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TP-Link Omada EAP225 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 TP-Link Omada EAP225 scores 5.6/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link TL-WA1801 at 5.3/10.

The TP-Link Omada EAP225 leads on uplink and power, management and software and security.

The TP-Link TL-WA1801 leads on wi-Fi standard and bands.

They score the same on value.

TP-Link Omada EAP225

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 (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

CriterionWeightTP-Link Omada EAP225TP-Link TL-WA1801
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%4/106/10
Uplink and power20%6/104/10
Management20%8/107/10
Software and security20%5/104/10
Value15%5/105/10
Overall5.6/105.3/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link Omada EAP225TP-Link TL-WA1801
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 5: 802.11a/n/ac on 5 GHz, 802.11b/g/n on 2.4 GHzWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bands and speed classDual-band: 2.4 GHz up to 450 Mbps (3x3), 5 GHz up to 867 Mbps (2x2)Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, marketed as AX1800
Uplink port1x 10/100/1000M RJ45 (Gigabit)1 Gigabit port (supports passive PoE)
Power (PoE class)802.3af PoE, or 24V passive PoE with included adapterPassive PoE with 48V external supply rated 0.375A
ManagementStandalone web management and SSH, SNMP v1/v2/v3, Omada app, Omada Controller V6.2+, Omada EssentialWeb UI and Tether app (free, Android and iOS); SNMP and Ping Watchdog; multi-SSID with VLAN support
MountingCeiling or wall mounting, mounting kit includednot listed

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

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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