In this technological age, there is nothing more frustrating than to be unable to stay connected to the outside world. Whether it’s on the road or in camping parks, decent internet signals are always highly sought after by RVers. Designed to enhance the range and the stability of router signals, WiFi boosters are electronic devices that all full-time RVers must have in their vehicle. If you also think of your recreational vehicle as your second home, you have to consider equipping it with the best WiFi booster for RV.
Contents
Best RV WiFi Boosters Comparison Chart
| Best RV Wifi Boosters | Prices | Our Reviews | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bearifi BearExtender - Best Of The Best | $$ | 99 | Check price & reviews |
| Alfa AWUS036NH - Best Valued Product | $$ | 96 | Check price & reviews |
| Alfa WiFi Camp Pro - Editor's Choice | $$$ | 98 | Check price & reviews |
| RedPort Halo - Editor's Choice | $$$$$ | 96 | Check price & reviews |
| C. Crane US3 | $$ | 94 | Check price & reviews |
| Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 | $$$ | 98 | Check price & reviews |
| Winegard WF-3000 | $$$$$ | 95 | Check price & reviews |
The Basics About RV WiFi Booster
- What Is An Wifi Booster?
As its name suggests, an RV WiFi signal booster widens the maximum reach of WiFi networks by boosting existing signals. At first, the booster fetches a weak WiFi coming from a certain router, amplify it and rebroadcast the boosted signals. Thanks to the RV WiFi signal booster, you could comfortably eliminate WiFi dead spots/slow zones in your recreational vehicle.
- WiFi Booster, Repeater, Or Extender: The Difference?
When people talk about WiFi booster, repeater or extender, they all mean almost the same thing: The devices that are designed to improve the coverage of WiFi network. There are negligible differences between these devices but technically speaking, not every model work in the same manner. WiFi boosters merely boost the source signals while WiFi repeaters and extenders are capable of putting together a separate network.
- WiFi Booster: How It Works?
WiFi boosters work by scanning the area for signal and then connect to a network of your choice. Next, the booster would acquire signals from the router and improve them using the integrated amplifier. Finally, the booster would forward the enhanced signals to devices within its coverage: Laptop, PC, smartphone,…
Top 7 Best WiFi Booster Reviews
You are new to recreational vehicles and don’t know much about RV WiFi booster? If that happens to be the case, the RV WiFi booster reviews below would help you make a wise decision.
1. Bearifi BearExtender – Best Of The Best
Specification
- Dimension: 8 x 1 x 4.2 Inches
- Weight: 0.75 Pounds
Why This Is The Best
Dependable and reliable, Bearifi BearExtender is widely considered to be the best WiFi booster for RV available for purchase in term of all-around performance. Featuring a powerful 2.4 GHz amplifier and a quality 10 dBi directional antenna, the Bearifi model could capture signals from long distances. In addition to that, the 16 feet long USB cord receives praises from RV WiFi booster reviews as it offers the users a lot of flexibility. As the booster draws its energy from your PC through the USB cord, you don’t have to worry about finding an AC power supply.
In term of resistant, Bearifi BearExtender is protected by anti-UV and anti-corrosion coatings. Moreover, the IP65 rating of the Bearifi booster indicates that this device is mostly immune against dust and water infiltration.
Therefore, the model should be able to endure less than ideal operating environments without fail. To mount and secure the booster, there are 3 options for you to choose from: An adjustable metal pole mounting band, a Velcro pole mounting strap and a detachable tabletop tripod. In most of the case, there is no real need for any drilling to set up the WiFi signal booster.
Things we liked:
- Easy to use and simple to deploy
- Excellent signal range and tough cord
- The best RV WiFi antenna for the price
Things we didn’t like:
- The mounting tripod is not exactly rugged
- Inconsistent performance between products
2. Alfa AWUS036NH – Best Bang For The Buck
Specification
- Dimension: 8.8 x 7 x 2.5 Inches
- Weight: 0.66 Pounds
Why We Love It
Possessing an output power of 2,000mw, Alfa AWUS036NH is held in high regard by numerous RV WiFi booster reviews. In fact, the Alfa model is the best WiFi booster for RV money can buy when it comes to power. Thanks to the onboard RP-SMA antenna, the booster is capable of offering considerable improvements to the stability and the range of most wireless signals. Designed as a USB adapter, the booster is compatible with almost all computers that have USB ports on their body. Common operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Macintosh and alike would have no trouble supporting the use of this device.
