Best HomePlug AV2 Powerline Adapters

TL;DR: The Tenda AV1000 Powerline offers up to 1000 Mbps theoretical speed, a compact 3.25‑inch design, and low‑power consumption, but real‑world throughput settles around 256 Mbps and it lacks Wi‑Fi or a passthrough socket.

The standout spec is the advertised “up to 1000 Mbps” powerline speed, backed by HomePlug AV2 MIMO technology and a transmission range of up to 300 meters. In practice, users report a real‑world speed of roughly 256 Mbps, which is still sufficient for 4K streaming over a wired link. The adapters weigh just 0.220462262 pounds and measure 3.25 in × 2.5 in × 1.5 in, making them easy to tuck behind a TV or desk.

Compared with the four other adapters in this roundup, the Tenda unit is the lightest – it tips the scales at 0.220 lb versus 0.44 lb for the TP‑Link model, 0.55 lb for the Linksys, 0.40 lb for the Actiontec, and 0.72 lb for the D‑Link. It also draws far less power, staying under 3.2 W at full load while the TP‑Link’s maximum consumption reaches 11 W. Unlike the TP‑Link and Linksys adapters, which list Wi‑Fi speeds (AC1200 and 5 GHz/2.4 GHz rates), the Tenda kit provides no wireless radio, focusing solely on a wired Ethernet link.

Reviewers consistently praise the plug‑and‑play auto‑pairing button and the Broadcom Gigabit Powerline chipset for reliable wired performance. The fire‑retardant V0 housing and LED indicators for signal strength, power, and Ethernet link add a touch of durability. However, the manufacturer states a 1000 Mbps theoretical speed, while real‑world measurements often top out around 256 Mbps, and many users say they lose an outlet because the adapters lack a passthrough socket.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You need powerful performance or professional‑grade features

TL;DR: The D‑Link Powerline AV2 delivers a 2000 Mbps PHY rate, two Gigabit ports and a passthrough socket, but its $149.99 price and heavier build may limit appeal for budget‑focused users.

The standout spec is the advertised maximum PHY rate of 2000 Mbps, paired with two Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbps) for wired devices. 128‑bit AES handles encryption, and a built‑in noise filter helps protect the signal. At 60 mm deep, 119 mm high and 38 mm wide, the unit fits neatly into most outlets while still offering a usable power socket.

Compared with the four peers, the D‑Link adapter is heavier at 0.72 pounds, out‑weighing the Actiontec (0.4 lb), Linksys (0.55 lb), Tenda (0.22 lb) and TP‑Link (0.44 lb) models. Its 60 mm depth is slimmer than the Linksys’s 3.27 in, though the Tenda and TP‑Link units are similarly compact. In terms of advertised speed, D‑Link’s 2000 Mbps tops the Linksys 200 Mbps and the up‑to‑1000 Mbps figures listed for Tenda and TP‑Link, positioning it as the highest‑rated PHY option in this group.

Reviewers consistently praise the plug‑and‑play setup and the passthrough socket that keeps the outlet usable. Professional reviewers note the 85 % power‑saving reduction after five minutes of idle, which helps lower electricity use. However, user sentiment also flags variable real‑world speeds that can fall short of the 2000 Mbps claim, especially on older or noisy wiring, and warns against using the adapters on surge protectors or power strips.

Additional technical details include support for MIMO, expandability up to 16 adapters, and operation within 5 °C to 40 °C and 5 % to 95 % non‑condensing humidity. The unit carries CE, FCC, UL and CE/LVD certifications, reinforcing its compliance with major safety standards.

Best for: Home users who're looking for a straightforward Ethernet extension with a usable outlet, strong security and are comfortable paying a premium for those features.

Avoid if: You have a tight budget, old or noisy wiring, or need to plug the adapter into a surge protector or power strip.

TL;DR: The Linksys PLWK400 delivers up to 200 Mbps over powerline and 300 Mbps Wi‑Fi, packs two Fast‑Ethernet ports, and plugs into any outlet for a simple, mid‑range home network boost.

The kit’s headline spec is its 200 Mbps HomePlug AV2 powerline speed paired with a 500 Mbps total throughput rating, meaning you’ll stream HD video or game in a basement without running new Ethernet cable. Each adapter also broadcasts a 300 Mbps Wi‑Fi signal and includes a single Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) port, giving you wired and wireless options from the same device.

