The best powerline adapters might be the secret you need for upgrading your network. It doesn’t matter what obstacles or internet issues you may be facing since the signal is dependent on the electrical wiring. If you have a wall that seems to be blocking your network, then this is a perfect way around that.
Though the best powerline adapters use a different way of extending access to Wi-Fi, the speeds are surprisingly close to wired connections. It’s an ideal fix for a Wi-Fi network that’s just not able to get to certain parts of the home or office. Some of these adapters even come with Wi-Fi antennas to transmit their own Wi-Fi signal as well.
While unorthodox and seemingly complex, the idea behind the best powerline adapters is not as important as how easy they actually are to set up. Connect one of them via an ethernet cable to your router and plug it into a power outlet. Then plug another one in a power outlet wherever you want to have access to that network. From there, you can connect a computer or whatever needs internet access directly to that adapter.
The best powerline adapters are ideal solutions if you need to work somewhat distantly from your network’s router without much compromise to your internet speed. We’ve collected our top choices below to help you find the best one for you.
- Looking for the best Wi-Fi extenders instead?
Best powerline adapters at a glance:
- Devolo Magic 2 WiFi
- TP-Link AV2000 Powerline adapter
- Asus 1200Mbps AV2 1200 Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter
- TP-LINK AV600 Powerline Adapter Kit
- Devolo dLAN 1200+ WiFi ac powerline adapter
- Devolo dLAN Duo 500 Powerline Adaptor
1. Devolo Magic 2 WiFi
Next-gen network power adapters
Speeds: up to 2,400Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: 128-bit AES, WPA2
Easily the best powerline adapter you can buy today, the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi delivers fast speeds and all the benefits of mesh Wi-Fi technology. It’s an excellent jumping off point for the new G.hn standard, bringing to the table noticeable improvements to network speeds. It’s pricey and it’s not backwards-compatible, but those are hardly deal-breakers especially for the benefits you’re getting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to install
Read the full review: Devolo Magic 2 WiFi
Devolo Magic 2 WiFi is only available in the UK. For US and Australian consumers, check out the D-Link Powerline Adapter AV2 on Amazon.com.
2. TP-Link AV2000 Powerline adapter
Another fast choice with Wi-Fi
Speeds: Up to 2000Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Wi-Fi, WPS, 128 Bit AES
The TP-Link AV2000 takes the award for fastest power line adaptor, with a maximum speed of 2000Mbps - though of course actual speeds will be lower. Still, it offers fantastic speeds, along with built-in dual band wireless ac networks and a pass through socket.
In the starter kit you'll get two adapters, one has a single Ethernet port, which you should use to connect to your modem or router, and the second one has two Ethernet ports for connecting wired devices.
3. Asus 1200Mbps AV2 1200 Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter
Great for wired and wireless
Speeds: Up to 1200Mbps | Connectivity: 3 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Wi-Fi, WPS, 128 Bit AES
Asus may not be the first company that comes to mind when you think about networking devices, but it makes some very good products - such as the Asus 1200Mbps AV2 1200 Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter.
As the name suggests this is a very fast powerline adaptor that is also able to broadcast a Wi-Fi network as well. Unlike other powerline adapters with Wi-Fi, the Asus 1200Mbps AV2 1200 Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter has external antennae, which allow you to angle them for increased coverage - though it does mean the units themselves look a little bit ugly compared to some of its competitors.
4. TP-LINK AV600 Wi-Fi Powerline Adapter Kit
A budget offering
Speeds: Up to 600Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi clone feature
If you're looking for a nice, cheap but reliable powerline adaptor, than the TP-LINK AV600 is a great choice. It's a lot less money than many of the adapters on this list, but it still manages to offer plenty of features.
For example, it can broadcast Wi-Fi, and with a Wi-Fi clone button, you can easily extend your existing wireless network. it also features two Ethernet ports, and the second adaptor in the set includes a pass through socket so you don't lose out on a power socket when using the adaptor. While the 600Mbps top speed isn't as high as others on this list, it's still enough to transfer big files and stream media around your home.
5. Devolo dLAN 1200+ WiFi ac powerline adapter
Super fast with Wi-Fi
Speeds: Up to 1200Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: Wi-Fi, WPS, 128 Bit AES
The Devolo dLAN 1200+ WiFi ac is one of the fastest powerline adapters on the market, able to reach speeds of 1.2 gigabits a second - though you should note that you won't often get those kinds of speeds, as there are numerous factors that can affect powerline speeds.
Still, this is a very fast powerline adaptor, and the fact it can also broadcast dual-band wireless ac networks makes this a very versatile powerline adaptor. The adaptor also has a pass through power port, which means you won't lose a power socket - just plug other devices into the adaptor itself.
6. Devolo dLAN Duo 500 Powerline Adaptor
Another great budget choice
Speeds: Up to 500Mbps | Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports | Features: 128 Bit AES
This is an excellent entry-level power adaptor that does a very good job at transmitting your network traffic over your powerlines. It doesn't boast the highest speeds, nor does it have Wi-Fi or a passthrough socket, but it does the job well considering the price, and its low cost means it's easy to add adapters to your network in the future.
- Check out our list of the best wireless routers of 2018
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