Top 6 Differences Between Consumer and Commercial Signal Boosters

Written by Wilson Amplifiers

17th May 2021

Now that you’ve discovered the wondrous perks of best cell phone signal boosters — No dropped calls! Speedy streaming! The fastest upload and download speeds! No awkward delays during your big video conferences! — the next step is choosing the right device for you.

If you’ve made it this far, you are likely aware that signal amplifiers pull in existing cellular signal, boost it exponentially, then re-broadcast that super-powered signal to and from your smart devices. But with so many options on the table, which signal booster is right for you? And what are the differences between consumer and commercial boosters? It all comes down to size and scope, for the most part. Plus a few added features to really sweeten the pot.

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The Difference between Consumer and Commercial Signal Boosters

#1: Range

The most noticeable difference between commercial and consumer signal boosters is the square footage that’s covered by each model. Consumer boosters are ideal for homes and vehicles, covering a more localized area that maxes out around 7,500 square feet. Commercial signal boosters, on the other hand, cover areas up to 100,000 square feet.

If you’re looking to boost the signal in your home or small office, a consumer signal booster is likely up to the task. Signal boosters for vehicles also fall into the consumer category, since cars, boats, RVs, and trucks simply aren’t that big.

If your office building, warehouse, or large metal structure needs a boost, then a commercial signal booster can boost productivity and keep your clients online. These industrial-strength devices are designed to serve large structures like stadiums, airports, office buildings, hospitals, factories, big box retailers, tunnels, and educational campuses.

#2 Ease of Installation

Consumer signal boosters are easy to install and don’t require assistance from professionals—though there’s no shame in asking for a little help! Our customer service team can talk you through your installation, recommend the right unit for your needs, or better yet, we’ll install it for you.

Commercial boosters, however, require installation by FCC-licensed professionals in order to comply with the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. The majority of these rules are in place to keep these heavy-duty devices from interfering with certain frequencies.

#3 Power Output

While smaller, consumer boosters work wonders for multiple users at home or on-the-go, a larger enterprise—we’re talking sports arena-size—will benefit from more uplink and downlink power to overcome the onslaught of heavy user traffic and common signal blockers.

Commercial signal boosters are also equipped to handle fluctuations in signal strength for a steadier connection. A strong incoming signal can overload most amplifiers and lead to shutdowns, but a commercial-grade booster from WilsonPro automatically adapts to these changes and keeps users online, regardless of carrier or phone model.

#4 Multiple Antennas

All that extra power and range has to come from somewhere. Commercial grade signal boosters use multiple cellular antennas to grab all that power, both indoors and out. These extra antennas target multiple cell towers from all carriers to get the strongest, most reliable signal for your business.

#5 Remote Monitoring

Our commercial grade WilsonPro Enterprise collection can be monitored and managed off-site via smartphone or tablet. Remote functionality is accessible via the WilsonPro cloud, allowing for real-time updates wherever you find yourself. Text and/or email notifications keep users informed in the case of system failure, oscillation, or changes in signal strength to allow for easy and instant troubleshooting or diagnosis, all done remotely.

#6: Intuitive LCD Interface

The WilsonPro Enterprise boosters (for commercial use) also feature intuitive LCD touchscreen displays for an easy, accessible experience. This makes it simple for users to troubleshoot, assess performance, adjust outside antennas, and turn bands on and off as needed. No tools or fancy certifications required.

Do I need a commercial signal booster for my home or office?

Wilson Amplifiers offers a wide range of both consumer and commercial grade signal boosters, so rest assured that we have the perfect cell signal booster to fit your unique needs. Consumer signal boosters provide more than enough power to keep your home connected—unless, of course, you’re the Sultan of Brunei.

If you are interested in a commercial project, shop our Enterprise Collection or give us a call at 1-800-919-7442.

Whether your project is large, small, or totally medium, we’ve got you covered: