Best products from r/verizon

This is all assuming that your low speeds are due to poor signal strength and not a busy tower. There's a couple of different things you can look at. The first option is if your MiFi has an external antenna port (like the 6620l) you can just connect an external antenna to improve signal strength. Two basic types, an omni or a directional like a yagi. Omnis (sample) are cheaper and don't require any fine tuning but don't add as much gain. Directionals (sample) provide more gain but are more expensive and you have to point them in the direction of the tower. Gain is measured in dB, higher is better. A quick search found a number of different options on Amazon for the 6620l.

​

The other option is a booster which picks up the signal, amplifies it, and then rebroadcasts it. Something like a weBoost (sample) although there are other options. More expensive than adding an antenna but works not only for the MiFi but all other phones as well.

​

In either case your best performance is going to come if you can mount the antenna outside. Being inside cuts your signal level considerably.

>Does Verizon allow signal boosters?

Yes, they do!

​

>What do I need to know when picking out one? What kinds of stats should I look for or what's important to pay attention to?

I've written a really long guide about this here, give it a read!

In short, there are two specs that matter for an in-home booster: gain, and max downlink power. I guess one that I don't mention is also support for different frequency bands, though everything sold by weBoost/SureCall/Cel-Fi supports all the major bands.

To figure out whether gain or max downlink power is the more important spec to look at, you need to take some signal measurements.

​

>Any other advice or anyone have experience using one?

Generally, if your budget permits, the gold standard of in-home boosters is the Cel-Fi GO X. It's more expensive, but offers 30 dB more gain than SureCall or weBoost devices. That being said, if the signal outdoors is strong you may be able to get away with something cheaper.

If you get some signal measurements, happy to help guide you to the most cost-effective solution!

If wifi calling works great for you and your family then I would call in and see if there is a special offer for you to get a free one. HOWEVER, let me explain the difference between a Network Extender and a Network Booster.

Network Extender(NE for short): An NE runs off of your home wifi so you will get the same quality of service that you have been getting on your wifi calling and the same data speeds that you get on your home wifi. The rang of the NE is going to be roughly the same as your wifi. Yes everyone will be able to auto-connect to it without even having to touch their phones. BUT one major downfall to this is if you have any neighbors that live near you their phones can connect to the NE and use their data that would use your bandwidth.

​

Network Booster (NB for short): An NB does not connect to your homes internet, has a much larger range for coverage, everyone will be able to connect just the same as the NE, but prevent your home internet from possibly being slowed down, and the NB would continue to work if your wifi goes out whereas the NE will not. The only major downfall with the NB is that it is a little more work to get it set up, and that no carrier supplies these (that I am aware of.) I will link the one that I recommend below.

https://www.amazon.com/Verizon-Mingcoll-Amplifier-Repeater-WV70-W6H/dp/B07JLB5W6H/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=verizon+network+booster&qid=1565512936&s=gateway&sr=8-2#customerReviews

(Also please keep in mind that most of the 1-star reviews are due to people not reading the instructions and not getting the booster activated with Verizon, which is free, and not doing so causes the device to negate signal rather than boost it. If you have any issues Amazon has an amazing return policy.

​

Hope I helped!

I really like the Motorola line of phones. I have used the Moto E, Moto G3, and now have the Moto G4 Plus on verizon. My favorite features are the battery life and clean android os. I usually get 2+ days of battery life (light user) and the OS doesn't have any of the crappy built in carrier apps, but I can still add the ones I want.

I just got the Moto G4 Plus and it's amazing. It's less than half the price of a new Galaxy/iPhone and doesn't compromise on much depending on how you use your phone. It's only 16GB but it has an SD card slot to add up to 128GB of storage.

They also have a really cheap ($150) Moto G4 that amazon subsidizes with adds on the lock screen.

So far the G4 Plus has worked really well and is comparable to my SO's Galaxy s6. It even supports the advanced calling features on verizon's postpaid network. It also has a turbo charger that gets me from 10% to 45% in less than 15 minutes.

I usually watch swappa.com and ebay for deals on used phones as well. I got my SO a Galaxy S6 64BG (new open box) for $250 on ebay.

