Linksys Powerline AV
Score: 65/100
Zyxel Powerline AV2
Score: 75/100Rankings
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 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 | 1,000 Mbpsbest | |
200 Mbps | 1,000 Mbpsbest | |
5best | 1 | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 4 Wbest |
— | 300 mbest | |
1 years | 2 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.525 kg | 0.408 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 AV2, IEEE 1901, HomePlug AV |
Performance(2) | ||
Powerline Speed (Mbps) | 200 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
Maximum Data Rate (Mbps) | 200 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Power Source | AC mains | AC |
General(1) | ||
Warranty Period (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Design(1) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.525 kg | 0.408 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 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.
“Streaming video without issues, speed tests hitting 800 KB/s downloads (matching my internet).”
“Reliable speeds up to 300+ Mbps in tests, good noise handling.”
“Easy plug-and-play with QoS for streaming/gaming.”
