HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 vs Zyxel NWA50AX PRO

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

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

The Zyxel NWA50AX PRO scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 at 5.4/10.

The Zyxel NWA50AX PRO leads on uplink and power, management and software and security.

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

The biggest difference is management, where the Zyxel NWA50AX PRO 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

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

Zyxel NWA50AX PRO

6.8/10verdict: buy

The Zyxel NWA50AX PRO is a ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi 6 access point with a 2.5GbE uplink and PoE+ power. It suits buyers who have a PoE+ switch and want VLAN support with a choice of cloud or standalone management. It is less suited to anyone who needs 6 GHz or wants a quick setup with no configuration.

Typically about £67.31 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	Zyxel NWA50AX PRO
Wi-Fi standard and bands	25%	6/10	6/10
Uplink and power	20%	6/10	8/10
Management	20%	3/10	7/10
Software and security	20%	5/10	6/10
Value	15%	7/10	7/10
Overall		5.4/10	6.8/10

Specifications

Spec	HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22	Zyxel NWA50AX PRO
Wi-Fi standard	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/g/b/a (Wi-Fi 6)
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 (575 Mbps) and 5 GHz (2400 Mbps), marketed as AX3000; 20/40/80/160 MHz channel widths
Uplink port	1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (1GbE), with PoE-in	1 x 1/2.5 Gbps LAN port (2.5GbE)
Power (PoE class)	PoE in 802.3af (class 3), max 10.1 W (PoE) or 8.8 W (DC); external 12V adapter option	IEEE 802.3at (PoE+), 20.5 W rated PoE draw
Management	Cloud-managed through the Instant On web portal or mobile app; no local controller	Nebula cloud-managed or standalone; web GUI and CLI
Mounting	Wall or ceiling; mount bracket included	Mounting plate and mounting screws included; 140 × 140 × 37.5 mm, 352 g

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 ›

Zyxel NWA50AX PRO

+ 2.5GbE uplink with standard 802.3at PoE+
+ Nebula cloud or standalone web GUI and CLI
+ VLAN support and SNMP management
− No 6 GHz band; dual-band Wi-Fi 6 only
− Owners report Nebula-to-standalone setup is difficult
− Only one RJ-45 port

Skip it if:

Buyers who need a 6 GHz band for current devices
Buyers who want a no-configuration setup with an easy standalone switch-over
Buyers without a PoE+ switch who do not want to power it another way

Read the full Zyxel NWA50AX PRO review ›

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