Product Review --NETGEAR Nighthawk M5 5G Mobile Hotspot
- Pamela Madore
- Feb 14, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 18, 2023
This product is perfect for mobile living in a Van or RV of any kind. It has fast 5G capability and it has the capacity to connect up to 32 devices. As a vanlifer, I don’t have that many devices! This is the one that I got.
It says it works best with AT&T and T-Mobile. I have AT&T and it works great for me. If you have another carrier, please be sure to check with them before purchasing.
NETGEAR Nighthawk M5 5G Mobile Hotspot with WiFi 6 (MR5200) Ultrafast 5G Wireless Hotspot Router | Works Best with AT&T and T-Mobile | Connects Up to 32 Devices | Secure Wireless Network Anywhere.
There is a newer model of the same device available now. I would also look at that one.
You will need reliable internet service if you live and work on the road as I do. And lots of it! I have two I-Phones each with 50 GB of hotspot. After I use that, it slows down. I was constantly running out of hotspot. You are probably like me and due to the nature of your work, can’t use public wi-fi. The hotspot has its own security.
The reason I got this one was that it was recommended to me by a friend and he showed me in real life what I could expect. You can usually plan on 1-2 more bars on your Netgear than you can on your phone. If you do a lot of boondocking as I do, that extra bar or two makes a big difference if you are in a remote place.
I was also sure to get the 5G. There are several less expensive models that are 4 LTE.
You can get an antenna for extra boost. I did not get one. There are many models that do require an antenna that is attached to the outside of your van. I didn’t want to drill any holes!
4.2 Stars on Amazon with 501 reviews
EXPENSIVE BUT BETTER
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 2, 2022
Worth around $500-$600 but its better than any other internet options i have available. It looks profesional and is very portable and the functionality is incredable. I get full 5g in the boondocks!
WILL NOT WORK OUTSIDE THE US
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 5, 2023
Although I repeatedly called/chat and asked for support from Netgear, it was big failure. On the product description, it is indicated that it is useable globally but in fact it is not! Do NOT buy it if you want to use outside of USA! Its IMEI number is not compatible with global system and therefore other mobile service providers will block it! Wasted my money!
WORKED WITH VERIZON
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 12, 2022
I saw a lot of reviews on Amazon with the MIR 5100 and MIR 5200 stated they are not working with Verizon. I recently purchased a used MIR 5200 on Amazon - the device came looks brand new and I plugged in the sim card from my iPad with Verizon - after a few setting changes. It works like a charm. I did not benchmark the speed since I was able to stream HD movies with it on my MacBook seamlessly without any problem. I'm very happy with my Nighthawk MIR 5200 except for the price. It just doesn't justify the price.
EASY TO USE
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 11, 2022
I had the previous Netgear Nighthawk mobile router and had nothing but problems with connection. I took the plunge and bought this new version. It has worked consistently and reliably since the day I plugged it in, set it up and put the card in. It comes unlocked so you can supposedly use it with any card, but Netgear said it works better with AT&T and T Mobile. I recommend highly. It is very easy to set up also.
I read multiple reviews and here were the biggest complaints:
Will not work outside the US
Multiple complaints about Netgear customer service/tech support
Varying experiences with available GB on their plan
The complexity of setting it up
Price point
Here is my take on the negative reviews.
There were others that said it did work outside the US.
Customer service was a huge complaint. The complaints came mostly from getting the device to pair. Those that knew how, didn’t interact with customer service.
Each carrier plan is different. I have ATT and on a pre-paid plan I get 100 GB per month for $55. Others had different experiences so be sure to check your carrier plan before purchasing one,
Many people found it difficult to set up. I took mine into an ATT store and they hooked it up. All I had to do was go online to ATT Pre-paid and pre-paid for a month.
Some complained about the price. These are not cheap but for me, it was worth it. I got the unlocked one for $799 but the locked one is only $499.
Here are some alternatives if you are looking for something a little different. I have not reviewed any of these. They both seem to be well built and moderately priced
4 out of 5 stars on Amazon with 331 reviews
4.5 Stars on Amazon with 67 reviews
Originally, I bought the Netgear Nighthawk M5 5G Mobile Hotspot because a friend recommended it to me. It has proven to be a good choice.
Pamela Pickering Madore
Boondock And Beyond
Full-time Vanlifer
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