Verizon Launches the MiFi X PRO 5G UW – A New Flagship 5G Mobile Hotspot From Inseego

Today Verizon quietly released the next-generation Inseego mobile hotspot device - the MiFi X Pro 5G UW. 

This hotspot features the Qualcomm X65 modem chipset, which provides significant future-proofing enhancements over the X55 modems used in previous 5G Verizon hotspots, such as the Inseego M2100 5G and the Orbic Speed 5G UW.

The new Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G UW replaces the previous generation of 5G mobile hotspots as the new Verizon flagship and will likely become one of our Top Pick devices.

MiFi X Pro 5G UW Video First Look

 

MiFi X Pro 5G UW Specifications

The MiFi X Pro 5G UW is model number M3100 and surpasses the last generation Inseego M2100 in almost every respect.

The first consideration is the cellular modem, which is the core component in any cellular data device. 

Here are the cellular bands the MiFi supports:

• Sub-6GHz 5G: n2, n5, n48, n66, n77, n78
• mmWave 5G: n257, n260, n261
• 4G/LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66

This includes all the native and roaming bands Verizon uses, including Verizon's newest mid-band n77 spectrum.

But this hotspot is not a great choice if you'd like to use it on another carrier as it is missing support for some of the core bands for both AT&T and T-Mobile.

Ethernet and USB Wired Connectivity

Inseego's first 5G mobile hotspot, the M1000, had us excited because it included an Ethernet port for a LAN connection.  That excitement turned to disappointment with the second-generation M2100, which lacked an Ethernet port.  We are glad to see the Ethernet port is back for the M3100 model.

The Ethernet port supports 1Gbps speeds which is fast enough to support all but the fastest millimeter wave 5G connections and provides an easy way to connect to routers that don't support USB connections.

USB tethering is also supported, and the MiFi X Pro comes with a USB-C port for tethering and power. This port is also used to charge other devices from the MiFi battery.

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the current standard for Wi-Fi support in 2022, and it's no surprise to see it on the MiFi X Pro.

The device simultaneously supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies and has a guest network for both frequencies.  The MiFi supports up to 32 Wi-Fi clients.

Battery Preservation Mode

A battery preservation mode is a useful feature for those who keep their mobile hotspots powered and connected 24/7. When the MiFi has charged for more than 16 hours straight, it automatically enters Battery Preservation Mode and maintains the battery between 50% and 60% charge. This prevents overcharging and helps preserve the integrity and longevity of the battery.

No Antenna Ports

Unlike the Nighthawk series of hotspots from Netgear, Inseego continues its tradition of not including antenna ports on mobile hotspots.

For our audience of RVers, boaters, and nomads, antenna ports are a valuable feature that allows for the easy connection of a cellular antenna in areas with a weak signal.  However, in today's 4x4 MIMO world, having external 2x2 antennas doesn't have quite the advantage they once did - which can often lead to performance decreases except in remote signal locations. 

Getting the M3100 MiFi X Pro 5G UW

This new hotspot is currently only available directly from Verizon for $349 for either consumer or business customers.

This is a very attractive price for an X65-based flagship-level mobile hotspot.

You can purchase the new MiFi today with one of Verizon's existing compatible data plans.  Options for consumer postpaid include up to 150GB of data or 100GB for business plans.

Our member-exclusive section below has further thoughts on whether or not to upgrade and further information and analysis on future variants of this hotspot.

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