Top Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot Routers Compared

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NETGEAR Team

NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspots give you the freedom to unleash powerful WiFi at home or on the go. In areas with slow or spotty WiFi, Nighthawk offers fast, reliable 5G-powered internet that’s a clear upgrade in connectivity. When you’re out and about, Nighthawk is portable WiFi at its best, small enough for your pocket or purse, yet powerful enough for work, play, streaming, conferencing, gaming, and more.

Portable WiFi: Next Generation Cellular WiFi

Portable mobile hotspots are all about delivering power with convenience, whether you are on a family road trip, away on business, or replacing a slow cable/DSL connection in your home. Secure, seamless WiFi connectivity is a must-have in today’s world, and the latest Nighthawk 5G wireless hotspots can make it happen hassle-free. Speed, flexibility, and network security are all vastly improved with mobile WiFi (occasionally called “MiFi”) giving you the power to accomplish it all, anywhere, any time.

The working week and our lifestyles have evolved, resulting in a growing need for 24/7 high-speed internet connectivity for multiple connected devices wherever, whenever. Public WiFi networks are convenient, but aren’t always secure, and it’s simply not worth the risk of having confidential business or personal information stolen. NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro Mobile Hotspots offer a better solution with secure encryption and a built-in firewall for up to 32 devices simultaneously.

Another groundbreaking NETGEAR technology is In-Home Performance Mode. Activating this mode on the M6 or M6 Pro will double your WiFi coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. throughout your home. In-Home Performance Mode also unlocks blazing-fast 2.5Gbps speeds from the Ethernet port for streaming 4K videos, competitive gaming, transferring large files, and more. Read on to find out which Nighthawk M6 or M6 Pro 5G Mobile Hotspot is right for you.

Why Choose a Nighthawk Mobile Hotspot?

The Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro Mobile Hotspots use the latest 5G and mmWave technology that delivers greater capacity, multi-gigabit speeds, and low latency, even in crowded business WiFi areas. These capabilities (and more) make the latest Nighthawk hotspots ideal for business and personal use for conferencing, gaming, and sharing sensitive data securely. Here are some major reasons to take mobile WiFi to the next level with Nighthawk.

Best Hotspot for Business Applications

Connect several coworkers on the go simultaneously, with unmatched speeds, convenience, and security. They also make a great 5G backup for systems that need constant connectivity like servers or security cameras – giving you protection from internet outages.

Mobile WiFi Unleashed

Whether you’re visiting a vacation resort destination, taking a road trip with your family, or traveling for business, you can have secure, high-performance internet access 24/7 with WiFi 6/6E capability.

International Roaming

With the Nighthawk M6 Pro Unlocked Mobile Hotspot, you can enjoy ultra-fast WiFi with seamless roaming in over 125 countries. Switch carriers in seconds with a simple SIM card swap (corresponding data plan required).

WiFi Security You Can Trust

Take your trusted and secure network with you. With Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspots, you never need to worry about having sensitive data exposed on unsecured public WiFi.

At Home and On the Road

Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspots are small enough for your pocket, yet powerful enough for seamless connectivity wherever you are. Use the In-Home Performance Mode for even more range and speed.

Extended 5G Coverage

Add an external Omnidirectional MIMO antenna to boost cellular reception in remote areas, fringe network areas, or in your car where network coverage is sparse.

Connection Options

Use wireless or wired connection options such as USB-C or a dedicated Ethernet port. Connect directly to laptops, routers, and other devices with superfast speeds up to 5Gbps.

Unlocked Flexibility

Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspots are unlocked, giving you the freedom to select the carrier of your choice. Simply get a prepaid SIM card or hotspot data plan from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or another internet service certified carrier that suits your needs.

Effortless Set-Up and Monitoring

Easily set up and monitor your mobile hotspot using the color LCD touch screen. Effortlessly share access, change settings, and oversee device usage even while on the go.

All-Day Power

Nighthawk Mobile Hotspots have a powerful battery with up to 13-hours of continuous battery life, so you can rely on them for even the most challenging days, without worry.

Highest Performance Capabilities

Whether you’re traveling on international business, working in crowded outdoor areas, or uploading UHD video from any location, the Nighthawk M6 and Nighthawk M6 Pro deliver powerful and secure WiFi every time.

M6 Pro (MR6550) vs M6 (MR6150) Side-by-Side

Nighthawk M6 Pro
5G mmWave WiFi 6E Mobile Hotspot Router
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  • The fastest hotspot ever, with cutting-edge 5G mmWave for speeds up to 8Gbps.
  • A travel companion for business trips, vacations, and everyday commutes.
  • The unlocked M6 Pro lets you swap SIM cards and data plans in 125 countries.
  • Certified with T-Mobile BYOD (up to 50GB), AT&T Prepaid (up to 100GB) plans and Verizon Certification.
  • High-performance WiFi 6E technology with speeds up to 3.6Gbps.
  • Seamless and secure connectivity for up to 32 devices at once.
  • 5G mmWave provides enhanced performance in crowded outdoor areas.
  • Ultra-fast 2.5 Gig Ethernet port for high-bandwidth, business-critical applications.
  • Up to 1,000 sq. ft. of coverage on battery power.
  • Remove battery and use power adapter to boost WiFi coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft.
  • Effortless activation to set up and monitor WiFi with the intuitive 2.8″ LCD touchscreen.
Nighthawk M6
5G WiFi 6 Mobile Hotspot Router
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  • First-class WiFi with blazing-fast 5G speeds up to 2.5Gbps for business and leisure.
  • Unlocked device certified with AT&T, T-Mobile SIM cards and data plans and Verizon Certification.
  • Free yourself from unsecured public WiFi with a safe, private connection.
  • Powerful WiFi 6 speeds up to 3.6Gbps & connectivity up to 32 devices simultaneously.
  • Up to 1,000 sq. ft. of coverage on battery power.
  • Remove battery and use power adapter to boost WiFi coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft.
  • 1 Gig Ethernet port provides an ultra-fast and reliable wired priority connection.
  • Effortlessly set up the hotspot and monitor your data usage on the 2.4″ color LCD touchscreen.

