Netgear Nighthawk M3 Review: Reliable 5G Router with Extensive Range

In an era where hybrid work is no longer a hype but a norm, the need for reliable mobile connectivity is growing. Using your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot may still be just enough for many, but for those often on the move and needing to connect multiple devices simultaneously, a mobile 5G router offers a more stable alternative. Enter the Netgear Nighthawk M3 – a compact MiFi router with Wi-Fi 6, 5G connectivity up to 2.5 Gbps, and space for 32 simultaneous connections.

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 (499 euros incl. VAT) is designed with mobility in mind. The device measures 105 x 105 x 21.5 mm and weighs 256 grams with the battery. This makes it fit perfectly in a laptop bag or backpack, or even your coat pocket. The robust build and rubber casing inspire confidence: this is a device that can withstand a bump. The 2.4-inch color display shows essential information such as signal strength, battery life, and the number of connected devices.

Note: the screen is not a touchscreen, something you might expect at this price point. Navigation is done with a physical button on top.

Connection: Faster than Your Smartphone

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6 (AX3600), capable of theoretical speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. During our tests, the stability of the connection stood out. Even in regions with weaker coverage, the Nighthawk managed to pick up more range than a Google Pixel 9 Pro with exactly the same SIM card.

Uploading photos and videos to the cloud is smoother than via your smartphone’s hotspot, which sometimes leads to stuttering connections. The M3 continues to perform consistently.

Even with multiple connected devices – a laptop, tablet, smartphone, and smart TV – the experience remained positive. In a practical situation, the router achieves downstream speeds up to 320 Mbps, depending on the network (tested on Proximus and Orange), with uploads up to 100 Mbps. Not bad for a mobile device.

Battery and Power Management: Strong, but Not Flawless

Netgear promises a battery life of up to 13 hours, which proves realistic – as long as you don’t constantly use the router under heavy load. During intensive use with 4 devices, we average 8 to 10 hours. In AC mode, with the battery removed and connected to the mains via USB-C, the device functions as a fixed backup router.

Notably: Netgear does not include a power adapter – only a USB-C cable. During heavier use, a standard smartphone USB charger sometimes isn’t sufficient, causing the router to shut itself off. A charger of at least 15W is recommended.

Configuration is done via the Netgear Mobile App or a web interface. Both work, although the app can be picky at times: during testing, the app reported that the router wasn’t supported, only to work afterwards. Once connected, adjusting network settings and SSID is straightforward. The web portal even provides information about the cell tower being used – handy for those wanting to optimize coverage on the go.

The router has two TS-9 antenna ports, ideal for those who want to use an external 5G antenna in remote areas with weak coverage.

Note: eSIM is not supported, which is unfortunate for those who like to work with international data bundles.

Business Case: Mobile Productivity and Connectivity in One Box

For mobile professionals, the Nighthawk M3 is a blessing. In practice, the router can serve as a hub for fieldwork in the car, during meetings in cafes (without relying on insecure public Wi-Fi), and even as a backup line for surveillance cameras at the office.

The 32 simultaneous connections also make the M3 interesting for small teams on location. Think of a marketing agency running a pop-up event, an IT consultant visiting clients, or a photographer wanting to upload images on-site.

Conclusion

With a recommended retail price of 499 euros incl. VAT, the Nighthawk M3 is in the higher segment for consumers, but it remains significantly cheaper than the Nighthawk M6 (699 euros incl. VAT) and M6 Pro (999 euros incl. VAT). Both offer faster 4 Gbps connections, but for those primarily seeking reliability, mobility, and decent speed, the M3 offers an excellent balance.

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 is an excellent device for those who need a reliable internet connection on the go or outside the traditional office environment. Its strong antenna performance, extensive WiFi 6 coverage, and solid battery life make it a powerful workhorse.

The limited support for eSIM, the lack of a true touchscreen, and the weak standard charger are drawbacks, but they do not outweigh the functional advantages.