Gaming is one of the best stress relievers. A good gaming session with your friends becomes a memorable experience. The same experience becomes a nightmare when a poor network connection kicks in out of the blue. Delay in data transfer can be frustrating on the user end. But thanks to the powerline adapters, this situation may never arrive. Amongst many internet connectivity options, powerline adapters have been attracting attention for many years.
So, what are the powerline adapters? Well, the answer is simply hidden in their name. A powerline adapter is a device that connects the internet to your internet-hungry devices by using the electrical wiring circuits of your house/office. When a device is located far from the router, it tends to get slow due to the distance or barriers in between. With the help of an ethernet wire, the powerline adapter works better than WiFi. To buy a good power adapter, certain factors need to be considered that automatically help you narrow down your selection.
- Data Link Protocol: Data Link Protocol handles the data that is transferred from a source to the destination. In short, the connection between two devices is done with the help of a data link protocol. Data is sent identically from the source to the receiving end hence ensuring the total transmission of data. In gaming, a loss of segments of such data might lead to connection issues.
- Internet Speed: The sole reason for the usage of a powerline adapter for gaming is the speed of the internet which is on par with ethernet. Some powerline adapters claim a good speed of up to 1000mbps. In actual use, signal interference and electricity fluctuation leads to a loss in internet speed. This may hamper the gaming experience.
- Warranty: The powerline adapter is a good product to have. They are manufactured to last long. Yet a device that is in constant contact with electricity is bound to be damaged if voltage fluctuation ever occurs. Hence warranty periods help in buying a good powerline adapter ensuring help from the manufacturer in case of any problem.
Using a powerline adaptor for gaming is easy. The router is connected to one adapter through the ethernet cable and that adapter is plugged into an electrical outlet. Another adapter is plugged in near the gaming device which needs internet. When turned on, the signal travels from the router-connected power adapter to the adaptor connected to the gaming device through the electrical wiring. Similar to this easy process of using a powerline adapter, the selection of a good powerline adapter can also be simplified. Given below are a variety of onions to help you choose the right powerline adapter for gaming Along with Buying Guide.
Best Powerline Adapter for Gaming 2023
| Best Powerline Adapter for Gaming | Data Link Protocol | Speed | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Powerline Adapter | Ethernet | 100 Megabits Per Second | 2-year | Check On Amazon |
| NETGEAR Powerline Adapter | Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet | 2000 Megabits Per Second | 1-year | Check On Amazon |
| Zyxel Powerline Adapter | Gigabit Ethernet | 2400 Megabits Per Second | 2-year | Check On Amazon |
| D-Link Powerline Adapter | Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet | 2000 Megabits Per Second | --- | Check On Amazon |
| NexusLink Powerline Adapter | Ethernet | 1200 Megabits Per Second | --- | Check On Amazon |
| Tenda Powerline Adapter | IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n, Gigabit Ethernet | up to 1000Mbps | 3-year | Check On Amazon |
Best Powerline Adapter for Gaming Reviews
1. TP-Link AV600 Powerline Adapter
The first powerline adapter on the list is from TP-Link. A global supplier of various network devices and performance accessories, TP-Link caters to the demands of the market.
With the launch of their TP-Link AV600 Powerline Ethernet Adapter, TP-Link showcased its evolving technology. TP-Link AV600 allows high-speed data transferring with the help of a wired connection. The smaller body size is different from other bulky powerline adapters. The data link protocol is ethernet which ensures efficient data transmission.
This powerline adapter converts the electrical circuit into an efficient network circuit without any extra wiring. This powerline adapter claims a data transfer speed of up to 100 Mbps which ensures less to no lagging in gaming sessions. Power saving mode ensures the automatic switching of working mode to power-saving mode.
Best Features:
- 100Mbps data transfer speed
- Data link protocol is via ethernet
- Power saving mode for efficient power management.
- 300 meters of range from an outlet
Pros:
- Smaller size than the competitors
- Comes in a set of two
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Data transfer speed is low
2. NETGEAR Powerline Adapter
The next product on the list comes from Netgear’s arsenal of innovative connectivity products. Netgear is a well-known name in networking technology and develops products that enhance the gaming experience.
