Ubiquiti NanoStation loco M5
Score: 75/100
AdaLov Gigabit Wireless Bridge with Mounts
Score: 68/100Rankings
The Ubiquiti NanoStation Loco M5 is a compact 5 GHz outdoor CPE with a built-in 13 dBi antenna delivering up to 150 Mbps real-world throughput over 10+ km. Its older 802.11n chipset and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet limit maximum speed and wired capacity. Best for hobbyists or small ISPs needing an affordable, long-range 5 GHz backhaul.
AdaLov's Gigabit Wireless Bridge provides a 16 dBi directional antenna with one-key pairing, delivering up to 900 Mbps over distances up to 3 km and includes PoE and weatherproofing. Real-world throughput often falls short of the headline speed and initial setup can encounter glitches. It fits well for farms, warehouses, and remote outbuildings requiring cable-free Ethernet.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
300 Mbps | 900 Mbpsbest | |
1 | 2best | |
| ↓ lower better | 499 gbest | 1,700 g |
15,000 mbest | 3,000 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 5.5 Wbest | — |
13 dBi | 16 dBibest | |
24 Vbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Frequency Bands (GHz) | 5 | 5.8 |
Ports(2) | ||
Number of Ethernet Ports | 1 | 2 |
Ethernet Port Speed | 100 | 1000/100 |
Performance(3) | ||
Maximum Data Rate (Mbps) | 300 Mbps | 900 Mbps |
Effective Range (m) | 15000 m | 3000 m |
Antenna Gain (dBi) | 13 dBi | 16 dBi |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Input Voltage (V) | 24 V | 24/48 V |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 499 g | 1700 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 76.2 x 63.5 x 177.8 mm | 250x55x90 mm |
Mounting Options | Pole | Adjustable |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the NanoStation Loco M5 a strong value proposition for affordable 5 GHz backhaul, emphasizing its compact size, integrated 13 dBi antenna, and airMAX TDMA efficiency. While praised for real-world throughput and spectrum tools, they caution that its 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and legacy 802.11n chipset limit its appeal against newer AC/AX models.
Everyday users generally like the device's long-range capability, easy pole-mount installation, and low power draw, especially for remote or solar-powered sites. Recurring concerns revolve around 2.4 GHz interference in crowded areas, the lack of Gigabit Ethernet, and occasional performance limits due to the older hardware.
“covers multitudes of devices”
“ideal for residential or small building use”
“great reach at 13 dBi”
Professional reviewers commend the AdaLov bridge for its ultra-simple one-key pairing, robust long-range performance and ability to deliver ISP-grade speeds beyond a mile, effectively replacing trench-cable solutions. However, they caution that channel interference can reduce throughput and that the 900 Mbps headline speed is rarely reached in real-world conditions.
Everyday users love how quickly the bridge works out of the box and value its stable 3 km link for cameras and other devices, especially in outdoor or industrial settings. Recurring frustrations center on initial connection glitches and the need to fine-tune Wi-Fi channels to unlock higher speeds.
