Linksys Powerline AV
Score: 65/100
Actiontec Powerline 500
Score: 64/100Rankings
The Linksys PLEK400 kit offers a straightforward plug-and-play solution with a built-in 4-port Ethernet hub and basic firewall protection. Its main limitation is the 200 Mbps ceiling imposed by the older HomePlug AV standard. Ideal for users with sub-gigabit internet who need simple wired connectivity for streaming and gaming.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
200 Mbps | 500 Mbpsbest | |
200 Mbps | 500 Mbpsbest | |
5best | 1 | |
1 yearsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.525 kg | 0.181 kgbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Ethernet Ports | 5 | 1 |
Network Standards | HomePlug AV | HomePlug HD |
Performance(2) | ||
Powerline Speed (Mbps) | 200 Mbps | 500 Mbps |
Maximum Data Rate (Mbps) | 200 Mbps | 500 Mbps |
Design(1) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.525 kg | 0.181 kg |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the PLEK400 for its straightforward plug-and-play setup, reliable HD streaming without buffering, and the convenience of a four-port hub. However, they caution that the older HomePlug AV standard caps real-world speeds well below modern gigabit expectations and that long-term reliability data is sparse.
Everyday users generally praise the kit's ease of installation and its ability to deliver smooth HD video streaming and multi-device connectivity without additional switches.
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.
“Streaming video without issues, speed tests hitting 800 KB/s downloads (matching my internet).”
“rock solid for years”
“full speed delivery for modest connections”
