Anyone well-versed in the RV/camper lifestyle can tell you that they experience connectivity issues when using the campground WiFi. It’s because the network signal gets weaker or unreachable inside the RV.
However, if you’re planning to go camping soon, then you shall consider getting a WiFi booster or an RV WiFi hotspot.
As opposed to traditional extenders, the strength of the antennas is miles better and can catch signals from sources located far away.
However, with soaring RV camping popularity and in turn demand for WiFi boosters, most reputed networking companies and others came up with their self-proclaimed best devices. And you’re here means you probably have struggled to make a choice.
Don’t worry, just read through this review-based guide, align them according to your needs, and make pick the suitable one. So without further ado, let’s get in!
Best WiFi Boosters for RV in 2024
I am always a camping enthusiast, and when my brother brought a new RV, I was more than excited. So when we encountered the network problem, I tucked in my shirt and got on testing various quality extenders available in the market. Based on the test results, I have sorted the top 7 RV WiFi boosters.
1. Best Overall: Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2
If you have got a vast campground with weak connections in distant areas, then the Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 kit is one of the best options you have got. It not only takes the router signals further but also keeps the signals strong throughout the period of internet usage. Besides, it is capable enough to keep most of your smart devices up and running.
I also used its previous version, Alfa WiFi camp pro when I was out on a trip with my family. The router was decent but the manufacturer has levelled it up with upgrades in range, device-handling capacity, and others.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Before I get into discussing details about its range and performance, let me tell you that Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 comes as a kit consisting of a router, antennas, USB, Ethernet and charging cable. You must connect the router to the antenna which is to be mounted against a wall, and there you go, faster and smoother signals anywhere around the campground.
Putting it in numbers, the maximum area this WiFi range extender can cover is around 4000 Ft or 3/4 mile. I got my brother’s RV to test it and it worked flawlessly from such a distance. And the best part is, the two-bar signals achieved from the router installed far away in the campground let me stream YouTube videos without any struggle.
Other than that, the extender installed on the roof of the RV could impart strong bandwidth to around 25 devices at once. This includes a smart TV, phones, tablets, echo, and laptops.
Wireless Speeds
The manufacturer hasn’t disclosed any information about the throughput capacity of the WiFi booster, except that it operates on a single 2.4GHz band. But the test results were excellent as it almost tripled the speeds that were attained from the faraway router.
The active plan was a Cox 300 Mbps plan, and with 2000 feet away from the source, the connected devices managed to record download and upload speeds of around 167 Mbps and 29 Mbps, respectively. So, sitting in the campground my brother could enjoy his favorite movies and shows on Netflix while I can complete my office work without any network bottlenecks.
Conclusion
Overall, Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2 is a great WiFi extender for RV, that can boost the strength of signals that are coming from faraway places, so you can experience high speeds even in the extremities. Other than that, it boasts a decent device handling capacity, making it ideal for people who love to travel around with their families.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Great range
- Decent speeds
- Excellent device handling capacity
Cons
- Premium-priced
2. Best Runner Up: KING KS1000 Swift
- Fully automatic, omnidirectional Wi-Fi antenna with extender
- Provides fast, reliable, and secure long-range signal acquisition from your Wi-Fi network
- Setup is simple with the with free KING Wi-Fi app, available for Android and iOS devices
- Effortlessly connect all your mobile devices
- Antenna extends 2.4GHz for best range plus 5GHz w/router for fastest speeds
If my top recommendation doesn’t entice you, here’s another great RV WiFi booster, the King KS1000 Swift. The King WiFi range extender/router alongside the swift omnidirectional WiFi antenna lets you experience strong and fast WiFi on the move. Besides, you can add multiple devices to the powerful network system at a time without any tussle.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The excellent coverage of King KS1000 Swift makes it worthy of the second position. Although the manufacturer claims of covering an area of up to 1 mile or around 5,000 feet, there wasn’t any evidence to share.
In my test, I parked my RV in a campground with a number of cafes and restaurants on the other side of the road. And, the antenna installed on the top could catch signals from WiFi located far away and pass them to my devices like they are located in proximity. I had access to a WiFi network of 15 sources, which is truly remarkable.
Some of them weren’t even visible from my RV and were located around 1.65 miles away from me.
So, in a real-life scenario, the maximum range of this extender can be put at around 2,500 Sq Ft. Moving on, the WiFi extender broadcasts a powerful bandwidth that allows multiple connections. And so I could work on around 35 devices at a time for streaming, video calling, mobile gaming, and others without any performance drops.
