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TP-Link TL-WA1201 vs UniFi U7 Pro

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

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

The UniFi U7 Pro scores 7.3/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link TL-WA1201 at 5.8/10.

The TP-Link TL-WA1201 leads on management.

The UniFi U7 Pro leads on wi-Fi standard and bands, uplink and power and value.

They score the same on software and security.

The biggest difference is wi-Fi standard and bands, where the UniFi U7 Pro scores 9/10 to the TP-Link TL-WA1201'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

UniFi U7 Pro

UniFi U7 Pro

7.3/10verdict: buy

The UniFi U7 Pro is a ceiling or wall access point for people who want tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and already run, or plan to run, UniFi Network. It suits a home or small-office network that needs 6 GHz and a 2.5GbE uplink. It is less suited to anyone who wants to configure an access point from a simple standalone app.

Typically about £180 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-WA1201UniFi U7 Pro
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%4/109/10
Uplink and power20%5/108/10
Management20%8/105/10
Software and security20%7/107/10
Value15%5/107/10
Overall5.8/107.3/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link TL-WA1201UniFi U7 Pro
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11ac Wave 2 APWiFi 7 (802.11be), with 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E), ac and n listed as supported
Bands and speed classDual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHzTri-band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz, each 2x2 MU-MIMO; max data rates 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 4.3 Gbps (5 GHz), 5.8 Gbps (6 GHz); 6 spatial streams
Uplink port1x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port with passive PoE supportOne 1/2.5 GbE RJ45 port (2.5 GbE)
Power (PoE class)Passive PoE on Ethernet port; PoE injector in the box; external power supply rated 12V/1.5APoE+ input, 44–57V DC supply range, maximum consumption 21W
ManagementLocal web UI reached at tplinkap.net; modes include access point, range extender, client and multi-SSIDEthernet; requires UniFi Network 8.0.28 or later
MountingWall or desktop mountingCeiling or wall, with a Pro Mount included

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 ›

UniFi U7 Pro

  • + Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 6 GHz and 6 spatial streams
  • + 2.5GbE uplink and standard PoE+ input
  • + Guest isolation, Private PSK and RADIUS over TLS, with no paywalled features
  • − Standalone app reported too limited for configuration
  • − Some PoE ports may not supply enough power
  • − One reviewer says it runs extremely hot

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want to configure an access point fully from a simple standalone app
  • Anyone whose PoE switch can't confirm full PoE+ output on every port
  • Buyers without any Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 clients who don't need the 6 GHz radio
Read the full UniFi U7 Pro review ›

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