While pricey, the Nighthawk M7 5G mobile hotspot offers maximum versatility with an option to connect up to 32 devices with both physical and eSIM.
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I’ve reviewed traditional consumer-grade desktop-oriented Wi-Fi routers and even mobile Wi-Fi routers that can be powered by a USB battery bank. But a battery-powered cellular data mobile Wi-Fi hotspot? That’s new territory for us.
While most modern smartphones can serve as a mobile hotspot, many phone data plans limit the number of simultaneous connections and can reduce data speeds for tethering connections. In addition, using your smartphone as a hotspot is a quick way to drain its battery and cause it to heat up. That’s where Netgear’s Nighthawk M7 comes into play.
The Nighthawk M7 supports sub-6 GHz 5G and 4G LTE data speeds and provides dual-band Wi-Fi 7 hotspot coverage for up to 32 devices simultaneously. It also features a 3,850 mAh battery that can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
However, that just scratches the surface of the Nighthawk M7's capabilities as a "world traveler" mobile hotspot.
Design of the Netgear Nighthawk M7
At first glance, the Nighthawk M7 looks like a USB power bank or a portable hard drive. The main body is matte black with a diamond-style pattern that wraps around the perimeter. The top of the device has a glass panel with "Nighthawk 5G" imprinted at the bottom and a 2.4-inch color LCD screen at the top. A single USB Type-C port is at the bottom of the unit, while a nano SIM slot and power button are on the right side. A single, pin-hole style reset button is on the left side of the Nighthawk M7.
The unit measures 5.71 x 3.29 x 0.67 inches and weighs 0.53 pounds (240 grams). It's well built and feels like it could withstand a drop or two, but I didn't have the guts to try that with a review unit on loan.
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