The Netgear MIMO Antenna is a proven antenna design that is ideal for signal enhancing a cellular mobile hotspot device with two antenna ports - like Jetpacks and MiFis - or even a cellular router.
The Netgear MIMO antenna comes in two versions:
- Model 6000450 - This is the original version that comes with 2 TS-9 connectors. **Top Pick**
- Model 6000451 - This model replaced the original version on Netgear's website in March 2022. This version has the same form factor but supports sub-6Ghz 5G frequencies and utilizes SMA connectors instead of TS-9. However, it does come with SMA-to-TS-9 adapters so it can be used with devices that have TS-9 ports like the original.
It's portable and no installation is required.
MIMO (Multiple In Multiple Out) is the use of more than one antenna to increase signal performance. All LTE & 5G devices have at least two antennas to take advantage of this technology. This antenna is designed with two antennas inside its panel case to take advantage of MIMO.
Simply mount it with the included suction cups to a window most closely facing the cellular tower you're connected to, or use the clips (included) to attach to the back of a laptop screen. No tricky roof or pole mounting installation is needed.
After that, plug in the two connectors to your Jetpack, MiFi, or hotspot device's antenna ports.
It's portable and rated for indoor or outdoor use.
Original (6000450)
Specifications
- Model: 6000450
- # of Antennas: 2x2 MIMO
- Direction: Directional
- Frequency Range: 700-906 / 1710-1990 / 2110-2170 / 2500-2700 MHz
- Impedence: unknown
- Cable Type & Length: 40" long cable
- Connector: 2x TS-9 connectors
- Internal Ground Plane: N/A
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 6.3 x 0.2 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Mounting: Includes clips & suction cups
- Outdoor Rated: Yes
- Frequency / Gain: 2.5 dBi
- Retail Price: $59.94
5G Version (6000451)
- Model: 6000451
- # of Antennas: 2x2 MIMO
- Direction: Directional
- Frequency Range:600-960/1710-5925 MHz
- Impedence: unknown
- Cable Type & Length: 40" long cable
- Connector: 2x SMA connectors (includes SMA-TS-9 adapters)
- Internal Ground Plane: N/A
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 6.3 x 0.2 inches
- Weight: Not Specified
- Mounting: Includes clips & suction cups
- Outdoor Rated: Yes
- Frequency / Gain: 2.5 dBi
- Retail Price: $54.99
News, Videos, & Status
We purchased one of these antennas on Amazon and have had it in multiple field testing rounds - it has become a staff favorite for the performance, price point, and ease of use.
For anyone with a mobile hotspot device with two antenna ports, we consider this antenna a no-brainer option to have onboard as part of your signal-enhancing arsenal.
The new, updated version appeared on Netgear's website in late March 2022. As of September 2022, the new version is available in North America and we will acquire one and put it into our testing program. The testing and review below reflect the original version.
We have opened our review & video overview (originally member-exclusive) to the public. Our members have access to our full Field Testing Results, and this antenna is specifically included in these rounds:
- Andy's Test Lab (Spring 2021)
- Mobile Hotspot & TS9 MIMO, Puma 401 vs Mobile Mark, Peplink Router/Modems (Summer 2020)
- Cellular Signal MIMO Antenna Field Testing – (Spring 2019)
- Cellular Signal Field Testing – SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 | weBoost 4G-X OTR | weBoost 4G-M | HiBoost OTR | MIMO Antennas (Late 2018)
- Cellular Signal Field Testing – SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 | weBoost Connect RV 65 | HiBoost OTR | MIMO Antennas (2nd Quarter 2018)
- Cellular Signal & Embedded Router Field Testing – IBR900 | MAX-BR1 | Drive Sleek | MIMO Antennas (1st Quarter 2018)
- Cellular Equipment Field Testing Results – Netgear Modems / USB730 (Late 2017)
- Cellular Signal Enhancing Field Testing Results (2nd Quarter 2017)
Video Review:
News Stories:
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular cellular antennas on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
Special Public Review
Normally our reviews are member exclusive content. However, given how affordable & effective this option is - we have decided to make most of this review public as an example of the types of in-depth reviews we do for all products we test.
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Thoughts & Analysis
Favorite Features:
- Super affordable
- Shorter cable length means minimal signal loss
- Directional aiming focuses the gain for maximum performance
- Hardly any installation needed - bring it out only when needed
- On Model 6000450 the TS-9 connectors are built in, designed to plug directly into mobile hotspots with no adapters needed. The Model 6000451 has SMA connectors built in, but come with SMA-to-TS-9 adapters so it can be used with devices that have TS-9 ports like the original.
