Netgear’s $500 5G Hotspot Offers eSIM Flexibility
▼ Summary
– Netgear’s new Nighthawk 5G M7 mobile hotspot will be available in January for $499.99, offering a more affordable option than the M6 Pro.
– The M7 supports Wi-Fi 7 with speeds up to 3.6Gbps, connects up to 32 devices, and includes security features like a firewall and automatic updates.
– It provides up to 10 hours of battery life per charge and can function as a power bank, though this is less than the M7 Pro’s 13 hours.
– The hotspot includes an eSIM marketplace in the Netgear app, allowing users to purchase and activate local data plans for over 140 countries.
– Data plans in the eSIM marketplace range from 3GB to 20GB, and users can monitor real-time usage directly through the app.
Netgear has officially launched its newest mobile hotspot, the Nighthawk 5G M7, set to debut in January. This device arrives alongside a fresh mobile application and an integrated eSIM marketplace, enabling users to buy local data plans for more than 140 countries. Priced at $499.99 and sold unlocked, the M7 presents a more budget-friendly option compared to the premium M6 Pro model, offering substantial connectivity features without the steep cost.
The M7 supports Wi-Fi 7 technology, delivering theoretical speeds as high as 3.6Gbps and accommodating up to 32 connected devices simultaneously. Users can establish wired connections through USB-C or an ethernet adapter, adding flexibility for different setups. Security is a major focus, with a built-in firewall, WPA3 encryption, and automatic firmware updates. The device also includes Netgear’s Advanced Router Protection, which actively identifies and blocks router attacks while enabling live security patches. Another key feature is the dual support for both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, giving users multiple ways to stay connected.
Battery performance is another strong point, with the M7 providing up to 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge. It can also serve as a power bank to recharge other gadgets. While this is a few hours less than the M7 Pro’s advertised 13-hour runtime, it remains sufficient for most mobile work sessions or travel scenarios where access to power may be intermittent.
Perhaps the most significant enhancement is the built-in eSIM marketplace. Through the Netgear mobile app, customers can browse, purchase, and activate local data plans directly on the M7. This is especially useful for frequent international travelers who need reliable, immediate connectivity abroad. Available data packages range from 3GB to 20GB, and the app provides real-time usage tracking so you can monitor your data consumption without surprises.
(Source: The Verge)
