I’ve been putting the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro to the test for several weeks now, using an Orange multi-SIM. Whether it’s remote work on a train, business trips, or moving to a place without fiber connectivity, this high-end 5G/WiFi 7 router has undergone rigorous testing by me. Here’s my thorough review of this ambitious mobile router, which isn’t without its compromises.
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Real-World Testing Conditions
I’ve been a frequent user of such products for years, as I constantly move around, whether by train, car, or internationally, and my need for an internet connection is absolutely constant.
Therefore, I decided to pack the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro, paired with an Orange multi-SIM, to see if it could replace both traditional tethering and a makeshift home router. This isn’t just any 4G modem: the device promises 5G connectivity with WiFi 7, supports up to 64 devices, and has decent battery life. Needless to say, expectations were high. Thus, a real-world test was essential to determine if the professional and personal use experience lived up to its promises.
Specifications that Set the Tone
The Nighthawk M7 Pro (MR7450 in its European version) is a mobile router that embodies everything Netgear knows about connectivity. It supports 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands for WiFi 7 and connects to 5G or 4G networks depending on coverage. It offers a generous set of connections for a product of its size, with a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and a 10 Gbps USB-C. Its removable 5,040 mAh battery theoretically provides 13 hours of life (more on that later).
It all fits into a square casing measuring 10.5 cm on each side and weighing just under 300 g. On paper, it’s a very complete mobile router, capable of handling both temporary domestic use and being a solid access point for professionals on the move. Let’s see how it performs in real life, away from the controlled environment of a lab.
First Impressions: Simple Setup, Advanced Options
Upon powering up, the touch interface quickly comes to life. It allows you to monitor the connection status, manage WiFi networks, and check real-time speeds. The setup is swift: insert the SIM card, possibly configure a custom password, and the router automatically connects to the mobile network.
Navigating the menus is straightforward, although some options are only accessible via the web interface, like changing the Wi-Fi name. Here, you’ll find settings for frequency band adjustments, preferred network type, connected device management, and usage alerts.
In my case, the switch to 5G was automatic, requiring no user intervention. I noticed that some features related to the 6 GHz band were only available when the router was plugged into a power source, likely to minimize battery consumption. While not a dealbreaker, it’s something to consider for those planning to use it strictly on battery power.
On the Go: The Train, a Perfect Testing Ground
On the train, I used the Nighthawk M7 Pro during several trips lasting three to four hours each. Positioned on a tray table or inside a nearby bag, it connected seamlessly to the 5G network, providing a service quality far superior to that of a smartphone’s tethering. Speeds varied between 100 and 300 Mb/s depending on the area, sometimes more in urban environments. Even in less well-covered areas, automatic switching to 4G maintained a stable connection suitable for work.
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The WiFi remained smooth and consistent for two to three devices connected simultaneously. The only limitation: battery life. When unplugged, the battery drained quite quickly, especially in poorly covered areas where the router constantly searched for a network. I had to recharge it via USB-C on the train to prevent it from shutting down before arrival.
Note that these excellent performances, especially the stability, are also thanks to Orange, which has deployed numerous antennas on certain routes, such as Montpellier to Paris, which obviously helps. If you are with Free, for example, it might be a bit more complicated.
Mobile Telework: Coworking, Cafes, Temporary Offices
Outdoors, the Nighthawk M7 Pro easily replaces the often unstable or saturated WiFi of public places. Set up on a coworking table or temporary office desk, it allows you to create a personal, secure, and fast network.
It’s hard to comment on the performance of WiFi 7, the 6 GHz band, and 5G, as internet speeds remain heavily dependent on the quality of the mobile network. In a stable environment, I easily reached speeds of 500 to 900 Mb/s, allowing for comfortable work, uninterrupted video meetings, transferring large files, or streaming high-definition content. Overall stability, in my opinion, surpasses that of traditional tethering, especially with multiple devices connected. It’s also more reassuring in terms of security, particularly when accessing sensitive professional services.
