HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 vs TP-Link TL-WA1201

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

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

The TP-Link TL-WA1201 scores 5.8/10 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, uplink and power and value.

The TP-Link TL-WA1201 leads on management and software and security.

The biggest difference is management, where the TP-Link TL-WA1201 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

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TP-Link TL-WA1201

5.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The TL-WA1201 is a Wi-Fi 5 desktop or wall access point for small offices, home labs and flats that want a local web interface for management. It suits buyers who need tagged SSIDs on separate VLANs and want a PoE injector supplied. It is not for anyone chasing Wi-Fi 6 speeds or a multi-gigabit uplink.

Typically about £46.99 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 TL-WA1201
Wi-Fi standard and bands	25%	6/10	4/10
Uplink and power	20%	6/10	5/10
Management	20%	3/10	8/10
Software and security	20%	5/10	7/10
Value	15%	7/10	5/10
Overall		5.4/10	5.8/10

Specifications

Spec	HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22	TP-Link TL-WA1201
Wi-Fi standard	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11ac Wave 2 AP
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; 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz
Uplink port	1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (1GbE), with PoE-in	1x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port with passive PoE support
Power (PoE class)	PoE in 802.3af (class 3), max 10.1 W (PoE) or 8.8 W (DC); external 12V adapter option	Passive PoE on Ethernet port; PoE injector in the box; external power supply rated 12V/1.5A
Management	Cloud-managed through the Instant On web portal or mobile app; no local controller	Local web UI reached at tplinkap.net; modes include access point, range extender, client and multi-SSID
Mounting	Wall or ceiling; mount bracket included	Wall or desktop mounting

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 TL-WA1201

+ Up to four SSIDs and VLANs on each band
+ Local web UI at tplinkap.net
+ PoE injector included in the box
− Wi-Fi 5 only, 867 Mbps on 5 GHz
− Single gigabit port, passive PoE

Skip it if:

Buyers who want Wi-Fi 6 or newer radios
Anyone needing a 2.5GbE uplink or standard PoE+ powering
People who want owner reviews on reliability before buying

Read the full TP-Link TL-WA1201 review ›

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