Best Cell Phone Signal Booster for Camping

Meta Description: Which one is the best cell phone signal booster for camping? Great coverage, faster speed, easy setup, and powerful signal – these are the qualities of a great camping cell phone booster.

Best Cell Phone Signal Booster for Camping

Introduction

What to do when you’ve got a weak signal while camping in the middle of nowhere? Yes, being away from civilization is bound to get you bad cell reception. But bad signals will not only keep you away from communicating with loved ones but also you’ll be out of reach during emergencies. It’s pretty risky when you can’t get in touch with others during emergency situations.

The answer to the weak signal is simple. Get a cell phone signal booster.

But how to know which one is the best cell phone signal booster for camping? Great coverage, faster speed, easy setup, and powerful signal – these are the qualities of a great camping cell phone booster. Here you can learn everything there is to know about cell phone signal boosters, and which signal booster is the best for camping.

Why Cell Signals Become Weak When Camping?

Generally, there are some numbers of factors responsible for getting a weak cell phone signal at your location.

  • Distance from Cell Tower: Cell towers are strategically placed to provide coverage to the customers across the country. However, in remote and rural areas, service providers space their cell towers further apart and upgrade to newer technologies less often than urban areas. So, being at the edges of the coverage area, there’s a high chance of getting weaker signals.
  • Inter-Cell Interference: It’s the opposite cause but with the same result. When there are multiple cell towers nearby, they interfere with each other and cause a weak signal. If your cell phone is located between two towers of the same signal strength, then it can make your cell signal worse.
  • Building Materials: Construction or building materials don’t block the signal completely, but they significantly weaken the signal strength. Brick, concrete, metal, steel, etc., diminish cell phone reception inside the house or building to some extent. So sometimes you need to go outside to get good cell phone reception.
  • Geography and Surrounding Buildings: Another reason is that obstacles block cell phone signals, be it natural or artificial structure. Nearby buildings or hills, mountains, valleys sometimes get in the way and negatively affect the signal strength.

While camping, you’ll be naturally away from the cities or urban areas. If you’re in the middle of nowhere, definitely you’ll have trouble getting a signal. Your distance from the nearest cell tower determines whether you’ll get a weak or undetectable cell signal.

Not just the distance, any obstacle between your location and the cell phone tower can also prevent the signal from reaching your cell phone. When you’re camping, terrain features like hills, mountains, valleys, forest can block the signal or weaken it. Even weather conditions like snow, rain, clouds, or fog can deter your signal gravely.

As for inter-cell interference and building materials obstruction, these are the less likely reasons for a weak signal during camping. Inter-cell interference mostly occurs in urban areas and cities, plus you’ll hardly encounter a building in the middle of a forest or camping ground.

Therefore, being out of coverage and obstacles getting in the way is the most common reason for not getting a strong cell phone signal while camping.

What Is A Cell Phone Signal Booster?

A cell phone signal booster is a device that has been designed specially to resolve weak cell phone reception. It amplifies the weak signal and broadcasts a much stronger one. The signal booster is also known as amplifier or repeater.

Signal boosters are not only used for camping or hiking; they are also used for homes, offices, commercial structures, etc. In areas or regions that receive weak cellular service, the boosters extend the cell network range and improve the signal reception. Thus with a cell phone signal booster, communication is possible even when camping in remote locations.

Components of a Signal Booster

A typical cell phone booster has three main components: an outside antenna, an amplifier, and an inside antenna.

Outside Antenna

The outside antenna is usually mounted near a window or on a roof. To catch the strongest cell signal, the goal is to find the highest spot. This antenna directly communicates with the cell tower.

Based on direction, outside antennas are divided into two types:

  • Omni-Directional Antenna: This antenna catches signals at a 360-degree angle, meaning it can send and receive signals from all directions. Omni-directional antennas can boost signals from multiple carriers and communicate with cell towers from multiple locations. They work best when the outside signal is reasonably strong.
  • Uni-Directional Antennaor Yagi Antenna: A Yagi antenna catches the signal from a 45-degree angle and is shaped liked a triangle. This type of outside antennas boost signals from a single carrier to a specific tower, but they provide a stronger link. They work well at longer distances and preferable when the outside signal is weak.

Amplifier

An amplifier or cellular booster receives signals from outside antennas and boosts them by 32 times. They are measured in terms of dB (decibel) output.

For incoming calls, amplifiers take weak outside signals, reduce the noise and interference, and rebroadcast the signals inside at a higher strength. Likewise, amplifiers take outgoing calls, increase the strength of the signal, and broadcast to the cell tower outside.

