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Best Cell Phone Boosters for Rural Areas in 2024
27th Mar 2024
Rural Areas Cell Phone Boosters: A Short Guide
Unfortunately, cell reception in rural areas tends to lack. Inside residential or commercial buildings connectivity often worsens, resulting in dropped calls, failed texts, and slow data. To keep in touch with those who matter from the comfort of your home, office, or vehicle, cell phone signal boosters can help significantly!
Read on to learn about the best cell phone boosters for rural areas.
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Why Is Cell Phone Service Bad in Rural Areas?
Most of us rely on cell phones to get through the day. We use them to stay connected with friends and family, research, send business emails, attend meetings, and so much more.
Not having reliable signal can be a nightmare. This is especially true for those living in rural communities and farms.
The main factors that interfere with cell phone signal strength are:
Tower Distance
If you live in rural America, you're probably miles away from cell towers. Cell signal is strongest at the source and weakens the farther it travels.
There are many tools you can use to find your nearest tower. Including websites like CellMapper, Antenna Search.com and CellReception, or apps like OpenSignal.
Mother Nature
It's not uncommon for trees, mountains, hills, or a combination of the three to surround homes or line stretches of road in remote areas.
While beautiful to look at, such geographical features block or weaken cell reception. As signals travel through those obstacles to get to your phone's antenna, signal strength drops.
Building Material
Homes and commercial spaces are not built with cellular signal in mind. Building material is often the main reason for poor cell reception indoors. Material like brick, metal, tinted glass, and insulation attenuate and block out cell signal.
How Can I Boost Cell Signal in Rural Areas?
If you struggle to maintain a reliable cell signal connection, a cell phone signal booster is the answer.
A signal booster is a device that uses an outside antenna to capture existing outdoor signal. It is then sent to an amplifier that enhances the signal. An indoor antenna rebroadcasts the boosted signal wherever you need it most.
Benefits of the rural area cell phone boosters include:
- Improves cell phone reception
- Faster internet speeds
- Reduces dropped calls
- Compatible with all cellular devices: iPhones, Androids, tablets, hotspots, etc.
- Works with all major US carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.
- Does not need WiFi or a landline connection
- Are completely legal FCC-approved cellular extenders
Best Cell Phone Boosters for Homes and Businesses in Rural Areas
It's important to have a reliable cell phone signal in rural homes and businesses. You're able to stay connected as well as reach first responders if needed. A booster will help cut the frustration of not having a reliable cell phone signal for work or play.
Best for Small to Mid-Size Rural Homes
Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel Cellular Signal Booster
Overview of the Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel:
- For Small to Medium Size Homes and Offices
- Covers Up to 4,000 Sq Ft
- Up to +72 dB Gain
- Up to 26 dBm Uplink Power
- Supports All Carriers Simultaneously
The Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel cellular booster is our top pick for rural homes. Under optimal conditions, it can cover up to 4,000 sq ft with stronger cell reception, which is more than enough for most people. Featuring up to 26 dBm uplink and up to +72 dB gain, it has incredible reach and can significantly amplify a weak signal.
Paired with the Bolton Quicksilver Outdoor Yagi Antenna, it works wonders in weak signal areas. This antenna is able to communicate with cell towers up to 5 miles away. Distance from the signal source will no longer be a problem.
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Best for Large Rural Homes
Nextivity Cel-Fi GO X
Overview of the Cel-Fi GO X:
- For Large Homes and Offices
- Covers Up to 15,000 Sq Ft
- Up to +100 dB Gain
- Amplifies One Carrier at a Time
The GO X by Nextivity is the strongest cell phone booster for rural areas. It offers up to 100 dB gain, the highest on the market. The caveat is that it can only boost one carrier at a time. However, you can use the Cel-Fi WAVE app to switch between carriers when needed.
Super customizable, you have multiple outdoor antenna options to really maximize the amplifier's reach to your closest cell tower. You can reach cell towers up to 5 miles away with the Quicksilver Yagi, up to 10 miles away with the Arrow, or up to 20 miles away with the Long Ranger. Unless you're in a total dead zone, these configurations will keep you connected no matter how weak your cellular reception is.
While rated to cover up to 15,000 sq ft, indoor coverage will vary based on the strength of your outside signal.
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Best Cell Boosters for Rural Homes with Professional Installation
weBoost Installed Home Complete
Overview of Installed Home Complete:
- For Medium to Large Homes and Offices
- Covers Up to 7,500 Sq Ft
- Up to +72 dB Gain
- Up to 25 dBm Uplink
- Supports All Carriers Simultaneously
- Includes Professional Installation
The weBoost Installed Home Complete provides great amplification and includes a professional installation. Antenna placement is vital for optimized service. Certified installers ensure optimal placement and performance. While capable of covering up to 7,500 sq ft, reduced coverage is common in rural homes and offices.
If you prefer to install the unit yourself, check out the weBoost Home Complete.