Edit: I also save money by not carrying insurance. The phones are cheap enough that I could buy a second one for less than what the insurance policy would cost.

https://www.amazon.com/Moto-Play-4th-gen-Lockscreen/dp/B01J88GV0C/ref=pd_lpo_107_tr_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=0E28CAAF3NMC5JV3W8KX&th=1

Moto G4 Play is my 100% favorite choice. You're limited with Verizon, since most unlocked phones are GSM only.

EDIT: I just noticed someone else posted about the same phone.
It's a fantastic phone, with nexus like software, for only $130.

If you have Amazon Prime, and willing to accept pre-installed amazon apps, audible, and ads on the lock screen (Only, wallpaper advertisements on lock screen only, all vanished when unlocked) You can pick one up for $99.

> she got a silver one.

I would get this JETech clear one to have something to use right away, it is only $6:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KF0FJX2/ref=twister_B01KO3F4AS

Then she can look for one she likes better. I like this michael kors saffiano leather one - it has a pocket on the back for your ID and money/credit cards, but it is $50 so that is a lot:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/michael-kors-saffiano-pocket-case-for-apple-iphone-7-silver/5679315.p?skuId=5679315

I would not get an otterbox, those are ugly. I would get the clear JETech for now and then look around for cases and watch for sales too. If she has a glass screen protector on the phone and a clear TPU case like the JETech, it should be protected.

I really like the Netgear 1120 modem.

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-LTE-Modem-Broadband-Connection/dp/B01N5ASNTE

The plus side is it will hold its value much better as it also works on TMO and ATT. The reviews had someone say it worked great on Verizon.

Here is the cheapest way if you have an iphone Xs or newer.

1. Convert your physical sim to esim for Verizon and turn off roaming.
   
   
2. Buy the following sim card.
   
   PrePaid Europe (UK THREE) sim card 12GB data+3000 minutes+3000 texts for 30 days with FREE ROAMING / USE in 71 destinations including all European countries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FI1JW72/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RlXXDbXNMXA0N
   
   
3. Activate before going overseas.
   
   
4. Once you get to the UK, you will have full speed data offered by Three. And Verizon will use the Three sim for imessage, sms, & phone calls on your Verizon line.
   
   

• If you have iPhone X or older
  

1. Download messages+ from app store and activate the software.
   
   
2. Turn off imessage.
   
   
3. Buy the following sim card.
   
   PrePaid Europe (UK THREE) sim card 12GB data+3000 minutes+3000 texts for 30 days with FREE ROAMING / USE in 71 destinations including all European countries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FI1JW72/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RlXXDbXNMXA0N
   
   
4. Activate before going overseas.
   
   
5. Once you get to the UK, you will have full speed data offered by Three. And all of your messages and phone calls will come in to the Message+ app. It allows calling over cellular as well.

That antenna only works on Band 13. You want something that can support all of Verizon's bands, like this: https://smile.amazon.com/weBoost-700-2700-Directional-Antenna-Connector/dp/B00J14YEHQ/

I've used this one with great results.

What do you recommend being the best option to at least be around 70Mbs? I went with the Mofi 4500 not knowing anything about a Cat6,4,18, etc (learned that today from you guys). It's likely that a hotspot will do fine in the window but the next issue I will have is getting out a strong wifi signal since the house is 5800sqft with plaster walls and metal meshing.

​

I am open to options and suggestions. I thought about this to see what happens. Thoughts?
https://www.amazon.com/Proxicast-Cross-Polarized-High-Gain-Fixed-Mount-Antenna/dp/B01NBSLNJ6

There are many non-Verizon brand hotspots out there, I can't say that the one I use is the best as its the only one I've tried but the one I use has ports for antennas and 4 ethernet ports to hard wire in your computers which i needed for my work from home computer.

There is a workaround involved with getting this activated on Verizon prepaid which involves you owning a Verizon brand hotspot, registering that hotspot for the prepaid plan and then simply moving the sim into this device. i purchased a $30 Verizon Jetpack on ebay for this purpose.

