Wi-Fi technology has made it easier than ever before to stream video, share your files, and connect to the rest of the world. But even as more and more devices start to fold wireless capabilities into their core structure, Wi-Fi can sometimes be unstable and provide less performance than what you’d find connecting a device directly to your modem with an ethernet cable.
A powerline adapter offers one of the best solutions. We’ve identified 10 of the best powerline adapter models available this year, but we’re also going to provide you with some analysis of all the best features and specs so you can go shopping for a powerline adapter with confidence and legitimate knowledge.
- The 10 Best Powerline Adapter
- TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter
- NETGEAR Powerline Adapter 2000 Mbps
- Zyxel AV2000 1800 Mbps Powerline Adapter
- D-Link Gigabit AV2 Powerline Adapter
- TRENDnet Powerline 1300 AV2 Adapter
- Tenda AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter
- Devolo dLAN 1200+ WiFi ac powerline adapter
- Extollo Communications LANPlug 2000
- Comtrend G.hn 1200 Mbps Powerline Adapter
- Asus PL-N12 KIT Powerline Adapter
- Powerline Adapters Buyer’s Guide
- Ports
- Max Speeds
- Transmission Range
- Standard
- Warranty
- Dimensions
The 10 Best Powerline Adapter
| Award | Design | Retailer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Friendly but Powerful |  | Check Price | |
| Multiple Fast Ethernet Ports |  | Check Price | |
| A Steady and Consistent Workhorse |  | Check Price | |
| Scalable to Anyone’s Needs |  | Check Price | |
| A Hub Fit For an Office |  | Check Price | |
| Generous for the Budget |  | Check Price | |
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TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter
Beginner Friendly but Powerful
Even if you don’t know the first thing about networking, the TP-Link AV1000 is a powerline adapter that you can use without worries. It employs a simple plug and play design that requires nothing in the way of technical knowledge and includes a Gigabit ethernet port so that you can be confident that you’re making the most of the internet service package offered by your ISP. There’s also full data encryption in place so you don’t need to concern yourself with intrusions from digital criminals and a power saving feature that can dramatically reduce electrical consumption at your home or office.
| Ports | 1x Gigabit |
| Max Speed | 1000 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | 984.25 feet |
| Standard | HomePlug AV2 |
| Warranty | Two year |
| Dimensions | 1.20 x 4.80 x 2.70 inches |
Pros
- Incredibly easy to use
- Backed by a two year warranty
- Works with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Can reduce power consumption by up to 85%
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
NETGEAR Powerline Adapter 2000 Mbps
Multiple Fast Ethernet Ports
Need a powerline adapter that can provide you with a consistent internet connection for all of your devices? With its two Gigabit ethernet ports, this Netgear powerline adapter is ideal for a home theater system or gaming consoles. And since it can support download speeds of 2000 Mbps, this Netgear powerline adapter is a great fit for streaming both movies and games even if your modem is on the opposite side of your house. It also makes use of both MIMO and beamforming technologies for more reliable connectivity everywhere. And when you want a better level of encryption, you can get the results you need with a simple button press.
| Ports | 2x Gigabit |
| Max Speed | 2000 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | Not disclosed |
| Standard | HomePlug AV2 |
| Warranty | One year |
| Dimensions | 2.80 x 5.26 x 1.49 inches |
Pros
- Single button data encryption
- Support for multiple data streams
- Noise filtered for better overall performance
- Built for high intensity game streaming services
Cons
- Speeds can be a little inconsistent
Zyxel AV2000 1800 Mbps Powerline Adapter
A Steady and Consistent Workhorse
No word describes this powerline adapter from Zyxel better than efficiency. Not only are there two Gigabit ethernet ports available, but it also employs pass-through capabilities so you won’t have to make extra space on your wall outlet for this powerline adapter. Zyxel has even packed in some quality of service features for larger households, gamers, and dedicated business and home office networks. And since it employs HomePlug AV2 technology, you can count on it to offer the best bandwidth speeds and the best range of quality features for most consumers. That includes MU-MIMO and advanced security protections.
| Ports | 2x Gigabit |
| Max Speed | 1800 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | 1000 feet |
| Standard | HomePlug AV2 |
| Warranty | Two years |
| Dimensions | 7.28 x 9.09 x 1.51 inches |
Pros
- Broad and modern feature set
- Pass-through for other power sources
- Include’/s two ethernet ports
- Great data encryption
Cons
- Short life (but above average warranty)
D-Link Gigabit AV2 Powerline Adapter
Scalable to Anyone’s Needs
D-Link is one of the most ubiquitous networking brands around, so it should come as little surprise that they’re one of the best contenders in the powerline adapter market too. This pack actually comes with two powerline adapters capable of nimble top speeds of 2000 Mbps, but their ability to sync with up to 16 adapters means that they’re fully scalable to the needs of larger offices. And since there’s a pass-through, you don’t have to worry about your power socket. getting crowded out by powerline adapters. Both a noise filter and an energy saving mode are included as well.