Inside Antenna

Another important component of the signal booster, the inside antenna, is the one that communicates with the cellular devices. They are designed to provide a signal of even-strength in all directions. When the signal is passed on from the amplifier to the inside antenna, it rebroadcasts a much-improved signal to areas within the house, building, or vehicle.

Typically there are two types of inside antennas:

  • Panel Antenna: They are wall-mounted and rebroadcast the strongest signal to the closest area.
  • Dome Antenna: Unlike panel antennas, they are ceiling-mounted and distribute the signal equally through the area.

How a Cell Phone Signal Booster Works

Basically, a cell phone signal booster draws in the weak signal from the outside, boosts it then rebroadcasts it inside.

Cell signal boosters use the outside antenna to capture the weak cell signals. The amplifier boosts the collected signals and then redistributes them inside the vehicle or building so your cell phone can receive them. When the phone transmits signals back to the cell tower, the same process happens but in reverse order. Your phone acts both as a radio transmitter and as a radio receiver.

Cell signals get weakened by distance and/or obstacles, but with a booster, signals are amplified, and blockers are effectively bypassed. That’s why with a signal booster, you can get strong and reliable cell phone reception even while camping.

Generally, boosters need some power source to work well. During camping, your power source can come from your vehicles, solar, wind, or even hydro powers. Most campers use a vehicle-powered cell phone signal booster for outdoor camping. You can carry a small battery to power the booster, or you can use a power bank to power up your electronic devices.

How to Improve Cell Signal While Camping

  • Find the highest ground in the location to minimize terrain obstructions.
  • Move away to plain fields and avoid trees. So you have the clearest line of communication with the cell tower.
  • Step outside if you’re inside a vehicle.
  • Retry cell connection. In case of bad weather, wait for the weather to clear and then try to reconnect.

If none of the tips work and you’re still left with a weak signal, what to do then? Just grab a cell phone signal booster when you’re going camping, and you’ll face none of these issues. All you have to do is to connect to a power source, and you’re good to go!

weBoost Drive Reach Cell Phone Signal Booster

Specifications

  • Model: 470154
  • Max Gain: 50dB
  • Max Uplink Power:5 dBm
  • Max Downlink Power: 5 dBm
  • Number of Devices Boosted Simultaneously: Multiple
  • Exterior Antenna:Drive Magnetic Antenna
  • Internal Antenna:4G Slim Interior Antenna
  • Connectors: SMB
  • Power Supply:Plug-in DC Power Supply
  • Booster Dimensions:6 x 4.5 x 1.5 in.
  • Booster Weight:80 lbs.

There’s no doubt about the quality of the product when it’s billed as “weBoost’s most powerful, in-vehicle cell signal booster yet.” Not only just weBoost, but the weBoost Drive Reach is also one of the most powerful cell phone signal boosters currently on the market.

This new and improved weBoost Drive Reach has a 74% farther range than the weBoost Drive X. It offers up to 50 dB maximum gain with 29.5 dBm uplink power to 5 dBm downlink power. It is specially designed to connect to the farthest cell towers in remote areas and to deliver the strongest coverage possible. It prevents dropped calls, offers improved voice quality, streaming, hotspot capability with faster mobile internet.

The installation process is pretty easy as the user-friendly manual can guide you through the tool-free installation. Handy accessories are available for attaching the antenna to non-magnetic vehicles such as aluminum and fiber-glass. The spring-loaded antenna can be extended to increase range, and 25-foot cables are included to connect the antenna to the booster.

If you’re looking for a signal booster specifically to use on boats or yachts, then check out the weBoost Drive Reach Marine. There are also other versions like the weBoost Drive Sleek you can go for if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

Overall, the sturdy weather-resistant body provides peak performance in severe weather and even in intense heat, making it a perfect choice as the best cell booster for camping.

Pros

  • Highest uplink output of any vehicle booster
  • Compatible with any cellular service provider
  • Easy to use SMB connectors
  • Custom bracket for under-seat or in-truck mounting options
  • Additional range achieved through extendable antenna

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

weBoost Connect RV 65 Cell Phone Signal Booster

Specifications

  • Model: 471203
  • Max Gain: 65 dB
  • Max Uplink Power:6 dBm
  • Max Downlink Power: 12.1 dBm
  • Number of Devices Boosted Simultaneously: Multiple
  • Exterior Antenna: weBoost Wideband Directional Antenna
  • Internal Antenna:weBoost Panel Antenna
  • Connectors: F-Female
  • Power Supply:110-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz
  • Booster Dimensions:5 x 1.2 x 4.2 in.
  • Booster Weight:06 lbs.

