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HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 vs TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor

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

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

The TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor scores 5.9/10 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 wi-Fi standard and bands.

The TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor leads on management.

They score the same on uplink and power, software and security and value.

The biggest difference is management, where the TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor scores 7/10 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 (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor

TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor

5.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor is for people who need Wi-Fi coverage outside a building from a single PoE cable. It suits homelabbers and small sites that already run, or plan to run, an Omada controller. It is a Wi-Fi 5 dual-band unit, so it fits buyers who want range and manageability rather than the newest standard.

Typically about £65 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightHPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%6/105/10
Uplink and power20%6/106/10
Management20%3/107/10
Software and security20%5/105/10
Value15%7/107/10
Overall5.4/105.9/10

Specifications

SpecHPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bands and speed classDual-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 (up to 300 Mbps) and 5 GHz (up to 867 Mbps)
Uplink port1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (1GbE), with PoE-in1x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) port
Power (PoE class)PoE in 802.3af (class 3), max 10.1 W (PoE) or 8.8 W (DC); external 12V adapter option802.3af PoE; passive 24V PoE option (dry indoor use); maximum consumption 10.5 W; 802.3at support conflicting in manufacturer rows
ManagementCloud-managed through the Instant On web portal or mobile app; no local controllerOmada app; Omada Cloud-Based, Hardware or Software Controller; web-based management; management VLAN; SSH, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, syslog
MountingWall or ceiling; mount bracket includedPole or wall mounting, kits included

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 ›

TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor

  • + Owners report strong outdoor range, over 40 m with line of sight
  • + Standard 802.3af PoE with a 10.5 W maximum draw
  • + Omada controller options plus web management and management VLAN
  • − Wi-Fi 5 only, with no newer standard
  • − Single gigabit port; 802.3at support is conflicting in manufacturer rows
  • − Setup has a learning curve for some owners

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need Wi-Fi 6 or newer radios
  • Anyone who needs an uplink faster than gigabit
  • Buyers who need confirmed WPA3 and guest isolation, or a rating for harsh climates
Read the full TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor review ›

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