| Ports | 2x Gigabit |
| Max Speed | 1800 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | Not disclosed |
| Standard | HomePlug AV2 |
| Warranty | Two years limited |
| Dimensions | 2.36 x 1.48 x 4.68 inches |
Pros
- Modular design of up to 16
- Comes with a passthrough socket
- Noise filter is built in
- Supports MU-MIMO protocol
Cons
- Warranty coverage is limited
TRENDnet Powerline 1300 AV2 Adapter
A Hub Fit For an Office
If you already have powerline adapters in place and want to expand on it, TRENDnet’s powerline adapter kit is compatible with all earlier versions of powerline adapters and can connect into a network of up to eight adapters at the same time. Combine that with a single plug and play design and wide compatibility with all versions of Windows, and you’re left with a powerline adapter that’s going to be the best fit for the infrastructure of a lot of existing offices. MIMO and beamforming technology have also been included – so you can count on it to provide reliable performance even over range.
| Ports | 1x Gigabit |
| Max Speed | 1300 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | 984 feet |
| Standard | HomePlug AV2 |
| Warranty | Three years |
| Dimensions | 2.30 x 3.00 x 2.60 inches |
Pros
- Wide compatibility with Windows
- Works with up to 8 devices
- Simple plug and play design
- One button device syncing
Cons
- Narrow compatibility outside of Windows
Tenda AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter
Generous for the Budget
Tenda may not be a household name, but they’re offering one of the best powerline adapters deals available today. For half the price of most competitors, you get two powerline adapters , and while they don’t offer the best speeds around, these powerline adapters will be capable enough for most households.They even come with Cat5e ethernet cable and a pass-through power socket, so you’ll have more flexibility in how you want to extend your network throughout your property. That’s further bulked up by the inclusion of a filter that can reduce most noise and provide you with more reliable performance.
| Ports | |
| Max Speed | |
| Transmission Range | |
| Standard | |
| Warranty | |
| Dimensions |
Pros
- One of the best deals around
- Above average warranty
- Includes a pass-through socket
- Highly effective power saving mode
Cons
- Transfer speeds are a little lackluster
Devolo dLAN 1200+ WiFi ac powerline adapter
This device from Devolo is like few other powerline adapters on the market. That’s because in addition to being a powerline adapter, it also has 802.11ac wireless built in. If you want to not just extend the network in your home but also make use of wireless only devices from a distance, this is the best and least complicated power adapter on the market. And since there are two Gigabit ports built in, there’s a lot of room for connecting devices far away from your modem. And while it employs a simple plug and play design, this powerline adapter also offers some sophisticated online configuration tools.
| Ports | 2x Gigabit |
| Max Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | Not disclosed |
| Standard | G.hn |
| Warranty | Two year |
| Dimensions | 2.99 x 1.57 x 5.98 inches |
Pros
- Offers wireless network support
- Great web configuration interface
- Easy plug and play format
- Pass-through power on both devices
Cons
- Not the best choice if you don’t need wireless
Extollo Communications LANPlug 2000
The Extollo LanPlug 2000 offers some of the best performance you’ll get for the price, but it really shines when paired with the Extollo Una which allows it to gain wireless capabilities. For more technically skilled users who don’t mind investing in a system and tweaking the configuration options, this can be the fastest powerline adapter around, but less experienced users may find themselves a little underwhelmed by performance right out of the box. It may require some configuration (and some trial and error) to get it the way you want it, but the potential here is phenomenal.
| Ports | 1x Gigabit |
| Max Speed | 2000 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | Not disclosed |
| Standard | G.hn |
| Warranty | Not disclosed |
| Dimensions | 4.75 x 2.5 x 1 inches |
Pros
- Works with Extollo Una
- Very high optimal performance
- 2×2 MIMO support
- Utilizes beamforming technology
Cons
- A difficult choice for newcomers
Comtrend G.hn 1200 Mbps Powerline Adapter
Comtrend’s powerline adapter kit was once the fastest gun in town, and while it’s fallen behind the pack in terms of raw speed, its biggest asset is now its value. You can pick this powerline adapter kit up for less than a hundred bucks, and the single Gigabit port can offer speeds of up to 1200 Mbps. Support is available for up to 16 devices, which is more than enough for most households and even small businesses, even if it is pretty standard. And since it offers great noise deflection, this is a model to choose in tighter environments.