Specifically designed for RVs, the weBoost Connect RV 65 Signal Booster is ideal for camping. With 65 dB max gain, it delivers the strongest and most powerful signal at any campsite.

How can it deliver 65 dB gain when mobile boosters are legally allowed a maximum 50 dB gain? Well, it’s because the Connect RV 65 is a stationary booster. You can’t use it while driving around as the outside antenna needs aiming and set up at each stop. That’s why it’s not under mobile gain limitations.

The powerful outside directional antenna on a 25′-tall telescoping pole has an impressive range and maximizes signal reception from the nearest cell tower at all times. The tool-free and DIY installation may take more time compared to other models, but as the setup process is easy enough to follow, it’s not too much of a trouble.

Being 5G ready, the Connect RV 65 enhances coverage and is compatible with all phones and cellular devices that work on all U.S. carriers and networks as well. Moreover, it has a stronger cell service with less battery power consumption with up to 2 hours of additional talk time.

Pros

  • Powerful signal and ideal for camping purposes
  • Long-lasting battery and FCC approved guidelines
  • Multi-user functionality and a carrier compatibility
  • 5G and beyond compatible
  • Reliable cell signal and consistent data speeds

Cons

  • Weak cell reception while in motion

weBoost Drive 4G-X OTR Truck Cell Phone Signal Booster

Specifications

  • Model: 470210
  • Max Gain: 65 dB
  • Max Uplink Power:8 dBm
  • Max Downlink Power: 2.9 dBm
  • Number of Devices Boosted Simultaneously: Multiple
  • Exterior Antenna: OTR Truck Edition Antenna
  • Internal Antenna:Slim Low Profile Antenna
  • Connectors: SMA Female
  • Power Supply:12V / 2 A
  • Booster Dimensions: 25 x 4.5 x 1 in.
  • Booster Weight: 0.77

Ideal for trucks and semis, the weBoost Drive 4G-X OTR is built for powerful, improved, and faster cell signals. Even in remote areas, you’ll be connected with the world.

Similar to other weBoost models, the Drive 4G-X OTR supports multiple devices on all U.S. networks and carriers. But it performs better and efficiently than even other weBoost signal boosters. It reaches cell towers at distances up to 33% farther than the weBoost Drive Sleek OTR.

Even though the Drive 4G-X OTR uses the same excellent amplifier as the Drive 4G-X, it has an omnidirectional, weather-resistant truck antenna, which enhances signal coverage for all trucks. Even the setup process is easier than the Drive 4G-X RV. All components for installation come in one package with a 12VDC power cord, which can be plugged into the cigarette lighter port.

Whenever or wherever you use the weBoost Drive 4G-X OTR Signal Booster, you’ll be getting the most powerful and reliable cell phone signal possible.

Pros

  • Extended cellular signal range
  • Fewer lost connections and better audio quality
  • Faster data uploads & downloads
  • Easy power supply via CLA plugin
  • 3-way mount and Ignition power kits available

Cons

  • Some users complained about durability issues

HiBoost Travel 4G 2.0 Cell Phone Signal Booster

Specifications

  • Model: C27G-5S-BTW
  • Max Gain: 50 dB
  • Max Uplink Power:24 dBm
  • Max Downlink Power: 6 dBm
  • Number of Devices Boosted Simultaneously: Multiple
  • Exterior Antenna:Outside Magnet Mount Antenna
  • Internal Antenna:Inside Patch Antenna
  • Connectors: SMA-Female
  • Power Supply:Input AC 100~240 V,50/60 Hz, Output DC 12 V/3 A
  • Booster Dimensions: 6 in × 6.5 in× 2 in
  • Booster Weight:9 lbs.

The HiBoost Travel 4G 2.0 Signal Booster is perfect for anyone going on a road trip or camping trip. During travel, you can stay connected to your cellular devices with uninterrupted navigation and clear calls for roadside assistance.

This HiBoost Cell Phone Booster amplifies 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G for Passenger Cars, Vans, Trucks, and SUVs. Not only that, it’s compatible with all cell phones, regardless of the carrier and model. Even in a weak signal range, the booster effectively delivers improved voice and data quality.

The best feature of this booster is that you can directly check the current status of your booster through the HiBoost Signal Supervisor App. Being a Bluetooth-enabled booster, it shows the real-time gain and power output performance, which you can access remotely. The signal meter tool helps to find the best position for the outside antenna.

