Ubiquiti NanoStation loco M5
Score: 75/100
Vonets VAP11G-300
Score: 63/100Rankings
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 Vonets VAP11G-300 is a tiny 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bridge that converts wireless to Ethernet, offering up to 300 Mbps and support for many legacy devices. Its single-band operation, modest range and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet limit high-performance scenarios. Best suited for extending Wi-Fi to legacy IP cameras, printers or PLCs in indoor environments where space and power are constrained.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
300 Mbpsbest | 300 Mbpsbest | |
1best | 1best | |
| ↓ lower better | 499 g | 60 gbest |
15,000 mbest | 90 m | |
| ↓ lower better | 5.5 W | 2 Wbest |
13 dBibest | — | |
24 Vbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Supported Wi‑Fi Standards | 802.11n | 802.11b/g/n |
Frequency Bands (GHz) | 5 | 2.4 |
Ports(1) | ||
Ethernet Port Speed | 100 | 10/100 |
Performance(1) | ||
Effective Range (m) | 15000 m | 90 m |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Power Consumption (W) | 5.5 W | 2 W |
Input Voltage (V) | 24 V | 5-15 V |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 499 g | 60 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 76.2 x 63.5 x 177.8 mm | 92x47x21 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”
Editors describe the VAP11G-300 as a professional‑grade mini bridge that delivers stable 300 Mbps extensions for IP devices such as cameras and DVRs. They highlight its industrial‑style design, secure signal optimization (instead of simple amplification), and versatility across bridge, repeater and router modes, while noting its niche focus on 2.4 GHz legacy deployments.
Implied consumer feedback points to appreciation for its simplicity, quick setup and usefulness for non-Wi-Fi legacy equipment, while recurring concerns focus on limited range in walls and lack of 5 GHz support.
