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Top 6 Best Powerline Adapters For Gaming To Buy In 2022 Review

If you’re looking to upgrade your network, powerline adapters might be the hidden gems you’ve been looking for! No matter what obstacles or internet issues you may have faced, powerline adapters can solve it since the signal is dependent on electrical wiring. If you have a wall that keeps blocking your network, this is a perfect way around that.

What makes them awesome?

Although the best powerline adapters use a different way of extending your Wi-Fi access, the speeds are surprisingly similar to wired connections. It’s the ideal solution for a Wi-Fi network that can’t reach certain parts of your home or office. Some of these adapters even come with Wi-Fi antennas and transmit signals as well.

The best powerline adapters are ideal if you need to work away from your network’s router without compromising your internet speed.

Top 6 Best Powerline Adapters For Gaming To Buy In 2022 Review

So, we decided to review our top choices to help find the perfect one for you…

Top 6 Best Powerline Adapters For Gaming In 2022 Review

  1. TP-LINK AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter (TL-PA7010 KIT) – Best Budget Powerline Adapters for Gaming
  2. NETGEAR Powerline 1200 MBPS (PL1200-100PAS) – Best Rated Powerline Adapters for Gaming
  3. TENDA AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit (PH6) – Most Affordable Powerline Adapters for Gaming
  4. TP-LINK TL-WPA8630 AV1300 – Best Premium Powerline Adapters for Gaming
  5. TRENDNET Powerline 1300 AV2 Adapter Kit (TPL-422E2K) – Best Mid Range Powerline Adapters for Gaming
  6. Comtrend G.hn 1200 Mbps PG-9172 Kit – Best Value for the Money Powerline Adapters for Gaming

1 TP-LINK AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter (TL-PA7010 KIT) – Best Budget Powerline Adapters for Gaming

Low price and high quality are two of the essential characteristics for gamers. TP-link AV 1000 fits that role perfectly, offering a respectable Ethernet speed of 1000Mbps, 12-bit AES data encryption, and a decent 300m range.

It comes with advanced features like power-saving mode (automatically switches on when the adapter isn’t in use, which reduces power consumption up to 85%) and HomePlug AV2 support, allowing you to add multiple adapters with ease.

The simplest of four versions…

The TL-PA7010 kit is the simplest of four versions of the TP-link AV 1000 series, and it includes a single LAN port but lacks the pass-through socket, which is more than enough if you aren’t a demanding user. It also has a 2-year warranty, but more importantly, it offers excellent value for money.

Like most adapters on our list today, it’s plug and play, which means you can easily plug it in and start using it without configurations and complicated setups.

Our verdict?

The TP-Link AV1000 is well made and fast set. We even found it to be faster in some tests than the TP-Link AV1200, so it punches well over its weight class. It’s available in four versions. While still in TP-Links mid-range, it offers excellent value at close-to-top speeds, and if you need more, you can opt for the Wi-Fi model with a pass-through socket with more than one Ethernet port.


TP-LINK AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter (TL-PA7010 KIT)

Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros

  • Excellent price.
  • High-quality performance.
  • Power-saving mode.

Cons

  • No pass-through socket
  • No Wi-Fi.

2 NETGEAR Powerline 1200 MBPS (PL1200-100PAS) – Best Rated Powerline Adapters for Gaming

If you are searching for a powerline adapter for gaming or the one with the best value, you should consider the NETGEAR Powerline 1200Mbps. It’s not only affordable, but it’s also a robust powerline adapter that offers super-fast 1200Mbps speed, allowing you to stream in trouble-free 4K.

It also gives you a lag-free gaming experience, making it a perfect choice for demanding online duels.

Similar to wireless routers…

It’s similarity to wireless routers is astounding. Not only is it equipped with MIMO and Beamforming, but it also offers plug-and-play use and Homeplug AV2 support. Other handy features include an energy-friendly mode that automatically powers down the adapter when it’s not in use, and you can secure your data transfers by touch-of-a-button encryption.

Even though it has all these features, it’s still a basic device that lacks Wi-Fi, a pass-through socket, and other more advanced utilities. But it offers an excellent 500m sq coverage that is more than enough for most users.

Our verdict?

The NETGEAR Powerline 1200 is incredibly reliable, although somewhat poorly designed. It isn’t pleasant to look at, and it’s only equipped with a single Ethernet port and ridiculously short Ethernet cables. Yet, it is plug-and-play that doesn’t require a setup process, and it offers a reliable upgrade to your home network speeds.

If you look past the design, it’s the perfect beginners’ introduction kit that does everything you need it to do.


NETGEAR Powerline 1200 MBPS (PL1200-100PAS)

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Affordable.
  • Easy to use.
  • Fast.

Cons

  • Ugly, bulky design.
  • One LAN port.
  • No Wi-Fi.

3 TENDA AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit (PH6) – Most Affordable Powerline Adapters for Gaming

This adapter is affordable, with all the primary functions and features you may need. It’s more than good enough for the vast majority of users, especially if you’re looking for simplicity and easy use.

