The Nighthawk M7 Pro uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon X75, which is the same as the modems of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. This modem is an upgrade from the M6 hotspot’s Snapdragon X62.
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
The M7 Pro is compatible with AT&T’s sub-6GHz and C-band 5G networks, supporting the following bands: n2/n5/n12/n28/n77/n78. The hotspot cannot connect to mmWave 5G networks, which is a shame given the faster speeds possible via mmWave. As a backup, 4G LTE is also available (bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/14/28/29/30/40/46/48/66).
You can use the hotspot with cellular signal only, Wi-Fi and cellular, or Ethernet and cellular for data. The Ethernet port is off by default, but you can activate it in the Netgear Mobile app (available for Android and iOS). Wi-Fi 7 is on board, the latest iteration of the local area network standard. The M7 Pro can broadcast Wi-Fi over 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, or two dual-band pairs (2.4 and 6GHz, or 2.4 and 5GHz). Note that 6GHz—which is necessary for Wi-Fi 7 connections—is only available when the M7 Pro is plugged in. FCC regulations restrict 6GHz use to indoors. Wi-Fi speeds top out at theoretical limits of 5.8Gbps if you connect via 6GHz, 2.8Gbps via 5GHz, and 688Mbps via 2.4GHz.
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Wi-Fi range is customizable based on power draw. The Standard mode uses less power and has a reduced coverage area. The Long mode uses more power and expands the hotspot’s coverage area. Netgear says the M7 can cover a maximum area of about 2,000 square feet, which is the size of an average house.
Netgear says the M7 Pro’s peak maximum 5G download speed can reach up to 6Gbps, and upload speeds can reach 1Gbps, but only when using 5G Advanced networks (which aren’t deployed yet). The USB-C port supports wired speeds up to 10Gbps, and the Ethernet port supports wired speeds up to 2.5Gbps. These are the technical maximums and aren’t necessarily available from real-world networks.
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For comparison, AT&T’s Franklin A50 hotspot relies on an older X62 modem, supports up to 24 Wi-Fi connections, and creates Wi-Fi 6 networks. We haven’t tested that device yet.
