Most boondockers use hotspot devices as their routers. How Cellular Antennas WorkĬellular antennas work by capturing as much cell signal as possible and funneling into a hotspot or router. It will work with all the cellular devices you already have (phone, tablet, smartwatch, etc). By contrast, cellular boosters do not require adding another line. This means having to add another line (phone number) to your cellular service. Both devices require a SIM card from your cellular provider. Note that cellular antennas use a cable that plugs into a hotspot device or router to work properly. The total cost of everything needed may range from $150.00 to $250.00. However, you have to buy the cables, mounts, and poles separately. These kits include the necessary cables, mounts, and poles.īy contrast, a good cellular antenna can run between $100.00 to $150.00. Cost of a Cellular Booster Versus AntennaĬellular booster kits offered by Winegard and WeBoost can cost between $500.00 to $750.00. They don’t seem to work very well at all where signal is weak.īoth cellular boosters and antennas do not work at all where there is no signal.

But in places where signal is average to excellent, they actually make your signal worse.Ĭellular antennas are effective in places with fair to excellent signal strength.

Cellular antennas and cellular boosters are equally as effective, though each has its advantages in varying situations.Ĭellular boosters are effective in places with weak to average cell signal strength. Getting good Internet access while camping is becoming more important for many boondockers.

How to Boost Your Cell Signal When Camping Notice the antennas are turned at 90 degrees to each other.

Two yagi cellular antennas, one for incoming cell signal, the other for out. However, each has their advantages and disadvantages when it comes boosting cell signal. Technically, the latter, the booster, works better in most situations. Both can yield similar results, though the former, the antenna, is often cheaper. You can boost your cell signal when camping by either (1) using a cellular antenna, or (2) using a cellular booster.

Boosting cellular signal