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HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 vs TP-Link TL-WA1801

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

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

The HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 scores 5.4/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link TL-WA1801 at 5.3/10.

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

The TP-Link TL-WA1801 leads on management.

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

The biggest difference is management, where the TP-Link TL-WA1801 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 TL-WA1801

TP-Link TL-WA1801

5.3/10verdict: good, not the best

The TL-WA1801 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 access point for small wired networks that need a few separate SSIDs. It suits home offices, flats and homelabs where VLAN-tagged wireless matters more than 6 GHz or multi-gig speeds. Buyers who need rock-solid stability or a long firmware record should read the owner reports first.

Typically about £67 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 TL-WA1801
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%6/106/10
Uplink and power20%6/104/10
Management20%3/107/10
Software and security20%5/104/10
Value15%7/105/10
Overall5.4/105.3/10

Specifications

SpecHPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22TP-Link TL-WA1801
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
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 and 5 GHz, marketed as AX1800
Uplink port1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (1GbE), with PoE-in1 Gigabit port (supports passive PoE)
Power (PoE class)PoE in 802.3af (class 3), max 10.1 W (PoE) or 8.8 W (DC); external 12V adapter optionPassive PoE with 48V external supply rated 0.375A
ManagementCloud-managed through the Instant On web portal or mobile app; no local controllerWeb UI and Tether app (free, Android and iOS); SNMP and Ping Watchdog; multi-SSID with VLAN support
MountingWall or ceiling; mount bracket includednot listed

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-WA1801

  • + Up to four VLAN-tagged SSIDs per band
  • + Web UI, SNMP and Ping Watchdog included
  • + PoE injector supplied in the box
  • − Single gigabit port, no 2.5GbE
  • − Owners report dropped connections and 5GHz problems
  • − Short firmware history; WPA3 support not listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need 2.5GbE uplink or standard PoE+ power
  • Anyone who requires confirmed WPA3 and guest isolation
  • Users planning to rely on client mode or the 5GHz radio
Read the full TP-Link TL-WA1801 review ›

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