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Netgear Nighthawk M3

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Before we go any further, we need to look at the specifications that I found on Netgear's website.

Nighthawk M3 Specifications

HARDWARE FEATURES

• Type: Mobile router
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon SDX62
• Interface: USB-C port, 2x TS-9 port for 5G external antennas
• Button: -
• Dimensions: 21.5 x 105 x 105mm
• Antenna: -
• Battery life: 13 hours

WIRELESS FEATURES

• Wireless Standards : IEEE 802.11 be/ax/ac/n/a/g/b
• Frequency:

• 5G
• 2.4G

• Signal Rate:

• 2900Mbps (5GHz)
• 700Mbps (2.4GHz)

• Wireless Security:

• -

Around the Nighthawk M3

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 is a powerful 5G mobile router with WiFi 6 that ensures fast and stable connections. It supports up to 32 devices and delivers gigabit speeds, ideal for streaming, gaming and working on the go. The 2.4” touch display provides easy access to network settings, while the powerful 5040 mAh battery ensures long operating time. The router also has a USB-C port for charging and data connection. Perfect for travel, remote work or as flexible internet at home.

In the box with the Netgear Nighthawk M3 you will find the mobile router itself with the included battery installed. Also included is a USB Type-C cable for charging and data connection, as well as a warranty card and a Quick Start Guide to help with setup. Please note that an AC adapter is not included, so a compatible USB-C charger of 15W or more must be used separately.¨

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 has a compact and modern design with a stylish, black casing that combines functionality with a professional look. The square shape with slightly rounded corners gives a robust but elegant look. On the front, a 2.4” color touch display dominates, making it easy to navigate network settings and monitor the connection. The edge of the device has a discreet finish with strategically placed ports, including a USB-C port for charging and data connection. The minimalist and portable design makes it ideal for travel, home office or as a flexible internet in everyday life.

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 is equipped with a powerful 5040 mAh rechargeable battery that provides long-lasting battery life, so you can stay connected all day without constantly having to recharge. The battery is designed to support the high performance of 5G connectivity and WiFi 6 technology, ensuring stable network access for longer. It is removable, making it easy to replace if needed. Depending on usage, battery life may vary, but it is ideal for both travel and work on the go, where a stable and wireless internet connection is necessary.

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 is equipped with a USB-C port, which is used for both charging and data connection. It also has a slot for a nano-SIM card, which enables cellular connectivity. The router also has two TS-9 ports for external antennas, which can improve signal strength if needed. All ports and inputs are strategically placed along the edges of the device for easy access without compromising the compact and stylish design.

The test

To set up the router, it can either be done via an app on the phone or via browser.

Once the setup is in place, we will move on to the test. We will look at how the router works with coverage, and how much speed we can squeeze out of it in practice. Since it is through the mobile network, I have done a slightly different test, where I have first tested the connection via the phone. Then I have tested with the router, in the same places. In addition to that, I will also do a test where the phone does internet sharing to the desktop, and then does the same test through the router.

To test the Netgear Nighthawk M3, I use the following test method and programs:

• Speedtest.org app on Pixel 8 measured at a distance of less than 1 meter
• Speedtest.org wireless with ASRock Taichi Z890 measured at a distance of less than 1 meter

The results show that the Netgear Nighthawk M3 delivers the highest speeds in the test, with 514 Mbps on a smartphone and 423 Mbps on a desktop. Compared to a typical smartphone connection, which achieves 358 Mbps, and smartphone tethering, which is 308 Mbps, the Netgear Nighthawk M3 demonstrates its ability to deliver significantly faster and more stable speeds. This makes the device a strong solution for users who need high-speed and reliable mobile connectivity, both for desktop and mobile devices.

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 on desktop delivers the lowest ping at 20 ms, which means a faster response and more stable connection - especially beneficial for gaming and video conferencing.

On a smartphone, the Netgear Nighthawk M3 achieves a ping of 39ms, which is still better than a standard smartphone, which has a higher latency of 50ms. Compared to a smartphone tethering, which gets 30ms, the M3 router still shows solid performance, but with a slightly higher ping on the mobile. This emphasizes that the Netgear Nighthawk M3 delivers the best results on a desktop device, where it can achieve maximum stability and performance.

Price

I was able to find the Nighthawk M3 from Netgear at a price of 560$. Which puts us high in price, especially for a mobile router.

Do you want to read about   Nighthawk M3, on Netgear's website, you can click on the banner above.

Conclusion

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 proves itself in the test as a powerful mobile router with impressive performance. The setup is simple and can be done either via an app or a browser, making it quick to get started. Once the device is configured, it delivers significantly better speeds than both a direct smartphone connection and a smartphone sharing internet via hotspot. The test shows that the M3 router can achieve up to 514 Mbps on a smartphone and 423 Mbps on a desktop, which is significantly higher than both a regular smartphone connection of 358 Mbps and internet sharing from a phone of 308 Mbps. This emphasizes the router's ability to deliver a stable and fast internet experience, making it suitable for both travel, home office and situations where a strong mobile internet connection is needed.

Another important factor in the test is the ping times, where the M3 router also performs well. On a desktop, it achieves a ping of just 20 ms, which is significantly better than a regular smartphone with a 50 ms ping. On a smartphone, the M3 router is at 39 ms, which is better than a direct smartphone connection, but slightly higher than a smartphone tethering, which achieves 30 ms. This shows that the router delivers the best experience when used with a desktop device, where it can achieve maximum stability and the lowest possible latency. This makes it particularly suitable for gaming, video conferencing and other latency-sensitive tasks.

Looking at the price, the Netgear Nighthawk M3 is at the high end of the scale with a price of 560$. It is a significant investment, especially when compared to alternatives such as other mobile routers or smartphones with internet sharing. For this price, however, you get a router with a stylish and compact design, strong hardware and high performance. However, it lacks a few features that you would expect in this price range, such as WiFi 7 and LAN ports, which may be a limitation for some users.

On the plus side, the Netgear Nighthawk M3 features a sleek and compact design, making it easy to carry around. Setup is intuitive and the router is quick to configure, making it ideal for both tech-savvy and casual users. The powerful hardware ensures high speed and stability, which is crucial if you often work remotely or need a reliable mobile internet connection.

Among the downsides, the price is the most significant factor. It's expensive compared to other mobile routers, and while it delivers a solid experience, it's worth considering whether you need the extra performance. The lack of WiFi 7 means it's not entirely future-proof, and the absence of LAN ports may be a drawback for those who want wired connections.

Overall, the Netgear Nighthawk M3 is a powerful but expensive mobile router that impresses with its performance and ease of use. It is especially suitable for those who are often on the go and need a stable and fast internet connection. However, its high price and the lack of certain features drag it down a bit. Which makes us end up with a score of 8, for a product that delivers the goods, but also has an expensive price tag, and in my world some are missing to be able to fully justify the price.

Benefits

• Stylish and compact design
• Easy setup
• Strong hardware
• 5G

Disadvantages

• Price
• No Wifi 7
• No LAN ports

Score: 8