Whether you’re in a house or an RV, a dropped WiFi connection can ramp up your frustration. However, an RV WiFi booster can help keep you connected. Let’s see how you can improve your WiFi connection.
What Does an RV WiFi Booster Do?
A WiFi booster amplifies existing WiFi signals to help improve the quality of your connection and increase speeds. A WiFi booster will increase the coverage area of a WiFi network. This boost can be beneficial if you’re in a large building or house or if you’re far from your internet source.
Difference Between RV WiFi Booster and WiFi Extender
There’s very little difference between an RV WiFi booster and a WiFi extender. However, one of the main differences is that an RV WiFi booster is for mobile applications. However, the terms are often interchangeable. Both items serve the same purpose of extending your WiFi coverage.
When to Use an RV WiFi Booster
An RV WiFi booster is an excellent option for those who regularly use their RV and still require an internet connection. Whether you’re camping in an established campground or at a friend’s house, or even if you’re looking to tap into a business’s WiFi from a parking lot, an RV WiFi booster is a great option.
➡ Don’t stress over your internet connection! Check out our foolproof system here: How To Get Reliable RV Internet On The Move
The 6 Best RV WiFi Boosters
When you need to boost the WiFi signal in your RV, you want the best RV WiFi booster available. Let’s look at a handful of our top picks.
1. Pepwave Router and Rooftop Antenna
About the Pepwave Router: This Pepwave router and rooftop antenna is an advanced modem for optimal connectivity to both cellular and WiFi networks. This bundle is for users who are serious about their connections.
The SIM slots enable you to use SIM cards from multiple carriers for automatic failover switching. You’ll no longer need a hotspot or tethering capabilities when you choose the Pepwave Max Transit Primecare Router.
The Parsec Husky rooftop antenna has four cellular antennas, two wireless antennas, and one GPS antenna. The GPS antenna provides specific location information, which can help you locate your RV if it’s stolen. The antenna is easy to install on metal roofs and is also compatible with fiberglass or rubber roofs. Parsec also offers wall and pole mounting adapters.
What We Like About It: We love that this bundle is a complete mobile internet solution that does the job incredibly well. Having the ability to boost the signal for multiple carriers and any available WiFi at the same time means less equipment taking up space in your RV. We also love that the booster mounts to the roof, which means not setting up an antenna on a large pole at each campsite.
What Could Be Better: This bundle is a tad on the expensive side. We don’t expect many RVers will enjoy the $1,100+ price tag. However, if we’ve learned anything while RVing, it’s that you often get what you pay for.
2. King KF1000 Falcon Extender
About the King KF1000 Falcon Extender: The King KF1000 Falcon Extender is a directional WiFi antenna that increases the range and performance of a WiFi signal.
The extender scans for available networks and then automatically positions itself toward the intended network signal. Setup is a breeze when you use the King WiFi app on your favorite smart device. There are no service fees or contracts either.
- fully automatic, directional wi-fi antenna with extender
- provides fast, reliable, and secure long-range signal acquisition...
- setup is simple with the with free king wi-fi app, available for...
What We Like About It: We love how the King KF1000 Falcon aligns itself automatically for an optimal connection. It does a tremendous job of boosting WiFi signals in your RV.
What Could Be Better: The $400 price point makes this a middle-of-the-road item. The King KF1000 lacks some of the features that make more expensive options more appealing.
One feature we would like to see added to this product is boosting cellular network signals. You’ll be disappointed if you’re anticipating boosting the signal of a mobile hotspot to cell phone towers.
3. NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender
About the NETGEAR RV WiFi Range Extender: NETGEAR is one of the leading names in the networking industry. This NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender covers up to 1,200 square feet and connects 20 devices.
The extender can handle speeds up to 1,200 Mbps and plugs into an electrical wall socket to stay out of sight. Universal compatibility means not having to buy a brand-specific router or other equipment. With the press of a button, the five-minute setup will extend your WiFi coverage before you know it.
- Extends WiFi range coverage up to 1500 sq ft, and connects up to...