Netgear PLP200-100PAS Powerline Adapter is a high-speed powerline adapter. With data link protocol based on gigabit ethernet, the transmission of data goes up to a billion gigabits every second. This ensures efficient transmission of data and improved speed. Internet speed goes up to 2000 Mbps which gives a lag-free gaming and streaming experience.
With an inbuilt noise filter, the Netgear PLP200-100PAS filters out any signal noise which prevents incomplete communication of data. Multiple streaming of data efficiently uses the signal.
Best Features:
- 2000 Mbps high-speed connectivity
- Multiple adapter connectivity support
- Gigabit Ethernet as well as ethernet data link protocol.
- Extra plug
Pros:
- Noise filtering keeps interference of signal noise to low levels
- 2 sets of powerline adapter
Cons:
- No data encryption
- Only 1-year warranty
3. Zyxel Powerline Adapter
Zyxel Networks is an older name in the networking business. This expertise helps them to develop good powerline adapters suitable for gaming. The next product follows the same language as a reliable adapter.
Zyxel G.hn PLA6456BBKIT is a product with a new technology named G.hn which interconnects any two adapters. This allows a 2400 Mbps speed for powerline and 1000 Mbps speed for ethernet transmission. Gigabit Ethernet data link protocol increases the data transfer rates.
One-button encryption allows for a secure network connection with a range of up to 500 meters.
Best Feature:
- hn technology for improved data transmission
- Gigabit Ethernet data link protocol which ensures high-speed transfer rates for data
Pros:
- Lag-less gaming experience
- 2-year warranty on the powerline adapter
Cons:
- Not compatible with non-G.hn adapters
4. D-Link Powerline Adapter
D-Link made it to the list too since the organization is an older name in the network adapters’ market. Being a leader in the design and development of connectivity products, D-Link surely knew what the powerline adapter market wanted.
With the launch of the D-Link DHP-701AV Powerline Adapter, D-Link aimed to provide customers with a good online gaming experience. D-Link DHP-701AV comes with the new “Multiple Input Multiple Output” (MIMO) technology, a wireless technology that helps transfer more data.
The gigabit ethernet port increases the speed of the data transfer. The speed goes up to 2000 Mbps which is indeed a good speed for gaming. It supports various operating systems like Windows 7 to 8.1 or Mac OS 10.7.
Best Features:
- up to 2000 Mbps data transfer speed
- Multiple Input Multiple Output technology (MIMO)
- Multiple power adapters support up to 16 adapters
- One gigaport for improved speed of data transfer
- Compatible with Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 and Mac OS 10.7
Pros:
- Simple steps to plug in and connect to the network
- Secure connections make it use without worrying about a data leak
- Power saving mode uses electricity efficiently
Cons:
- Little expensive than the competitors
5. NexusLink Powerline Adapter
NexusLink is an organization, well known for its innovative connectivity products. It specializes in making products where ethernet cable alternatives are needed (with existing ethernet). Their products fulfill their motto of offering best-in-class performance networking. Our next product is another product on the list with G.hn technology.
NexusLink G.hn.GPL-1200-KIT Powerline Ethernet Adapter is a powerline adapter suitable for gaming. The G.hn technology allows improved data transmission between two interconnected adapters. This product too supports Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology which helps in transferring more data between two nodes/adapters/devices.
Data link protocol is via Ethernet which ensures lossless transmission of every bit of data. The speed of the network easily goes up to 1200 MBps. All these combined turns the gaming experience into the best one.
Best Features:
- hn technology is standard
- Max speed of over 1200 MBps
- Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology for more data transfer
Pros:
- Signal segregation works well in separating signals
- Lossless data transfer at high speed
Cons:
- Absence of Power over Ethernet (PoE) as standard
6. Tenda Powerline Adapter
Tenda Technology is one of the leading manufacturers of networking devices. Known for its affordable range of products, Tenda provides cutting-edge products at reasonable price tags.
One such product from Tenda Technology is the Tenda PH 10 Powerline Adapter. This adapter supports the data link protocol of ethernet which makes sure the data is transmitted fully, with no loss at the receiving end. The speed of this powerline adapter goes up to 1000 Mbps which is good for gaming as well as streaming.
