Powerline is a simple-to-install wireless home system that can provide higher speeds than Wi-Fi for linking computers to your network, whether or not they are in the same space as your router.
It uses the main wires in your house to create a network connection that is, in many cases, better than Wi-Fi. It’s not limited to devices that have an Ethernet port: certain Powerline kits will build strong new Wi-Fi hotspots to send you a wireless signal in rooms or places where your router can’t touch. It’s fast, easy to set up and inexpensive as it can significantly enhance your home network for streaming HD TV, gaming and other data-hungry gadgets and services.
Many Powerline adapters have now built-in Wi-Fi and are building a new wireless network in the second space. It ensures that you can get a solid, powerful signal for your desktop, smartphone, tablet or other Wi-Fi gadget.
If you are looking to invest in a Powerline ethernet adapter, then we have shortlisted the top 5 models for you.
Out Top 3 picks
Best Powerline Ethernet Adapters – Comparative Table
| Product Name | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
| 3 x 12.2 x 6.9 cm. | 1000Mbps | ||
| 7.1 x 13.2 x 4.3 cm | 2000Mbps | ||
| 8.6x 0.5x 6.0 cm | 1000Mbps | ||
| 11.4 x 5.6 x 3 cm | 1.2Gbps | ||
| 5.8x 7.7x 6.5 cm | 1300Mbps |
TP-LINK AV1000 POWERLINE ETHERNET ADAPTER (TL-PA7010 KIT)
Product Highlights
Low price and quality efficiency are the most essential aspects of any system for a significant portion of consumers, and the TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter (TL-PA7010 KIT) is ideally suited to that role.
Features
It provides a highly respectable 1000Mbps Ethernet bandwidth, 128-bit AES data encryption and a reasonable 300 m range. It also comes with some innovative features, such as power-saving mode (automatically turns on while the system is not in operation) and support for HomePlug AV2. The latter makes it easier to connect multiple adapters.
The TL-PA7010 KIT is the smallest of four variants of the TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter. It comes with a single LAN port and requires a pass-through adapter, so if you’re not a very strict user, that’s more than enough.
What We Like About TP-LINK AV1000 POWERLINE ETHERNET ADAPTER (TL-PA7010 KIT)
With this adapter, you get a plug-and- play feature, a good 2-year warranty and, most importantly, a fantastic value for money and one of the best Ethernet powerline adapters around.
What We Don’t Like About TP-LINK AV1000 POWERLINE ETHERNET ADAPTER (TL-PA7010 KIT)
This model has no Wi-Fi feature and it tends to heat up with use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plug-and – play feature Power-saving mode | Adapters get hot No Wi-Fi |
TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter (TL-PA9020P KIT)
Product Highlights
With the TP-Link TL-PA9020P AV2000 Powerline Adapter and its high-speed data transfer rate of up to 2Gbps, you can achieve optimum network output anywhere in your home.
Features
The TL-PA9020P features a one-touch pairing, 128-bit AES encryption for maintaining a safe signal over your home wiring, plus smart LED indicators for notifying users of the strength of their link. Compliant with Home Connect AV2, the 5.2 x 2.8 x 1.7-inch TP-Link features 2×2 MIMO beam-forming technology to create seamless point-to- point links via your home for optimal output.
The TP-Link AV 2000 is strong on the Powerline market, particularly as compared to other adapters, such as the Netgear Powerline 1200. As well as allowing speeds of up to 2Gbps over the Netgear 1.2Gbps, it has duplicated Ethernet ports for computer access and a more appealing interface that won’t obstruct other devices.
What We Like About TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter (TL-PA9020P KIT)
Setting up the TP-Link is a snap: the first adapter is plugged into the wall and router using an Ethernet cable, and the second adapter is plugged into a wall outlet near the device(s) you intend to extend your network to.
With two Gigabit Ethernet ports available, you can connect two computers at a time, such as a video game console and a TV, which will save you the need to install an additional socket, and a pass-through electrical outlet means that you can still access your AC outlet even though the adapter is plugged in.
What We Don’t Like About TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter (TL-PA9020P KIT)
There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup Duplicated Ethernet ports | No Wi-Fi |
D-Link Powerline DHP-601AV
Product Highlights
Offering the newest innovations in AV2 MIMO 2000, D-Link’s DHP-P701AV is a rock-solid, fast-paced network adapter. Users found that it was capable of reaching speeds of up to 2Gbps, and was capable of handling 4K / HD video, downloading massive files, and playing online games without missing a beat.