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Best for Apartments in Rural Homes
SureCall Flare 3.0
Overview of SureCall Flare 3.0:
- For Small Homes or Spot Coverage
- Covers Up to 3,000 Sq Ft
- Up to +72 dB Gain
- Up to 26 dBm Uplink
- Supports All Carriers Simultaneously
- 2-in-1 Amplifier/Indoor Antenna Combo for Ease of Installation
The SureCall Flare 3.0 cellular booster is an affordable yet dependable rural areas cell phone booster. It includes a Yagi antenna, which is ideal for weak signal environments, and a sleek amplifier. The indoor antenna is built into the amplifier, making the Flare 3.0 one of the easiest units to install yourself.
With up to 72 dB gain and 26 dBm uplink, it offers optimal amplification and reach to distant cell towers for a booster of its kind. It’s rated to cover 3,000 sq ft. but will likely only provide multi-room-to-spot coverage.
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Best for Small to Medium Commercial Buildings in Rural Areas
weBoost for Business Office 200
Overview of Office 200:
- For Small to Medium Businesses
- Covers Up to 10,000 Sq Ft
- Up to +72 dB Gain
- Up to 25 dBm Uplink
- Supports All Carriers Simultaneously
- LED Touch Screen for Manual Control of Frequency Bands
The weBoost for Business 200 is one of our top cell phone boosters for remote businesses and for good reason. With 72 dB in max gain, it offers the most reliable cell signal possible on all available networks. Its ability to generate up to 25 dBm in uplink means it’s well-equipped to keep your business running smoothly in any signal environment.
Under best conditions, it can cover up to 10,000 sq ft, but that will vary depending on how weak your cellular signal is. To maximize coverage, multiple antennas may be needed.
There are multiple antenna configurations for this unit. We recommend the Yagi/Panel kit for weak signal areas.
The Office 200 is a self-installed unit. If you prefer a professional installation, consider the weBoost for Business Installed Office 200.
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Best for Rural Enterprise Buildings
Cel-Fi QUATRA 4000
Overview of the Cel-Fi QUATRA 4000:
- For Large Commercial Spaces
- Covers Up to 200,000 Sq Ft
- Up to +100 dB Gain
- Support Multiple Carriers Simultaneously
The Cel-Fi QUATRA 4000 is an extremely strong industrial signal booster. It is made for large industrial buildings.
It has many features, including remote signal monitoring and tweaking. It boasts all major carriers at a higher rate of power than any of its competitors, making it a no-brainer option if you’re looking to cover a large space. It is our top recommendation for commercial buildings in rural or low-signal areas.
The Cel-Fi QUATRA 4000 is scalable based on how much area you’re trying to cover. It uses Network Units and Coverage Units to cover up to 200,000 square feet.
This cell signal booster requires professional installation and design. Our in-house team of experts offers professional installation and design for commercial buildings only.
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Best Outdoor Cellular Antenna Upgrades for Buildings in Rural Areas
Most of our top cell phone boosters for rural areas include a standard Yagi or Omni cellular antenna. While Yagi antennas yield better results than Omni’s, there are situations where even a Yagi isn’t enough. For those situations where more reach is needed, using a high-gain or ultra-high-gain directional outdoor antenna will help.
If you’re in need of a stronger antenna, we recommend giving us a call at 1-800-470-6777 or email us at info@signalboosters.com. One of our signal experts can get you everything you need to get fully set up.
Otherwise, these are our most popular:
Best Long-Range Cellular Antenna for Rural Areas
Bolton Long Ranger – Ultra High Gain Parabolic Antenna
Overview of the Long Ranger:
- Wideband
- Up to 20 Miles Reach
- Up to 28 dBi Gain
- Supports All Cellular Carriers
The Long Ranger is the most powerful directional cellular antenna on the market. It’s the #1 antenna for rural environments with faraway cell towers. When a standard Yagi can’t get the job done, this bad boy will.
This antenna features ultra-high gains of up to +28 dBi, making it extremely directional, which allows for farther reach. Under perfect conditions, it can reach cell towers up to 20 miles away. That’s more than twice as far as a standard Yagi antenna.
Many customers in rural areas have seen drastic in-building signal improvement after installing the Long Ranger. If you’re not getting the signal you want with a Yagi antenna, or want to pair your signal booster with a powerful antenna made for rural environments, the Long Ranger is highly recommended.
Best Medium Range Cellular Antenna for Rural Areas
Bolton Arrow LPDA – High Gain Directional Antenna
Overview of the Arrow LPDA:
- Wideband
- Up to 10 Miles Reach
- Up to 12 dBi Gain
- Supports All Cellular Providers
The Arrow is another directional antenna made for poor signal environments. While it may not have as much gain as the Long Ranger, it’s still a phenomenal performer.
