Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

TP-Link TL-WA1801 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-WA1801 scores 5.3/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link TL-WA801N at 4.1/10.

The TP-Link TL-WA1801 leads on wi-Fi standard and bands, uplink and power and management.

They score the same on software and security and value.

The biggest difference is wi-Fi standard and bands, where the TP-Link TL-WA1801 scores 6/10 to the TP-Link TL-WA801N's 3/10.

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

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-WA1801TP-Link TL-WA801N
Wi-Fi standard and bands25%6/103/10
Uplink and power20%4/103/10
Management20%7/106/10
Software and security20%4/104/10
Value15%5/105/10
Overall5.3/104.1/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link TL-WA1801TP-Link TL-WA801N
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)IEEE 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11b (Wi-Fi 4)
Bands and speed classDual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, marketed as AX18002.4 GHz only, 300 Mbps
Uplink port1 Gigabit port (supports passive PoE)One 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port (RJ45) with passive PoE support
Power (PoE class)Passive PoE with 48V external supply rated 0.375APassive PoE; external supply 9 VDC / 0.6 A
ManagementWeb UI and Tether app (free, Android and iOS); SNMP and Ping Watchdog; multi-SSID with VLAN supportWeb-based user interface; SNMP listed; no cloud or Omada controller management listed for this model
Mountingnot listedDesktop use with wall-mounting design

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

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 ›

More comparisons

Compare all Wi-Fi access points · Best Wi-Fi access points