Features
The incorporated pass-through plug is also useful for ensuring that no device goes to waste. The P701AV provides the same energy-friendly architecture as its rivals, enabling it to shut down after a few minutes of inactivity, consuming just 15% of its normal power consumption.
Setup is as simple as ever due to a plug-and-play solution that involves one adapter connected to the router and the other connected to a wall socket near the machines you need to hook in. In fact, there is one-touch protection with additional network encryption, which secures the D-Link from any possible network intrusions that might compromise the entire home network.
What We Like About D-Link Powerline DHP-601AV
Such adapters are based on the outstanding Broadcom BCM60500 chipset used in some of the better powerline adapters on the market.
What We Don’t Like About D-Link Powerline DHP-601AV
The D-Link Powerline AV2000 is a decent powerline converter, but it’s not the perfect one. We find that these adapters are very easy to set up and use and have good transfer rates, but there are alternatives that are both quicker and cheaper. When you can find a pair on offer, the quality issue can go out the window, because this is a wonderful item to buy. Otherwise, try choosing TP-Link over D-Link. The potential average network transmission speed is 2Gbps, but these adapters are limited to their 1Gbps Ethernet ports.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Energy-friendly Easy setup | Not high on quality |
NETGEAR POWERLINE 1200 MBPS (PL1200-100PAS)
Product Highlights
Whether you’re searching for the right gaming powerline converter, or the one with the highest performance, the NETGEAR PowerLINE 1200 Mbps (PL1200-100PAS) should be closely considered.
This low-cost, but very powerful powerline adapter provides super-fast 1200Mbps speed and enables trouble-free 4 K streaming. Most specifically, it gives players a lag-free gameplay experience, making it the best option for your Overwatch or Fortnite multiplayer duels.
Features
Compared to wireless routers, NETGEAR PowerLINE 1200 Mbps is compatible with MIMO and Beamforming technologies. It provides simple plug-and-play use supported by HomePlug AV2 support and an energy-friendly mode. Along with this, there’s a key-to-button encryption for secure data transmission.
While it is fitted with many useful features, this adapter is only a simple tool that lacks Wi-Fi, a pass-through socket and many related, more sophisticated utilities. However, it offers a fast, stable service with a nice coverage of 500m2, which is more than enough for the majority of users.
What We Like About NETGEAR POWERLINE 1200 MBPS
The Powerline 1200 Adapter Pack contains two similar adapters (PL1200S model). The adapters have a snap-in configuration that looks like a three-pin power adapter for a small mobile unit. This is a common power line configuration because it’s very easy to use; all you have to do is plug the connector into the wall socket.
What We Don’t Like About NETGEAR POWERLINE 1200 MBPS
The adapter is quite big, potentially blocking the adjacent wall sockets when in use. To make matters worse, the PL1200S doesn’t feature a pass-through socket. Since power line adapters need to be plugged directly into a wall socket — and not through a power strip or surge protector — to work well, the PL1200S is not useful in places where there’s only one power outlet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use Compatible with MIMO and Beamforming technologies | Big size serves as an obstruction |
TRENDNET POWERLINE 1300 AV2 ADAPTER KIT (TPL-422E2K)
Product Highlights
Most consumers only need a device that functions properly. It doesn’t require flashy outdoor or awesome functionality, it just needs to be robust and deliver good efficiency for everyday use. The TRENDnet Powerline 1300 AV2 Adapter Kit (TPL-422E2 K) is the perfect example of such a tool.
Features
It is fitted with simple features (128-bit AES encryption, one gigabit cable, etc.) that are reinforced with MIMO and Beamforming technologies, and also offers support for HomePlug AV2. In fact, this package comes with a Swap button that helps you to quickly update the latest Powerline encryption keys. This also allows the use of up to 8 powerline nodes.
The TRENDnet Powerline 1300 AV2 Adapter Kit, model TPL-422E2 K, comes with two Powerline adapters to build a Powerline 1300 high-speed network utilizing the current electrical grid of your house. To start a network, two adapters are required. TRENDnet adapters are secured by 128-bit AES encryption. Plug in the first adapter and connect it to the current router. Plug in other adapters on the same electrical grid and auto-connect to the first adapter for instant internet access.