Wireless Speeds
Regarding speeds, the manufacturer hasn’t made any claims except that it operates on two frequency bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz), which wasn’t the case with my previous recommendation. Multiple bands mean the availability of multiple channels and thereby faster connection on the devices.
It has following band-wise speed distribution as follows:
| 5 GHz: 867 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
To test the extender out, I connected to a free-to-access WiFi network of the campground (45 feet away from RV) which usually registers speeds of around 65 Mbps when the antenna isn’t installed. And with strong signals transmitted from King KS1000 Swift, my downloads soared to 185 Mbps, while uploads were recorded at 35 Mbps.
With such speeds, my friends and I could play online mobile games without any frame drops or jitters and went out to win most of our battles.
Conclusion
King KS1000 Swift shares more or less a similar configuration to Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2, except that the former operates on two frequency bands, which means more channels, and faster data transfer. The bandwidth it shares is capable of handling multiple devices and you can work on any internet-bound tasks with ease.
But the speed boost from my previous recommendation wasn’t very large despite operating on two bands, thereby the rank.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Excellent coverage
- Decent speed
- Handles multiple devices
Cons
- Won’t boost cellular networks
3. Best with 4G LTE Support: Winegard ConnecT 2.0
- Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Wireless Speed: 2.4Ghz: 450Mbps (Rx), 450Mbps (Tx)
- Power Rating: Dc 9-16V, 1A
- Country Of Origin : United States
The next extender on my list, Winegard ConnecT 2.0 is a cell/WiFi combo that can out to be a perfect companion to install in your RV. Having a dual-functionality device means you are always connected to the network, even when you’re moving. It was missing from my previous recommendations. Aside from that, setting it up takes a few seconds and it keeps most of your device connected to a secure network.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Concerning coverage, the manufacturer hasn’t made any outright claims, but some sources claim that the extender can capture signals from ¾ miles or 4000 feet away. In my tests, the range stays around the number, as the devices could receive powerful signals from WiFi located almost ½ mile away from them, translating to around 2,700 Ft.
I could successfully pair a free yet usable WiFi network in the RV to my smartphone and laptop, which wasn’t seen anywhere without Winegard ConnecT 2.0.
Other than WiFi, this device entails a mini-SIM slot that supports a fast and stable 4G connection of Windstream or AT&T and Verizon. So, if you are like me and want to use your laptop while going to another place on your RV or in an area where there aren’t any WiFi networks available, this feature comes in handy. Don’t worry the signals are password protected, so only you can log in.
And whether WiFi or 4G LTE, you can add multiple connections to the bandwidth emitted by the extender. The numbers can go as high as 32, more than enough one can carry along.
Wireless Speeds
Winegard ConnecT 2.0 wireless extender operates on a single band (2.4GHz) with a maximum speed capacity of 450 Mbps. The connections I established with the free WiFi averaged about 30% stronger than when I was connected directly to the network with my laptop. Measured with the Ookla speed test app, the downloads and uploads clocked at 267 Mbps and 49 Mbps, respectively.
I was able to use my Smart TV and stream Netflix movies with great picture quality. There still was enough bandwidth left for you to work on most internet-bound activities like video conferencing, web browsing, sending emails, and others.
Other than that, I put in a 4G-enabled AT&T sim to the extender only to receive respective speeds up to 76 Mbps and 15 Mbps. It’s still enough to handle most light tasks alongside HD streaming.
Conclusion
Overall, Winegard ConnecT 2.0 is a great device in terms of usability and performance. It could extend signals from faraway places which stay strong when reaches your devices. So you can play casual online games, stream online content, and surf the web on multiple devices at once. Besides, there’s 4G LTE support to keep your devices running even on the go.
But, the performance isn’t as top-tier as it charges a price, thereby ranked third on the list.
Pros
- Dual-functionality
- Great range
- Easy to install
- Decent speeds
Cons
- Premium-priced
4. Best Budget Extender: Bearifi BearExtender
As I have almost reached halfway to the list, let me present you with a cheap yet reliable device, Bearifi BearExtender. You don’t need an AC power supply to run this extender and includes a water-resistant cover that keeps it safe even if it gets a little wet or damp. Besides, the scores are excellent when it comes to range, its primary performance indicator.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
As per the spec sheet, the Bearifi BearExtender is powerful enough to capture WiFi signals from sources located at ½ mile away from it. The numbers seemed absolutely ridiculous at first but my laptop received signals from sources that are placed a few thousand feet away. Putting it in numbers, the real-time range of this device can extend up to 2,000 Ft at a stretch.
