Rankings
The ZyXEL PLA5206KIT is a HomePlug AV2 powerline kit offering up to 1000 Mbps theoretical speed with advanced QoS and 128-bit AES encryption. In practice, throughput averages around 300 Mbps and the single-port design lacks a pass-through outlet. Best suited for budget-conscious households needing a simple gigabit extension for a few devices.
The TL-WPA7617 combines AV2 powerline up to 1000 Mbps with AC1200 dual-band Wi-Fi and a gigabit Ethernet port, offering a versatile networking hub. Its higher power draw, brief warranty, and bulkier form factor are notable trade-offs. Suited for users who need both wired and wireless extensions in a single device.
The Tenda PH3 AV1000 kit delivers up to 1000 Mbps theoretical speed with ultra-low power consumption and MIMO support. In practice speeds are lower and the lack of a passthrough socket limits outlet availability. Ideal for users who need a simple wired extension and value energy efficiency.
The D-Link DHP-P701AV is a HomePlug AV2 powerline adapter with dual Gigabit ports and a passthrough socket, offering up to 2000 Mbps PHY speed. Its real-world performance varies with wiring quality and it lacks Wi-Fi. Suited for users who need multiple wired connections while preserving outlet space.
| Attribute | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbpsbest | |
1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbpsbest | |
1 | 1 | 1 | 2best | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.2 Wbest | 4 W | 11 W | — |
300 mbest | 300 mbest | 300 mbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.36 Wbest | — | — | — |
3 yearsbest | 2 years | 0.25 years | 1 years | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.1 kgbest | 0.408 kg | 0.2 kg | 0.327 kg |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||||
Ethernet Ports | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Network Standards | HomePlug AV, HomePlug AV2, IEEE 1901 | HomePlug AV2, IEEE 1901, HomePlug AV | HomePlug AV2, HomePlug AV, IEEE 1901 | HomePlug AV2, IEEE 802.3 |
Security(1) | ||||
Encryption | — | 128-bit AES | 128-bit AES | AES-128 |
Performance(3) | ||||
Powerline Speed (Mbps) | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps |
Maximum Data Rate (Mbps) | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps |
Modulation Technology | MIMO | OFDM | OFDM | MIMO |
Power & Energy(2) | ||||
Active Power Consumption (W) | 3.2 W | 4 W | 11 W | — |
Power Source | — | AC | Mains | — |
General(1) | ||||
Warranty Period (years) | 3 years | 2 years | 0.25 years | 1 years |
Design(1) | ||||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.1 kg | 0.408 kg | 0.2 kg | 0.327 kg |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers acknowledge the PH3's reliable gigabit Ethernet performance and ultra-low power draw, praising its straightforward plug-and-play setup. However, they caution that real-world speeds settle around 250 Mbps and note the lack of Wi-Fi or a passthrough socket limits its flexibility compared with higher-end Tenda models.
Everyday users love the ease of installation and the stable wired connection for gaming and 4K streaming, often highlighting the low energy consumption. Recurring complaints focus on slower-than-advertised speeds, especially in homes with older wiring, and the inconvenience of losing an outlet due to the missing passthrough socket.
Professional reviewers consider the PLA5206 a competent entry-level powerline adapter that reliably delivers 300+ Mbps and offers solid security and QoS features, but they caution that its SISO design and reliance on wiring quality prevent it from matching the higher speeds of MIMO-based competitors.
Consumers appreciate the ease of installation, the security button, and the ability to stream HD content without new cabling, yet many express frustration with inconsistent speeds and occasional dropouts on older wiring, noting that the device rarely reaches its advertised 1000 Mbps rate.
Technical specifications from TP-Link's official sources stress that the TL-WPA7617-KIT provides reliable, high-speed connectivity for demanding applications such as HD video streaming and online gaming. Review-type commentary points to its stable performance, extensive 300-meter powerline range, and modern EasyMesh support as key strengths, while noting that the solution eliminates the need for new Ethernet cabling.
Professional reviewers and editors commend the DHP-P621AV for its effortless plug-and-play setup, compact form factor, and energy-saving features, while noting that the AV2-based 1000 Mbps PHY rate is a theoretical maximum that depends on wiring quality. The inclusion of a passthrough socket and dual Gigabit ports is seen as a practical advantage over single-port models.
Everyday users generally praise the kit for its easy installation, included cables, and the ability to keep the outlet functional thanks to the passthrough socket. Recurring concerns focus on variable real-world speeds, the need for direct wall outlets, and the requirement that both units share the same electrical circuit.
“plug-and-play saves time”
“Reliable speeds up to 300+ Mbps in tests, good noise handling.”
“Easy plug-and-play with QoS for streaming/gaming.”