Temporary Home Solution: A Real Alternative to Fiber
During my recent move, I used the router as my only internet connection in an apartment awaiting fiber installation. By plugging the M7 Pro into a power source and positioning the device near a window, I could supply several everyday devices: computer, connected TV, smartphone, and sometimes even my NAS. Adding an external antenna (via the TS-9 ports) can also improve reception indoors, especially in distant rooms.
In any case, the speed remained adequate in my apartment, around 200 to 300 Mb/s for downloads and 40 to 80 Mb/s for uploads. Stability allowed for normal work, even with video calls or uploading large files. Of course, it doesn’t match the consistency of fiber optics, but for a transition period or a second home, it serves its purpose well.
Solid Performance, but Dependent on the Network
The speeds achieved with the Nighthawk M7 Pro vary greatly depending on the available 5G coverage, the immediate environment, and the carrier. In densely populated urban areas, I often exceeded 500 Mb/s, with peaks of over 800 under ideal conditions. In suburbs or indoors, performance sometimes dropped to around 100 to 150 Mb/s, which is still sufficient for most uses. In general, speeds are always a bit below those obtained directly with an iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone Air, but nothing problematic for practical use.
On the train, speeds fluctuate but remain largely usable. Where the product stands out from a smartphone is in the stability of the WiFi, the range of the signal, and the ability to manage multiple devices without congestion. Promises of speeds over 5 Gbps remain very theoretical: in practice, we are limited by the capabilities of the French mobile network and the load on the relay antennas.
Battery Life: Adequate but Context-Dependent
The advertised 13-hour battery life is achievable only with moderate use, a strong signal, and few connected devices. In my real-world scenarios, I generally observed between 7 and 10 hours on average, or less in poorly covered areas where the router heavily utilizes its 5G modem.
Fortunately, it’s easy to plug it into a power outlet or an external battery via USB-C. The advantage of a removable battery is significant: you could consider having a second one if you need to use it all day while on the move.
I also noticed that some advanced functions (like the 6 GHz band or multi-band aggregation) could automatically deactivate to save energy when the device is not plugged in, sometimes explaining a performance drop. One of the product’s major strengths remains not using your iPhone’s battery for tethering. If needed, you can even recharge your phone with the portable router’s battery, which can be handy.
A High-End Device, but Not Without Compromises
Despite its strengths, the Nighthawk M7 Pro is not without flaws. First, its high price clearly targets a very advanced audience. Expect to pay around €1,000 to acquire it outright, excluding the subscription (in my case, I pay €10 per month for the Multi-SIM linked to my Orange 180 GB plan). This is not a mass-market product, but a tool aimed at those with specific needs: professionals on the move, regular users in uncovered areas, or demanding teleworkers.
I also noted a minor issue when changing SIM cards: each time I switched, I had to reset the device for it to finally connect. Nothing dramatic, but if you frequently switch networks, it’s something to keep in mind.
Another curiosity, this device is not compatible with the official Netgear Mobile app that manages this type of device for the brand, so if you want to tweak the device, you’ll need to do it via the web interface. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s a bit more cumbersome for less advanced users.
What’s the Verdict?
The Nighthawk M7 Pro has proven itself in the field. It’s a credible and powerful solution for staying connected under various conditions, without relying on public WiFi or a wired network. On the move, it far surpasses a smartphone in tethering mode, both in stability and range. As a temporary solution, it can easily replace a fixed box provided the network coverage is adequate.
But you have to accept its price, energy consumption, and generally, the idea of carrying an external router. It’s not an all-purpose gadget, but a robust tool for those who know why they need it. In my case, it has definitely earned a spot in my telework bag. It remains to be seen if, over time, the arrival of WiFi 7 on devices and the widespread adoption of 5G in France will further enhance its appeal. What do you think: for your professional uses, would you bet on a router like this?