Small mobile 5G router that you can take with you to supply an ultra-fast Internet connection wherever you are
Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro: 30-second review
If you’re unfamiliar with what exactly a mobile 5G router is, then essentially it’s a device that enables you to connect to the Internet when you’re out and about, in exactly the same way as you would by tethering to your mobile phone using a personal hotspot. However, as the device in this case, the Nighthawk M7 Pro, is solely designed for this task, it applies a far faster and more reliable hotspot that enables not only you but others (with the access details) to connect.
Initial setup is exceptionally easy, with the battery charging inside the device using the integrated USB-C port to supply power. This port also enables PD power, so if you know that you’ll have a number of people connected, which will drain the power of the device faster than you’d want, then it is possible to have external power connected.
Once the device is charged, you will also need a data SIM, which needs to be installed. These are available from most of the major mobile phone network providers, and in this test, I signed up to Vodafone Unlimited. My data SIM cost just over £200 for the year.
Once the SIM is installed into the Nighthawk M7 Pro, you’re almost set to go, but there are a few more setup steps. These include downloading the Mobile Netgear app, connecting to the Nighthawk M7 Pro, and then setting a Wi-Fi name and password. Once that’s done, you can connect your mobile, laptop or any other Wi-Fi-enabled device so that you can then have a portable Wi-Fi router.
Using the router over a mobile phone has obvious benefits. First and foremost, you’re not going to be draining your phone’s battery as much. Then the actual tether speed between your mobile and your laptop when using the Nighthawk is much better. One of the things I noted through the review is that when you’re connected either through USB-C or through the network port, the speed again takes a leap, even in areas where the mobile phone signal is relatively low.
As a whole, when you compare a side-by-side mobile phone on the Vodafone network and the Nighthawk M7 Pro on the same network, the 5G signal strength was often one to two bars greater than on the mobile phone. When it came to data transfer speeds again, it was just a step ahead.
When I first looked at a mobile router, I was unsure about how useful they would actually be, as I’ve always used my mobile phone. But as I’ve looked at more of these devices, their usefulness is now more than apparent. Whether you’re working up in the city and want a secure network connection without logging onto a café or public Wi-Fi for security reasons, or you’re out in the field working with others and just need a strong connection, then this device absolutely makes sense.
For me, on a recent photo shoot, what really came into its own was that my colleagues and I could all be on the same network. This meant that when we were transferring files from one person to another, the speed of transfer was far faster. With the network port also built into the device, you can essentially create a mobile wired network, which is ideal if you’re working with others off-site.
Unfortunately, the price of the M7 Pro will be prohibitive for many people. You are getting a level of network connection and speed that is unmatched by any standard mobile device. However, there are cheaper versions available, such as the M3 5G router I looked at earlier in the year (review here), which is still an exceptional device and half the price of the M7 Pro. As with all of these mobile routers, like your mobile phone, the speed of your connection really does rely on how good your network service is in your location.Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro: Price and availability
I remember looking at the M3 5G router and thinking it was one of the best devices I’d ever used, but I was then shocked at how expensive it was.
However, now I see yet another upgrade in performance, and with it comes another leap in cost, with the latest Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro retailing for between $300 on Amazon.com up to $700 in the US, and around £899 in the UK, such as on Amazon.co.uk.
The unit can be purchased directly through Netgear and is also widely available online through retailers such as Amazon. It’s also worth considering that, alongside the cost of the unit itself, you’ll also need an additional data SIM.
Value: 4 / 5Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro: Specs
5G Band: Sub-6
Max 5G Speeds: 6 Gbps
WiFi technology: WiFi 7
Max WiFi Speed: 5.8 Gbps
Wired Port: 2.5 Gbps (Ethernet), 10 Gbps, (USB-C)
International Roaming: 125+ countries
LCD screen: 2.8″ color touchscreenNetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro: Design
Like the M3 and M6 5G routers, the M7 follows a very familiar design: a simple square box with rounded corners. It’s an elegant unit and will easily slip into a backpack pocket or any bag.
When it comes to size, it measures 10.5 by 10.5 cm with a depth of 2 cm. So, while small, it’s just a little too large to slip into a trouser or jacket pocket. In terms of weight, it comes in at 275 g for the unit with the battery and SIM card inserted. This compares to a standard iPhone 15 Pro, weighing 200 g, so for 75 g extra, you have the potential for faster and more robust Internet.
Access to the inside is gained by pushing your fingernail under the small tab on one of the corners, and this enables you to remove the cover, revealing the battery and SIM card slot.
