NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot (MR1100-100NAS)
Bottom line: The NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot ($212.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 16:16 UTC): Cat 16 LTE with 4-band carrier aggregation, rated up to 1Gbps down and 150 Mbps up; main trade-off: needs a separate BYOD data plan and micro SIM, sold separately.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Cat 16 LTE with 4-band carrier aggregation, rated up to 1Gbps down and 150 Mbps up
- ✓ Gigabit Ethernet port feeds your home router as primary or backup internet
- ✓ 5040mAh battery outlasts phone tethering on long travel days
- ✓ Unlocked for most micro SIM cards; strongest on AT&T and T-Mobile networks
- ✓ 2.4-inch LCD shows signal, battery, and data usage without opening an app
Cons
- ✗ Needs a separate BYOD data plan and micro SIM, sold separately
- ✗ Does not accept legacy Sprint network SIM cards
- ✗ WiFi tops out at 802.11ac, so no WiFi 6 gains for newer laptops and phones
- ✗ 4G LTE only, with no 5G band support for future carrier upgrades
Manufacturer description
The NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 (MR1100-100NAS) is a gigabit-class LTE mobile hotspot built for people who need real broadband away from a wall jack. It supports Cat 16 LTE Advanced with 4-band carrier aggregation and 4x4 MIMO, rated for download speeds up to 1Gbps and uploads to 150 Mbps, though actual throughput depends on your carrier and how close you are to a tower. The 5040mAh battery keeps it running through a workday, and dual-band 802.11ac WiFi lets you connect up to 20 devices at once from a single SIM. What separates this NETGEAR hotspot from a phone tethering setup is the Gigabit…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. NETGEAR's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which carriers work with the NETGEAR Nighthawk M1?
The MR1100-100NAS ships unlocked and accepts most micro SIM cards, with the best results on AT&T and T-Mobile. Legacy Sprint network SIMs are not supported. Confirm plan details and any hotspot limits with your carrier before buying.
Does the Nighthawk M1 come with a data plan or SIM card?
No. You supply your own micro SIM and activate a compatible BYOD data plan that matches your usage. Insert the SIM into the card slot to activate the hotspot.
How many devices can connect at the same time?
Up to 20 devices can share the connection over dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi, plus one wired device through the Gigabit Ethernet port.
Can I use it as a backup internet connection at home?
Yes. The Gigabit Ethernet port connects directly to your existing home router, so the M1 can serve as a primary or failover line in areas with weak wired service.
Will I actually get 1Gbps download speeds?
1Gbps is the theoretical Cat 16 maximum with 4-band carrier aggregation and 4x4 MIMO. Real speeds vary with your carrier, plan, network congestion, and distance to the nearest cell tower.
Key Features
- Connect to your existing home router using the Gigabit Ethernet port for fast, reliable primary or backup Internet connection. Ideal for homes with poor internet service or coverage
- Avoid risky public WiFi and travel with your own portable, secure Wireless Network anywhere
- Unlocked hot spot accepts all SIM cards (excluding Sprint legacy network); works best on AT&T and T-Mobile. Check with preferred carrier on data plan details and limitations
- Requires Micro SIM card from carrier and activation of compatible BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) data plan that meets your data needs. Simply insert into SIM card slot to activate
- Download speeds up to 1Gbps. Speeds may vary by service and proximity to nearest cell tower
Full Specifications
| Brand | NETGEAR |
|---|---|
| Color | BLACK |
| Weight | 4g |
| Voltage | 220 volts |
| Coverage | Wireless Network Access |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Model Name | MR1100-100NAS |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Antenna Type | Internal |
| Connectivity | Wireless, WiFi |
| Model Number | MR1100-100NAS |
| Built-In Media | AC charger and USB Type-C cable, NETGEAR Nighthawk Mobile Hotspot Router, Quick start guide, Removable lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery |
| Control Method | App |
| Item Type Name | NETGEAR Nighthawk Mobile Hotspot Router (MR1100-100NAS) |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Controller Type | App Control |
| Mfr Part Number | MR1100-100NAS |
| Number of Ports | 2 |
| Special Feature | Internet Security |
| Antenna Location | Business |
| Full listing title | NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot (MR1100-100NAS) – Up to 1Gbps Speed, Works Best with AT&T and T-Mobile, Connects Up to 20 Devices, Secure Wireless Network Anywhere |
Ready to buy?
NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot (MR1100-100NAS) – Up to 1Gbps Speed, Works Best with AT&T and T-Mobile, Connects Up to 20 Devices, Secure Wireless Network Anywhere is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
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