The Top 9 Cell Phone Signal Boosters for Rural Areas
Boosting your cell signal when you are in a rural area is not only important, but can be vital. Staying connected if you live out of town is often much harder than living within city limits. To keep in touch with loved ones or even clients you should make use of a cell phone signal booster.
Take advantage of our system design and installation services. Learn more or call us for a free consultation: 1-800-969-8189.
Why Is It So Difficult to Get Good Cell Phone Signal in Rural Areas?
So many of us rely on our cell phones to help us get through the day. We use them to stay connected with friends and family, to research, send business emails, have meetings and for emergencies.
Not having a strong, reliable cell phone signal can be a nightmare. This is especially true for those who live in rural areas, remote locations, and farms.
The main factors that interfere with cell phone signal strength are:
Tower Distance
If you live in a rural area, you're probably miles away from cell towers. Cell signal is strongest at the source (the cell tower) and weakens the farther it travels, hence the weak signal.
There are many tools you can use to find the nearest tower. You can use websites like CellMapper, Antenna Search.com and CellReception, or apps like OpenSignal.
Mother Nature
Usually, trees, mountains, hills, or some combination of the three surround houses in remote areas. Such geographical features block or weaken cell phone signal. As the signal travels through those obstacles to get to your phone antenna, it loses strength.
Building Material
The building material used to build your house could be the reason for poor cell phone signal. Material like brick, metal, tinted glass, and insulation can block out the signal.
How Can Cell Phone Signal be Improved in Rural Areas?
If you struggle to maintain a strong, reliable cell signal connection, you will definitely enjoy a cell phone signal booster.
A signal booster is a device that uses an outside antenna to capture existing outdoor signal. It is then sent to an amplifier to enhance the signal. From there an indoor antenna to rebroadcasts the boosted signal where you need it.
Benefits of a signal booster:
- 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, Sprint, etc.
- Does not need WiFi or a landline connection
- Are completely legal FCC-approved cellular extenders
The Best Cell Phone Signal Boosters for Homes in Rural Areas
It's important to have a reliable cell phone signal in rural homes. You’re able to stay connected and reach first responders if needed. If you run your business from home, you won't have to worry about missing or dropping client calls. A home booster will help cut the frustration of not having a reliable cell phone signal.
Best Cell Phone Booster 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 areas. Under optimal conditions, it can blanket 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 your existing weak cellular signal.
Strategically paired with the Bolton Quicksilver Outdoor Yagi Antenna, it works wonders in remote locations. This antenna is designed to draw in signals from cell towers up to 5 miles away. Distance from the signal source will no longer be a problem.
While capable of boosting multiple carriers at the same time, you may only receive improved cell reception from one or two carriers. This is because the antenna is directional and needs to point at the closest cell tower that’s powered by your preferred carrier. If boosting multiple carriers is more important than coverage area, consider the Bolton Velocity Omni/Panel Cellular Signal Booster.
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Best Overall Cell Phone Booster for Large Rural Homes
Cel-Fi by Nextivity 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 most powerful cell phone signal booster for remote areas available. It’s designed with up to 100 dB gain, the highest on the market. This unit can seriously make all your signal woes disappear. The caveat is that it can only boost one carrier at a time. Though, through the Cel-Fi WAVE app, you’re able to switch between carriers as you need.
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 located 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. No matter how weak your cellular reception is, any of these configurations will keep you connected, that is unless you’re in a total dead zone.
Rated to cover up to 15,000 sq ft, it's best for large homes and small businesses. Indoor coverage will vary based on the strength of your outside signal.
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Best Professionally Installed Cell Phone Booster
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 not only provides great amplification in rural environments, but also offers the convenience of a professional installation. To get the most out of your system, antenna placement is vital, especially in rural areas. Certified installers ensure optimal placement for optimal performance. While capable of covering up to 7,500 sq ft, reduced coverage is common in rural homes and offices.
Like the Bolton Velocity, this system is compatible with all cellular providers. However, because of the Yagi antenna and thinly sprawled cell towers, you may only get improved cell reception from one or two carriers.
If you prefer to install the unit yourself, check out the weBoost Home Complete.
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Best Cell Phone Signal Booster for Rural Homes on a Budget
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 packs a signal punch for the price. It includes a Yagi antenna, which is ideal for rural areas, 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 good amplification and reach to distant cell towers for a booster of its kind. While power is similar to that of the Bolton Victory, the Flare 3.0 offers less coverage and a less powerful Yagi antenna. It’s rated to cover 3,000 sq ft, but will likely only provide multi-room to spot coverage.
