A powerline extender is able to use the electrical wiring of your house to create a high-speed wired network throughout your home, which, sometimes, might not be possible with WiFi. Because the signal doesn’t quite reach the furthest corners of your home and it’s just not possible to run an ethernet cable all the way from your router to where your computer is kept
While not up to the speed of a true ethernet connection, the advantages over WiFi are numerous; there is less lag and latency when gaming, the signal is much more reliable, and its strength isn’t affected by walls or other obstructions. We’ve put together a list of the best powerline and gigabit adapters on Amazon and Argos from great brands like TP-Link, Devolo and Asus.
Quick List - Top Powerline Adapters
TP-Link
Cheap and Reliable Powerline Adapter From TP-Link
TP-Link
High Transfer Speeds up to 1000 Mbps
TP-Link
Value Powerline Adapter and WiFi Booster to Improve Connectivity
TP-Link
Excellent Performance for Gaming and Multi-Device Use
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All powerlines will have a transfer speed denoted in Mbps, or megabytes per second, which is the measurement of how fast the connection is; this is exactly the same way the speed of an internet connection is measured.
The Mbps of a powerline is the maximum amount of data it can transfer as other elements like old or outdated wiring and electrical noise can affect the connection. The way speed is measured for powerlines is the maximum amount it can transfer in both directions.
A powerline with 600 Mbps capacity in total is capable of a maximum of 300 Mbps in each direction. If you consider your internet connection, 600 Mbps would essentially have an upload speed of 300 Mbps and download a speed of 300 Mbps. For powerlines, 600 Mbps is generally more than enough for most connections, but if you have an extremely fast internet connection, you may need a faster powerline.
Browse for the best WiFi routers with us too!
It is good to keep in mind that your broadband package will dictate the actual speeds you can archive via these powerline adapters. In other words, don’t waste your money on adapters that advertise speeds that you will never reach!
If you are with Virgin Media broadband owner, you might be browsing at speeds of well over 200Mbps, while with BT, you will be staying within the 30-80Mbps range. So while a Virgin customer might want to get a 600Mbps powerline adapter, for a BT customer, that would be overkill.
Some powerlines have the option of a pass-through model which allows you to continue to use the plug socket as normal when on. While it’s not crucial, many users have reported a better connection when their powerline adapter is plugged directly into the wall.
It’s well worth considering paying a little extra for a pass-through model if you live in a home without many handy sockets. There isn’t any difference in network quality while other devices are plugged into them, so you won’t have to worry about your hoovering ruining someone’s Zoom call upstairs!
These USB WiFi adapters can help to give you better connectivity no matter where you are.
If your house doesn't have that many power outlets, then a pass-through powerline adapter might be a good investment. However, it is good to remember that some extension cables can prevent these powerline adapters from working.
This is often due to certain safety features that are built into them. To ensure your powerline adapter works well, always plug it directly into a regular socket instead of using extension cables.
While many use a powerline to plug directly into a desktop PC in a far flung corner of a home, you may also want to boost the WiFi signal in that corner as well. Luckily, there are a number of powerline adapters that can act as a WiFi extender. As they usually come in pairs, often only one adapter will work as an extender, but the antennas or increased size make it obvious which is which.
Check out these WiFi extenders for an all-round stable connection.
If you already know that your home has some dead spots where the internet connection is either bad or doesn't work at all, then a WiFi extender can be an easy solution to fix this.
Typically people buy WiFi extenders as separate devices, but if you are looking to buy a powerline adapter, consider buying one that has a WiFi extender as build it. This way, you don't need two separate devices to improve your WiFi connection.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is the number of ports – most will have just one but there are some options on the market that allow you to connect a couple of devices to them. We’ve found that one is usually enough, but it is useful to have extra if you have a computer and games console in the same room that both require connectivity at the same time.
We know powerline adapters often come in pairs, but there’s actually no feasible limit to how many you can sync up together in your home; this will depend on your network bandwidth. However, your connection will suffer if you have multiple devices all trying to stream Netflix in HD at the same time.
It may go without saying, but different brands of powerline will not work together. Different models tend to be backwards compatible and work with each other, but if you pair a 600 Mbps model with one capable of 1000 Mbps, the speed will be capped at the slower rate of 600 Mbps. If you're looking at multiple adapters, it’s much better to use the same models throughout your home.
One or two powerline adapters will be more than enough for most people, but you might need three or more units if you live in a large house. I recommend that you buy all of the necessary powerline adapters in one go as part of one set.
This way, all of the devices are guaranteed to work together. But if you ever need more powerline adaptor units, buy them from the same manufacturer to ensure full compatibility.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TP-Link AV600 Powerline Starter Kit|TL-PA4010KIT | ![]() | Cheap and Reliable Powerline Adapter From TP-Link | |
2 | TP-Link AV1000 Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit|TL-PA7017PKIT | ![]() | High Transfer Speeds up to 1000 Mbps | |
3 | TP-Link AV1000 Gigabit Powerline and WiFi Kit|TL-WPA7510KIT | ![]() | Value Powerline Adapter and WiFi Booster to Improve Connectivity | |
4 | TP-Link AV1300 3-Port Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit|TL-PA8033PKIT | ![]() | Excellent Performance for Gaming and Multi-Device Use | |
5 | Devolo Magic 2|Pack of 3 | ![]() | Fastest Powerline Reaching Speeds up to 2400 Mbps | |
6 | Devolo dLAN 550 duo+ | ![]() | Pass-Through Powerline Adapter for Home Use | |
7 | TP-Link AV600 Powerline WiFi Extender | ![]() | Single Adapter and WiFi Extender for Use With Other TP-Link Products | |
8 | BT Broadband Extender 600 Kit | ![]() | Affordable Adapters From BT for Use Straight Out the Box | |
9 | ASUS Powerline Extender|PL-AC56 KIT | ![]() | Premium Powerline Adapter With Three Ethernet Ports and Impressive Speeds | |
10 | Devolo Powerline Triple Pack|dlan 550 | ![]() | Connect to High-Speed Broadband or Fibre Throughout the House |
With all the talk of features and speeds, we've found that sometimes the simpler the better. As the average internet speed in the UK is 64 Mbps, unless you're transferring large files around your home network, a small, neat little powerline is all you'll need.
