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TP-Link TL-WA1201 vs TP-Link TL-WA801N

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-WA801N at 4.1/10.

The TP-Link TL-WA1201 leads on wi-Fi standard and bands, uplink and power, management and software and security.

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-WA801N'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-WA801N

TP-Link TL-WA801N

4.1/10verdict: skip

The TL-WA801N is for people who need a simple 2.4 GHz access point with a web interface and VLAN-tagged SSIDs. It suits small, light-duty wireless jobs where a 300 Mbps wireless rate and a 100 Mbps wired port are enough. It is a poor fit if you need 5 GHz, WPA3 or controller-based management.

Typically about £25.97 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-WA801N
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%4/103/10
Uplink and power20%5/103/10
Management20%8/106/10
Software and security20%7/104/10
Value15%5/105/10
Overall5.8/104.1/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link TL-WA1201TP-Link TL-WA801N
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11ac Wave 2 APIEEE 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b (Wi-Fi 4)
Bands and speed classDual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz2.4 GHz only, 300 Mbps
Uplink port1x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port with passive PoE supportOne 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port (RJ45) with passive PoE support
Power (PoE class)Passive PoE on Ethernet port; PoE injector in the box; external power supply rated 12V/1.5APassive PoE; external supply 9 VDC / 0.6 A
ManagementLocal web UI reached at tplinkap.net; modes include access point, range extender, client and multi-SSIDWeb-based user interface; SNMP listed; no cloud or Omada controller management listed for this model
MountingWall or desktop mountingDesktop use with wall-mounting design

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

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-WA801N

  • + Multi-SSID with VLAN support listed on the datasheet
  • + Passive PoE support as well as an external supply
  • + AP isolation and SNMP are both listed
  • − 2.4 GHz only, Wi-Fi 4 at 300 Mbps
  • − Single 10/100 Ethernet port
  • − WPA3 not listed; no controller management listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need a 5 GHz band or anything newer than Wi-Fi 4
  • Anyone who requires WPA3 on the wireless network
  • Admins who want central controller or cloud management of several access points
Read the full TP-Link TL-WA801N review ›

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