The Netgear Nighthawk M1 is an excellent travel-friendly router with a maximum download speed of up to 1 GBPS. Whether browsing websites or enjoying a YouTube video, using the best external antenna for Netgear Nighthawk M1 will surely increase the internet speed and range.
These antennas improve reception in dead spots and ensure superior Wi-Fi connection. Also, you will get increased signal strength, speed, and range.
Therefore, I prepared a list for you after reviewing several antennas. All the enlisted antennas are efficient enough to boost the Nighthawk M1’s broadband performance.
4 Best External Antenna for Netgear Nighthawk M1 Review
I reviewed 4 antenna models compatible with the Netgear Nighthawk M1. Choose the one that meets your needs.
1. External Log Periodic Yagi Antenna
The External Log Periodic Yagi Antenna is a great way to improve your internet signal of Netgear Nighthawk M1. This directional antenna significantly improves uploading and downloading speed when positioned directly to your nearest AT&T tower. At the same time, it improves weak cellular signals.
- Antenna: Cellular
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Frequency: 698-960/1710-2700 MHz
- Gain: 11dBi
- Cable Length: 30 ft.
Yagi Antenna
Its Yagi design makes the antenna ideal for areas where reception is weak. The antenna efficiently improves signal in workshops, basements, rural areas, and places.
After installing it, you will experience a significant signal boost while reducing ping.
11 dBi High Gain
This antenna features 11 dBi, and the high gain will project the Wi-Fi signal way above the required coverage. For its high gain characteristics, it increases strength of the signals and data speeds in locations with minimal coverage.
With improved coverage, the internal signal will be strong in every room of your home, office building, and other outdoor areas from the Netgear Nighthawk M1.
Easy Installation
Mounting bracket and 30ft. cable is included with this antenna for convenient installation. It is important to mount the antenna at the highest point of your home for better reception.
Impressively, the antenna has a weather-proof coating, making it ideal for outdoor mounting.
Directional Antenna
Directional antennas are much more efficient in pulling signals from a single direction. It can concentrate on the signals and consequently minimize interference.
Why Should You Buy It?
This antenna allows you to access the internet anywhere in your home, office, or workshop. Installation is also effortless and has weather-proof coating. So, mount it in a place where it receives the best signals.
2. Eifagur 10-12 dBi Long Range Antenna
The Eifagur 10-12 dBi Long Range Antenna is an awesome value for the price. If you get a poor cellular data signal at a location, this device will improve the signal. Moreover, the signal of the Netgear Nighthawk M1 will be more stable than before.
More impressively, it vastly improves wireless Wi-Fi inside a metal building.
- Material: Aluminum Alloy.
- Direction: Omni-directional.
- Gain: 10-12 dBi.
- Impedance: 50 Ohm.
- Antenna Cable Length: 5 Meter Low Loss Cables.
Omni-Directional Design
One of the best features of this antenna is the omnidirectional design. This feature enables the antenna to pull signals from any direction. Thus, you won’t need to point it in a specific direction for better reception.
Moreover, the design receives signals from greater distances.
Durable Construction
Harsh weather, sun heat, rain, and snow can affect the external antenna’s performance. Happily, this antenna is made of aluminum alloy and waterproof ABS. So, it withstands extreme weather conditions, providing long-term performance.
Impressively, the antenna delivers stable and steady signals during bad weather. It means you will be connected to your internet all the time.
Highly Compatible
You can use the antenna with or without cable, which is compatible with multiple devices. The without-compatible cable devices are 4G LTE Mobile routers, CPE routers, cellular gateway, etc. While with compatible cable devices are a Mi-Fi router, Wireless CPE router, USB modem dongle adapter, etc.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you want to increase the signal of your cellular device, this will be the best option. The mounting bracket is attached for quick and easy setup. There are a damn few places it can’t pick up good Wi-Fi signals.
3. Tupavco Yagi Directional Antenna
For overall performance, the Tupavco Yagi Directional Antenna is unbeatable. The design effectively pulls poor or weak Wi-Fi signals and sends them via the cable to an amplifier, cellular data card, or cell phone.
After attaching it to your 4G modem, it will drastically improve the reliability and speed of your connection than the interior antennas.
- Antenna: Wi-Fi.
