If you’re dealing with dropped calls or weak signals, a cell phone booster might be the solution. These devices pick up weak signals from nearby towers and make them stronger, giving you better call quality and faster internet. But not all boosters are created equal, so it’s important to know what to look for.
Best Brands to Trust
The top booster brands in 2025 are Cel-Fi, HiBoost, SureCall, and weBoost. These companies make reliable, FCC-approved products that won’t interfere with cell towers. If you’re looking to enhance your 5G connectivity, a 5g mobile signal booster for home can make a significant improvement. Be careful with cheaper boosters from unknown brands—they may not be certified and can cause network problems.
Do Boosters Work?
Yes, but only if there’s at least some signal to boost. Boosters work best when your phone shows a weak signal, not when there’s no signal. In technical terms, signal strength is measured in dBm. A strong signal is around -70 to -90 dBm. Anything below -110 dBm is generally seen as a very poor signal. You can check your signal using apps like CellMapper.
If you just need better call quality at home, try Wi-Fi calling first—it’s free and available with most phone carriers.
How Boosters Work
A booster system usually has three parts:
- Outdoor antenna – captures the signal.
- Booster unit – amplifies the signal.
- Indoor antenna – sends the boosted signal throughout your home.
Some models combine the booster and indoor antenna for easy setup. For larger homes, you may need extra parts like splitters and cables to extend coverage. At that stage, it might be best to bring in a professional installer.
Most boosters cover the major signal bands used by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Standard home boosters can increase the signal by 64 to 71 dB. For more power, Cel-Fi offers single-carrier boosters that go up to 100 dB, but they only work with one network at a time.
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Boosters for Cars
Car boosters are smaller and less powerful but are quick to install. They usually work for just one phone at a time using a cradle. A good option is the weBoost Drive Sleek. If you want to boost the signal for multiple devices in an RV or large vehicle, you’ll need a more complex setup with a small indoor antenna.
Installation Tips
You can install most boosters yourself. Place the outdoor antenna high up, like on a roof or in a window. Brands like SureCall and weBoost offer professional installation for an extra fee if you want help.
What About 5G?
Most boosters don’t support the fastest parts of 5G (like bands n41 or n77). However, some outdoor antennas can still slightly improve 5G signals.
Final Tip: Don’t Forget Wi-Fi
Improving your Wi-Fi is also important. A strong Wi-Fi signal can reduce your need for mobile data indoors. Think about adding a Wi-Fi extender to improve your coverage.
