Linksys Powerline AV
Score: 65/100
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 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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
200 Mbps | 500 Mbpsbest | |
200 Mbps | 500 Mbpsbest | |
5best | 1 | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 2.3 Wbest |
— | 300 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0.44 Wbest |
1 years | 2 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.525 kg | 0.272 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 AV, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u |
Performance(2) | ||
Powerline Speed (Mbps) | 200 Mbps | 500 Mbps |
Maximum Data Rate (Mbps) | 200 Mbps | 500 Mbps |
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Power Source | AC mains | Mains |
General(1) | ||
Warranty Period (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Design(1) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.525 kg | 0.272 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 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.
“Streaming video without issues, speed tests hitting 800 KB/s downloads (matching my internet).”
“"blends completely into the outlet"”
“"plug in and works instantly"”