Alfa takes pride in its security standard and Alfa AWUS036NH is a solid proof. Using advanced encryption techniques, the Alfa WiFi signal booster would guarantee that your Internet connection remains secure for as long as it’s in use. To keep you up to date about the current situation, the model is equipped with a convenient diagnostic LED indicator. Because of that, you could quickly tell what is happening just by taking a glance. In ideal conditions, the maximum data transfer rate of the booster could reach up to 150 Mbps which is quite impressive. While it’s not the best WiFi antenna for RV, the rubber duck antenna of the booster work fairly well
Things we liked:
- Excellent data transfer rate
- High-speed Internet access
- Top-of-the-line security standards
Things we didn’t like:
- The USB port is slightly flimsy
- There are complaints about missing parts
3. Alfa WiFi Camp Pro – Editor’s Choice
Specification
- Dimension: 20.1 x 6.7 x 3 Inches
- Weight: 2.3 Pounds
Why It’s A Editor’s Choice
Able to connect to a remote WiFi and repeat it as your personal hotspot, Alfa WiFi Camp Pro is a great choice for most RVers. The wireless adapter of the Alfa WiFi repeater kit could fetch distant signal in a blink of an eye. After that, the R36 router of the kit would efficiently rebroadcast the acquired signals to surrounding devices and gadget. For most of the time, the booster would improve the coverage of the signal but it could even work as a WiFi-as-WAN receiver. All you have to do is to pair the booster with the USB repeater and then it would become a local source for WiFi signals.
In term of installation, Alfa WiFi Camp Pro already comes with all necessary hardware so you could get it up and running without much difficulty. The Alfa booster is configured through a web browser and that means you don’t have to download additional software. Every part of the WiFi repeater kit is backed with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Since the kit components are light and compact, the kit could be manipulated at will.
Once the booster becomes operational, the signal range would vary between 500 and 1,500 feet, depending on the terrain as well as obstacles in the immediate area.
Things we liked:
- Well made and quality built
- Admirable signal sensitivity
- Could produce a WiFi hotspot
Things we didn’t like:
- Complicated instruction manual
- Customers report periodic disconnects
4. RedPort Halo – Editor’s Choice
Specification
- Dimension: 28 x 1 x 1 Inches
- Weight: 1.13 Pounds
Why It’s An Editor’s Choice
Made from high-grade material, RedPort Halo is the best WiFi booster for RV when it comes to structural strength. The RedPort model is capable of dealing with any harmful elements encountered in the outdoors.
Furthermore, the stainless steel connector that accompanies the booster could endure a lot of abuse. Couple with the rugged 10-meter long Ethernet cable, the booster would perform with distinction in a wide variety of settings. While it’s unable to increase the Internet access speed, the booster would provide users with greater connectivity than usual.
The 9 dBi antenna and the 2.4GHz extender of RedPort Halo allow you to get the most out of nearby connections. In optimum scenarios, the RedPort booster could acquire WiFi signals from hotspots that are located a couple of miles away. Since it’s able to support multiple platforms at once, this model is also the best WiFi booster for RV if you want to use phones, tablets, and PCs simultaneously. The signal booster is nominally powered by a 120-200V AC Adapter but you could always use a 12V DC car charger in times of need. Hardwiring the booster would void the manufacturer protection plan so you must never do that.
Things we liked:
- High endurance/resistance
- Able to accommodate many devices
- Quality features and helpful manual
Things we didn’t like:
- The price tag is a bit high
- Customer service is unresponsive
>> You may also like: Top 8 Best TPMS For RV 2018 <<
5. C. Crane US3 – The Best WiFi Antenna For RV
Specification
- Dimension: 5.2 x 2.5 x 11.5 Inches
- Weight: 1 Pound
Why We Love It
Searching for the best RV WiFi antenna available on the market? Then you have to check out C. Crane US3. By plugging the C. Crane antenna straight to your PC, you would be able to access improved Internet connection instantly. The usual range of the device is around 300 – 400 feet and it could work even when there are several walls between your PC and the router. Since it employs a water-resistant design, the model performance remains top notch if you mount it in the outdoors.
