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TP-Link TL-WA1201 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 TL-WA1201 at 5.8/10.

The TP-Link TL-WA1201 leads on management and software and security.

The Zyxel NWA50AX leads on wi-Fi standard and bands, uplink and power and value.

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

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 TL-WA1201Zyxel NWA50AX
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%4/106/10
Uplink and power20%5/106/10
Management20%8/107/10
Software and security20%7/106/10
Value15%5/106/10
Overall5.8/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link TL-WA1201Zyxel NWA50AX
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11ac Wave 2 APIEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/g/b/a, marketed as WiFi 6
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 and 5 GHz dual radio, 2x2 on each; 575 Mbps (2.4 GHz) and 1200 Mbps (5 GHz)
Uplink port1x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port with passive PoE support1 x 10/100/1000M LAN (gigabit)
Power (PoE class)Passive PoE on Ethernet port; PoE injector in the box; external power supply rated 12V/1.5A802.3at (PoE+), 16 W PoE; local power via DC 12V 1.5A AC adapter
ManagementLocal web UI reached at tplinkap.net; modes include access point, range extender, client and multi-SSIDNebula cloud managed and standalone; web GUI/CLI; ZON Utility for discovery and batch config
MountingWall or desktop mountingMount plate and mounting screws included; suits ceiling, wall and tabletop

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 ›

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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