Phone as Hotspot Vs Dedicated Hotspots

With phone tethering, you can use your existing mobile phone (such as an Apple iPhone or Android Smartphone) and data plan to share an internet connection with another device, typically a laptop or tablet. With dedicated hotspots, like Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro, you have access to a portable WiFi hotspot device that’s capable of connecting to the closest cellular tower. Both phone plan and hotspot plan options have their pros and cons which you should consider before choosing the most suitable option for you.

The phrase “hotspot” is often used interchangeably when discussing cell phone tethering and portable hotspot devices. While smartphones can act as a hotspot, their performance and capabilities are nowhere near those of dedicated hotspot devices that require a separate wireless service plan to function.

Nighthawk’s dedicated hotspots offer far more speed, coverage and device connectivity, relative to phone tethering – up to 10X or more, in many cases. NETGEAR mobile WiFi hotspots are also security encrypted to ensure your personal files and information aren’t compromised. Phone tethering can be a good solution in a pinch, but when you need secure, high-performance WiFi, Nighthawk delivers vastly superior results.

Mobile Hotspots for International Business and Travel

For international business travelers who need to access the internet around the globe, Nighthawk M6 Pro is the answer. M6 Pro has international roaming in 125 countries, allowing you to access the internet during travels abroad without the need to buy local SIM cards in the countries you visit.

With the Unlocked M6 Pro, you also have the ability to swap SIM cards in seconds and switch to a local provider and data plan – it’s your choice. Save time and money with the flexibility to customize M6 Pro around your international travel needs.

Who Benefits from 5G mmWave?

M6 Pro 5G mmWave delivers better performance in crowded and outdoor areas with many WiFi users, such as business districts and public spaces. In addition, the next-generation technology after 4G LTE, 5G Sub-6 GHz, allows users to experience higher 5G performance and improved efficiency where mmWave is not available. It also has a longer range than 5G mmWave which allows the signal to easily reach inside buildings.

5G mmWave mobile hotspot technology is becoming an essential feature of various industries and use cases, including:

  • Social media influencers who need an ultra-fast mobile WiFi hotspot to stream content.
  • Gamers who want a secure WiFi signal with low latency for a winning lag-free experience.
  • Professionals looking for a high-speed mobile network connection for video conferencing.
  • Businesses that need a secure, reliable wireless network to make sales transactions.
  • First responders who need unlimited data and a strong connection during emergencies.
  • Consumers looking for home internet hotspot plans in densely populated WiFi traffic areas.
  • AR/VR applications for industry, education, entertainment, healthcare, and more.

The Difference Between 5G mmWave and 5G Sub-6 GHz

5G technology is a hot topic, and something we are all starting to use in our daily lives. 5G networks improve upon 4G LTE mobile hotspots, but it’s worth understanding the two types of 5G, called Sub-6 and mmWave. Sub-6 5G uses frequencies below 6GHz where 4G, 3G, and 2G have historically operated. Simple WiFi tower upgrades have allowed 5G to work alongside 4G throughout most of the country. However, this means that Sub-6 GHz 5G is only marginally faster, working under the same constraints as the 4G network.


5G mmWave, on the other hand, uses dramatically higher frequencies ranging from 30GHz to 300GHz. This is an entirely new network with no relation to the existing 4G network infrastructure. By using a previously untouched spectrum, 5G mmWave networks deliver blazing-fast speeds and ultra-low latency. If you hear of 3Gbps download speeds, 1-millisecond latency, and real-time communications in technology applications, it is mmWave being discussed. This is why NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro 5G mmWave WiFi 6E Mobile Hotspot Router offers superior performance.

Mobile Hotspots WiFi Data Offloading

Public WiFi can be great in one place and weak in another. However, connecting to public WiFi poses an increased security risk for users. These networks are easy to impersonate, and bad actors can easily steal your information, with 100% visibility into everything you send over the internet on their impersonated network.

This problem can be solved with a technology called WiFi Data Offloading. WiFi Data offloading enhances connectivity in indoor environments, where cellular signals may be weaker, while still protecting you from the risks of public WiFi networks by encrypting your data.

M6 and M6 Pro hotspots are able to seamlessly switch between connecting to the internet via cellular or local WiFi networks. Devices connected to the hotspot can enjoy improved signal strength and reliable connectivity within buildings, homes, or offices – all while keeping you protected from data theft.

Nighthawk M6 & M6 Pro - The Future is Now

The era of 5G has introduced a powerful new level of performance for mobile hotspots. With exponentially more power than older generations of hotspots and mobile phone tethering, Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro provide true high-performance WiFi for today’s ever-more-demanding applications. When it comes to getting uncompromising WiFi performance at home and on the go, the future truly has arrived.

Embrace the The Power of Portable WiFi by Nighthawk

NETGEAR M6 & M6 Pro Mobile Hotspots can deliver superfast wireless speeds on par with the top tier home modem/routers systems. Nighthawk gives you the freedom to travel and connect from wherever you are, in over 125 countries worldwide, so you can keep up with business targets and deadlines, communicate with family and friends, and experience limitless freedom in an always-connected world.