Actiontec Powerline 500
Score: 64/100
Zyxel Powerline AV1200
Score: 73/100Rankings
The ZyXEL PLA5405KIT delivers up to 1200 Mbps using MIMO technology, featuring low idle power draw and QoS for high-definition streaming. It does not include a built-in power-outlet pass-through and real-world speeds may vary across circuit breakers. Ideal for users who prioritize higher bandwidth and energy efficiency over outlet convenience.
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 Mbps | 1,200 Mbpsbest | |
500 Mbps | 1,200 Mbpsbest | |
1best | 1best | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 4 Wbest |
— | 300 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0.5 Wbest |
— | 2 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.181 kgbest | 0.431 kg |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Network Standards | HomePlug HD | HomePlug AV2 MIMO, IEEE 1901, HomePlug AV |
Performance(2) | ||
Powerline Speed (Mbps) | 500 Mbps | 1200 Mbps |
Maximum Data Rate (Mbps) | 500 Mbps | 1200 Mbps |
Design(1) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.181 kg | 0.431 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 commentary, primarily from Zyxel's own marketing, emphasizes the kit's 1200 Mbps MIMO capability, energy-saving operation and QoS features as ideal for high-definition streaming and gaming, but independent third-party reviews are absent, leaving real-world validation limited.
Consumers generally praise the easy setup, reliable gigabit connectivity on the same circuit and low power draw, while recurring complaints focus on speed degradation across circuit breakers, older wiring, and the missing pass-through outlet.
