Nighthawk M7 Pro Mobile Hotspot Review

DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.

Reviewed by Becky B

I could not wait to test the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro 5G Mobile Hotspot Router and I am wondering now how I managed without this handy piece of kit! If you have ever found yourself desperately hunting for Wi-Fi in a café with a patchy signal while trying to work on the go, you will appreciate that a reliable wireless hotspot is a lifesaver. Netgear’s Nighthawk M7 promises a fast and secure connection without the stress of relying on public networks.

The Nighthawk M7 has an impressive technical specification. It allows you to connect up to 64 devices, more than enough for the average home! It is powered by Snapdragon X75 providing download speeds of 6Gps, Wi-Fi 7, superior 4G and 5G performance compared to your smartphone and an impressive 13-hour battery life (long enough to last the working day)! An unexpected bonus of having a mobile hotspot router is the added safety it offers compared to public Wi-Fi networks by acting a portable firewall, protecting your data and devices.

As a hybrid worker, I often work in a range of locations with variable internet options. My work requires me to use a range of applications, and I need the confidence of a reliable connection that can support video calls, gamification and virtual learning environments as well as downloading/uploading large files. Having a reliable connection is essential to support my work and Wi-Fi failure is catastrophic, so even using the Nighthawk at home as a back up to our Wi-Fi was a bonus and I decided to put it to the test!
It has a straightforward set up which took me less than 5 minutes to complete, and this included registering a new data sim card (purchased separately).

When I opened the box, I found it contained the Nighthawk device, battery, the ac adapter (with UK and EU plug options), USB C cable and quick start guide. The set up involved popping the sim card into the device and working through some on screen prompts, choosing a device name and passwords. The Nighthawk M7 Pro has a single on off button and a touch screen. It is easy to navigate through the different options if needed. Once the hotspot was set up, connecting devices couldn’t be easier, with a QR code to scan, before entering the password. Alternatively, connecting a laptop was also easy as the Nighthawk appeared in my available network list, and again, I just had to enter the password –which is visible on the Nighthawks home screen. All the usual information (signal strength, 4G/5G connection, battery life) is included on the home screen, and the device gives real time information on data usage to help you keep track. Connected devices are visible and devices can be easily blocked through the router settings too if needed. The touch screen is easy to navigate and responsive and the screen has an auto sleep setting which can be adjusted.

I used the Nighthawk throughout my working day as I wanted to challenge it with range of systems and found it to be reliable and consistent in supporting online meetings and video conferencing, I was so confident with the connection, I hosted a live online event and the Nighthawk coped as well as our high-speed Wi-Fi. I found the connection to be stable throughout the session with no buffering or loss of connection allowing me to use video, chat functions and sharing a video through the screen share function simultaneously.

I also tested the Nighthawk M7 Pro out during a trip away from home. Again, the Nighthawk M7 pro rose to the challenge, this time, my remote working location was a picturesque spot on the riverbank, but the Nighthawk was able to provide a reliable connection, allowing me to upload and download large files seamlessly, sometimes when using public networks I have had problems with the system crashing when uploading lager files.

After work, I wanted to fully test the Nighthawks capabilities for leisure and was please to say it comfortably managed to stream two different films simultaneously. I was sceptical that a mobile hotspot device would cope with this level of usage, but the Nighthawk comfortably managed this with no buffering. During a trip away, the Nighthawk was invaluable, as the hotel did not have free Wi-Fi, so I was able to pop the Nighthawk in my bag and take it with us, due to its compact size. This was a bonus as the primary reason I wanted to test the Nighthawk was with work in mind and I hadn’t thought about the added benefits we might find more generally owning the Nighthawk and I can see that it will be great for taking camping or on holidays. As it can be used worldwide in over 125 countries, it’s also perfect for international travel and will enhance our trips away in our camper van by giving us the option of being off grid while still connected (either for business or pleasure!).

The Nighthawk is supplied unlocked and so can be used with any mobile network of your choice. A physical SIM card is needed to operate the Nighthawk M7 Pro; however, this allows you to set your own data usage according to your needs. The Nighthawk M7 Pro is 10.5 CMS (W) x 10.5 CMS (H) x 2.15 CMS (D) and weights 280g so easy to take on the move with you. It feels quite study, but just like I would take care of my phone, I would be cautious of how I carried the device to avoid damage, particularly to the touch screen. When connected to multiple devices, it did give off a little warmth, but this was less than other devices I have used. My only slight complaint is that when the battery has emptied, and you begin charging, there is no charging indicator for a few minutes until the battery has a little energy back and the on-screen display kicks in. I had a few moments where I wasn’t sure if I was doing something wrong, before the screen sprang to life.

The Nighthawk is perfect for providing either a primary internet connection or a backup to your household or business Wi-Fi, providing reassurance and reliability for your devices and systems if connectivity is a priority. It is an excellent option for remote workers or commuters who like to work on the go, who need their own reliable, secure connection or for travelling worldwide. It would make a perfect gift for tech lovers, remote workers or families wanting to enhance their experience when camping or travelling. I would be thrilled to receive this from a loved one and can see its uses are endless. Since receiving the Nighthawk just a week ago, it has come into it has become an essential piece of kit for me, and I can’t imagine now not having this awesome little device!

This is a premium product, however if having a reliable connection is a non-negotiable for you, this is a device to consider. With a high-end tech spec, it has longevity and will demonstrate its value for money over time, for business, leisure or both. The Nighthawk M7 Pro provides greater security and reliability compared to using a mobile hotspot on a phone or dongle and with faster download speeds, it supports a wider range of applications for business or leisure.

I would rate this 5/5!

Rating: 5/5
RRP: £899
You can buy this item here.