If you ask me to tell a true fact about someone I’ve never met in my life, I have a feeling that I can guess that right away without a sweat. Because, where I come from, people don’t exactly like to deal with some twisted cables. And when I say that I know this thing for a fact, trust me, I do!
One of the many cable issues that we have in our regular life, having the Wi-Fi cables/ Ethernet cable lying around your house or office is a major one. Lucky for you, I have a solution for that problem right here! It’s none other than the Wi-Fi powerline adapter.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to some of the best Wi-Fi powerline adapters out there that will solve your Wi-Fi cable issues once & for all. Along with that, I’ll provide you with some basic facts that should help you with this whole thing.
So, let’s start!
Things to Know About a Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter
Before we jump right to the main thing, I think it’d be a good idea to guide you through some basic information about the powerline adapter. Because having a basic knowledge will be quite effective in terms of understanding the features. Think of it as spending some extra time for the greater good.
What is a Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter?
A Wi-Fi powerline adapter is an electrical line-based device that’s known for being the alternative to Ethernet cables. It has the ability to do things as good as the Ethernet and in some ways, it’s even better. Think of it as an Ethernet cable except for the downsides of an Ethernet cable.
This technology was first introduced almost at the very beginning of this century. Since then it’s been modified & developed a lot to make it what it is today. Nowadays it’s widely used as a substitute for Wi-Fi cables. It’s already overcome many barriers of the existing technologies & getting better each day.
Why should you Use a Powerline Adapter?
Like I said earlier, it’s the alternative to Ethernet in your home or office. This means you need this powerline adapter for the same reason you need the Ethernet. That includes – amplifying the internet speed, stable connection, and expanding the internet connection to someplace far from the router, etc.
But those aren’t the answers we’re looking for. I guess the perfect question would be, ‘why you should use the powerline adapter instead of the Ethernet cable. Well, I can give you a couple of reasons and I have a strong feeling that you will switch to the powerline adapters after that.
For starters, if you use a Wi-Fi powerline adapter, you don’t need to drill through your wall for the cables. I mean, if I were you then this thing alone would be enough to set my mind! In case it didn’t, there are other things that will.
Speaking of which, it uses the cables of your home’s electric line, instead of buying additional ones. That means this thing allows you to make the best use of your home’s cable, not to mention that it saves a lot of money. On top of that, this adapter can reach those places where attaching a cable isn’t convenient.
How Does a Powerline Adapter Work?
Basically, the powerline adapter is a package of two adapters. One adapter needs to be connected to your Wi-Fi with an Ethernet cable and the other one goes inside a wall socket at the other end of your house. BTW, you can use more than two adapters for comparatively better speed and stable connection.
When you plug in the adapters to your electric circuit, the whole electric line of your house becomes a path for the internet signals. Then the adapters create a field around it as your router does. The best thing is, the walls won’t be a barrier against fast internet because of how it works!
Table could not be displayed.Top 5 Best Wi-Fi Powerline Adapters
There is an overwhelming number of brands and models of Wi-Fi powerline adapters, and sometimes it gets really hard to choose one from. But you don’t need to worry about that. Because I’ve gone through the trouble of making a list of the top 5 out there so that you don’t have to. Here are the five ones –
1. TP-Link Powerline Wi-Fi Adapter with TL-WPA4220 KIT (Complete Package)
No products found.
The very first one on our list is an AV600 powerline Wi-Fi adapter from TP-Link. ‘TP-Link’ is a name that needs no special introduction when it comes to computer network-based products. They’ve built their reputation for almost two and a half decades by manufacturing quality products.
This TL-WPA4220 KIT comes in the dimension of 7.21 x 5.36 x 3.35 inches (L x W x H) and it weighs only 0.45 pounds. The shape, size & weight of this powerline adapter is explicitly practical. You can connect these adapters to your wall socket without blocking the other switches & sockets.