Thanks to the plug and play function and automatic detection feature, all you need to do is plug the adapter into the power socket, and everything will take care of itself. It also comes with optional software that allows for further setups. But in reality, most users will never need or use it.

How fast is it?

The PH6 adapter supports HomePlug AV2 and offers decent speeds of 1000Mbps. The rate is good enough to watch 4K videos without any lag. It also comes equipped with a LED area, a power-saving feature that reduces power consumption by up to 85%, and a pass-through socket with noise filters reducing various interferences.

But there are some minor issues like its bulkiness and its tendency to get extremely hot. But that’s to be expected from a device that comes with a lower price than many of its competitors and wasn’t designed to the very best powerline adaptor on the market.

Our verdict?

The Tenda PH6 AV1000 is an able performer. It’s well priced for its two Ethernet ports. It doesn’t have pass-through power sockets, which would have been a welcomed addition, but like we said, what can you expect?

This adapter doesn’t bring anything new or innovative to the table, but if you want a decent adapter at a fair price, go for it.


TENDA AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit (PH6)

Our rating:4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)

Pros

  • Good price.
  • Plug and play.
  • Good speed.

Cons

  • Bulky design.
  • It gets extremely hot.

4 TP-LINK TL-WPA8630 AV1300 – Best Premium Powerline Adapters for Gaming

Many powerline adapters offer breakneck speeds, but few are designed to handle multiple devices. TP-Link’s TL-WPA8630 doesn’t only provide three Ethernet ports but also includes AC1350 dual-band Wi-Fi. This allows you to extend your wireless network into those hard-to-reach areas of your house.

Includes a Wi-Fi extender…

It’s one of those scarce powerline adapters that includes a Wi-Fi extender, which saves you from having to drop in a different wireless access point. It offers 1.3Gbps of throughput and handles 4K UHD streaming and online gaming without missing a beat. The built-in extender means you get a much faster Wi-Fi in places where 5GHz frequencies can’t usually penetrate.

It’s easy to set up since the adapter is entirely plug-and-play, and you can connect up to three devices without the need to add a hub. It may be a bit bulkier than other powerline adapters, but only because it includes Wi-Fi hardware. It can take up two power outlets and doesn’t offer a pass-through socket, which is a shame.

What makes it one of the Best Powerline Adapters for Gaming?

The TL-WPA8630 is a surprisingly underpowered extender despite its dual functionality. The powerline connectivity is appealing and simple to set up, but the weak wireless range stunts this extender’s appeal. It’s not the easiest of adapters to recommend, considering there are better adapters around this price point.

But we can recommend it if you’re set on using a powerline connection to improve connectivity in one or two rooms with enough reception from your router.


TP-LINK TL-WPA8630 AV1300

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Fast
  • Can handle multiple devices.
  • Wi-Fi extenders.

Cons

  • Bulky.
  • Lacks pass-through socket.

5 TRENDNET Powerline 1300 AV2 Adapter Kit (TPL-422E2K) – Best Mid Range Powerline Adapters for Gaming

Most users only need a device that works properly. It doesn’t have a fancy design or amazing features; it just needs to be reliable and offer decent performance for regular use. The TRENDnet powerline 1300 AV2 adapter is an excellent example of just that. It’s equipped with all the standard features enforced with MIMO and Beamforming technology while also offering HomePlug AV2 support.

It also comes equipped with a sync button, allowing for an instant change of the current powerline encryption keys. It also supports up to eight powerline nodes.

Supports speeds up to 1.3Gbps…

The TRENDNET powerline 1300 supports speeds up to 1300Mbps, which is more than enough for HD Streaming, and it covers a range of around 300m.

Simple installation and a 3-year warranty are extra perks. It may not be the best powerline adapter you can find, but this small kit will do miracles for you if you’re a regular user.

Our verdict?

Powerlines create fast home networks with minimum fuss, and the TRENDnet Powerline 1300 AV2 is no exception. It’s one of the fastest we’ve tested. What doesn’t impress is the limit of its no-frills features, only one Ethernet port per adapter, and lack of wireless. But if you need just the basics at top speeds, you will love this powerline kit.


TRENDNET Powerline 1300 AV2 Adapter Kit (TPL-422E2K)

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Great for HD streaming.
  • Includes MIMO and Beamforming.

Cons

  • No pass-through socket.
  • No Wi-Fi.

6 Comtrend G.hn 1200 Mbps PG-9172 Kit – Best Value for the Money Powerline Adapters for Gaming

Comtrend’s PG-9172 powerline adapters are based on G.hn to offer improved performance over alternative powerline standards. They minimize interference on the list and maximize data throughput. Using a G.hn powerline network, you can connect up to 16 devices, turning your power outlets into their own ultra-fast network. Enough to provide coverage for an entire home.

Good performance and advanced algorithms…

The PG-9172 adapters provide speeds up to 1200Mbps, which is good enough to stream in 4K and provides a lag-free gaming experience. The PG-9172 is excellent for gaming since the G.hn technology uses algorithms designed to improve video quality while minimizing lag. And we all know that lag is the last thing we want to experience while gaming.