- Impedance: 50 Ohm.
- Gain: 9 dBi.
- Maximum Range: 1000 ft.
- Material: Aluminum Alloy / Weather-proof ABS build.
Uncompromised Performance
This versatile antenna works with several LTE and North American Cellular bands. Also, it features comprehensive dual-band coverage, making it beneficial for others with less common frequent requirements. It covers 806-960 MHz & 1.7-2.5 GHz frequencies.
In fact, it has created a new level of reliability, stability, and consistent 4 bars signal strength.
Directional Antenna
The antenna receives a strong signal in one direction and barely drops the signal. Providing stable and steady signals is a promise of this device. All you need to do is point and polarize it correctly.
In addition, it resists the most common weather conditions. Thus, high winds or sun heat can’t impact its performance for durable construction.
Increases Wi-Fi/Cellular Reception
It permits you to increase cellular/Wi-Fi reception. All you need to do is plug it into a modem or router. This way, signals will be available on your cellular devices. However, you will need to buy separate components for plugging it into a smartphone or computer.
Why Should You Buy It?
Correct installation of the antenna will ensure excellent performance. This device will increase your 4G/LTE bandwidth from less than 2 Mbps to 30 Mbps. Also, you will experience zero signal loss regardless of the weather conditions.
4. XRDS-RF Store 10 dBi Directional Antenna
The XRDS-RF Store 10 dBi Directional Antenna is an invaluable piece compatible with Netgear Nighthawk M1. Also, it supports data services of 4G/LTE/xLTE from most cellular service providers.
Moreover, this is a multi-directional and easy-to-install antenna, receiving signals from a variety of frequency spectrums. For this reason, it can be mounted in different locations like well sites, utility poles, homes, offices, etc.
- Antenna: Radio.
- Impedance: 50 Ohm.
- Gain: 10 dBi.
- Polarization: Vertical.
- Material: ABS / Brass / Aluminum – RoHS compliant .
High Gain
With 10.6 dBi gain, it improves data speeds and signal strength in locations with marginal coverage. It doesn’t take much time to find a good signal. According to a few customers, the antenna provides an excellent signal within 3-5 minutes after installation.
Premium Quality
This universal antenna is designed with an N-female connector, facilitating the transfer of high-frequency information. Moreover, it receives large amounts of data quickly and performs at radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range. As a result, the device won’t perform poorly when a small motion or movement occurs.
Easy to Install
Thanks to the installation process, you won’t have to sweat while mounting it. It is manufactured with external use in mind. Moreover, a rugged weather-proof structure resists damage or impacts from elements. So, you will get long-term efficient performance from it.
However, this is a directional antenna; make sure to point it towards a cell tower directly for the best reception.
Why Should You Buy It?
It is much more efficient in receiving signals from local towers. Also, signal reception is consistent. Its performance is impressively accurate and reliable.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best External Antenna for Netgear Nighthawk M1
Consider the below factors when choosing the high-gain external antenna for Netgear Nighthawk M1.
Purpose of the Antenna
Learn the purpose of your selected long-range external antenna for Netgear Nighthawk M1. If it is boosting signal strength or only delivering stable connections.
Some models efficiently improve your internet speeds while ensuring better coverage in your office or home.
In comparison, a few models only ensure better reception and stable connection.
In this case, you must know your requirements and choose a model.
Compatibility with Netgear Nighthawk M1
All external antennas are not designed to be worked with Netgear Nighthawk M1. So, you will have to know whether your selected model is compatible.
Before choosing a model, research to know the compatibility. Read the customer reviews for better clarification.
All the above-discussed models are workable with Netgear Nighthawk M1. You can choose any of them and install them in your preferred location to increase signal strength.
Frequency Bands Supported by the Antenna
Remember, all antennas don’t come with the same frequency band. Antennas are designed to work with a specific bandwidth.
So, buying a model with compatible frequencies for your preferred networks providers, such as Verizon or AT&T, is vital.
Gain, Directional vs. Omnidirectional Antennas
Whether or not to buy directional or omnidirectional antennas is an important consideration.
Directional antennas receive the signal from a single direction. If you know the location of the base stations, point the directional antenna towards the tower. Generally, these antennas come with high gain, increasing internet data speed.
