Even the fastest WiFi networks can face performance issues. The cause of these issues may depend on a variety of factors. However, often the solution lies in a WiFi booster app.
If you’re looking for an app for boosting WiFi signal, you may have seen apps with this name online. They claim to “boost” your WiFi’s signal. But is there any truth to these claims?
Learn what these apps do and how they help you improve your WiFi’s performance!
What Is a WiFi Booster App?
A WiFI booster app is a mobile application that enhances your device’s WiFi connectivity. While “booster” might suggest that these apps amplify the signal itself, that isn’t entirely true.
They do make the signal coverage better, but not by boosting it. Instead, they aim to uncover problems within the device or WiFi settings. Some apps even go as far as telling you how other devices are using your WiFi network.
However, a better name for these devices would be WiFi analyzer apps. If you genuinely want to boost a WiFi signal, you must go for hardware devices.
Do WiFi Booster Apps Work?
No, WiFi booster apps don’t work in the way their owners and promoters market them. Boosting means physically amplifying or increasing the strength of the signal. This is only possible with a physical hardware device.
So, to answer, “Do WiFi booster apps work?” they help to get better WiFi coverage but not by boosting it.
As mentioned earlier, these apps analyze your wireless network so you can optimize its settings. Some apps even go as far as recommending ways to get a better signal.
3 Types of WiFi Boosters and Their Workings
Dead zones or areas where the Internet signal doesn’t reach are common. Sometimes, one area of your house might not get enough signals. The same applies if your house is large or you want WiFi in the garage or patio. You will also face speed issues if your device doesn’t have the optimal settings.
Instead of buying more access points, people solve this problem through WiFi boosters, extenders, and repeaters. But did you know there are three types of WiFi boosters, each with different workings? Here’s what you need to know about them.
1. WiFi Booster Devices
Instead of relying on an app to boost your WiFi signal, you can buy a physical WiFi booster device. These devices amplify your WiFi’s signal and improve its strength.
However, “WiFi booster” is a broad term that also includes repeaters and extenders. While all these devices extend the range of a WiFi signal, an extender is an advanced version of a repeater.
Now, there are multiple reasons why you should opt for WiFi boosters. Remember, we’re also talking about WiFi repeaters and extenders.
Firstly, you’ll want to buy this device if you have dead zones in your home or office. Areas that don’t get a WiFi signal can get one using these devices.
Secondly, if your home or office is large, you’ll need such devices. One access point won’t be able to reach a large area. You’ll also need boosters to get WiFi signals in your garage or garden. Moreover, needing a fast WiFi connection on all devices also calls for a WiFi booster.
However, you’ll only be able to solve these problems if you know where to place the device. So, conduct a site survey or ask a professional to do it. You can also find the best placement by using free WiFi site surveys like the one NetSpot provides.
2. Operating System Optimizers
Operating system optimizer is another name for the WiFi analyzer apps we’ve discussed since the beginning. These apps provide excellent insights into signal strength, channel congestion, and potential interference.
These apps can also scan for other WiFI networks and tell you their performance. One of the main reasons why you might face speed issues is a crowded channel. These apps identify this problem so you can switch WiFi channels and choose the best one.
Moreover, there are frequency bands or GHz bands that you can use. The 2.4 GHz band is best for range with the cost of speeds. On the other hand, the 5 GHz band provides the fastest speeds with a shorter range. These apps also tell you which frequency band you’re using so you can switch if it doesn’t fit your needs.
3. WiFi Hotspot Detectors
While WiFi boosters and hotspot detectors might seem unrelated, they can help get better signals. But of course, it won’t be from the same network. Rather than acting as a WiFi booster, hotspot detectors work as a method for getting better speeds.
If you’re facing speed issues, you can use these apps to detect other WiFi hotspots around you. Some apps even tell you the speed of the detected networks. This information lets you connect to the best network and boost your WiFi’s performance.
Is There a Free WiFi Booster App?
Yes, there are multiple options for a free WiFi booster app that you can find on the Internet. But again, remember that these apps boost your device’s performance and not the WiFi signal itself.
As for the choices, consider looking into NetSpot to conduct an analysis. This app will eliminate any weaknesses in your WiFi or mobile device for free. However, every free app comes at the price of fewer features. So, do your research before downloading one.
You can also go for a free hotspot finder like WiFi Map.
On the other hand, boosting the WiFi signal in the true sense would require a paid device.
4 Alternative Ways To Get Better WiFi Signals
Buying a WiFi signal booster app or optimizing your device’s settings aren’t the only ways to ensure optimal speed. There’s a lot you can do before resorting to these methods.
- Change the router’s position: Sometimes, the solution to weak WiFi signals is simply the router’s position. If the device is too far away, it won’t get full signals. So, try moving the router closer. Also, ensure the router is in a central position so all corners get equal signal strength.
- Use Ethernet cables: Even though Ethernet cables are messy and hard to handle, they offer better speeds than WiFi. If you face speed issues and nothing seems to work, you can try connecting the device directly to the router.
- Try a powerline adapter: Powerline adapters use your venue’s electrical wiring to provide WiFi signals. Since the cables are inside the walls, there’s no fear of tripping or messy cables lying around. Again, you’ll get better performance since it uses cables. However, this method can be quite expensive.
- Mesh routers: Mesh routers connect multiple WiFi access points, which results in better performance. It’s not even that hard to set up, and you won’t need boosters with this router in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About WiFi Boosters
The concept of WiFi booster apps is quite confusing since you can find many free apps online. So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions to help clear the misconceptions.
Can you use your phone as a WiFi booster?
Yes, you can use your phone as a WiFi booster through its built-in WiFi hotspot feature. However, it would be more of a WiFi extender than a WiFi booster.
That’s because the device will extend an existing signal to another device, not boost its strength on the same device. To do this, simply turn on the hotspot feature on your phone. Then, connect it to the other device’s WiFi by sharing the hotspot password.
Do WiFi booster apps really work?
No, WiFi booster apps don’t work in the sense they claim to. Instead, they optimize your device’s settings so it can make the most of the available WiFi signal.
To truly boost a WiFi signal, you’ll need hardware WiFi boosters.
Is there a real WiFi booster?
Yes, there is a real WiFi booster, but it doesn’t come as an app. Instead, it is a wired or wireless device that you can connect to WiFi routers.
Different devices might have different setups, so look into the manual before setting one up. If your floor plan is complex, you might need technical expertise to determine the booster’s position.
[PICTURE: https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-purple-cardboard-box-50rvM3_VYOs - ALT: A white piece of paper showing the WiFi password stuck to a rough surface with green tape.]
How Do WiFi Boosters Help Local Businesses?
A WiFi booster app doesn’t “boost” the signal in the literal sense. It analyzes the WiFi coverage and device settings to uncover weaknesses. So, a better name would be WiFi analyzer apps.
With WiFi extenders and boosters, you can ensure every device gets optimal speed. Want to use your WiFi extender in your business? A social WiFi hotspot may work for you, which Beambox can assist with.
Beambox is an all-in-one WiFi marketing solution that helps businesses:
- Gather insights into customer behavior
- Automate marketing activities
- Secure their network.
- Use data to tailor marketing campaigns.
Start your trial today!