The powerline adapter also features MIMO technology for reliable and faster data transfer. This adapter also comes with a high-speed WiFi powerline adapter with dual bands (2.4G GHz and 5 GHz). This WiFi possesses data protocol standard links from IEEE802.11ac to IEEE802.11n.
Best Features:
- 1000 Mbps speed
- Data link protocol is ethernet
- Supported with MIMO technology
Pros:
- Reliability in connection
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Supports only 6 devices, lesser than the competitors
Buying Guide For The Best Powerline Adapter for Gaming
Online gaming is dependent on a network connection. A good network connection turns a normal gaming session into the best experience. Similarly, a bad/poor network connection will turn the same gaming session into a nightmare. Even a delay/lag of 1-2 milliseconds frustrates the user. Resolving this issue with the help of powerline adapters becomes a necessity.
This simple device connects to your electrical system and router and then transfers the internet signals through it. This might sound like magic yet these devices are capable of doing this transfer of network signals. The right powerline adapter will surely make the gaming experience a quality one.
As we have mentioned in a detailed list of the best powerline adapters suitable for gaming, the confusion around how to select the right powerline adapter may have been cleared. To narrow down the best one for you, this buying guide will walk you through all the important specifications.
1. Data Link Protocol
The data link protocol used in a powerline adapter determines the quality of data transmission happening between two connected devices. This simply means the data sent from the source node/device reaches the destinations it is, without loss of data in transit.
Most powerline adapters come with either ethernet or gigabit ethernet. Ethernet data link protocol is known for efficient transmission. Gigabit ethernet is the upgrade of normal ethernet, which sends 1 billion gigabits of information per second.
2. Internet Speed
Internet speed is an important factor since it decides the experience while gaming. The lesser time is taken by your powerline adapter to move data, the better the internet speed is. It is divided into two parts. Download speed measures the speed at which the data is delivered to you while upload speed gives an idea of the speed at which data can be shared.
3. Data encryption
Powerline adapters are connected to the electrical wiring system of your office/house, etc. This transfer of data is unencrypted. Anyone using the outlets of the connected electrical circuit can intercept your data.
Data encryption is provided to the powerline adapters which makes sure the data is encrypted end to end. Most commonly, 128-bit AES encryption is provided.
4. Latency
The measurement of the time taken by a signal/data to travel from the source to the destination and then back to the source. The lesser time taken means the latency is low.
A good powerline adapter for gaming has a low latency which means it will take less time to send a signal to the destination and then bring back the requested information to you. Latency is usually measured and checked in milliseconds
Conclusion
Sometimes the gaming setup is far away from the router. Ethernet cables can be used but the mess created by wires plus the cost won’t allow it. Hence powerline adapter becomes the best option for such a scenario. The factors mentioned above help in narrowing down the right adaptor for gaming.
We have discussed a wider range of such worthy powerline adaptors along with their specifications. We also shared a buying guide to help you choose the perfect powerline adaptor for gaming. Taking all these factors into consideration, our favorites on the list are mentioned below:
- When the only goal in gaming is a lag-free gaming experience, the Zyxel Powerline Adapter is the most suitable adapter for high-speed internet connection. With the G.hn technology and speed of over 2400 Mbps, the games will not be stuck at the loading screen. With a connectivity range of over 500 meters, a constant network is promised over longer distances. On top of it, encryption protects your data from unauthorized access. Increased data transfer rates thanks to the gigabit ethernet.
- Talking about affordability, there should not be a compromise over performance. NexusLink Powerline Adapter fits under the “value-for-money” tag easily. Offering a speed of 1200 Mbps reduces the waiting time and response time. Another G.hn technology product from the list, data transmission is improved between two interconnected adapters. Multiple Input Multiple Output technologies transfer more data with the help of multiple receivers and transmitters. All these features are at a lower price than other competitors.
- Powerline adapters are connected to the electrical outlets of an electrical circuit. Most of these powerline adapters are bigger and take up a lot of space around the switchboard. This might block access to the other part of the outlet. TP-Link AV600 Powerline Adapter is an exception. It is smaller in size as compared to the other powerline adapters. It blends in with the electrical outlet thanks to the small size. Offering a speed of over 100 Mbps, enough speed is guaranteed for gaming. Combined with power-saving modes, ethernet data link protocol, and many more features makes it a small package with an explosive deal.