- Portable - you can take it with you in a backpack, purse, or briefcase
Potential Downsides:
- Super short antenna cables mean your device will need to be pretty close the physical location of the antenna - which could mean placing your device where there's no power, or possibly in the sun of a window (beware of overheating).
- Directional means you'll need to do a little trial and error at each stop to find the optimal window to place this in.
- Suction cups easily fall off when moving around.
- Model 6000450 only works on devices with dual TS-9 antenna ports (primarily mobile hotspots). Model 6000451 has SMA connectors instead of TS-9, but has SMA-TS-9 adapters included so you can use it on devices with TS-9 antenna ports.
- There are some reports of the case warping after being left in direct sunlight and/or high temps.
- If your windows are coated with a metal-based film (for privacy, heat reflection, etc.) - this could block the signal. In this case, having the antenna on the inside of the window would see little to no gain. (Solutions: try the front windshield and/or placing the antenna on the outside of the window).
In moderate signal areas, this antenna simply rocks. We consider it a top pick because it combines great performance with convenience and low cost.
Because this antenna is directional, has short cables for minimal signal loss, uses MIMO and has direct TS-9 connectors (or SMA connectors with TS-9 adapters included) - this antenna often outperforms other signal enhancing options for mobile hotspots. This can make a great spare antenna if you have multiple mobile hotspot devices. It's also a good primary antenna option if roof installation is too daunting.
Just suction cup mount it in the general direction of the tower you're aiming for, plug it directly into your mobile hotspot, and you have affordable instant signal enhancement.
Deep Dive
Performance Results
Performance Results
Here's a snapshot of one location where we tested the Netgear MIMO against two other solid signal enhancing options (top-picks at the time of testing), the weBoost 4G-X OTR booster and the Mobile Mark LTM-401 MIMO roof antenna:
Device Compatibility
Device Compatibility
This antenna will only work on devices with dual TS-9 antenna ports. Popular mobile hotspot models with these ports are:
- Verizon: 8800L, 7730L, AC791L, MHS291L, MHS800L
- AT&T: Netgear Nighthawk LTE, Netgear Nighthawk 5G, Unite Explore, Velocity 2 and Unite Pro
- Sprint: 8000, Warp, Fuse and Zing
- T-Mobile: ZMax Connect
To check to see if other models have dual antenna ports, check our Mobile Hotspot Gear Center and check the filter for 'Dual Ports'.
What About Other Devices?
If your cellular device doesn't have dual TS-9 antenna ports, what are your options?
- No Antenna Ports: If your device does not have antenna ports (such as smartphones, tablets and some hotspots), then external antennas are not an option. Cellular boosters are the best option in this case.
- Single Antenna Port: If your device only has a single antenna port (such as the Verizon 6620L), this antenna may work with just one cable plugged in - but be sure to experiment as both the hotspot and the antenna tend to have 'primary' and 'secondary' connections. You'll probably be better off using a single antenna option.
- 4x4 MIMO Devices: Some mobile hotspots, like the Netgear Nighthawk, 8800L and 8000 have internal 4x4 MIMO but only two antenna ports. When using the antenna ports, MIMO switches from 4x4 to 2x2. In some situations, the internal 4x4 may outperform external 2x2 - so always test at each location.
- SMA, SMB, N, or F ports: If your device has dual antenna ports but uses other connectors types, such as many mobile embedded cellular routers, it's best to seek a purpose-built antenna with the correct connectors. There are rare TS-9 to SMA adapters, but there are also many SMA MIMO cellular antenna options out there.
Purchasing Options
Links Provided for Convenience
We do not sell any gear or equipment. These links are provided to make your shopping easier. Unless otherwise disclosed, only Amazon links are affiliate links (see our disclaimer). We request vendors give our members bigger discounts instead of giving us affiliate kickbacks.
Member Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our MIAs get special discounts from these vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. Some vendors offer up to 10% off - you could save more than the cost of your membership on major purchases.
Model 6000450: Amazon | TigerDirect
Model 6000451: Netgear
Cellular antennas can be a vital part of your signal enhancing strategy to get a better signal, and thus better cellular data performance. They come in many shapes, sizes and varieties.
They can be used directly connected to your mobile hotspots or cellular embedded routers, or they might connect to your cellular booster. They come in omni-directional vs directional, single vs MIMO, and might support different frequency bands. They come in combination antennas with Wi-Fi and GPS.
But most importantly, is your installation options on your RV or boat.
So before choosing an antenna, be sure to understand all of these variables - and keep in mind that there likely isn't a single 'one size fits all' solution here. You may need to make compromises, or even have speciality antennas for challenging signal areas.
We recommend starting with our Guide to Selecting Antennas, and then moving on to our other guides addressing related topics:
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