Ad: Manage updates with the Download App
ie8 fix
Networking and Wi-Fi:

Best power-line adapters

(Updated May 15, 2013 4:00 AM PDT)
Dong Ngo

Dong Ngo

Senior associate editor

Power-line adapters are devices that turn a home's electrical wiring into network cables for a computer network. They come in handy when you need to bring the Internet connection to a far corner in the basement where Wi-Fi signals can't reach. A power-line connection is generally also more reliable than a wireless connection. With speeds up to 500Mbps, it's also faster. Here is a list of five of the best power-line adapters or adapter kits on the market. Note that you need at least two adapters to make the first power-line connection.
Trendnet Powerline 500 AV Nano Adapter Kit (TPL-406E2K)

Trendnet Powerline 500 AV Nano Adapter Kit (TPL-406E2K)

The Trendnet TPL-406E is a fast way to extend your home network, while saving both time and money.

Price: $54.52 - $89.99 (check prices)

4 stars Excellent Read full review
ZyXel PLA4205 500 Mbps Powerline Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

ZyXel PLA4205 500 Mbps Powerline Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

The ZyXel PLA4205 power line adapter is an excellent alternative to using regular Ethernet or Wi-Fi to connect more devices to a home network.

Price: $50.99 - $143.25 (check prices)

4 stars Excellent Read full review
Actiontec 500 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Kit

Actiontec 500 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Kit

While not perfect, the Actiontec PWR511K01 for now offers the best value among power-line adapter kits on the market.

Price: $41.98 - $59.99 (check prices)

4 stars Excellent Read full review
Netgear Powerline AV+ 500 Adapter XAV5501

Netgear Powerline AV+ 500 Adapter XAV5501

If you want to get the best data throughput speeds out of your home electrical wiring and don't mind the oversize design, the Netgear Powerline AV+ 500 Adapter XAV5501 would make an excellent buy.

MSRP: $120.00

4 stars Excellent Read full review
D-Link DHP-540 PowerLine AV 500 4-Port Gigabit Switch

D-Link DHP-540 PowerLine AV 500 4-Port Gigabit Switch

Compact, good-looking, affordable, and fast, D-Link's PowerLine AV 500 4-Port Gigabit Switch DHP-540 makes a great device that extends your network both via traditional cables and electrical wiring.

Price: $89.24 - $193.22 (check prices)

4 stars Excellent Read full review
D-Link DHP-501AV PowerLine AV 500 Adapter Starter Kit

D-Link DHP-501AV PowerLine AV 500 Adapter Starter Kit

Attractive, affordable, and very fast, D-Link's PowerLine AV 500 Adapter Starter Kit DHP-501AV is one of the best available in its class.

Price: $94.99 - $197.72 (check prices)

4 stars Excellent Read full review
See all networking and wi-fi reviews