Poynting XPOL-1 V2 5G 3dBi Omnidirectional 2×2 MIMO LTE Outdoor Antenna Review

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I recently reviewed Netgear NBK752 Orbi 5G WiFi 6 Mesh Systeman excellent high-priced mesh system with a built-in 5G modem that lets you use 5G as your primary form of internet or as a failover connection.

During my review, I wanted the best possible speed, so I purchased the Poynting XPOL-1 V2 Outdoor Antenna to see if it would improve my speed.

The results were disappointing, but I think the results vary from person to person, and while it didn’t do me any favors, it might work for some.

Specification

• Omnidirectional LTE or 5G antenna.
• Broadband frequencies for LTE and 5G range from 698 MHz to 3800 MHz.
• 3 dBi medium gain antenna.
• 2×2 MIMO capability.
• LTE/5G Ready and future-proof antennas.
• Works on all cellular LTE networks worldwide, including the new 3.5GHz 5G/CBRS band.
• The 2.4 GHz WiFi band is also covered.
• SAN Marine ASA Plastic Housing – Ensures UV stabilisation and chemical protection of the housing.
• Waterproof and dustproof enclosure (IP65).
• Suitable for urban applications.
• Rugged design resists inclement weather.
• Capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 160 km/h.
• DC ground to prevent electrostatic build-up discharge from damaging router equipment.

It is worth noting that this antenna does not support the 1400MHz cellular frequency (Band 32) used by Three and Vodafone in some parts of the UK. Please check before buying.

set up

The antenna has a long built-in cable with an SMA connector that should fit any router with an external antenna connector.

It has a built-in bracket that can be screwed to the wall and includes suction cups that allow you to fit it into a window.

Unfortunately, I can’t get the suction cup holders through the screw holes, so they’re completely useless to me. I finally decided to mount it to a zippered drain.

Performance

Unfortunately, the performance wasn’t as good as I’d like it to be. The speed didn’t really improve, neither did the ping.

However, I don’t think the numbers below paint a completely accurate picture. When using the antenna, I did find less variability in results when running the speed test multiple times.

• three
  • Mobile Speed: 71Mbps DL, 30Mbps UL, 75ms ping
  • Netgear Internal Antenna: 74Mbps DL, 40Mbps UL, 64ms ping
  • Netgear with Poynting Antenna: 74Mbps DL, 44Mbps UL, 71ms ping
• Vodafone
  • Mobile Speed: 121 Mbps DL, 28Mbps UL, 36ms ping
  • Netgear Internal Antenna: 154Mbps DL, 34Mbps UL, 26ms ping
  • Netgear with Poynting Antenna: 123Mbps DL, 40Mbps UK, 34ms ping
• EE
  • Mobile Speed: 60Mbps DL, 11Mbps UL, 24ms ping
  • Netgear Internal Antenna: 73Mbps DL, 25Mbps, 26ms ping
  • Netgear with Poynting Antenna: 90Mbps DL, 33Mbps Ul, 29ms ping

Price and Alternatives

I paid £66.25 for the Poynting XPOL-1 V2 but it’s currently over £100 on Amazon.

Even at £100, it’s one of the cheapest 5g omnidirectional outdoor antennas you can find on Amazon, with decent reviews. However, in my case it looks like you get what you pay for.

comprehensive

I hate to say that the Poynting XPOL-1 V2 is bad or that it doesn’t work, I think this kind of thing has too many variables to generalize it so comprehensively.

But, as far as I’m concerned, the performance I see from it doesn’t justify the investment.

Maybe if I made the effort to mount it on a pole higher up in my house I might see better results. I’m reluctant to spend the time and money doing this because I’d like to see at least an improvement with the window placement.

Overall, I still think it’s worth considering for some people. If your broadband relies on a 4G/5G signal, it’s definitely worth trying to see if it helps. Just make sure you buy from somewhere easy to return.

Last updated on March 9, 2022 / Affiliate Links / Image from Amazon Product Advertising API