Linksys Powerline AV Wireless
Score: 68/100
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 PLWK400 merges powerline networking with a Wi-Fi extender, delivering up to 200 Mbps over the electrical wiring and 300 Mbps Wi-Fi. Its main trade-off is the limited Fast Ethernet port speed and the absence of detailed power or range data. It is best for users who need both wired and wireless coverage in hard-to-reach areas without running new cables.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
200 Mbps | 1,000 Mbpsbest | |
200 Mbps | 1,000 Mbpsbest | |
2best | 1 | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 4 Wbest |
— | 300 mbest | |
— | 2 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.25 kgbest | 0.408 kg |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Ethernet Ports | 2 | 1 |
Network Standards | HomePlug AV, HomePlug AV2, HomePlug AV500 | 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 |
Design(1) | ||
Device Weight (kg) | 0.2495 kg | 0.408 kg |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the PLWK400's straightforward installation, its suitability for extending coverage into basements and garages, and its ability to deliver up to 500 Mbps across both powerline and Wi-Fi while maintaining WPA2 security and QoS.
Everyday users consistently praise the kit's plug-and-play setup, easy security key management, and the noticeable reduction in lag and connection instability.
“Easy setup with simple instructions and software.”
“Reduces lag spikes and improves inconsistent speeds.”
“Straightforward security key management.”
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.