This kit is actually a pair of two adapters. After connecting the small adapter to your wall socket, connect it to the router with an Ethernet cable. After that connect the comparatively larger one to any other wall socket in your house. The Wi-Fi will reach the second adapter through the electric circuit of your house.
When these two different adapters are connected to each other, the one that’s placed far away from the router, allows you to have the same internet connection. That means it’s simply saving you from spending your money on an extra router, not to mention the hassle of lots of wires.
This particular powerline adapter kit offers up to 600 Mbps wired speed and the wireless speed goes up to 300 Mbps. Then again, these adapters can increase your Wi-Fi range up to 300 meters from the outlet connected to it. This thing doesn’t only amplify the Wi-Fi range but your internet speed too!
The larger router has two ports for two Ethernet cables. That means you can use these two ports to set two devices with a stable & secure internet connection (up to 600 Mbps speed). For example, I prefer a stable internet connection for my smart TV and my gaming setup.
If you’re worried about the security and privacy issue then let me assure you that this powerline adapter has got it all covered. After pairing the adapters with your router, all your data will be encrypted with the 128-bit AES encryption. That means, your whole network will be secured and protected.
Another perk of this TP-Link product is its ultimate power-saving feature that can reduce power consumption by up to 85%. Each of the adapters runs with 110-240 V. If you have a large house or office, these powerline adapters offer you the opportunity to connect a few more adapters to the system.
Altogether, this seems like a complete deal to me.
2. NETGEAR Powerline Adapter PLW1000-100NAS (Insane Speed)
No products found.
What we’ve here is the Powerline Adapter PLW1000-100NAS from NETGEAR. Like the other ones here, I’ve handpicked this one for its very own specialties. Now the question is whether it deserves to be on the list of the best Wi-Fi powerline adapters or not. Let’s find out.
First of all, let’s talk about the brand here. NETGEAR is a name of reliability in this industry and it’s one of the leading brands that manufacture computer networking-based products. They have a reputation for their exclusive quality products and efficient service.
This thing comes as a pair of two adapters and both these adapters have a convenient design. Weighing only 12.8 pounds, it has a dimension of 7.8 x 5.7 x 3.6 inches respectively in length, height, and weight. This one here is an adapter that you can easily connect to your home outlet without any trouble.
It has a sleek body with a smooth finishing that adjusts well with your home decoration. Speaking of its body, the durable build of this powerline adapter is something you can rely on. The outer surface is made with quality plastic that saves the inner parts and chips from any kind of damage.
After connecting this Wi-Fi powerline adapter to your existing router, this thing can reach an insane speed. It can go up to 1000 Megabits per second! The Homeplug AV2 technology of this powerline allows it to create a smooth and stable connection through the electrical outlets of your home.
If you’re getting worked up about setting up this whole system then let me assure you that the setting process of this NETGEAR powerline adapter couldn’t be any easier. You just need to connect them with electric outlets and the router. No need for configuring or installing any kind of software.
This one is also very efficient when it comes to power saving. The power usage of this powerline adapter automatically goes down when it’s not in use. Having this single feature alone can save the power usage of this gadget to a great extent.
Last, of all, let’s talk about the security of this connection. Each and every data of your connection will be highly encrypted. The adapters will only have the authority to clone your Wi-Fi’s IP address and password when you pair them. All the other things will be the same as before, safe & secure.
If you’re someone who’s looking for a great speed and stable connection then this should definitely be on your bucket list.
3. TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Adapter with TL-PA7017 KIT (Convenient Price)
No products found.
Looks like we’ve another powerline adapter from TP-Link and this time it’s the TL-PA7017 kit model. This one might seem ‘not so different than the one we discussed earlier. However, it’s got some of its own perks that make it better in some aspects.
If you’re having trouble with your budget, then this particular Wi-Fi powerline adapter from TP-Link is ready to cut you some slack. However, that doesn’t mean the people at TP-Link are willing to compromise with the quality. They surely cut some corners but as long as the quality doesn’t fall.
