Ubiquiti NanoStation loco M5
Score: 75/100
Ubiquiti NanoStation locoM2
Score: 75/100Rankings
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.
The Ubiquiti NanoStation locoM2 delivers up to 150 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with a compact 8-dBi antenna and remote reset capability. Its single-band design and limited Ethernet speed can be drawbacks in high-traffic scenarios. Ideal for small-to-medium WISPs or rural sites needing an affordable, low-power backhaul over a few kilometres.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
300 Mbpsbest | 150 Mbps | |
1best | 1best | |
| ↓ lower better | 499 g | 180 gbest |
15,000 mbest | 5,000 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 5.5 Wbest | 6 W |
13 dBibest | 8.5 dBi | |
24 Vbest | 24 Vbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Frequency Bands (GHz) | 5 | 2.4 |
Performance(3) | ||
Maximum Data Rate (Mbps) | 300 Mbps | 150 Mbps |
Effective Range (m) | 15000 m | 5000 m |
Antenna Gain (dBi) | 13 dBi | 8.5 dBi |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (W) | 5.5 W | 6 W |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 499 g | 180 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 76.2 x 63.5 x 177.8 mm | 30 x 80 x 180 mm |
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 emphasize the locoM2's low-latency AirMAX TDMA protocol, carrier-class scalability, and its integrated dual-polarized antenna that delivers solid gain and isolation. They also note the device's rugged outdoor enclosure and intelligent passive PoE with remote reset as strong points, while calling out the limitation to the 2.4 GHz band and the older processor/memory as potential drawbacks for future-proofing.
Everyday users generally praise the device's easy plug-and-play installation, lightweight form factor, 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.
