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TP-Link TL-WA1201 vs Zyxel NWA50AX PRO

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

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

The Zyxel NWA50AX PRO scores 6.8/10 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 PRO leads on wi-Fi standard and bands, uplink and power and value.

The biggest difference is uplink and power, where the Zyxel NWA50AX PRO scores 8/10 to the TP-Link TL-WA1201's 5/10.

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

Zyxel NWA50AX PRO

Zyxel NWA50AX PRO

6.8/10verdict: buy

The Zyxel NWA50AX PRO is a ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi 6 access point with a 2.5GbE uplink and PoE+ power. It suits buyers who have a PoE+ switch and want VLAN support with a choice of cloud or standalone management. It is less suited to anyone who needs 6 GHz or wants a quick setup with no configuration.

Typically about £67.31 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 PRO
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%4/106/10
Uplink and power20%5/108/10
Management20%8/107/10
Software and security20%7/106/10
Value15%5/107/10
Overall5.8/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link TL-WA1201Zyxel NWA50AX PRO
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11ac Wave 2 APIEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/g/b/a (Wi-Fi 6)
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 (575 Mbps) and 5 GHz (2400 Mbps), marketed as AX3000; 20/40/80/160 MHz channel widths
Uplink port1x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port with passive PoE support1 x 1/2.5 Gbps LAN port (2.5GbE)
Power (PoE class)Passive PoE on Ethernet port; PoE injector in the box; external power supply rated 12V/1.5AIEEE 802.3at (PoE+), 20.5 W rated PoE draw
ManagementLocal web UI reached at tplinkap.net; modes include access point, range extender, client and multi-SSIDNebula cloud-managed or standalone; web GUI and CLI
MountingWall or desktop mountingMounting plate and mounting screws included; 140 × 140 × 37.5 mm, 352 g

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 PRO

  • + 2.5GbE uplink with standard 802.3at PoE+
  • + Nebula cloud or standalone web GUI and CLI
  • + VLAN support and SNMP management
  • − No 6 GHz band; dual-band Wi-Fi 6 only
  • − Owners report Nebula-to-standalone setup is difficult
  • − Only one RJ-45 port

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need a 6 GHz band for current devices
  • Buyers who want a no-configuration setup with an easy standalone switch-over
  • Buyers without a PoE+ switch who do not want to power it another way
Read the full Zyxel NWA50AX PRO review ›

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