- Provides up to 1200 Mbps WiFi speed using dual band and patented...
- Works with any wireless router or cable modem with Wi-Fi. System...
What We Like About It: You’ll have trouble finding anything better than this NETGEAR WiFi range extender, especially for less than $50. We love the ease of setup and the fact that it simply plugs into a wall socket to provide a sleek and modern look that’s not an eyesore.
What Could Be Better: While this extender can provide 1,200 square feet of additional coverage, it struggles to boost signals from routers behind multiple walls or other obstructions.
4. Alfa WiFi CampPro 2
About the Alfa WiFi CampPro 2 Extender: The Alfa Wifi CampPro 2 retrieves and extends WiFi signals. This extender is best for RVs and boats that need to connect to remote WiFi signals. The system scans and finds available networks and then shares the extended signal to your mobile devices, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. A comprehensive and straightforward QR setup allows you to use your smartphone to configure your system without requiring expert installation.
- WiFiCampPro 2 is a professionally tuned and highly integrated...
- Intuitive QR Smart phone/Web Configurator device setup: Simple &...
- Improved wireless performance & Signal Coverage: Extends WiFi...
What We Like About It: We like the ease of setup and that the system automatically scans for signals to boost. Being in the $150 price range makes this an appealing option for many consumers as well. Many reviews state the antenna does a great job detecting signals.
What Could Be Better: . While many reviewers thought the antenna did a great job detecting signals, a surprising amount said the router was lacking. They said the extender’s router showed little or no improvement in broadcasting the boosted signal in their residence.
5. Bearifi RV WiFi Extender
About the Bearifi RV WiFi Extender: The Bearifi Extender can extend a WiFi signal to one computer. This RV WiFi booster connects via a 16-foot USB cable to the computer needing a boost. The mounting bracket provides three mounting options: tabletop tripod, pole mounting, or velcro pole mounting.
This WiFi extender is IP65 certified, which means it’s water- and dust-resistant. The device is also treated with an anti-UV and anti-corrosion protective coating to help extend its life, especially in wet or less-than-ideal weather conditions.
What We Like About It: We like the $50-$60 budget-friendly price tag and that it’s a mobile option for boosting a signal. It helps maximize a WiFi signal and has several versatile mounting options.
What Could Be Better: Because this WiFi extender plugs into the computer’s USB slot, it does nothing to improve the signal for tablets, phones, and other devices. It’s also only compatible with Windows.
6. D-Link AC1750 Extender
About the D-Link AC1750 Extender: The D-Link AC1750 Extender extends speeds up to 1,300 Mbps, which is great for HD streaming and online gaming. The Smart Signal Indicator allows you to know where to find the best coverage.
The three external antennas improve WiFi coverage and speeds in isolated locations. This extender works well with standard routers and gateways and helps eliminate dead spots in your existing WiFi connection.
- Simultaneous dual band Wi-Fi: Extend both 2.4 gigahertz and 5...
- High speed Gigabit port: Connect wired devices such as gaming...
- Smart Signal Indicator: Indicator will help you find the best...
What We Like About It: We love how the smart signal indicator helps you quickly and easily find an optimal location for the unit. Having multiple antennas also helps improve the coverage throughout a large home or even outside.
What Could Be Better: While the product has a sleek design and easy setup, many reviewers said it underperforms when boosting signals. This extender is more suitable for a residential or private network, and users may struggle to boost public connections as it requires some access to security settings for optimal functionality.
RV WiFi Booster vs. RV Cell Booster
A WiFi booster amplifies a WiFi signal from a router or other networking device. It will do nothing to improve the coverage on your cell phone. An RV cell booster is an incredible resource to help maximize the quality of your cell signal. We personally use the weBoost Drive Reach Mobile Cellular Booster in our fifth wheel.