| Ports | 1x Gigabit |
| Max Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | Not disclosed |
| Standard | G.hn |
| Warranty | Not disclosed |
| Dimensions | 2.3 x 2.2 x 3.7 inches |
Pros
- Great price value
- Solid noise shielding
- Forward error Correction for better streaming
- Supports up to 16 devices
Cons
- Only one ethernet port
Asus PL-N12 KIT Powerline Adapter
The Asus PL-N12 looks simple on the surface, but there’s a lot going on in that little brain. It’s just that you need to make use of a web interface to access it. Setting it up is just as simple as plugging in the adapter and hitting the pair button. The interface itself is a real winner – offering you a wide variety of different configuration options in a way that’s very easy to navigate. That means that if you’re looking to set up guest networks, configure specific IP addresses, or anything like that, you don’t need to be a pro to do so.
| Ports | 2x Gigabit |
| Max Speed | 500 Mbps |
| Transmission Range | Not disclosed |
| Standard | HomePlug |
| Warranty | Not disclosed |
| Dimensions | 2.13 x 3.86 x 1.57 inches |
Pros
- In depth admin tools
- Clean navigational interface
- Very easy setup process
- Attractive and slim design
Cons
- Rare and expensive
Powerline Adapters Buyer’s Guide
If there’s one word that describes the best advantages of powerline adapters, it’s consistency. They offer stable speeds and stable connectivity regardless of what’s happening to your router, and they can provide that even if they’re halfway across the house. But the best powerline adapters for your home won’t necessarily be the most expensive or the best in terms of raw power.
The best powerline adapters for an office, in other words, might not be the best powerline adapters for gaming. Our guide will offer you a thorough run through of what you should pay attention to when shopping for the best powerline adapters of 2022 and beyond.
Ports
Are you looking to create an expansive new home office across the home from your router or simply trying to hook up an extra couple of devices? That will have an impact on how many ports you need on your powerline adaptor. Just keep in mind that you can also just connect an ethernet switch to your powerline network to increase the amount of Gigabit ethernet ports available.
Max Speeds
Using a powerline network doesn’t have to mean suffering through reduced network speeds in your home. That is, unless you find a model that can’t keep pace with the home network plan you pay your IPS for. Fortunately, max speeds are usually widely disclosed, and all of the entries on our powerline adaptor list come with Gigabit ethernet ports for stable and decently fast network connectivity. Find something that matches your existing internet plan, or you may find yourself paying more for something you won’t use on your home network.
Transmission Range
Transmission range tells you how far down your electrical wiring a power adapter can go before losing transmission quality. But since there are other conditions at play and no standardized way to measure them, many manufacturers don’t list a range for the speed a powerline adaptor can deliver over a powerline network. That said, you can generally expect power line adapters to offer a range of about 1000 feet.
Standard
There are two main network standards that powerline adapters can use: G.hn and HomePlug (mostly the AV2 version). Generally, which network standard a powerline adapter uses isn’t that important. G.hn development is generally more active and can allow connectivity over more than a power socket. G.hn can also travel over phone and cable systems, making it a great choice for more complicated systems, and if you have more ambitious plans for an integrated home wiring system that does more than just expand your ethernet port access, you might want to search for G.hn powerlines.
As of now, the standard most widely used is still HomePlug AV2. It might be missing some of the features that G.hn offers, but it makes up for it with its ubiquity and offers mostly comparable, or better, overall speeds than a lot of G.hn devices.
Warranty
Gigabit ethernet ports and speeds matter a whole let when finding the right adapter kit for your network, but you want one that lasts too. The length and terms of a warranty should matter when buying a powerline network adapter, but your first consideration should be whether or not it meets your needs in the here and now. Most manufacturers will provide you with some sort of warranty. Two years is pretty common.
Dimensions
The main thing to look at when browsing dimensions is whether or not it will block an additional power socket. These adapters tend to be big and bulky, and they can force you to reconsider the entire design of your room when trying to just extend your network with a second adapter.
Dimensions will matter much less if your powerline adapter kit comes with a pass-through socket. This will allow you to plug a second adapter or other devices into a power socket while still having space for the powerline adapter as well. It’s a great way to make the most of your electrical wiring and gives you a lot more freedom to place a powerline adaptor anywhere that works for you.
Wrapping Up
Even if you’ve never heard of a powerline adapter, the guide above can help you identify the top ones, and we’ll consistently keep our review list updated so you’re never out of step with the latest trends. And be sure to dig deeper if you want the best information on the top products. From networking to gaming to photography, we have you covered.
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