In today’s world, having access to fast and reliable internet has become a necessity, both in our personal and professional lives. This is especially true when we’re on the go, traveling for work or pleasure, and need to stay connected to the internet at all times. This is where mobile routers come into play, and one of the most popular options on the market today is the Netgear Nighthawk M1 Mobile hotspot router.
First released in 2017, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 has become a go-to choice for people who need a mobile router that can deliver fast internet speeds, reliable connectivity, and a range of useful features. In 2023, the Nighthawk M1 continues to be a top pick for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers who need a reliable internet connection while on the go.
Note: Netgear released the Mohawk M6, which is a better-improved version. However, it’s significantly more expensive.
Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Durable
The Nighthawk M1’s design is sleek and stylish with a square form factor. The device measures 105.5 x 105.5 x 20.35 mm and weighs 240g, making it compact and portable. The M1’s rugged exterior is made of durable plastic, which can withstand rough handling and falls.
The front of the router features a 1.77-inch LCD screen that displays information such as the network status, signal strength, and data usage.
On the back of the device, there’s a USB Type-A port, a USB Type-C port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections. The router also has a 5040mAh battery that provides up to 11 hours of continuous use.
Setup and Configuration: User-Friendly Interface
Setting up the Nighthawk M1 is a breeze. The router comes with a Quick Start Guide that walks you through the initial setup process. The device’s web interface is easy to navigate, and you can configure the router’s settings, including network name and password, easily. Additionally, the Nighthawk app for iOS and Android devices is user-friendly, allowing you to manage the device’s settings, check data usage, and view connected devices.
Performance: Lightning-Fast Speeds
The Nighthawk M1 is designed to deliver lightning-fast internet speeds. The device supports Category 16 LTE Advanced and 4-band Carrier Aggregation, which enables download speeds of up to 1Gbps and upload speeds of up to 150Mbps. These speeds are significantly faster than those offered by other mobile routers in the same price range, making the M1 a top choice for power users who require high-speed internet on the go.
Connectivity: Multiple Devices and Wired Options
The Nighthawk M1 supports up to 20 Wi-Fi-enabled devices, making it a great option for families or small groups traveling together. The device also comes with a USB Type-C port for charging and a Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting wired devices such as gaming consoles, computers, or smart TVs.
You can also use it as a media server or a NAS drive by connecting a USB drive to it.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Performance
The Nighthawk M1 comes with a 5040mAh battery, which offers up to 11 hours of continuous usage on a single charge. This long battery life makes the device ideal for users who need to stay connected for extended periods while on the go. The device can also be used while plugged in.
Technical specs
- Technology/Bands: Max 1 Gbps download speeds, and 150 Mbps upload speeds. LTE CAT 16, 4-band CA and 4×4 MIMO. Up to 4X Carrier Aggregation and support for LAA in future firmware upgrades.
- LTE/4G Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66.
- 3G Bands: 1 ,2, 5. IPV6 Support
- Chipset: Qualcomm MDM9x50
- Battery: Removable Li-ion battery (5040 mAh); Up to 11 hours of continuous usage
- WiFi: Full Dual-Band/Dual-Concurrent WiFi. WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz. WiFi 802.11 a/n/ac 5 GHz
- Media: microSD with Media Server/. NAS capabilities
- External Display: 1.77” LCD display
Who is this for?
- The Nighthawk M1 is ideal for travelers who need to stay connected on the road thanks to its long battery life and support for multiple devices.
- Families can also benefit from its ability to connect multiple devices, ensuring everyone stays connected with fast and reliable internet.
- Remote workers can use the device to work from anywhere with a reliable and fast internet connection, regardless of location.
- Even outdoor enthusiasts can take the Nighthawk M1 on camping and hiking trips.
- Additionally, small business owners can use it for internet connectivity on the go.
Nighthawk M1 vs Nighthawk M6
Netgear also released the Nighthawk M6. It’s more refined and has better hardware. Compared to the M1, the M6 has 5G connectivity with speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps. It can also connect up to 32 devices, which is way more than the 22 devices that the M1 could support.
Additionally, the design has been improved, with a larger display and premium look. While the M1 is still a good mobile router, the M6 would be the better choice for those who can afford it.
M1 specs
- Mobile Band: 4G LTE
- WiFi: WiFi 5, up to 1Gbps
- Devices: up to 20
- Ethernet: 1G port
M6 specs
- Mobile Band: 5G
- WiFi: WiFi 6, up to 2.5Gbps
- Devices: up to 32
- Ethernet: 1G port
Pros
- Great design
- Connect up to 20 devices
- Fast download/upload speeds
- Long battery life
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Expensive
- Outdated hardware
Is the Netgear Nighthawk M1 Mobile router worth it?
The Netgear Nighthawk M1 Mobile Router is a powerful and reliable device that delivers lightning-fast internet speeds, supports multiple devices, and offers long battery life. Its user-friendly interface and easy setup process make it an ideal choice for users who want a hassle-free mobile internet solution. It’s an excellent investment for anyone who needs to stay connected on the go, making it a top pick in the mobile router market.