MOFI4500-4GXeLTE-SIM4 4G/LTE Router AT&T T-Mobile Verizon Embedded SIM with Band 12

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EY11K40/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also use the following products to get the best signal possible, currently:

(Quantity 2): Wilson Electronics Wideband Directional Antenna 700-2700 MHz, 50 Ohm (314411)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J14YEHQ/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(Quantity 2): Wilson Electronics 20-Foot WILSON400 Ultra Low Loss Coax Cable with N Male Connectors - White

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NQ3P3M/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(Quantity 2): MPD Digital UC-5FHC-9DB9 N Female to SMA Male Right Angle Pigtail LMR-200 Double Shielded Coaxial Cable, 6-Inch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CJWQJ2U/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Signal Strength: -51 dBm (100 %)

Speedtest results (extremely dependent on location but these are my results for my location):

Ping: 28 ms Download: 82.55 Mb/s Upload: 15.97 Mb/s

https://www.speedtest.net/result/8022626633

​

Here are the videos I used to build my system (just a heads up there is nothing about Verizon Prepaid in these videos):

Fast Unlimited 4G Internet Router for RV or Van or Rural Off-grid: How to Setup the Mofi 4G Router

https://youtu.be/pKyf9BQsduU

RV Internet - Get The Fastest Mobile Internet & Wifi On The Road - "How We Do It!"

https://youtu.be/7m_I9i0eTnM

I was hoping you get this NETGEAR 4G LTE Modem – Instant Broadband Connection (LB1120) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5ASNTE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GmyeAbBCDHSSQ

And then this TS9 Connector Antenna https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYN6162/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_enyeAb17RE0AG

To boost the strength. Our phones work out there, but only a couple bars, so just trying to be safe.

Thanks for your reply! I did read that some protectors might not actually be that great. I'm not sure what you mean by an earth ground? I don't know if this helps at all but this is the thing Verizon left https://imgur.com/a/SgtHnzF I'm using this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SWGQNM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I really don't know anything about this kind of stuff as you can probably tell. I just want to make sure my hardware is safe and I'm also paranoid so I don't want anything to explode or catch fire ''

There's a couple of options, you can use something like this https://www.verizonwireless.com/products/samsung-4g-lte-network-extender-2/?sku=sku2490003 which will boost the signal for up to 15 Verizon customers within your business. Routes all Verizon customers calls and text over an internet connection.

Or you could do something like this https://www.amazon.com/weBoost-470101-Signal-Booster-Office/dp/B00RHMFQSA/ This doesn't require an internet connection, it has an external antenna that you mount outside and an internal box/antenna that you place inside. You will need some signal in the area for this option to work. This option is also not carrier specific so it'll boost not only Verizon customers service, but all other carriers as well.

People that have this, please continue trying it in other devices and share success. Wish they'd allow it in regular lte routers. I had Millenicom a few years ago on Verizon, used a Cradlepoint router with a LTE USB stick and my cell signal booster. Worked well. But I'd need something new. Jetpack is ok, but handier in something else. Similar to this with this, just an example. https://www.amazon.com/Verizon-Wireless-LTE-Modem-551L/dp/B0069RXK9G

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wireless-Portable-Router-TL-MR3020/dp/B00634PLTW

“How to activate:

1. Simply insert SIM into your unlocked phone, make sure you enable roaming in settings.
   
2. Wait for the signal, accept Three UK setting messages, then you are all set to go.
   
3. Test it in the US before your travel”
   
   Amazon Link

It would probably be cheaper and easier for you to buy this similar tiny android phone on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Unihertz-Smallest-Smartphone-Android-Unlocked/dp/B0752BYRHM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=palm+phone&qid=1554493750&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Depending on how your system was installed, you may have infinite options. For example my system was installed with CAT5 from my ONT to my Actiontec. I have the Actiontec in bridge mode for the cable boxes, and I have my own router in front of that so I can block Verizon's "helpful" punching of holes through my firewall.

If you have just the coax from the ONT, I have been told any MOCA adapter will work. I have not had the opportunity to try this yet, but maybe some internet searches for MOCA can help. Here's an example of what I am talking about: http://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Ethernet-Adapter-Service-ECB2500C/dp/B008C1JC4O

For $100, yes. For $130, no.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01J88GV0C/ref=twister_B01LELXFAK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Moto G (4th Generation) - Black - 16 GB - Unlocked - Prime Exclusive - with Lockscreen Offers & Ads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EZC9WC0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xTogybEQRG5R9