In particular, we tested gain and output power on the uplink and downlink channels of the five main frequency bands utilized by AT&T.īut nothing beats real-world testing. We thoroughly tested all the amplifiers in this list (alongside many others) in our lab to confirm their manufacturer-advertised specs. We based our results in this guide on three main sources of information. The 11 Best Cell Signal Boosters of 2022įinding the right booster depends on your budget, and how and where you need better signal.Ĭhoose your application to see our favorites: Consider using a hotspot with MIMO antennas instead.

If your phone receives a 5G T-Mobile signal where you're located, you won't be able to use a booster to amplify that signal.įCC rules prevent boosters from amplifying T-Mobile's 5G bands at this time. These 5 bands cover 4G and 5G for AT&T and Verizon, but only 4G for T-Mobile. The FCC, which regulates wireless spectrum in the US, allows boosters to amplify 5 frequency bands. The frequency bands your phone will use depend on: Frequency BandsĬell towers communicate with your phone on a number of different frequency ranges, called 'bands.' Your phone simply isn't able to broadcast as much power as the cell tower.Ī booster with a high uplink power helps you get coverage at even greater distances from the tower. When you're at the edges of cell coverage, it's most often the uplink connection that goes first. If you plan to use your booster in a mobile application like a car, truck, or moving RV, then maximum uplink power becomes very important. Uplink power matters for cars, trucks, boats, and moving RVs However: strong outdoor signal is unusual unless you're in a very large building or in a building with a metal roof.

If you're installing a booster in a home or office and the outdoor signal is very strong, the maximum downlink power might be important. Boosters and PowerĬell phone signal boosters have maximum 'downlink power' and 'uplink power' ratings.Ī booster's power ratings only matters in two situations: Downlink power matters if the outdoor signal is strong There are lower gain limits (65 dB and 50 dB for single and multi-carrier) for 'mobile' boosters that are intended for us in cars, trucks, and RVs in motion. 'Broadband' or 'multi-carrier' boosters made by companies like weBoost, Wilson Pro, and SureCall can have up to between 63 dB to 72 dB gain.'Single carrier' boosters like the Cel-Fi GO X can have up to 100 dB gain.

The FCC sets limits for how much gain boosters can have:

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