The Best Antennas to Boost Your 3G & 4G Cellular Signal in 2022

For the layman, the scope of amplifying a cellular signal looks confusing. You open the catalog and grab your head: “Where is my textbook on radio communications?” And I want to quickly solve the problem – it doesn’t catch the connection, 3G and 4G. There are two antenna options to choose from, but neither of them by itself will not solve the problem of a bad signal.

Antenna for modem and Wi-Fi router. You buy an antenna through a special cable (it can be included or sold separately), connect a USB modem, and a SIM card is inserted into the device itself. The antenna amplifies the signal that comes from the operator’s tower and transmits it to the modem. Through USB, you can connect such an antenna to a laptop, a regular Wi-Fi router and distribute the Internet. This decision does not boost cellular coverage,only 3G and 4G internet.

External antenna for repeater. It can be directional, pin, panel, parabolic – these are different form factors. device doesn’t enhance anything by itself.. It picks up a cellular signal and the Internet (better than a regular smartphone), transmits it to a device called a repeater (aka an amplifier or repeater). Another antenna is connected to the repeater – internal. She is already “distributing” communications and the Internet indoors.

You can buy each of the devices separately (to, for example, assemble a powerful kit for your tasks) or a ready-made assembly and not bother choosing. Please note that amplifier kits are selected for specific mobile operators in your region, although there are also universal multi-band solutions.

In our rating, we will talk about each of the described types of antennas. We hope this will help you make a choice, and you will always have clear four or five communication sticks on the screen of your mobile phone. 

Editor’s Choice

DalSVYAZ DL-700/2700-11

Compact but powerful antenna for its size. It accepts all frequencies on which operators operate (695-2700 MHz): both for the transmission of the Internet signal and voice communications. Gain factor (KU) 11 dB. This parameter shows how much you can amplify the signal coming from the operator’s base station. The higher the gain of the antenna, the weaker the signal can be amplified. This is especially important for remote villages.

Manufacturers of such equipment do not always bother to create a neat case and pay so much attention to build quality. ABS plastic is used: a durable, unpretentious material that is not afraid of the scorching sun and rain. Complete aluminum fasteners allow you to firmly fix the antenna on the bracket or mast. 

The device is designed for operation at wind gusts up to 35 m/s. Recall that gusts above 20 m/s are already considered rare and abnormal. Therefore, the safety margin of the best antenna is fair. The manufacturer also gives a two-year warranty, which is rare for the market for these devices.

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Top 10 Best Antennas for Amplifying 3G and 4G Cellular Signals According to KP in 2022

The best antennas for repeaters (amplifiers)

1. KROKS KY16-900

A fairly powerful antenna that amplifies both the Internet and the cellular signal. But note that it is sharpened to receive the 900 MHz standard. This is the most massive and universal communication standard in Our Country, and at the same time the most “long-range”. It has voice communication, Internet LTE (4G) and 3G, but not in all regions and not with all operators, so when purchasing, consult your mobile operator which base station at which frequency covers your home / office. 

The device itself is designed to be attached to a special mast. There is no cable included – a small tail (10 cm), which is connected to your cable assembly through the “mother” connector and goes to the repeater.

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2. Antey 2600

The antenna operates in a wide frequency range and picks up signals from all base stations of operators. The device is pin, does not bend or rotate. Immediately out of the box it is attached to a bracket, which is fixed to the wall or mast with two self-tapping screws, screws or wire – there is already what you can. Works in the GSM 900/1800 bands, as well as 1700 – 2700 MHz. However, each range has its own gain. If for GSM 900/1800 (this is the voice communication of most operators), it is 10 dB, then for 3G and LTE Internet it is a modest 5,5 dB. Keep this in mind when buying, if you buy an antenna primarily for the Internet.  

The manufacturer claims high resistance to wind gusts up to 170 km / h. That is, according to the characteristics of any storm, it will cope. It comes with a 3m cable.

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3. VEGATEL ANT-1800/3G-14Y

The antenna is made of aluminum, the contacts are well sealed, and the complete cable has increased frost resistance. Which can be especially important for residents of villages and the private sector away from cities, where winters are colder and the signal of operators is not so stable. 

Please note that the antenna does not pick up all the signals of operators, but only GSM-1800 (2G), LTE 1800 (4G) and UMTS 2100 (3G). So if your cellular operator and its towers near the installation site are sharpened to 900 MHz, this antenna will be useless for you.

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4. 4ginet 3G 4G 8dBi SMA-male

Set of antenna and magnetic stand. It also does not have moisture protection and is recommended for use only in room conditions. Additionally, it can be used to amplify the signal of Wi-Fi routers at a frequency of 2,4 Hz – this is the standard for most models. The complete cable is three meters, it is built into the stand, so calculate in advance if its length is enough for you.

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5. HUAWEI MiMo 3G 4G 7dBi SMA

Solution from the Chinese telecom giant. A simple device with two cables with SMA-male (“male”) connectors that can be connected to repeaters. No brackets are attached to the antenna, and there is nothing to hook them to. Unless you invent some homemade clamping system yourself. According to the manufacturer’s idea, the antenna should be put out of the window (here, except for double-sided adhesive tape, it is included) or left on the windowsill. The device does not have any moisture protection and dust protection, the manufacturer even calls it “indoor”, as if hinting that the device is not just under extreme weather, it’s generally better not to take it out into the street once again. This is rather a portable option for the city, rather than a stationary one for distant settlements. Buyers describe it as such and are generally satisfied with the product.