In terms of the best possible performance and setup, HiBoost has very little competition. Overall, the HiBoost Travel 4G Signal Booster supports all cellular devices and boosts voice, text, and data speed in any smartphone, tablet, notebooks, data card, Wi-Fi Hotspots, and others.

Pros

  • Good heat dissipation for longevity
  • Low interference to cell tower
  • Sleek design with quality metal construction
  • Remote monitoring of Real-time data
  • Low power consumption, works with portable battery charger

Cons

  • Quality control issues

SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 Cell Phone Signal Booster

Specifications

  • Model: SC-Fusion2Go3
  • Max Gain: 50 dB
  • Max Uplink Power:29 dBm
  • Max Downlink Power: NA
  • Number of Devices Boosted Simultaneously: Multiple
  • Exterior Antenna: Wide Band Omni-Directional Exterior Magnet-Mount Antenna
  • Internal Antenna:Wide Band Directional Interior Patch Antenna
  • Connectors: FME Male
  • Power Supply:DC Car Charger – 6-15V and AC power supply
  • Booster Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 1.1 in.
  • Booster Weight:43 lbs.

The Fusion2Go 3.0 Cell Phone Signal Booster is SureCall’s most popular choice for an in-vehicle signal booster. Multifunction and compatible with all North American networks, it’s one of the most versatile signal boosters on the market.

The Fusion2Go 3.0 offers the best gain and power for a cell phone signal booster designed for the car, truck, or SUV. Fusion2Go 3.0 uses a bi-directional amplifier system to capture, enhance, and rebroadcast a 2x stronger and more reliable cell signal inside your vehicle.

The patented 2XP technology maximizes vehicle-to-cell tower range by increasing the uplink transmission power. That way, you’ll remain connected even in the most challenging signal areas. This powerhouse signal booster delivers improved signal for multiple users, including MiFi hotspots and data hubs.

The installation is pretty simple and easy as plug and play. The DIY kit includes all components required for installing the booster. Besides, the device is built to last with high-quality materials in durable metal.

Pros

  • 2X more power to keep users connected
  • Easy to install with no software
  • Fastest upload and download data speeds in weak signal areas
  • Compatible with 4G LTE and 5G devices
  • High-quality materials for longevity and connectivity

Cons

  • Pricey

Phonetone Cell Phone Signal Booster

Specifications

  • Model: PTE-L45VA-S1
  • Max Gain: 50dB
  • Max Uplink Power:20 dBm
  • Max Downlink Power: NA
  • Number of Devices Boosted Simultaneously: Multiple
  • Exterior Antenna:Magnetic Antenna
  • Internal Antenna:Patch Antenna
  • Connectors: FME Female
  • Power Supply:Input AC100~240V 50/60Hz, Output DC 5V
  • Booster Dimensions:22 x 7.29 x 2.56 in.
  • Booster Weight:91 lbs.

For the budget-conscious campers out there, the Phonetone Cell Phone Signal Booster can be the one you’re looking for. Even though it’s one of the least expensive models on the market, it offers a variety of features with high-quality performance.  You’ll hardly find a better package than this one.

The Phonetone Booster enhances 4G LTE data speed signals with extensive coverage of up to 5000 sq. ft. This dual-band 700MHz booster supports multiple devices simultaneously. It has an advanced feature like AGC (Automatic Gain Control) function, which can detect the existing signal strength and adjust itself for maximum signal performance. Once installed, the booster doesn’t need any re-adjustment regardless of the local signal environment.

Besides, the booster kit comes with lightweight magnetic antennas for a quick and easy DIY installation. The outdoor antenna with magnet and the indoor antenna with glue can be installed inside and outside of the car without any trouble. All the components come in one package with 10 feet cables for each antenna.

Pros

  • Improved 4G voice over LTE and data signal
  • Automatic signal adjustments and maximum signal performance
  • LED indicator for best signal reception
  • Cellular phone physical connection or cellular data device not needed
  • Compatible with all U.S. networks

Cons

  • Coverage range could be better

PROUTONE Cell Phone Signal Booster

Specifications

  • Model: PTR-L45VA-MOB-K2
  • Max Gain: 50 dB
  • Max Uplink Power:20 dBm
  • Max Downlink Power: NA
  • Number of Devices Boosted Simultaneously: Multiple
  • Exterior Antenna:  Omni-Directional Antenna
  • Internal Antenna: Desktop Antenna
  • Connectors: FME-Male
  • Power Supply:Input 12-24V, Output DC 9V 1.5A
  • Booster Dimensions:48 x 11.42 x 4.33 in.
  • Booster Weight:72 lbs.

