Kody Wirth 
Image: Canva Photos
Kody is our expert Destiny 2 and shooter genre writer. He lives in Oregon.
Reviewed by Benjamin Barr
You’re running around a corner in a shooter, trying to make an intricate jump in a platformer, or even just downloading a game, only for your WiFi to lag or cut out. Suddenly, your body hits the floor, you wildly miss the platform, and that fifteen-minute download now takes a whopping ninety minutes.
Every gamer knows the feeling. Maybe you just have an unstable internet connection or the area you game in is an active dead zone. Luckily, you can enhance your connectivity and improve your gaming experience with the best powerline adapters for gaming. Read on for our full guide exploring the top options available today and what factors you should consider before purchasing.
Zoom In: 5 Best Powerline Adapters for Gaming
This powerline adapter guide takes into account compatibility, features, price, performance consistency, and many other factors. For the most part, any of these options will do the trick, and the ideal option really depends on your needs and budget. Read on for our full rundown of the best powerline adapters for gaming.
1. TP-Link AV1000
The best powerline adapter for gaming overall
Manufacturer: TP-Link | Speed: 1000 Mbps | Connectivity: Ethernet | Ports: 1 | Price: 💰
The TP-Link Series is known for providing consistent performance at an affordable price. While it may not include some of the bells and whistles of other devices, it will provide a stable connection close to your max internet speed. In fact, this pared-down version may even perform better than the 1200 model, but requires that you plug it in on the same circuit as the connected device to do so.
Additionally, you actually have a few options of this model to choose from. The cheapest only has one port, the next up adds a passthrough socket, and the last option throws in a second port and WiFi hotspot. The variety of options combined with an easy setup and consistent use makes this a great option to start out with.
- USERS LIKE
- Simple setup
- Consistent speeds
- Doesn’t block the remaining outlet
- USERS DISLIKE
- Lacks ongoing support
- Limited number of ports
- Requires plugs to be on the same circuit
2. D-Link Powerline
The best powerline adapter for gaming with WiFi
Manufacturer: D-Link | Speed: 1300 Mbps | Connectivity: Ethernet/WiFi | Ports: 3 | Price: 💰💰
The Ethernet and WiFi extension combination of the D-Link is one of the most effective on the market. It allows for slightly higher internet speeds, but with some inconsistent results. You’ll have to test different locations, distances, and outlets to find ideal placements that actually hit the listed speed on a regular basis.
Actually setting up the device is incredibly simple, and it’s one of the more user-friendly options out there. Additionally, the WiFi mesh range is broad and sees little drop off the further away you use it. Just know that this does act as a router as well, and can conflict with your current router’s IP address, so this won’t be for everybody.
- USERS LIKE
- Easy setup
- Extensive WiFi range
- Automatically copies current WiFi settings
- USERS DISLIKE
- Speeds are inconsistent
- Causes IP conflicts with routers
- Device compatibility is very specific
3. Netgear Powerline 1000
The best budget powerline adapter for gaming
Manufacturer: Netgear | Speed: 1000 Mbps. | Connectivity: Ethernet | Ports: 1 | Price: 💰
If you’re looking for a device that is basic but works, this Netgear option is a great choice. It only includes a single Ethernet port and doesn’t provide a WiFi extension. However, it does include a pass-through port, meaning that you don’t lose any vital outlet space when using it, which is good thanks to the bulky case.
Now, one thing to keep in mind is that setup and syncing at the beginning can be lengthy. On top of that, you may find that the signal interfered with some remote devices and you may need to change some settings or purchase things that help compensate.
- USERS LIKE
- Inexpensive
- Maintains consistent high speeds
- Relatively long range with little signal drop off
- USERS DISLIKE
- Bulky casing
- Initial sync can be a lengthy process
- Causes some interference to certain connected devices
4. Devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi Next
Thest next-gen powerline adapter for gaming
Manufacturer: Devolo | Speed: 2000 Mbps | Connectivity: Ethernet/WiFi | Ports: 2 | Price: 💰💰💰
This powerline adapter is built with next-gen devices in mind. The maximum speed and mesh WiFi options mean that you can easily switch between ethernet or remote connections and still see relatively fast speeds. Unfortunately, this high-speed cap seems to lead to variables like your circuit connections, location, and distance causing far more variability in speed.