This lightweight adapter has the following dimensions – 2.6 inches length x 2 inches width x 1.1 inches height. This compact and practical designed adapter will easily fit right in your palm. You can connect this to your electrical outlets without any trouble.
There are a few explicit differences between this TP-Link powerline adapter and the one we discussed earlier. The first and the main difference is that this model can acquire a speed up to 1000 Mbps whereas the TL-WPA4220 KIT can reach up to 600 Mbps only. We’re talking about almost half here!
However, there’s a huge setback too! The TL-WPA4220 KIT can create a 300m field around it for the Wi-Fi. On the other hand, this model has no such features. What I mean is, this thing can only provide a wired connection for a device. So, you need to consider if that’s enough for you or not.
This model has the HomePlug AV2 standard for transferring data at a high speed, using the electric circuit of your home as the path. It’s Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet data link protocol. For a stable connection and speed, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect a device to its Gigabit port.
The power-saving feature of this TP-Link product is as good as the other one. That means, it can also reduce the power consumption up to 85%. This powerline adapter has the feature to detect when it’s not in use. As soon as it detects that, the power consumption reduces automatically.
This powerline adapter is compatible with most of the TP-Link adapters, such as AV2000, AV1200, AV600, the AV200 adapters. So, in case you need to increase your wired connection range, you’ll have a lot of options to go with.
To sum up the whole thing, this one here is a budget-friendly and high-quality powerline adapter with an insane speed.
4. NETGEAR PowerLINE PLW1010-100NAS (Great Deal)
No products found.
This one here is yet another high-quality Wi-Fi powerline adapter from NETGEAR. This PLW1010-100NAS is an edition with a few changes. These changes allow it to provide a better service for some specific things. Let’s find out what special features this model has.
There’s no need to introduce NETGEAR as we’ve already done that. However, there’s one thing to notice. It’s a list of the top 5 powerline adapters. Each of them is best for individual purposes & I just ended up choosing 2 from this brand! That indicates their customer-oriented manufacturing.
Now, let’s get back to the business and by business, I mean talking about how practical this design is. This is an ergonomically shaped adapter that has the dimensions of 5.67 x 7.84 x 3.51 inches (L x W x H). Then again, the 1.3 pounds weight makes it very lightweight.
It has a sleek body with a reliable build. The build is durable enough to last for a long time. Because of its compact design, it can withstand a few falls from a 1 or two feet height. However, it’s in your best interest not to let this happen anyway. Because the antenna may get broken if it falls at a bad angle.
Homeplug AV2 technology of this powerline adapter uses the existing cable of your house as a medium to build a connection in between the adapters. However, you need to make sure that both of the adapters are connected to the same circuit. Otherwise, they won’t work properly.
This NETGEAR powerline adapter has an insane speed that can reach up to 1000Mbps. You can connect your streaming players, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices to the adapter using an Ethernet cable. Ethernet is this adapter’s data link protocol.
Speaking of connecting devices, there’re a few system requirements for the devices to connect this adapter wirelessly. The devices must have a 2.4 GHz/5 GHz 802.11 b/g/n/ac wireless interface or you’ll face difficulty having internet access.
The data security of this particular adapter is as good as the other ones on the list. When you pair the adapters, they’ll clone your Wi-Fi’s basic information. However, all the data will be highly encrypted. So, you’ve nothing to worry about unless you’re expecting a cyber-attack from a professional hacker.
It shows great efficiency with power saving too. The power automatically goes down when it’s not in use. That means you don’t need to go through the trouble of turning this off every time you go out somewhere. This device can pretty much take care of that on its own.
So, with all the features bundled together, it’s safe to say that this one is a great deal for the price it comes in.
5. Tenda AV1000 Powerline PH3 Adapter (Great Performance)
No products found.