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The best antennas for amplifying the Internet signal under the modem

Recall that the devices in this collection do not amplify cellular communications (voice), but only the Internet. You can connect a portable modem-flash drive to them via a cable, in which there is a SIM card. Some antennas have a compartment in which you can install a modem to protect it from rain and street dust.

1. РЭМО BAS-2343 Flat XM MiMo

The antenna is mounted on the outer wall of the building or on the roof. Equipped with a hermetic box, which is protected from dust and water, IP65 standard. This means that the grains of sand of any faction are not afraid of her at all, and she will withstand the downpour. The kit includes two built-in adapters (they are also called pigtails) for the CRC9 connector and a wired FTP Cat 5E cable – ten meters for USB-A. 

The first ones are suitable for modern modems, and according to the second one, you can connect the antenna to a Wi-Fi router or directly to a computer or laptop. Supports MIMO technology – it increases the stability of the Internet connection and the speed of the Internet.

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2. CROSS KNA-24 MiMO 2x24dBi

This antenna belongs to the parabolic class – outwardly it resembles a familiar satellite TV dish or professional equipment. This form factor is not for the sake of beauty or fashion – it is a very powerful signal amplification tool. In 2022, few antennas can compete in power with it. Receives a signal with a range of up to 30 km.

So for settlements remote from communication towers – the best solution. Internet 3G and LTE amplifies from all operators in Our Country. The kit includes two ten-meter cables for connecting to a router and an adapter for a modem for a CRC9TS9SMA type connector – the configurations may differ from different sellers, but if anything, it’s easy to find the right adapter in stores.

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3. AGATA MIMO 2 x 2 BOX

Another antenna for 3G and 4G amplification with dust and weather protection. Mounted on the facade of the building, the kit includes a bracket for the mast. The fixture of the device is adjustable, so that the angle can be varied. This is important in order to point the antenna exactly at the operator’s base station, and thus receive a clear signal. In the kit you will also receive a USB extension cable made of an FTP CAT5 cable 10 meters long – it is for routers and PCs. Please note that pigtails for modems are not included with this version – they must be purchased separately.

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4. Antex ZETA 1820F MiMO

Inexpensive solution to strengthen the Internet. Picks up a signal at a distance of up to 20 km from the base station. The kit does not include a wall bracket. But there is a groove in which you can fix the bracket or mast. Suitable for all operators. Uses F-female connectors for 75 ohm cables. Note that the modern standard is SMA and 50 Ohm, since with it there is less loss of Internet speed over the cable. Adapters for modems and wires for connecting to a router must be purchased separately, they are not included in the kit.

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5. Keenetic MiMo 3G 4G 2x13dBi TS9

Compact device for signal amplification. It is placed on a horizontal surface – it is best to put it on a windowsill. There is no protection against water, so you cannot leave such an antenna outside the window. The box contains a small fastener with screw holes. Two cables of two meters stretch from the antenna, the TS9 connector is for mobile modems and routers, but not for all models. Therefore, before buying, check compatibility with your device. 

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How to choose an antenna for amplifying a cellular signal

We talked about the types of antennas for signal amplification in terms of use cases at the beginning of the material. Let’s talk more about the characteristics.

Communication standards

Not all antennas catch the entire range from the base stations of operators. The frequency that the device receives is indicated in the specification. This is an important parameter, as it may not coincide with the frequency of your operator. Ask him for information about a cell tower in a particular area. If he does not provide data (unfortunately, there are failures – it all depends on the competence and goodwill of the support service), then download the application for Androids “Cell Towers, Locator” (for iOS this program or its analogues does not exist) and find your base station on a virtual map.

Gain

Measured in isotropic decibels (dBi), the ratio of the power at the input of a reference non-directional antenna to the power supplied to the input of the considered antenna. The higher the number, the better. The antenna will confidently receive a signal from the operator’s tower, which means that the Internet speed will be higher, communication will be better and the subscriber can be located at a greater distance from the base station. Unfortunately, for different communication standards – GSM, 3G, 4G – the indicator is not the same, and manufacturers indicate the maximum possible. Plus, this is an indicator in ideal conditions – when the antenna looks directly at the station and neither the terrain, nor buildings, nor forests interfere with the signal.

Antenna interfaces

Most of the equipment on our market is standard: SMA-male (“male”) connectors or F-female (“mother”) connectors are used – the latter transmit the signal worse. The antennas also use an integrated N-female (“female”) connector with a small piece of RF wire (high frequency wire) to connect to the cable of the length you need.

Correct Antenna Location

You can buy the best antenna in the world and install it incorrectly, then no top-end features will help. Ideally, the antenna should be placed on the roof of the house or outside the window of the apartment. Direct it clearly towards the tower of the cellular operator. If you do not have professional equipment for installers – a spectrum analyzer, then download the “Cell Towers. Locator” or “DalSVYAZ – signal measurement” or Netmonitor (only for Android devices).

Types of antenna design

The most common and easiest to install are panel, they look like a box. 

Also popular directed antennas – they look like an antenna in the classical sense, they work well, but their disadvantage is that they require fine tuning of the direction towards the base station. 

Omnidirectional circular antennas are not so whimsical to the direction of installation (that’s why they are omnidirectional!), but the gain is much lower than that of others.

Pin repeat for circular properties, but work a little better – outwardly like Wi-Fi router antennas. Parabolic the most expensive and powerful devices.

Popular questions and answers

The KP answers questions from readers Alexander Lukyanov, Product Manager, DalSVYAZ.