As C. Crane US3 could be mounted in numerous ways, RVer calls it the best WiFi booster for RV in term of ease of installation. From cable tie to suction cup, there are a wide variety of securing methods that the C. Crane antenna accept. The device also comes with a very handy 15-feet long USB split cable that possesses two plugs for your computer. Thanks to the cable, you should be able to set up the Wifi antenna in any way you see fit. About the speed, a combination of “N” router and “N” wireless technology provide the user with lightning fast data transfers.
Things we liked:
- Accompanied by a convenient USB cable
- Capable of working in the great outdoors
- Multiple mounting methods are available
Things we didn’t like:
- There are several issues with the connection reliability
- Quality control could really use a couple of improvements
6. Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 – Best Long-Range WiFi Repeater Kit For RVs
Specification
- Dimension: 20.1 x 6.7 x 3 Inches
- Weight: 2.3 Pounds
Why We Love It
Like the idea behind Alfa WiFi Camp Pro but want something more? If that is the case, you must take a good look at its successor: Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2. Featuring a new R36A router with updated internal performance, the Alfa model would offer you high-speed Internet access when you are out camping. Similar to the previous version, the booster utilizes a 9 dBi AOA-2409 antenna which is quite robust and could pick up distant signals without much difficulty. The sensitive nature of the antenna enables the booster to receive signal bouncing off obstacles.
Once the router of the Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 has connected to a signal, you would be required to name your own local Wifi network. Aside from that, you have to think of a password as well in order to secure your newfound Internet access. After that, devices all within a few hundred feet of the Alfa signal booster could share the same WiFi connection. A 1-page instruction manual would be provided along with the kit to help you set everything up properly and efficiently. When you connect the router to your PC through the Ethernet cable, it should take a bit of time and effort to configure the kit.
Things we liked:
- Support a lot of devices at the same time
- Straightforward installation/configuration
- Excellent range and commendable sensitivity
Things we didn’t like:
- Some customer receive defective products
- There are many complaints about signal fluctuations
7. Winegard WF-3000 – Best WiFi Booster For RV For User Protection
Specification
- Dimension: 13.5 x 6.4 x 7.4 Inches
- Weight: 6.4 Pounds
Why We Love It
Winegard cares greatly about the security of their customers while surfing the Internet which is why Winegard products are always designed to offer secured access. Featuring double firewall as well as Denial-Of-Service (DoS) attack shield, Winegard WF-3000 is well received by RVers in need of secured Internet access. The presence of WPA and WPA2-PSK protocols further enhance the already high-security standard of the Winegard signal booster. Aside from that, with 3 high gain antennas and a powerful amplifier, the device could connect to new networks in seconds. Boasting a sturdy construction, this WiFi signal booster is able to tackle pretty much any challenges associated with RV environment.
About the installation process, you should have a fairly easy time setting up Winegard WF-3000. All you have to do is to follow the on-screen instruction and the Winegard booster would get up and running before you know it. Thanks to the careful calibration between its components, the booster not only increases the WiFi coverage but also enhances the overall performance of each device. In term of post-purchase support, customers would be provided with a 2-year part warranty and a 1-year labor warranty.
Things we liked:
- State-of-the-art security standards
- Highly attractive part/labor warranty
- Offer stable and powerful connection
Things we didn’t like:
- High acquisition cost
- The plate feels kind of flimsy
Benefits Of Having The Best WiFi Booster For RV Around
WiFi boosters for recreational vehicles are capable of providing RVers with numerous benefits when they need to go off-grid. Take a good look at the advantages down below in order to know why you must keep such devices around.
1. Simplify The Task Of Gathering Information
With the help of the best WiFi booster for RV, it’s simple to gather valuable information regarding the weather, traffic condition and similar subjects. As a result, you should be able to predict potential problems in the near future and actively deal with them.
2. Keep The RV WiFi Connection Stable
In addition to that, if you need to work on the road, having a stable WiFi connection would prove handy. From receiving customer requests to checking project payments, everything requires Internet access and WiFi boosters shall give you just that.
3. Offer Convenient Access To Multiple Services
You could use the access to the Internet in order to read newspapers, listen to music, watch a movie, surf the web and so on. When you are in the middle of nowhere, access to such services let you relax and stay in touch with developments in the outside world.
Obtaining The Best WiFi Booster: Tips And Tricks For Novices
With so many booster models available for purchase, it’s not uncommon for novice RVers to feel confused and overwhelmed. Take a look at this buyer’s guide in order to determine which product would suit your needs and requirements.