➡ You’d be surprised at the remote places you can get a cell signal! Learn how we stayed connected for 6 months while filming Go North: Connectivity in Alaska & Canada
An RV cell booster amplifies the signal broadcasted by cell phone towers in the area. These typically use either an omnidirectional antenna or directional antenna to dial into the wireless signal. The signal travels through the antenna into a booster and then broadcasts to an antenna inside the RV. This process can help create a higher quality signal inside the RV and avoid the potential for signal interference due to the RV’s construction.
WiFi boosters and RV cell boosters are not magical. They can’t create a signal out of thin air. They’re only amplifying an existing connection to help improve the signal.
Are RV WiFi Boosters Worth It?
RV Wifi boosters can be worth it if you’re not heavily reliant on the internet while in campgrounds. Many campgrounds have tremendously poor internet connections regardless of how much you amplify it. If you’re planning to travel to various campgrounds, you’ll likely grow frustrated and feel the booster is worthless. However, the booster isn’t the issue but rather the lackluster WiFi offered by the campground.
WiFi boosters can play an integral part in keeping you connected to the internet. A booster can improve the quality of your connection and allow you to get your work done or stay connected with friends and family. Campers should be aware that not every campground offers WiFi, and if no WiFi is available, a booster won’t be much help.
➡ Stay connected across the U.S. with our helpful guide: How to Find Campgrounds with WiFi
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Read More From The Mortons:
Lanier Harper
Wednesday 13th of July 2022
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
I recently purchased a 2022 Keystone Springdale camper trailer 21.4 ft . Springdale has the Winegard Air 360+ Latest. Edition. So, it allows for pre wired external antenna for cell, wi-fi and tv reception. You did not incorporate any info on that particular product. Winegard also purchased WiFiRanger.com and they have 2 Osprey routers models a cat 6 and a cat 12.
Is there anything that you can share on the products mentioned Osprey and the Winegard Air 360+.
Lanier
Virgil Pearce
Monday 1st of November 2021
Also have a 4K Onan and installing 340w Merlin flexible panels with 2 Battleborn Lithium 100ah batteries for coach and 1 Interstate GP34 800 CA & 1000ca for engine (will upgrade when Lithium creates an engine battery)
Virgil Pearce
Monday 1st of November 2021
Great info. I just installed the weBoost Drive X RV since I have Verizon and will utilize 5G as it becomes available. It's great for my phone connection in house, but I want to create my in-house wifi network within the (RV) '76 GMC Birchaven - has an aluminum roof w/ AL ribs, front-wheel drive w/ 455 Rocket and rear bath (23 footer). I would like to use my MacBook Pro, attached hard drives for support, and a 12v printer. Am thinking of using my laptop for streaming so am looking at a possible 12v high-res monitor as well. Any basic recommendations for a neophyte and what do you folks use for your travels in the outback? Am in OR - and will be traveling throughout Western Canada, Alaska, Pacific NW, SW, and even to the E
Mortons on the Move
Tuesday 2nd of November 2021
You might find our article about connectivity in Canada and Alaska helpful: https://www.mortonsonthemove.com/connectivity-in-alaska-canada/
Andrew Yang
Wednesday 27th of October 2021
I used this Alfa WiFi Camp 2 WiFi Repeater Kit to grab weak WiFi signal at an RV campground area. The instructions are clear enough that one does not need to be a technical genius to set up. The kit consists of an R36A portable router as well as an outdoor antenna with high sensitivity. I was immediately able to take an unusable signal and stream XFinity and Netflix with no lag.
Andrew Yang
Thursday 28th of October 2021
You will never go wrong by choosing this WiFi repeater kit as it is designed to gain signal derived from a remote hotspot. It works well when you are camping or staying in a yacht or RV.
Mark Lawler
Tuesday 24th of August 2021
I've been using the RedPort Halo Long Range WiFi Extender System on my rig. I figured that if it was good enough for long-range marina applications (i.e. boats at dock, anchor, or at a mooring ball) then it would probably be great for RV applications. Truth be told I often rely on my AT&T MiFi and WeBoost Cell Phone Booster more often for an internet connection, but when there is some good WiFi to grab, the Halo has done the trick for me.