HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 vs NETGEAR WAX210 AX1800 Dual-band Access Point

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against Wi-Fi access points at a similar price

The NETGEAR WAX210 AX1800 Dual-band Access Point scores 5.7/10 overall, ahead of the HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 at 5.4/10.

The HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 leads on uplink and power and value.

The NETGEAR WAX210 AX1800 Dual-band Access Point leads on management and software and security.

They score the same on wi-Fi standard and bands.

The biggest difference is management, where the NETGEAR WAX210 AX1800 Dual-band Access Point scores 6/10 to the HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22's 3/10.

HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22

5.4/10verdict: good, not the best

The AP22 is for home and small-office users who want a simple Wi-Fi 6 access point they can set up from an app. It suits sites with a PoE switch and a modest number of devices. It is a poor fit for anyone who wants a local controller or fine control over Wi-Fi settings.

Typically about £93.50 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

NETGEAR WAX210 AX1800 Dual-band Access Point

5.7/10verdict: good, not the best

The NETGEAR WAX210 is for home and small-office users who want a Wi-Fi 6 access point managed from a local web page. It suits anyone who already has a PoE switch or injector and wants no app or subscription. It will not suit buyers who need 6 GHz or a faster uplink.

Typically about £75 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22	NETGEAR WAX210 AX1800 Dual-band Access Point
Wi-Fi standard and bands	25%	6/10	6/10
Uplink and power	20%	6/10	5/10
Management	20%	3/10	6/10
Software and security	20%	5/10	6/10
Value	15%	7/10	5/10
Overall		5.4/10	5.7/10

Specifications

Spec	HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22	NETGEAR WAX210 AX1800 Dual-band Access Point
Wi-Fi standard	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bands and speed class	Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, 2x2 MIMO on each; total 1774 Mb/s (5 GHz 1200 Mb/s, 2.4 GHz 574 Mb/s)	Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, AX1800 class (600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, 1,200 Mbps on 5 GHz)
Uplink port	1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (1GbE), with PoE-in	1 x 1 Gbps PoE port
Power (PoE class)	PoE in 802.3af (class 3), max 10.1 W (PoE) or 8.8 W (DC); external 12V adapter option	PoE (802.3af); PoE power consumption 15.2 W
Management	Cloud-managed through the Instant On web portal or mobile app; no local controller	Local management through built-in web GUI, no app or subscription required
Mounting	Wall or ceiling; mount bracket included	Ceiling or wall mount hardware included; fits 24 mm T-bar or freestanding on a flat surface

Strengths and weaknesses

HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22

+ Quick app setup with a guided wizard
+ Standard 802.3af PoE power input
+ Two-year warranty with 24/7 phone and chat support
− Cloud-only management, no local or offline controller
− Limited Wi-Fi configuration options
− Basic SKU ships without a power adapter

Skip it if:

Homelabbers who want a local or offline controller
Anyone who wants detailed control over Wi-Fi settings

Read the full HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 review ›

NETGEAR WAX210 AX1800 Dual-band Access Point

+ Local web GUI with no app or subscription
+ Standard 802.3af PoE at 15.2 W
+ WPA3 support with ACL and MAC filtering
− Gigabit uplink only, no 2.5GbE
− No 6 GHz radio
− Some owners report admin access and setup problems

Skip it if:

Buyers who need 6 GHz or a 2.5GbE uplink
Anyone who wants a trouble-free setup with extensive documentation

Read the full NETGEAR WAX210 AX1800 Dual-band Access Point review ›

More comparisons

Compare all Wi-Fi access points · Best Wi-Fi access points