Tenda is also another leading brand that supplies networking-based equipment and devices. In fact, if you were to make a list of the top 5 brands who have gained worldwide acceptability for their network-based product then Tenda would be one of them. They’ve been in the sector for more than 2 decades.
My list of the best Wi-Fi powerline adapter wouldn’t be complete without having the Tenda AV1000 Powerline PH3 Adapter in my list. This adapter caught my eyes for its high-quality performance and great review. And as I kept digging, I got to know that I made the right choice.
Before I say something else, I’d like to give a compliment on its wonderful build. This adapter is made with great materials that can withstand any unexpected pressure or fall. It’s durable enough to protect the sensitive parts inside it and it’ll serve you for a long time.
Like all the other ones, this Tenda PH3 adapter comes as a kit of two adapters. These adapters use the AV2 technology to use the electric circuit of your house or office as a path of transferring data. This speed goes up to 1000 Megabits per second.
If you want the most stable connection with speed for a device, then connect that device with the adapter using an Ethernet cable. It’s Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet data link protocol. This can ensure a smooth gaming experience and a great 4k HD video experience.
The PH3 based transmission of this Wi-Fi powerline adapter ensures a reliable wireless connection. The adapter can create a range up to 300 meters around it. There are also 2 indicator lights to show the signal strength. Greenlight indicates the signal is strong and a red light indicates the signal is weak.
This powerline adapter from Tenda works best if the room temperature is between 0°C ~ 40°C or 32°F ~ 104°F. This means this particular range of temperature is suitable for transferring stable frequency. BTW, if you’re planning to store it, then -40°F ~ 158°F or -40°C ~ 70°C is safe for you.
The power-saving feature turns out to be better than all the other ones in the list. While most of the other powerline adapters can reduce power consumption up to 85%, this PH3 powerline adapter can reduce up to 88%. If you believe the proverb ‘little by little, a little becomes a lot, I think that 3% is significant!
In the end, I’d like to say that this one has everything that a powerline adapter should have but the thing that makes it special is its quality performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What Should Be the Main Standards of the Best WI-FI Powerline Adapter?
Ans: If we’re talking about something being the best then all the standards are equally important. However, there are a few primary aspects when it comes to powerline adapters. That should offer great speed, reliable connection, durability, power efficiency, and good range.
Question: Can a Powerline Adapter Access WI-FI Without a Router?
Ans: Actually, there are a few models of powerline adapters that have built-in Wi-Fi. If the adapters you’re going to buy have built-in Wi-Fi then you don’t need a router. However, each of the ones mentioned above needs a router to get a Wi-Fi access.
Question: Can Powerline Adapters Get Rid of Cables Completely?
Ans: The answer is ‘no’. Because, if you’re looking for a stable connection then Ethernet is always the best option. That’s why all the adapters have a port where you can connect an Ethernet cable. Even if you don’t, you need an Ethernet cable to connect the adapters with your router.
Final Thoughts
I’ve made this list based on my own experience, well-thought comparison, and thorough research. Each of the products in this list can be the best Wi-Fi powerline adapter for you but that completely depends on your preference. Because each of these adapters is best for an individual purpose.
Once you’ve set your priorities, half your job is done there. For example, if you’re going for speed then all the other ones except for the TP-Link TL-WPA4220 KIT should be good. If you’re looking to connect one device only (that’s not in your router’s range), then go with the TP-Link TL-PA7017 KIT.
All the information in this article is sorted in a way that you should find easy to comprehend. My advice for you is, before making your final choice, consider each and every piece of information with great care. Hopefully, this article was helpful for you.
Resource:
- How Powerline Technology Works: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/30517/powerline-networking
- Understanding Ethernet vs Powerline: https://www.howtogeek.com/233325/why-you-should-probably-stop-using-wi-fi-extenders/
- Electric Circuit Requirements for Adapters: https://www.lifewire.com/powerline-networking-basics-817548
-
Internet Security with Home Networking Devices: https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/home-network-security