However, the extender lags majorly when it comes to device-handling capacity as it can only boost signals on only a single device at once. My laptop received signals from around 35 internet providers that were located around the campground.
Wireless Speeds
The Bearifi BearExtender like most in my list operates only on a single frequency band, i.e. 2.4GHz, and boasts a maximum throughput capacity of 300 Mbps, which is great considering its price. And there’s a 25% speed boost when your router was working alone to connect to the network.
At around 45 feet, the download and upload speeds clocked at 141 Mbps and 29 Mbps, which is enough to let you have a lag-free streaming experience on your smart TV. Or you can plug in your gaming console and play online games with your friends.
Conclusion
To conclude, Bearifi BearExtender is an excellent device when it comes to range, as the signals could reach up to 2,000 Sq Ft. Similar to most extenders, the signals from faraway sources were strengthened to let you stream HD movies and web shows with ease. Its only limitation is its device-handling capacity, as you can only run a single device at a time.
Pros
- Excellent range
- Decent speeds
- Easy to install
- Resistant to any weather
Cons
- Can handle a single device at a time
5. Best with Multi Modes: WAVLINK WN572HG3
- 【AC1200 Outdoor WiFi Extender】Complies with IEEE 802 11 ac/a/b/g/n standards. Dual-Band maximum speed up to 5GHz 867Mbps and 2.4GHz 300Mbps. With a brand-new chip MT7621A and Easy Mesh supported, it lets you keep more devices(64~96) connected simultaneously with the dual bands and enables Wavlink mesh router/AP/repeater to work together, which is superior choice for seamless HD streaming, online gaming and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.
- 【Multiple Operation Modes & Power Over Ethernet】WN572HP3 supports Mesh Extender Mode, Access Point (AP) Mode, and Repeater Mode. Integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) supported, allowing it to be installed in areas where power outlet is not available by combing your power and network data connection into a single RJ-45 cable. Dual Gigabit 1000Mbps WAN/LAN Ethernet ports, support 10/100/1000Mbps speeds, 10x faster than a standard Ethernet port, giving you an excellent network speed experience.
- 【Weatherproof Outdoor WiFi Extender】IP65-rated weatherproof & heat-resistant case that ensures continued operation on harsh outdoor environments or in climates of extreme cold, heat or continuous moisture, withstanding broad ranges of humidity and temperature (-30°C~70°C) (-22°F~158°F); 15KV ESD, 4KV lightning protection, ensure stable connection in harsh outdoor conditions. Note: The PoE part of the router is not waterproof.
- 【4 x 7dBi Detachable Omni Directional Antennas】Meet outdoor long range coverage wireless network requirement, cover hard-to-reach dead zones. High Power Amplifiers PA 800mW and enhanced receiver design for more strong penetration & longer range coverage than the general access point, ideal for providing Wi-Fi service in big area such as factory, community, street or etc.
- 【What You Get】 All Wavlink products come with a high-quality after-sale service. Please feel free to contact us anytime if you have any question, we will do our best to help you. In the Box: AC 1200 Dual Band Outdoor Ap/Range Extender, 2x 2.4 G Omni Antennas, 2x 5G Omni Antennas, 1x RJ 45 Networking Cable, 1x Power Adapter, 1x PoE Converter, 1x Main Body Holder, 2x Cable Ties, 1x Screw Fitting Kit, 1x Quick Start Guide.
Wavlink AC1200 is not one of your typical RV extenders with miles of range, but it can be used as one to access signals from your nearby free campsite WiFi or chill outside in an RV extending signals from routers inside your house. It comes with an IP65-resistant waterproof and heat-resistant case that ensures continued operations even in harsh weather.
Besides, compared to my previous RV extenders, this entails two Ethernet ports designed for faster connectivity.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The Wavlink AC1200 entails four detachable antennas with beamforming capability and a theoretical range of 2,000 Sq Ft. Judging by it, the extender should capture most signals that are present within a distance of 42 feet. My test corresponded to my judgements as my RV parked at a similar distance from my house had access to strong and stable signals.
Other than that, my laptop had over 15 WiFi networks available to connect to, among which most were unavailable. The bandwidth transmitted by the extender can handle up to 45 connections at once, including devices like smart TVs, laptops, computers, and others. I could even play casual online games like Fall Guys with my friends without any interruptions.