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Best Cell Phone Booster 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 35,00 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 our top commercial-grade signal booster 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. Plus, generating up to 25 dBm in uplink, it’s well equipped to keep your business running smoothly in any signal environment.
Under best conditions, it can cover up to 35,000 sq ft, but that will vary depending on how weak your cellular signal is. To maximize coverage, multiple antennas may be needed.
You’re able to choose between two kits to maximize your results. The Yagi/Panel kit, without a doubt, will blanket your building with the strongest signal. However, because of the directional antenna, it won't amplify signals for all carriers. The Omni/Dome kit sacrifices a little bit of power for multi-carrier coverage.
The Office 200 is a self-installed unit. If you prefer a professional installation, consider the weBoost for Business Installed Office 200. It includes an omni directional outdoor antenna and two indoor dome antennas.
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Best Cell Phone Booster 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 but can also be used in very large homes. It has many features, including remote signal monitoring and tweaking. It boosts 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 very 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 up to 6 Coverage Units to cover up to 200,000 square feet.
This cell signal booster requires a professional to install and design. We offer professional installation services with our in-house team of experts. This service is for commercial buildings only.
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Best Outdoor Cellular Antenna Upgrades for Buildings in Rural Areas
Many signal booster kits include a standard Yagi or Omni cellular antenna. While Yagi antennas yield better results than Omni’s in rural areas, 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. It has a radiation beam of about 10°. Thus, installation may take some time because it must be pointed at your closest cell tower with such accuracy for optimal results. Under perfect conditions, it can reach cell towers located 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 simply 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 with rural areas in mind. While it may not have as much gain as the Long Ranger, it’s still a phenomenal performer in weak signal environments.
With up to 12 dBi of gain, it's certainly more powerful than a standard Yagi, as well as other LPDA antennas in the market. It has a 30° radiation beam, making it easier to point at your closest cell tower. Under perfect conditions, it can reach cell towers located 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 and surrounded by mother nature. A cellular booster ensures reliable signal on the road for calls and navigation. Here are our top recommendations:
Best Multi-Carrier Vehicle Cellular Booster
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 carefully crafted to keep drivers and passengers connected in the most difficult environments. It’s built with the highest gain and uplink. No matter where you drive, as long as there is a sliver of cellular signal, the Velocity Vehicle will keep all devices connected.
This particular model comes with a magnet mount antenna, making it ideal for your everyday cars, SUVs, and trucks. Installation is a breeze. For semis and heavier-duty trucks, consider the Velocity Trucker. It includes a tough OTR outside antenna featuring great reach, heavy-duty construction, and whistle-free wrap.
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Best Overall Vehicle Cellular 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 RVs, cars, trucks, and boats. Only able to amplify one carrier at a time, it offers highest possible gain of up to 65 dB.
The outdoor antenna will differ depending on which type of vehicle you will be using. The configuration for cars includes a magnetic mount antenna, boats a marine antenna, trucks and RVs an OTR trucker antennas. 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 as well as update software.
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Best for Medium-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 is weBoost’s most powerful in-vehicle cell signal booster for cars, SUVs, trucks, and minivans. Features increased uplink than previous generations, users can get signal that is 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 Cel-Fi GO M, 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 are able to boost cell service in rural areas 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 on how cell phone signal boosters work.
Do Cell Phone Boosters Actually Work in Rural Areas?
Absolutely. As long as you have outside signal, a signal booster will make it stronger. Remember that they only BOOST outside signal, they don't create it.
Are Cellular Signal Boosters Legal for Rural Areas?
All our recommended cellular boosters are FCC approved, making them 100% legal to use anywhere in the United States.
Will Signal Boosters Work in Farms?
Yes. With most farms being located far from cell towers, you’ll likely want a signal booster with incredible reach to and from cell towers.
Can You Use 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?
Whether for a cabin or a home in the woods, as long as there is existing cell signal, cellular boosters will deliver stronger cell signals indoors.
Can I Use a Signal Booster to Improve Cell Reception in the Mountains?
If cell signals reach the mountain, a booster can help you get better cell reception.
Contact Us
SignalBoosters.com is a leading provider of signal boosters for homes, vehicles, and businesses. We specialize in consumer-friendly kits as well as customized RF systems for cellular, public safety two-way radio, DAS, and WiFi.
We’re here to assist with any issues you might be experiencing with poor cell service. Contact us today, or call us at 1-800-470-6777.
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