Another budget-friendly option on the list, the Proutone Cell Phone Signal Booster, is a high-quality booster widely used in car, truck, RV, van, motor home or boat, etc. Improved voice quality, faster data speed, powerful coverage – this booster is a great choice for camping.

The Proutone Booster is able to increase your cell phone 4G LTE signal up to 35X for faster uploads and downloads. It is compatible with all carriers and networks plus can be used by multiple devices simultaneously. Through the automatic gain control feature, it can sense the incoming signal and adjust itself accordingly to ensure the best performance possible.

Another innovative feature is the inactive or standby mode, where the device turns itself off when there’s no call or activities. In this mode, the static power is decreased by 30% to achieve the purpose of energy-saving.

It also can detect an incoming signal’s level and adjust itself to ensure the best performance possible. In other words, it has an automatic gain control and will adapt to achieve the best signal it can within those conditions. The step-by-step installation is an easy enough process for everyone. You don’t need any technical experience for the antenna configuration either.

Compared to the price it comes with, the Proutone Cell Phone Signal Booster delivers more than standard. If you buy this booster, you won’t be disappointed as satisfaction is guaranteed with this one.

Pros

  • Automatically adjusts to provide the best performance
  • All hardware and instructions included in the package
  • Smart led indicator and mini all-aluminum body
  • Extend cell phone battery life for 2 hours
  • Easy to install and convenient to use

Cons

  • Not ideal for GSM calls and text

How to Choose the Best Cell Phone Signal Booster for Camping?

Signal boosters have versatile types and functionality. While choosing them, you need to consider the technical components of the devices as well. Here, look at the factors you should consider before buying the signal booster for camping.

Booster Types

Most cell phone boosters for camping can be divided into two categories:

  • Wireless Booster: Wireless booster can amplify the signal to the coverage area. A wireless booster can boost the signal to multiple devices simultaneously.
  • Cradle Booster: Cradle booster can boost the signal to a connected device only. Compared to the wireless booster, a cradle booster is available at a lower price.

Both types of boosters help to amplify the cell phone signal when camping. However, a wireless booster is ideal and preferable over a cradle booster if you don’t mind the high cost.

Antenna Features

As mentioned earlier, most signal boosters come with two antennas, internal and external. One is to be installed indoors, and the other is for outdoors. One antenna receives and sends signals to the next cell tower while the other sends a signal to the cellular device or phone.

Gain is another important technical specification for determining the range of a signal booster. The gain is usually referred to in dB, meaning decibels in relation to the isotropic radiator. Antennas with higher gain or higher dB provide a more extensive range. A maximum gain of up to 5 dB is perfect for the best cell phone signal booster for camping. A high-gain antenna is ideal for wide-open locations, whereas low-gain antennas are ideal for locations with physical barriers like mountainous regions.

Similarly, the design of the antennas is another factor to consider. Nobody wants huge and hideous-looking antennas. Besides, your external antenna must be damage proof and installed securely to be able to face tough weather conditions during camping.

Coverage Area

You need to consider the size and layout of the area that needs to be covered by the signal. The size of the area and the strength of the outside signal will help you determine how powerful of an amplifier do you need. Make sure to choose a cell phone booster that emits a signal to cover an extensive area. So, you can get sufficient service in your campground. And if you need to go outside to make calls, consider getting an amplified signal for that additional space.

Ease of Installation

Cable length is a vital factor that you need to consider before buying the best cell booster for camping. Knowing where to install the exterior and interior components of the signal booster is an essential part of the installation process.

You should also learn how much length of coaxial cable is needed for a successful first go-round installation. It’s better to have lots of cables at hand than miss installing the booster due to a shortage of cables.

The exterior antenna component is another important consideration while installing a booster. Find the booster that comes with all the hardware required to install the signal booster at your desired location.

External Signal Power

The performance of the camping cell phone booster depends on the strength of the amplified external signal. And the strength of the external signal also depends on the camping location.

If you have a weaker external signal, you need to buy a quality, reliable signal booster. Likewise, if the external signal is reasonably strong, then you can invest in a cheaper or moderately priced booster for camping.

But do a field test on your phone first before making your purchase because you can boost a weak signal but can’t do anything with a non-existent one.

Conclusion

Now that you know the tricks and hacks to solve the connection issues in remote areas, don’t deprive yourself of going into the unknown. As long as you have the best cell phone signal booster for camping with you, getting a weak signal is nothing more than a pesky little problem. Your camping experience will be better and more enjoyable, undoubtedly. In case you’re concerned with how to get wi-fi in a camper, check here for details.

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