A unique aspect of this extender is the number of modes it operates on: mesh, repeater and access point mode. Mesh mode is the best among all as your devices have access to better and undroppable signals. But it’s only compatible with Wavlink Easymesh supported routers, and not many are available as such. You can always work on the repeater and access point mode.
Wireless Speeds
This is where Wavlink AC1200 takes a lead from most extenders included in this list. It has a speed rating of 1200 Mbps and the respective speeds on its two bands are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 867 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
The unavailability of a compatible mesh system made me operate on the repeater mode, which saw a major speed drop, but the speeds were still higher than the previous options. Connected to the Starbucks cafe situated around 30 feet away from the extender, the download and upload speeds were recorded at 189 Mbps and 41 Mbps, respectively.
At the same time, connecting to a network 40 feet away registered a 25% speed drop, which still is enough for streaming, video conferencing, and other low-bandwidth tasks. Or, you can plug in two of your devices to the ethernet port and receive boosted speeds on them. Trust me when I say this, the following speeds should let you play online games.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Wavlink AC1200 is an outdoor WiFi range extender that falls in the mid-range category and offers several operation modes for added convenience. Its range is impressive, and it allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously through MU-MIMO. However, it is not compatible with mesh network formation, and using other modes like repeater can lead to significant speed reductions.
Pros
- Multiple operation modes
- Easy to install and use
- Decent range
- Stable throughput
Cons
- Much lesser range than most extenders
6. Best Long Range Extender: TP-Link RE650
- Extend the range of your Wi Fi with the dual band RE650, compatible with any type of Router / Gateway / Access Point (2.4GHz 800Mbps / 5GHz 1733Mbps)
- Quad Antenna design for ultimate coverage for all areas of your home
- MU-MIMO Wave 2 technology allows the RE650 to talk to Multiple devices at once for optimal Performance between devices. Beamforming Technology sends targeted Wi Fi signal to individual devices for stronger connections
- Smart indicator lights help provide optimal placement. Should be installed between the Router and the desired area
- Gigabit Ethernet port connects wired devices to your network for high speed connection
Moving on to my next recommendation, TP-Link RE650 is not your typical RV extender and isn’t resistant to heat or water, and can’t be installed outside, but it makes it up with its massive theoretical range of 14,000 Sq Ft. Just place it in proximity to the RV door and get access to WiFi signals from sources located far away from you.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
Priced at around $100, it’s one of the highest-range traditional extenders available in the market, with its theoretical value maxing out at 14,000 Sq Ft. Its four powerful antennas are the standout reasons behind such a performance.
But what separates it from RV extenders is that RE650 doesn’t strengthen the signals it receives but transmits them as such, thereby lesser throughput from faraway sources. In my tests, the signals from as far as 12,000 Sq Ft were accessible over my laptop. And irrespective of the signal strength, I could chill outside my RV listening to soothing music on my smartphone.
Moving on, the extender antennas resonate well with the integrated MU-MIMO tech to transmit stable signals to around 45 devices at once. Depending on the tasks, the number of connections can increase or decrease.
Another aspect that makes it a device worth purchasing is the OneMesh feature, which means pairing it with any device with such tech should provide you access to undroppable and strong signals. But that’s a hard ask when you’re outside most of the time.
Wireless Speeds
TP-Link RE650 probably stands tallest when it comes to throughput capacity. It’s rated at AC2600, which is split between its two bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1733 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 800 Mbps |
Looking at the spec sheet, connecting a 500 to 1 Gbps plan seems to do justice to it. And connecting to the Cox 500 Mbps I had in my house produced decent throughput results as downloads and uploads were recorded at 367 Mbps and 64 Mbps. Note that these values were obtained by keeping the testing device 30 feet away from the extender.
But separating the WiFi source and extender by around 100 feet results in considerable speed drops. The laptop managed to churn out speeds at around 53 Mbps and 9 Mbps, which however could only handle basic tasks like streaming music, sending emails, etc. However, staying close to the router should let you play games like Warframe and DOTA 2 without any latency issues.
Conclusion
To conclude, TP-Link RE650 provides a great value in terms of throughput capacity and range. Although signals coming from faraway sources are a bit weak but you still can stay online on social media platforms and stream your favorite music in HD quality. And it can’t be installed outside, which is why it’s ranked at the penultimate position.
