Cell Signal Booster vs Satellite Internet: Who comes out on top?

Discover how the weBoost Drive RV II stacks up against satellite internet giant Starlink.

Wi-Fi or cell signal? It’s the age-old question, and one that has become even more important as more of us are trying to seek solitude while still being connected to the world.

Satellite internet providers like Starlink have soared in popularity in recent years, promising high speed internet connection in even the most remote places, but is it the right solution for your trips out yonder?

While you can’t boost Wi-Fi signal where it doesn’t exist, you can boost even the faintest cell signal to get more bars in more remote locations. See how our weBoost Reach RV II stacks up against Starlink to settle the Wi-Fi vs. Cellular debate for off-grid adventures.

Service

In simplest terms, Starlink is an internet service provider, while weBoost amplifies the cell service that you’ve already signed up for. So, if you are only looking for a Wi-Fi connection Starlink may give you what you’re looking for.

weBoost amplifies cell signal to make the most of your current cell phone plan, allowing you to make calls and send text messages with confidence without needing a Wi-Fi connection.  And if all roads lead to the internet, and you’re choosing the route, weBoost gives you noticeably more flexibility, with faster data speeds to do things like check email and stream your favorite shows.

Price

In today’s world, having a cell phone is all but mandatory. Since we’ve collectively adopted the technology already, why not use it to its maximum potential?

With weBoost, a one-time purchase of $549 is all it takes to boost your existing cell signal. The best part? No subscription. Just install and start amplifying your signal.

Pricing for satellite internet from Starlink, on the other hand, starts at $599 and can cost as much as $2500. And that’s just for the hardware. On top of that, monthly subscription fees range from $50 a month to $165, meaning annual fees can surpass $2,000.

And, if wear and tear is a concern for you, weBoost offers a two-year warranty on the Reach RV II, whereas Starlink only offers a one-year warranty.

Price

Because weBoost boosts available cell signal, the data usage is simply leveraging whatever data plan you currently have in place. That means that weBoost doesn’t throttle your data speed, and uses existing 4G, 5G, and LTE networks anywhere in the US.

Starlink’s base plan has a 50GB data limit, and you pay-per-gig for any overages. For an added fee, you can opt for unlimited data per month. Their data infrastructure leverages  private satellites, and using Starlink outside your defined service area requires an additional monthly fee.

Access

The question between satellite internet, like Starlink, and a cell signal booster like weBoost ultimately comes down to “does it work” and “how well does it work.”

For Starlink to give you the Wi-Fi you’re looking for, it needs to be manually aligned with its source. So, you’ll need to move it occasionally to pick up the best signal. And, if you are roughing it where tree cover is dense, you’re going to have a tough time getting a connection. Other potential connection losses include inclement weather and trying to use it while in motion.

weBoost is designed to amplify the cell signal that already exists around you and amplifies it, instead of trying to acquire a new connection. So, if you’ve got one bar in a dense forest or driving down a lonely stretch of road, weBoost can boost it, even while you’re moving. And our hexagon omni-directional antenna design means no manual alignment.

Hardware

Comparing hardware and set up is critical when deciding between satellite internet and a cell signal amplifier.

weBoost comes with hardware included for permanent installation for a set-it-and-forget-it signal booster on your RV. Power consumption is at a minimum, averaging less than 20 watts when in use. And weBoost is tough as nails, using weather-resistant components tested to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) for shock and vibration. With an average lifespan of 8-10 years, weBoost will be ready for every adventure.

Starlink can be installed permanently, but due to the design, it can cause major drag on your vehicle. There may be some level of set up required each time Starlink is used. Aside from drag and frequent set up, Starlink is a power guzzler, needing between 40-150 watts when in use—often requiring a generator to power.

When deciding between satellite internet and a cell signal booster like weBoost, it comes down to getting more signal in more remote areas—and getting the most out of the data plan that you already use every day.

Side-by-side comparison between weBoost and Starlink

	weBoostDrive Reach RV II	Starlink
	Cellular Signal Booster	Wi-Fi Service
Cellular signal	Yes	No
Wi-Fi signal	Via mobile hotspot	Yes
Price	$549	$599-$2500
Monthly subscription fees	$0/mo.	$50-165/mo.*
Yearly cost	$0/year	$600-$1980/year subscription cost
Data usage	Leverages your current data plan	50GB data limit with pay-per-gig; unlimited available for additional fee
Speed/data throttling	No	Yes
Plan adjustments	No plan required	Upgrade option; zero downgrades for life of plan
Areas of use	Anywhere in the U.S.	Requires additional monthly fee
Infrastructure leveraged	Existing 4G, 5G, LTE networks	Private satellites
Amplifies existing signal	Yes	No
Works in dense tree cover	Yes	No
Works in motion	Yes	Possible signal interruptions during motion
Permanent installation	Yes, hardware included	Available; may cause significant drag
Impacted by weather	No	Yes
Manual alignment required	No	Yes
Power consumption	Average < 20 watts	40-150 watts, may require generator
Warranty	2 years	1 year
Hardware lifespan	8-10 years	Unknown; untested
Years in business	24 years	5 years
Set up	Install once, boost forever	May require set up for each use
Privacy & security	Secure cellular connection	Based on user
Known outages	0	Recent outage Recent outage

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TAGS: 5G, cell phone booster, Education, RV

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