Compared with the other four adapters in this roundup, the Linksys unit is heavier than the Tenda (0.55 lb vs 0.22 lb) and Actiontec (0.55 lb vs 0.4 lb) but lighter than the D‑Link model (0.55 lb vs 0.72 lb). Its depth of 3.27 in and width of 9.49 in make it bulkier than the ultra‑compact Tenda (1.5 in wide) and TP‑Link (35 mm wide), yet its size is still modest enough to fit most outlets. In terms of speed, the Linksys’s 200 Mbps powerline rating sits below the Tenda and TP‑Link’s up‑to‑1000 Mbps claims and far under D‑Link’s 2000 Mbps PHY rate, positioning it as a solid mid‑range choice rather than a high‑performance specialist.

Users consistently praise the plug‑and‑play setup, noting that the included Quick Install Guide and on‑device WPS button make getting online a breeze. Professional reviewers highlight the combination of WPA2 security, QoS support, and power‑saving modes as strong points for households that need reliable coverage in hard‑to‑reach spots like garages or basements. However, both experts and everyday buyers warn that actual speeds can drop if the home’s electrical wiring is old or noisy, and the single Fast Ethernet port may feel limiting for users who want gigabit‑wired connections.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The TP‑Link TL‑WPA7617‑KIT delivers up to 1000 Mbps over HomePlug AV2 powerline, adds AC1200 dual‑band Wi‑Fi and a gigabit Ethernet port, all for $44.99.

This kit’s headline spec is its HomePlug AV2 powerline speed of up to 1000 Mbps, paired with AC1200 (1200 Mbps total) dual‑band Wi‑Fi. It also includes a single Gigabit Ethernet port and 128‑bit AES powerline encryption, so it's a solid all‑in‑one bridge for rooms where Wi‑Fi struggles.

Compared with the other four adapters in this roundup, the TP‑Link unit sits in the middle of the weight spectrum—heavier than the Tenda AV1000 but lighter than the Linksys model. It matches the Tenda’s 1000 Mbps powerline claim, while the Linksys only reaches 200 Mbps and the Actiontec focuses on reliability rather than raw speed. The D‑Link offering pushes a higher 2000 Mbps PHY rate but comes in a bulkier, pricier package. Unlike some peers, the TL‑WPA7617‑KIT adds EasyMesh compatibility and a dedicated management app.

Reviewers consistently note the stable, high‑speed connection as ideal for HD streaming and online gaming. Professional reviewers highlight the “stable, high‑speed performance suitable for large file downloads.” Users also appreciate the one‑touch Pair button and the tpPLC app, which simplify setup without needing extra software. The device draws a typical 6.5 W during operation, with a maximum of 11 W, keeping power use modest for a kit that runs both powerline and Wi‑Fi radios.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Actiontec Powerline 500 offers a 500 Mbps HomePlug AV2 link, 128‑bit AES security and a compact 0.4‑lb design for reliable wired extensions, but its 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port and lack of a pass‑through outlet keep it from being a gigabit‑ready solution.

The kit advertises a maximum powerline speed of 500 Mbps and protects traffic with 128‑bit AES push‑button encryption, giving you a secure line through your wall outlets. Weighing just 0.4 pounds, each adapter plugs in without crowding the socket, and the plug‑and‑play setup means you won’t need any software to get online.

Compared with the four other adapters in this roundup, the Actiontec occupies the premium price tier – it costs more than the Tenda AV1000 and the TP‑Link extender, yet it weighs less than the TP‑Link unit (0.44 lb) and more than the Tenda (0.22 lb). The D‑Link model adds a built‑in pass‑through socket, which the Actiontec lacks, so you’ll lose one outlet at each installation point. In contrast, the Linksys Powerline AV Wireless offers a 200 Mbps powerline speed, making the Actiontec’s 500 Mbps claim feel more generous on paper.

Professional reviewers note the “solid, compact extender for basic Internet use” and praise the ease of setup – users often mention the single push‑button pairing and the fact that it “just works” out of the box. Everyday owners echo this, saying the adapters stream movies without buffering and handle gaming consoles well, especially when their ISP delivers under 100 Mbps. However, the same reviewers flag the 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port as a mismatch for the 500 Mbps powerline rating, and many users report real‑world speeds hovering between 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps, with link lights turning orange or red when the line degrades.

In practice, the Actiontec delivers a stable wired bridge that can comfortably support streaming up to about 20 Mbps, which aligns with the typical use cases listed – HDTVs, gaming consoles, PCs and Blu‑ray players. The lack of a pass‑through outlet means you’ll need a power strip if you have multiple devices on the same circuit, and the Ethernet speed ceiling makes it unsuitable for gigabit‑level LAN transfers.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns