Best Powerline Network Adapters of 2024
If a router or mesh Wi-Fi system isn’t providing enough coverage for your home or office and you don’t want to deal with the hassle of drilling and installing Ethernet cables through the walls, consider using a powerline network adapter. It uses your home’s electrical wiring to provide an internet connection. You can hook up your devices, such as your gaming console or desktop, from anywhere you have a power outlet.
If you’re considering it, we’ve rounded up the seven best powerline network adapters for you based on ease of setup, speed, reliability, and cost.
TP-Link TL-PA9020P AV2000
As one of the best powerline network adapters on the market, the TP-Link TL-PA9020P AV2000 has to be on this list. It offers data transfer speeds of up 2 Gbps, enough to support the best gigabit internet providers. This TP-Link adapter has a pass-through AC plug, so you won’t have to sacrifice a power outlet to use this adapter.
Each adapter comes with two gigabit Ethernet ports, so you won’t need to install an external Ethernet hub to connect two devices to the network. Setup is easy, quick, and secure with its 128-bit encryption, one-touch pairing, and LED indicator lights.
Netgear Powerline PL1000
The Netgear Powerline PL1000 is best for a budget powerline networking adapter. It offers speeds up to 1 Gbps, enough to meet the demands of most consumers, including gamers. If you’re not certain how much bandwidth you’re currently using or need, use a bandwidth calculator.
The plug-and-play setup makes installation a breeze so that you can be up and running in a few minutes. There are a few disadvantages to keep in mind. The adapter has a single Ethernet port and doesn’t offer a pass-through AC plug. However, its solid design and ease of setup provide outstanding value for money.
D-Link DHP-P701AV
Offering speeds of up to 2 Gbps, the D-Link DHP-P701AV is one of the faster powerline networking adapters. As a result, you can enjoy uninterrupted 4K streaming and a high-definition gaming experience. It also features a pass-through AC plug and a built-in filter to minimize electrical signal noise.
Setting up the DHP-P701AV requires you to plug in the device and press the Simple Connection button on the bottom of each adapter. There’s no need to remember any passwords or do any configuration. You can download a PLC utility from the D-Link website if you ever need to update the firmware to change any settings.
TP-Link TL-PA4010 AV600
This powerline networking adapter is one of the cheapest on this list. It supports a maximum speed of up to 600 Mpbs. The speed might be less than those of other adapters mentioned, but it’s enough to support video streaming, video conferencing, and other bandwidth-hungry activities.
The TL-PA4010 has a compact design with a thickness of under 3 cm and a front that is smaller than a credit card. This discreet design will blend into your room décor. The setup is quick and easy, as it only requires you to push a button to link the adapters and secure an encrypted connection. A rare feature of this adapter is its patented power-saving mode, which reduces power consumption by 85 percent when not in active use.
Comtrend PG-9172
Comtrend PG-9172 powerline networking adapters are based on G.hn technology, which allows for better performance by maximizing data throughput and minimizing interference. This adapter supports speeds up to 1.2 Gbps. A unique feature of this adapter is that it combines a powerline and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), which delivers network signal and power to the end device via a network cable.
There is no pass-through AC outlet, but the adapter doesn’t block the power outlets above it, as the plug is positioned at the bottom, leaving enough space for other outlets. A disadvantage of the Comtrend PG-9172 is that it’s bulky and the price is relatively high.
Trendnet Powerline 1300
If getting a compact powerline adapter is important, then the Trendnet Powerline 1300 is a top choice. It’s small and offers excellent speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps. The design is discreet, allowing you to install it anywhere in your home.
The Trendnet Powerline 1300 features auto-connect out of the box and has a sync button, allowing users to change encryption keys for added security easily. Each adapter has one Ethernet port; however, there’s no pass-through AC outlet. An extra feature of this adapter is its cross-compatibility with other Powerline adapters by Trendnet.
TP-Link AV1300 Powerline Adapter With Wi-Fi Extender
We have another powerline network adapter by TP-Link on this list. The AV1300 offers three Ethernet ports and a dual-band Wi-Fi extender, allowing users to boost their Wi-Fi signal. Although you can install a separate Wi-Fi extender or wireless access point to powerline adapters, this product features a built-in extender. That means you don’t need to spend extra or worry about the compatibility of a separate Wi-Fi extender.
The plug-and-play design means this adapter is easy to set up. The Wi-Fi clone feature will automatically link all your Wi-Fi devices, so you won’t have to reconfigure them. The downsides to this adapter include its large size compared to other powerline adapters and the lack of a pass-through AC plug. The larger size isn’t surprising, as this adapter has Wi-Fi extender hardware.