On top of that, the price is almost triple most others, even with the additional capabilities included. So, this device is a bit of a gamble, but when it does work, it can be a boon for next-gen players. Just be sure to do your research and identify areas in your home that will improve your chances of performing well.
- USERS LIKE
- Faster upward speed limit
- Useful iOS companion app
- Maintains consistent connection
- USERS DISLIKE
- High price point
- Difficult to install
- Difficulty reaching and maintaining top download speeds
5. TP-Link AV1300
The best powerline adapter for PS4 and Xbox One
Manufacturer: TP-Link | Speed: 1300 Mbps. | Connectivity: Ethernet | Ports: 3 | Price: 💰💰💰
The higher-end model of the TP-Link 1000 does a lot of things right. More ports, slightly faster internet speeds, and the option to purchase versions with a WiFi hotspot. The unfortunate drawback is that the device itself is a massive beast and will need a full outlet to itself. It also appears that while you can hit close to the maximum speed, more often than not, you’ll end up with wildly variable speeds.
Some of this may have to do with the WiFi connection being fairly weak at mid-to-long-range. Then there’s the fairly dramatic price increase, which gives you some nice to have features, but at the exchange of almost tripling how much it will cost you. This really is the best powerline adapter for Xbox One for PS4, but you’ll have to weigh if it’s not just worth going for something bare bones.
- USERS LIKE
- Auto syncs WiFi settings
- Integrated power socket
- Additional Ethernet ports
- USERS DISLIKE
- Hefty casing
- Inconsistent speeds
- WiFi extension signal is fairly weak
Buyer’s Guide: Best Gaming Powerline Adapters
If you have multiple WiFi dead spots across your house or really want to avoid drilling holes in each room for Ethernet, then a powerline adapter is a great option. They’re reliable, allow for minimal lag, and are easy to install. However, it can be tough to know what specific features to look for when purchasing a powerline adapter. Here are the three categories to consider when comparing options.
1. Adapter or WiFi Adapter?
Make sure that you pay attention to the type of powerline adapter that you’re purchasing. A traditional powerline adapter is designed only to allow devices to connect with an Ethernet cable. A powerline WiFi adapter, on the other hand, will also function as a WiFi hotspot.
Why choose one over the other? Well, it fully depends on the devices you intend to connect and how you’ll be using them. For example, the standard powerline adapter is great for any stationary device like a PC, console, or TV. If you intend to also connect to your phone, tablet, or other smaller smart device then you’d need an adapter that’s WiFi-enabled.
2. Coverage and Speed
Just like anything related to internet service, you want to be sure that your adapter can handle the download speed you’re trying to achieve. This also ties directly into the range of coverage. If you’re making this purchase to help rectify some dead zone issues, then you’ll want to be sure it can actually cover the area you’re hoping to fix.
This typically means that you’ll need to consider your budget and if a more premium option is worth the extra cost. Also, it’s worth keeping in mind that the benefit of the adapter is only as useful as your current electrical output and internet service. You won’t be able to take full advantage of a Gigabit Ethernet port for example if you only have 200 Mbps internet, but you’ll at least have a stable connection.
3. WiFi Standard and Compatability
Lastly, you want to be sure that the WiFi standard of the power adapter is up-to-date. You want to be sure that you can achieve the best possible data transfer speeds and with an older variation, that may not be possible. Additionally, you’ll also want to consider compatibility with your other devices.
Some powerline adapters don’t work well together. Others won’t mesh with your current router setup. So, if you plan on purchasing multiple adapters now, or later, do your research upfront and decide which model or brand you’ll be sticking with.
Our Process
For this guide on powerline adapters, our writers spent four hours researching over sixty of the most popular options from brands big and small. After comparing this data, we then read over one 175 user reviews and narrowed our list down to the top five powerline adapters for gaming on the market. All of this research adds up to recommendations you can trust.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our article on the best powerline adapters for gaming. If you did, be sure to share it on your favorite social channels. For more hardware roundups like this, sign up for our newsletter.
Happy gaming!
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