Though you might find some boosters in this price range, it will usually perform equally as well as one that costs a bit less.
How we chose our top picks
Using my academic background in the sciences, paired with experience in a rural environment, I was able to determine the top candidates. By investigating the technology used in cell phone boosters, we tracked down the most reliable options. Whittling down the list based on the range and design, we made a shortlist of clear winners. Finally, we delved into the merit of each brand, considering user reviews and track record of success. The end result is a series of cost-effective cell phone boosters for rural areas, meant to help ensure you always have a signal.