While omnidirectional antennas are efficient in receiving signals from all directions. So, pointing them toward a specific location is unnecessary. However, they have lower gain compared to directional antennas. Thus, the transmitting and receiving power level is less.
Choosing between directional and omnidirectional antennas depends on your personal preference.
Other Features to Consider
Installation and connector type are other crucial factors to consider when buying the top-rated external antennas for Netgear Nighthawk M1.
Make sure your selected antenna comes with an easy-to-install feature. Typically, all external antennas feature a convenient installation process. But it is better to check to avoid future inconvenience.
The manufacturer-provided connector type should also fit into your MiFi device or Netgear Nighthawk M1. If the connector type is incompatible, you may need to buy a separate one which is an extra cost.
What are the Benefits of Using an External Antenna with the Netgear Nighthawk M1?
The compatible external antennas for Netgear Nighthawk M1 are necessary for many reasons. Here I shared the benefits.
- These antennas increase the range of your device and signal strength
- Reduces dead spots by creating a superior Wi-Fi connection in your home or office
- Improves stability of the connection in locations with poor signal levels
- They deliver the necessary power without compromising reliability or coverage
- Minimizes interference because of environmental obstacles like trees or walls
- Operates on a wide range of frequencies at the same time
FAQ
Are all external antennas compatible with the Netgear Nighthawk M1?
All external antennas are not compatible with the Netgear Nighthawk M1. Before choosing an antenna, make sure to check the compatibility.
How do I know which external antenna type best suits my needs?
Choosing the correct type of external antenna according to your needs is important. If you choose the right product, valuable time, money, and effort will be well-spent. That is why, before deciding on a model, it is crucial to know your location and your provider and be aware of which bands your antenna can cover before deciding on a model.
Can I use multiple external antennas with the Netgear Nighthawk M1 for improved signal strength?
Netgear Nighthawk M1 comes with two antenna ports. So, you can connect a maximum of 2 external antennas for improved signal strength.
What is the best antenna position for Netgear Nighthawk?
Positioning the Netgear Nighthawk correctly is crucial for the best performance. According to Netgear, the center antenna should be positioned vertically while others should be aimed outwards at 45-degree angles.
Can Netgear Nighthawk M1 be used as a Wi-Fi extender?
Yes, Netgear Nighthawk M1 can be used as a Wi-Fi extender. In this case, a non-Netgear router will work as the main router. Remember, routing functions will remain inactive when a Netgear router is used as an extender.
What is the best antenna to use with Netgear Nighthawk M1?
The best antenna to use with Netgear Nighthawk M1 is the Eifagur 10-12 dBi Long Range Antenna. This is an omnidirectional antenna. So, it doesn’t require line-of-sight towards the tower. Also, the antenna features a higher gain and offers stable performance.
How do I properly install and set up an external antenna for the Netgear Nighthawk M1?
Find the below steps to properly install and set up an external antenna for the Netgear Nighthawk M1.
Step 01: Netgear Nighthawk M1 has 2 TS9 ports on either side. They are covered with rubber caps. Expose them by opening the cap.
Step 02: The router includes 2 pigtails; grab and connect them to the TS9 ports. Avoid rushing, as it can damage the ports.
Step 03: Now, get the antenna connectors and plug them with the pigtails.
Step 4: Turn the M1 screen on and check whether it detects the antenna. If the router detects the antennas, the setup process is completed. If not, unplug the antenna connector and plug them in again.
How can I boost my Nighthawk M1 signal?
Follow the below tips and tricks to boost your Nighthawk M1 signal,
- You can get maximum coverage when the router is placed in the center position of your home
- Use a Wi-Fi extender
- Avoiding interference becomes convenient by changing your wireless channels
Final Words
The best external antenna for Netgear Nighthawk M1 is a great way to extend your Wi-Fi range and speed. External antennas are the best options for minimizing dead zones in the home or office. As a result, you will remain connected throughout your property regardless of the location.
The Tupavco Yagi Directional Antenna is the best of all for its efficient performance. It works effectively with multiple LTE and North American cellular bands. Also, the dual-band coverage pulls less common frequencies without trouble. High winds, sunlight, rain, or other weather conditions can’t damage its structure. Also, it delivers consistent signals all the time.