The AV600 Powerline Starter Kit comes with two adapters – plug one in next to your router and the other by your computer, games console, or other device, sync them up, and off you go. The 3-year warranty included means you don't have to worry about anything, just sit back and enjoy your new connection.
Something of a younger sibling to no. 4 on our list, the AV1000 Gigabit has fewer ports and is slightly slower than its sibling, but the fact it comes in at an affordable price for the speeds it reaches means it comfortably takes the no. 2 spot.
The usual TP-Link features are here, with a power-saving mode and easy setup, but it's worth mentioning the additional pass-through, which is far from a standard feature in models like this and sure to come in handy for many households.
With this model, you are getting the most bang for your buck when it comes to WiFi extension that ranges up to 300 metres. We particularly like the mesh design of this model, which aims to keep the device cool while in operation.
The wired connection is extremely fast, reaching 1000 Mbps; these sorts of speeds at this price point represent incredible value. This kit will bring wired and wireless network to anywhere in your home where there is a power outlet.
If you're looking to hook up multiple devices at high speeds then this offering from TP-Link is perfect for any gaming den or entertainment room away from your main router. Its MIMO technology means it's able to create a faster and more stable network by using the live, neutral and earth wiring within your home.
Like many of the other TP-Link products, it also has an automatic power-saving mode when not in use, meaning you won't have to worry about it draining power while idle. Its built-in filter helps to prevent electrical noise from affecting its high performance, too.
We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the Devolo Magic 2, currently the world's fastest powerline capable of reaching speeds of up to 2400 Mbps. For those of you who use your home network for more than just playing online games and streaming HD movies, this could be the one for you. At the moment, it does feel like a bit of overkill.
There is also an argument to be had for futureproofing, though. As technology tends to get better at an extremely fast rate, it may be worth buying something like this now that will be good for years to come. In a few years, who knows how fast internet and home connections will be; just think about how far smartphones have come in the last 5 years.
The Devolo 550 duo+ sits in a strange spot in the world of powerline adapters – it's not the cheapest or the fastest, but it is an incredibly reliable and quality piece of kit with some nice touches. While it won't blow you away, you'll be very happy with your purchase.
Its dual ports and pass-through features elevate it above similar models and it's a great starting point if you're looking to use other Devolo products. For some, on the other hand, it may not seem to justify its price when compared to similar TP-Link products.
Here is the first of many TP-Link products making up most of this list, and due to the amount of quality products they produce in the powerline market, it's really hard not to recommend the brand. Whatever the model, you can't go wrong with a powerline from TP-Link.
This is a single adapter and WiFi extender, and as such you would need to purchase two to get going which we wouldn't recommend. Instead, this is perfect if you've already picked up a pair of TP-Link adapters and are looking to add another room to the wired network or boost the WiFi in that part of the house.
If you're looking for the simplest way to get up and running with a pair of adapters and don't want to break the bank doing so, then this budget option from BT could be the way to go. These models are paired straight out of the box, so you can just plug them in and you're ready to connect!
While you're able to add additional adapters if you wish down the line, it's fiddly to do so and there aren't as many options as with some other brands. These are a great choice for simplicity, but as the majority of our list is split between Devolo and TP-Link, we think it makes sense to go with one of those two brands.
Asus are one of the most trusted brands in computing, manufacturing all sorts of quality hardware and components, and their entry into the world of powerlines also bears that quality seal. Offering speeds of 1200 Mbps over both the wired and WiFi connection and three ethernet ports, you're sure to have a high-speed connection wherever you place it.
Unfortunately, this speed comes at a premium price which is common among powerline adapters, but this is the most expensive on our list. The WiFi extender is also very bulky, with large antennas that could get in the way of other plugs and nearby objects.
While most powerline adapter sets come with two basic plugs, this offering from Devolo comes with a base unit you plug in near the router and two additional plugs that also work as WiFi extenders all around your home. If you're struggling with your signal in many different parts of your house, this is a good solution.
At 500 Mbps, it isn't the fastest on our list, but it will more than suffice if you have a basic internet connection; if you have high-speed broadband or fibre, you'll likely need something a bit quicker. It is also a little pricey for what you get, but the good news is that it's often offered at a discounted rate so keep an eye out for those deals!
As we mentioned above, powerlines use the already existing network of electrical wires in your home to transfer data at high speeds. You simply plug one adapter by your router, connect it with the included ethernet cable, and do the same by your computer or device, then at the press of a button the two will sync up and you’re ready to go!
The adapter will convert the ethernet signal from your router into an electrical signal which then runs along the wires inside your walls before the data is converted back. It is worth noting that the two adapters have to be on the same electrical circuit; this shouldn’t be an issue for most, but if your home has an extension, you may have to check as it could be wired differently.
No. 1: TP-Link |AV600 Powerline Starter Kit|TL-PA4010KIT
No. 2: TP-Link|AV1000 Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit|TL-PA7017PKIT
No. 3: TP-Link|AV1000 Gigabit Powerline and WiFi Kit|TL-WPA7510KIT
No. 4: TP-Link|AV1300 3-Port Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit|TL-PA8033PKIT
No. 5: Devolo|Magic 2|Pack of 3
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