The PG-9172 is designed in such a way so that the plug is positioned at the very top of the adapter and the main bulk of the device sits below, leaving plenty of space so it won’t block power outlets that are on top.

Our verdict?

The PG-9172 lacks a few features that would have been nice to see, like an integrated Wi-Fi and a pass-through socket. They also only come with a single Ethernet port. That being said, they are well priced in terms of performance and advanced G.hn technology, which makes up for the missing features. It’s a good powerline adapter that will make any gamer happy.


Comtrend G.hn 1200 Mbps PG-9172 Kit

Our rating:4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)

Pros

  • Improved performance by maximizing data throughput.
  • Connect up to 16 devices.
  • Whole-house coverage.
  • Lag-free streaming at 4K.

Cons

  • Only one Ethernet port.

Best Powerline Adapters for Gaming Buying Guide

With more and more people working from home and using streaming services, it’s essential to have a fast home network. It’s almost as necessary as having a kettle or central gas heating, and the quickest way to improve your network speeds is by adding a powerline adapter. They will speed up your network in the rooms that need it. And they are effortless to install.

What Is A Powerline Adapter?

TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Starter Kit

Powerline adapters are an easy-to-install digital home technology that provides faster speeds than Wi-Fi when connecting devices to your network, whether they are in the same room as your router or not.

How Do They Work?

They use your home’s main power wires to create a network connection that is faster than Wi-Fi in most cases. They aren’t limited to devices with Ethernet ports as some Powerline kits can create powerful Wi-Fi hotspots that give you a wireless signal in rooms and areas your router can’t reach.

Therefore, it’s an inexpensive way to significantly improve your home or office network for streaming HD TV, gaming, and other data-hungry services.

The ideal solution…

The best powerline adapters are better than Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters since they only push a weak signal further around the house. The longer the distance from your router and the more obstacles like walls and other devices, the weaker the Wi-Fi reception.

With powerline adapters, distance and obstacles have minimal effect on speed, so you get the most out of your broadband connection anywhere in your home.

Installing A Powerline Adaptor

If you worry about installation, don’t. This is how easy it is to install powerline adapters…

Plug one adapter into a power socket near your router and connect it to the router using an Ethernet cable. Now go to the room where you want an improved signal, plug the second adaptor into a power socket, and attach another ethernet cable from there to the device you want to use. That’s it; it really is plug-and-play.

Most Powerline adapters come in pairs of two, but you can buy “home kits” of three. If you need a faster network in more rooms, you can add single adapters to each room.

If You Need Wi-Fi?

As we mentioned earlier, some powerline adapters have built-in Wi-Fi, which creates a new wireless network in the next room. This results in having a robust and fast signal for your laptop, smartphone, or other Wi-Fi gadgets.

If you want to create excellent Wi-Fi coverage across your entire house and not just a new hotspot in one weak room, you should consider “Mesh.” But adapters with Wi-Fi are a simple solution that works very well, especially for smaller homes.

Are There Any Other Ffeatures You Should Look For?

NETGEAR PowerLINE 1200 Mbps, 1 Gigabit Port (PL1200-100PAS),White

The best choice is often to choose an adapter that has integrated “pass-through” power sockets. They don’t take up valuable wall sockets. Also, look for adapters using the latest Ethernet ports. The adapter should rate over 500Mbps, and most high-rated powerlines include the fastest Ethernet standard. And you always get at least one Ethernet cable in your starter kit.

Speed Ratings

All powerline adapters are marketed with speeds from 500Mbps to 2.400Mbps. You most likely won’t reach the top speeds, but they tell you a lot about the technology inside and can be used to compare against each other.

Some of the adapters we have reviewed have been around for a couple of years, but the basic technology remains the same, and these are gadgets that you don’t need to upgrade very often, which makes them even better value for money. The technology doesn’t improve much from year to year, like on smartphones.

Looking For More Superb Tech Products?

Then you may also want to check out our Best Wireless Routers For Multiple Devices Reviews, our Best Routers Under 100 Review, and our Best Wireless Access Points Review.

And in terms of gaming, we’ve got you covered. So, check out our Best RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card Review, our Best Budget Gaming Headset Reviews, our Best Network Switches For Gaming Review, our Best Gaming Glasses Review, and the Best Gaming Monitor Under 300 dollars around in 2022.

What Are The Best Powerline Adapters For Gaming?

We’ve reached the end of our review of the best powerline adapters currently available. Each one offers high performance and low latency, therefore, improving your gaming experience.

When choosing a powerline adapter, consider if you need built-in Wi-Fi, how many adapters are included in the starter kit, and if it’s compatible with your already existing adapters, if you have any.

The best Powerline adapter we tested and that we highly recommend is the…

TP-Link TLWPA8630 kit

It may lack a pass-through socket or provide super-fast speeds compared to other powerline adapters. But it has integrated Wi-Fi, comes in a pair, handles multiple devices with ease, and has many handy features like the ability to sync Wi-Fi details automatically. The speed it offers is still plenty enough for most users and gamers.

Happy gaming!

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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