1. Check Out The Booster Compatibility
All things considered, it’s pointless to buy best WiFi booster for RV when your router is incompatible with it. Remember that the purpose of the RV WiFi signal booster is to rebroadcast the signal it receives from the router. As a result, it’s no use purchasing Wife signal boosters that have higher speed ratings than the vehicle router. In any case, make you that you have a firm grasp on the specifications of your router before heading out. Knowledge of the router specifications would narrow down the number of RV WiFi booster that you have to check out.
2. Think About The Security Standards
It’s of utmost importance that you keep your Internet connection secured at all times. Therefore, you must always prioritize recently introduced products when it comes to WiFi accessories such as RV WiFi extender, RV WiFi booster, RV WiFi repeater,…Modern models tend to have updated security standards that should provide you with protected access. Such devices often utilize encryption techniques (WPA2-AES, WPA2-TKIP,…) so see if your router could support them or not. If the router on your vehicle is incapable of handling encryption techniques, you should upgrade it before looking for the best WiFi booster for RV
3. Assess The Ease Of Connection
Needless to say, no one wants to use a booster that takes a long time to connect to the router. As long as you are willing to look, you would be able to secure the best RV WiFi range extender that offers a protected setup. With a setup already in place, you only have to hit the booster button once the router is activated in order to form a connection. Besides that, you could set up the connection manually in many cases but you must keep router related details in mind (network name, network, SSID,…). You could find most of the required information on the body of the RV router.
4. Take The Features Into Consideration
It’s always a good idea to figure out what kind of features that accompany the best WiFi booster for RV booster so you could get the best deal possible. In most of the case, a WiFi signal booster for RV would often come with one or more Ethernet port. The port feature of WiFi boosters is well appreciated by people that want to use wired and wireless connection simultaneously. Wired connection delivers high-speed access and reduces the number of gadgets/devices attempt to connect to the wireless network. Some signal booster models even support audio streaming if you want to stream music straight from your laptop or smartphone.
5. Exam And Inspect The Design
There are a lot of designs a WiFi booster could use but in term of construction, you should be able to classify them into 2 groups. The first group consists of models that resemble compact plastic blocks, you need to attach them to the wall outlets. These boosters usually have a couple of LED lights in order to indicate power level as well as signal strength. On the other hand, models in the second group look similar to ordinary routers and have their own power supply. WiFi Boosters in the first group got less noticeable profile while their counterparts in the second group have more features. Depending on tastes and preferences, the design of the best WiFi booster for RV would change from person to person.
How To Install A WiFi Booster To Your Recreational Vehicle
Generally speaking, you could get a standard RV WiFi signal booster up and running on your own without much difficulty. For most of the time, the installation of WiFi booster would not require advanced skills and high-level tools/gears. All you have to do is to locate the spot where the signal is being emitted and then point the WiFi booster toward that area. Once the RV WiFi booster is properly installed, you could enjoy decent and stable Internet access from here on out.
Some Brands You Have To Keep An Eye Out For
While you could get pretty much any Wifi signal booster that matches your taste, you should keep an eye out for products from reputable names. Sure, signal boosters provided by famous manufacturers would not always perform up to your likings. That being said, a brand does not become popular in this industry by offering less than ideal models and services. Companies that offer WiFi signal boosters could only stick around if they are able to attract a lot of customers and keep them relatively satisfied. So whenever it’s possible, you have to consider getting your WiFi booster from one of these brands: Bearifi, C.Crane, Alfa, RedPort and Winegard .
Acquisition Cost Vs Product Performance
There is no real need for you to go after the most expensive RV WiFi signal booster on the shelves. With so many affordable and quality models around, it’s unwise to empty your wallet in order to get the best WiFi booster for RV. Nonetheless, you should remember the rule of thumb here: “You get what you pay for”. Don’t bother expecting premium class features and well-optimized performance from dirt cheap products. Before you decide to purchase a particular booster for RV, make sure that it matches your situation and shopping budget.
In most of the case, it’s recommended that you do some thorough research in advance and then compile a list of wanted features/capabilities. That should help you pick out candidates from the market to study the average price . As a result, you could head to the store a realistic and practical shopping budget.
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Last Updated on January 1, 2024
