zBoost Your Reception

Image by Andy Arthur

Wi-Ex’s zBoost provides a direct solution for a straightforward problem. If you have bad cellphone reception, zBoost makes it better. I took a look at the METRO model for apartment dwellers, but Wi-Ex also offers the similar SOHO if you live in a larger home.

Setup is a breeze. Attach your antenna to a window using suction cups, run the included cable at least eight feet away, plug in the base station, and you’re all set. No more standing by your window to make sure you get a good signal. That connection quality is now spread throughout the apartment.

Reception in my apartment isn’t terrible, but I ordinarily have a few weak spots where calls get a bit fuzzy and data speeds fall off. zBoost solves both issues nicely. Even in the sort of bad weather that can ordinarily disrupt cellular signals, zBoost provides consistent call quality.

The one exception came early on, and it may not be avoidable for all customers. zBoost’s window antenna needs to be at least two feet away from any metal to avoid interference. I have fairly small windows in metal frames, and as a result experienced some echoing in my calls. Moving the antenna to a larger window solved the problem, so make sure you have the room for zBoost before you buy it and you should be fine.

With a big boxy window antenna and white cable running through your house, zBoost is not the prettiest solution around for this problem. At $299, it’s not exactly the cheapest either. But it is simple, stable, and effective. Not a bad choice for anyone facing cellphone reception problems at home.