With up to 12 dBi of gain, it's more powerful than a standard Yagi and other LPDA antennas. Under perfect conditions, it can reach cell towers up to 10 miles away. You’ll be able to successfully capture cell signals from distant towers and receive superior in-building cell coverage.
Its greatest advantage over the Long Ranger is that it is smaller and fits easily on any roof.
Best Cell Phone Boosters for Vehicles in Rural Areas
Not only is it important to have a reliable cell phone signal at home, but also while on the road. People who live in rural areas, remote locations, and farms usually drive longer distances. They are miles away from the nearest cell tower. A cellular booster ensures reliable signal on the road for calls and navigation. Here are our top recommendations:
Best Multi-Carrier Vehicle Cell Phone Boosters
Bolton Velocity Vehicle
Overview of the Velocity Vehicle:
- For Cars, Trucks, and RVs
- Up to 50 dB Gain
- Support Multiple Carriers Simultaneously
- Easy Install
The Velocity Vehicle is designed to keep drivers and passengers connected in the most difficult environments. It’s built with the highest gain and uplink. If there is a sliver of cellular signal, the Velocity will keep all devices connected.
This model features a magnet-mount antenna that’s ideal for your everyday cars, SUVs, and trucks. Installation is a breeze. There are also configurations for RVs, offroaders, and semis.
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Best Single-Carrier Vehicle Cell Phone Booster
Cel-Fi by Nextivity GO M
Overview of the GO M:
- For RVs, Cars, Trucks, and Boats
- Up to 65 dB Gain
- Powerful Single-Carrier Solution
- Easy Install
If you need to stay connected while commuting or traveling to remote communities, the Cel-Fi GO M is one of the best cell phone boosters for rural areas. It is ideal for RVs, cars, trucks, and boats. Although it can only amplify one carrier at a time, it offers the highest possible gain of up to 65 dB.
The outdoor antenna will differ depending on your vehicle. The configuration for cars includes a magnetic mount antenna, boats use a marine antenna, and trucks and RVs use an OTR trucker antenna. Each outdoor antenna is designed to give you the highest possible boost.
You can use the Cel-Fi Wave app to check your signal strength, gain, and signal quality and update software.
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Best Mid-Range Vehicle Cellular Booster
weBoost Drive Reach
Overview of the weBoost Drive Reach:
- For RVs, Cars, Trucks, and Boats
- Up to 50 dB Gain
- Support Multiple Carriers Simultaneously
- Easy Install
The weBoost Drive Reach s weBoost’s most powerful in-vehicle cell signal booster for cars, SUVs, trucks, and minivans. It features more uplink than previous generations. Users can get a signal 2x farther from towers for twice the signal strength. Dropping calls and losing navigation connection will all be a thing of the past while driving on remote roads or highways.
The cellular antennas will vary depending on the Drive Reach configuration that best meets your needs.
We wouldn't recommend anything weaker than the Drive Reach for rural areas.
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FAQs
How Do Cell Phone Signal Boosters Improve Cell Service in Rural Areas?
In a nutshell, cell phone boosters boost cell service using:
- An Outside Antenna - Captures your existing outside signal, even if faint.
- An Amplifier – Amplifies captured signal.
- An Inside Antenna – Broadcasts the amplified signal inside your home, office, or vehicle.
- And Coaxial Cables – Relay the strongest possible signal from one component to the next.
To learn more, here is a deep dive into how cell phone boosters work.
Do Cell Phone Boosters Actually Work in Rural Areas?
Absolutely. As long as you have an outside signal, a signal booster will make it stronger. Remember that they only BOOST outside signal, they don't create it.
Are Cell Phone Boosters for Rural Areas Legal?
All our recommended best cell phone boosters for rural areas are FCC-approved. They are 100% legal to use anywhere in the United States.
Will Signal Boosters Work in Farms?
Yes. Most farms are far from cell towers. You’ll want a signal booster with incredible reach to and from cell towers.
Can I Use Rural Signal Boosters When Camping?
If you have access to a power source, an enclosed area (like a cabin or vehicle), and a sliver of cell signal, cellular boosters can help keep you connected when camping.
Can I Boost Cell Service with a Signal Booster in the Woods?
If trying to enhance cell reception in a cabin or home in the woods, yes. All you need is a sliver of existing cell signal.
Can I Use a Signal Booster to Improve Cell Reception in the Mountains?
If cell signals reach the mountain, our top recommended units can help you get better cell reception.
Will These Cell Boosters Keep Me Connected Off-Grid?
That will depend on your signal situation. If you're in a dead zone, a cell booster will unfortunately not work for you. However, if cell signal is available, even if weak, then it can help keep you connected while off-the-grid.
Boost Cell Signal in Rural Areas!
SignalBoosters is a leading provider of the best cell phone boosters for rural areas. Our boosters are ideal for homes, vehicles, and businesses. If you have any questions about our boosters or need help choosing the right one for your needs call us at 1-800-470-6777. We're happy to help!
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