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

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

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

The TP-Link Omada EAP225 scores 5.6/10 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 and value.

The TP-Link Omada EAP225 leads on management.

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

The biggest difference is management, where the TP-Link Omada EAP225 scores 8/10 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

TP-Link Omada EAP225

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The TP-Link Omada EAP225 is a Wi-Fi 5 dual-band ceiling or wall access point for people who want flexible management. It suits homelabs and small offices that already run, or plan to run, an Omada controller or a PoE switch. It is not aimed at buyers who want Wi-Fi 6 or later, or a faster-than-gigabit uplink.

Typically about £68 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	TP-Link Omada EAP225
Wi-Fi standard and bands	25%	6/10	4/10
Uplink and power	20%	6/10	6/10
Management	20%	3/10	8/10
Software and security	20%	5/10	5/10
Value	15%	7/10	5/10
Overall		5.4/10	5.6/10

Specifications

Spec	HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22	TP-Link Omada EAP225
Wi-Fi standard	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 5: 802.11a/n/ac on 5 GHz, 802.11b/g/n on 2.4 GHz
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 up to 450 Mbps (3x3), 5 GHz up to 867 Mbps (2x2)
Uplink port	1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (1GbE), with PoE-in	1x 10/100/1000M RJ45 (Gigabit)
Power (PoE class)	PoE in 802.3af (class 3), max 10.1 W (PoE) or 8.8 W (DC); external 12V adapter option	802.3af PoE, or 24V passive PoE with included adapter
Management	Cloud-managed through the Instant On web portal or mobile app; no local controller	Standalone web management and SSH, SNMP v1/v2/v3, Omada app, Omada Controller V6.2+, Omada Essential
Mounting	Wall or ceiling; mount bracket included	Ceiling or wall mounting, mounting kit 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 Omada EAP225

+ Standalone web UI, SSH, SNMP and Omada controller options
+ Powers from 802.3af PoE or an included passive adapter
+ WPA3 listed in the hardware specifications
− Wi-Fi 5 only, not Wi-Fi 6, 6E or 7
− Gigabit uplink, with no 2.5GbE port
− Mesh and centralised management need an Omada controller

Skip it if:

Buyers who want Wi-Fi 6, 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support
Anyone who needs a 2.5GbE uplink
Buyers who want cloud management on V3.20 hardware

Read the full TP-Link Omada EAP225 review ›

More comparisons

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