Ultimately, this kit is definitely not the best powerline converter you can buy, but if you’re a regular and not a power user, this little package is going to do some magic for you.
What We Like About TRENDNET POWERLINE 1300 AV2 ADAPTER KIT (TPL-422E2K)
TRENDnet Powerline 1300 AV2 supports a bandwidth of 1300Mbps, which is more than enough for HD video, and has a coverage of about 300 m. It also provides an easy installation and comes with a really good 3-year warranty.
What We Don’t Like About TRENDNET POWERLINE 1300 AV2 ADAPTER KIT (TPL-422E2K)
This adapter lacks Wi-Fi and a pass-through socket.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports a bandwidth of 1300Mbps 3-year warranty | No pass-through socket No Wi-Fi |
Buyer’s Guide
Here are some factors that you should consider before buying a Powerline ethernet adapter:
- Powerline Adapter or Powerline Wi-Fi Adapter
When comparing various powerline adapters, make sure to pay attention to the product name itself. The Powerline Adapter would only allow devices to link with an Ethernet cable. It is useful for computers that can use Wifi, such as a PC or a smart TV, but are not suitable for other devices such as laptops or smartphones. When you choose a powerline adapter that functions like a Wi-Fi hotspot, you need to make sure that you have a Wi-Fi powerline adapter (also referred to as a WLAN powerline adapter).
- Coverage
The coverage that the powerline adapter will provide would depend on the efficiency of the connector itself and the electrical circuits that run in your home. You could have a spectrum of up to 400 meters on a good day with electrical circuits in decent condition and a top-quality powerline adapter.
- Wi-Fi Standard
Until making a purchase, make sure to test which Wi-Fi requirement the powerline adapter meets. For better data transmission rates, make sure that IEEE 802.11AC is compatible because this is the most up-to- date specification. Theoretically, the highest speed that an 802.11AC-compliant system can transmit data is just short of 7 Gbps, but in the real world, you can reach between 1.7 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps. It is much higher than the old standard, the estimated top speed of 802.11N is 600 Mbps.
- Speed
The slower adapters, running at about 200 Mbps, would be simpler and easier to find for simple purposes such as web surfing and email searching, so if you want to download video or have several computers linked at the same time, you will want one that is quicker at about 500 Mbps.
Sometimes, seek to pick an adapter that has Gigabit Ethernet ports whenever possible. Also if the computers and routers themselves will not use Gigabit Ethernet (they certainly will), Gigabit ports would also be backward compatible. You’re probably not going to get the full speed gain.
- Compatibility
To maintain full reliability and make sure there is a protection option, make sure to buy the same make and model each time. It is not to suggest that certain versions of powerline adapters do not operate with each other at all; under many conditions, it is possible for two different versions from two different vendors to be compatible. As with many certain forms of hardware, there are various requirements that the systems do follow.
HomePlug and G.hn are the two most popular powerline technologies. It is widely agreed that if you have two separate powerline adapters that conform to the same standard, they would fit well together.
However, the various security protocols may not be compatible. Try to stick with the same reputable supplier and model if you choose to buy new adapters, but if that is not practical, at least make sure they follow the same requirements as the current ones.
- Passthrough Outlet
The powerline converter taps directly into the available mains outlet, blocks it and makes it unusable for other purposes. When you want to continue using the specific socket, it is better to buy an adapter that has a power outlet that can be attached to another unit. It is particularly required because certain adapters are so wide that they often obstruct access to the power outlet above.
- Number of Ethernet Ports
Many powerline adapters come with only one Ethernet port. That’s great if you’re willing to change the cable with the system you use at the moment, however we’re sure we’d get irritated trying to do that on a daily basis. Some powerline adapters come with two Ethernet ports, even in special instances, three. Adapters with several Ethernet ports could come in especially useful in certain rooms throughout the house, including the living room, where more than one device is usually connected.
Conclusion
TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter (TL-PA9020P KIT) is the best Powerline Ethernet Adapter according to us. With a high transfer speed of 2000Mbps, duplicated Ethernet ports and an easy setup, this model is bound to please many.
However, we have also mentioned other adapters that you can choose from depending on your needs.
More to read:
5 Best Powerline Adapters Ideal for Gaming 2021.
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Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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