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TP-Link TL-WA1201 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 TL-WA1201 scores 5.8/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link TL-WA1801 at 5.3/10.

The TP-Link TL-WA1201 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.

The biggest difference is software and security, where the TP-Link TL-WA1201 scores 7/10 to the TP-Link TL-WA1801's 4/10.

TP-Link TL-WA1201

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 (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 TL-WA1201TP-Link TL-WA1801
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%4/106/10
Uplink and power20%5/104/10
Management20%8/107/10
Software and security20%7/104/10
Value15%5/105/10
Overall5.8/105.3/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link TL-WA1201TP-Link TL-WA1801
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11ac Wave 2 APWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bands and speed classDual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHzDual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, marketed as AX1800
Uplink port1x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port with passive PoE support1 Gigabit port (supports passive PoE)
Power (PoE class)Passive PoE on Ethernet port; PoE injector in the box; external power supply rated 12V/1.5APassive PoE with 48V external supply rated 0.375A
ManagementLocal web UI reached at tplinkap.net; modes include access point, range extender, client and multi-SSIDWeb UI and Tether app (free, Android and iOS); SNMP and Ping Watchdog; multi-SSID with VLAN support
MountingWall or desktop mountingnot listed

Strengths and weaknesses

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
  • − No owner feedback in the research

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 ›

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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