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TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor vs Zyxel NWA50AX

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

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

The Zyxel NWA50AX scores 6.2/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor at 5.9/10.

The TP-Link EAP225-Outdoor leads on value.

The Zyxel NWA50AX leads on wi-Fi standard and bands and software and security.

They score the same on uplink and power and management.

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

Zyxel NWA50AX

Zyxel NWA50AX

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Zyxel NWA50AX is a ceiling or wall Wi-Fi 6 access point for small offices, flats and homelabs that want simple wired Wi-Fi. It suits buyers with a gigabit PoE+ switch who want either Nebula cloud management or a standalone web interface. It is less suited to anyone who needs 2.5GbE uplink or a 6 GHz band.

Typically about £70 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

CriterionWeightTP-Link EAP225-OutdoorZyxel NWA50AX
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%5/106/10
Uplink and power20%6/106/10
Management20%7/107/10
Software and security20%5/106/10
Value15%7/106/10
Overall5.9/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link EAP225-OutdoorZyxel NWA50AX
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/g/b/a, marketed as WiFi 6
Bands and speed classDual-band 2.4 GHz (up to 300 Mbps) and 5 GHz (up to 867 Mbps)2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual radio, 2x2 on each; 575 Mbps (2.4 GHz) and 1200 Mbps (5 GHz)
Uplink port1x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) port1 x 10/100/1000M LAN (gigabit)
Power (PoE class)802.3af PoE; passive 24V PoE option (dry indoor use); maximum consumption 10.5 W; 802.3at support conflicting in manufacturer rows802.3at (PoE+), 16 W PoE; local power via DC 12V 1.5A AC adapter
ManagementOmada app; Omada Cloud-Based, Hardware or Software Controller; web-based management; management VLAN; SSH, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, syslogNebula cloud managed and standalone; web GUI/CLI; ZON Utility for discovery and batch config
MountingPole or wall mounting, kits includedMount plate and mounting screws included; suits ceiling, wall and tabletop

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

Zyxel NWA50AX

  • + Standard 802.3at PoE+ with adapter included
  • + Cloud or standalone management with VLAN support
  • + Owners report easy setup and good range
  • − Gigabit uplink only; 2.5GbE is on the PRO
  • − Dual-band only, with no 6 GHz
  • − Owners report trouble separating the guest network

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a 2.5GbE uplink and should look at the PRO model
  • Anyone who needs a 6 GHz band
  • People who rely on a guest network that works without extra configuration
Read the full Zyxel NWA50AX review ›

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