Actiontec Powerline 500
Score: 64/100
TP-Link AV500 Powerline
Score: 71/100Rankings
The TL-PA4010 is an ultra-compact powerline adapter delivering up to 500 Mbps over existing wiring with a single 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port. Its older HomePlug AV standard and limited Ethernet speed reduce suitability for high-bandwidth tasks. Ideal for budget-conscious users needing a simple wired link in small homes.
The Actiontec PWR511K01 provides a compact 500 Mbps HomePlug HD solution with easy plug-and-play setup and 128-bit AES security. Its 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port limits true gigabit performance and it lacks a pass-through outlet. Suitable for modest internet connections and devices that don't require gigabit speeds.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
500 Mbpsbest | 500 Mbpsbest | |
500 Mbpsbest | 500 Mbpsbest | |
1best | 1best | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 2.3 Wbest |
— | 300 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0.44 Wbest |
— | 2 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.181 kgbest | 0.272 kg |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Network Standards | HomePlug HD | HomePlug AV, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u |
Design(1) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.181 kg | 0.272 kg |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the PWR511K01 a solid, compact solution for extending basic Internet connectivity, highlighting its simplicity and reliability for streaming up to 20 Mbps. However, they criticize the misleading 500 Mbps advertising given the 100 Mbps Ethernet limitation and note that performance varies with home wiring, making it unsuitable for high-speed LAN tasks.
Everyday users appreciate the easy setup, stable performance for streaming and gaming, and the compact design that leaves room for other plugs. Common complaints focus on the gap between advertised and actual speeds, the lack of a pass-through outlet, and occasional premature failures of the units.
“rock solid for years”
“full speed delivery for modest connections”
“units may fail after weeks/months”
Professional reviewers commend the TL-4010 for its discreet nano form factor and straightforward plug-and-play setup, noting reliable HD streaming up to 300 m. However, they criticize the limited real-world speeds-often under 100 Mbps-due to the 100 Mbps Ethernet limit and older HomePlug AV standard, and they point out that newer AV2/Gigabit kits offer superior performance.
Everyday users appreciate the adapter's tiny size and instant, hassle-free installation, reporting satisfactory speeds for streaming and gaming in apartments. Common complaints revolve around speed drops on older wiring, occasional pairing hiccups, the single-port limitation, and incompatibility with surge protectors or GFCI outlets.