Pros
- OneMesh feature
- Great coverage
- Decent device-handling capacity
- Great speeds
Cons
- Limited compatibility of OneMesh feature
7. Best from Netgear: Netgear EX6250
- EXTENDED WIRELESS COVERAGE: Adds WiFi range coverage up to 2000 sq ft, and connects up to 32 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more.Connectivity protocol:Ethernet,Wi-Fi
- SEAMLESS SMART ROAMING: Uses your existing network SSID name so you never get disconnected as you move around your home or office
- AC1750 WIFI SPEED: Provides up to 1750Mbps performance using dual-band and patented FastLane(TM) technology for demanding HD streaming and online gaming.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with WiFi.
- WIRED ETHERNET PORT: Simply plug in game consoles, streaming players, or other wired devices into the one Gigabit port for maximum speed.
The final product on my list is Netgear EX6250 which entails features like mesh smart roaming and MU-MIMO to create a fast and stable network throughout the space. Courtesy of the mesh smart roaming feature, you’re always connected to the best network available. Besides, its theoretical range of 2,000 Sq Ft is what makes it worthy in the list of best WiFi extender for RV.
WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity
The Netgear EX6250 with its two-antenna setup claims to cover an area of up to 2,000 Sq Ft, which isn’t much when compared to the top options. In my tests, the maximum it can stretch is around 1,700 Sq Ft, which means the signals are only accessible when your RV is parked outside in the garage or yard.
But the area it envelops has access to the strongest signals, courtesy of the mesh smart roaming technology. You can play games or stream your favorite movies while staying in the comfort of your RV or beside the pool without any lags.
Aside from that, the extender instils an MU-MIMO tech that makes sure signals are only concentrated over the connected devices. It perfectly replicated in my tests as my available 28 devices didn’t experience any throttles or lags.
Wireless Speeds
This dual-band WiFi range extender with a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 setup is rated at AX1800, which is split over its bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 450 Mbps |
I tested the real-time ability of this extender by keeping the router 20 and 40 feet away from it. The results turned out to be decent as over the former distance, the connected device managed to churn out download and upload speeds of 261 Mbps and 42 Mbps, respectively. At the same time, my second test managed respective speeds of 149 Mbps and 25 Mbps.
Besides, you can use the extender as an access point to boost the wireless speeds and play out online games or stream any movies in UHD quality with ease. Or if you are in need of some extra bandwidth, plug in your device to the ethernet port with gigabit speed capacity. Games like Valorant and Destiny 2 managed to clock ping values of 19 and frame rates of 40.
Conclusion
To summarize, the Netgear EX6250 is currently the most affordable extender that offers both mesh roaming and smart connect features, priced at approximately $70. This means that users can connect to the extender without experiencing a significant speed reduction. Additionally, the device has a decent handling capacity, making it a good choice for large business environments.
But it is just a normal extender and doesn’t boast massive coverage, thereby ranked at the bottom.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Good device handling capacity
- Decent speeds
- Stable throughput
Cons
- Coverage isn’t very high
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they do. WiFi boosters capture the signals obtained from a WiFi source and transmit them to other nearby devices like your laptop or phone. These are great to access the WiFi at your park or campground.
A WiFi booster captures a weak signal and strengthens it before transmitting it to your device. In a few cases, you can even speed up your WiFi connection. On the other hand, WiFi extenders just send signals to longer distances but don’t increase the speed but rather decrease it.
If you get the best WiFi booster, you can park your RV at around ¾ miles away from the campground office and even receive decent signals to keep your devices up and running.
If you are leading a nomadic life and travel very often with your own recreational vehicle, then you probably should invest in a WiFi booster. With these installed, you don’t have to enter any cafe or restaurant with WiFi and rather enjoy it sitting a few thousand feet away. Its speeds are decent enough to run most of your internet-bound tasks, and therefore are worth the investment.
Verdict
Before you hop on to pick the best WiFi extender for your RV, make sure to get your needs and budget sorted. You must make a choice according to where and how much you travel with your RV, and how far the WiFis might be located. If you have made your choice, go on to purchase that and experience decent internet throughout the day. If not, here’s a list of the best options:
- The best way to extend WiFi to the RV without spending a load of money is to purchase Alfa WiFi Camp Pro 2. It has powerful antennas that capture signals from around 3/4 miles away.
- If you need an extender that comes with 4G LTE support, letting you stay online even on the go, get yourself Winegard ConnecT 2.0. At around $380, it’s the most expensive WiFi booster available on the market. And if you have one device to connect, get the cheapest Bearifi BearExtender.
- Lastly, if you aren’t in need of WiFi signals from faraway places, treat yourself with TP-Link RE650.
