Tech & Gadgets · Head-to-head
TP-Link AV1000 Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA7017P KIT) vs TP-Link AV2000 2-Port Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA9020P KIT)
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Powerline Adapters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The AV1000 passthrough kit is the right buy for most homes: a gigabit port that won't bottleneck you, a passthrough outlet so you keep the socket, and a price that isn't a stretch. Step up to the two-port AV2000 only if you're on a fast plan, feeding several wired devices, or fighting long or noisy wiring.
TP-Link AV1000 Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA7017P KIT)
Buy itThe sensible default: gigabit port, a passthrough outlet so you don't lose the socket, and enough real-world headroom for almost any home use.
- One Gigabit Ethernet port per unit, so the adapter itself isn't the bottleneck
- Built-in passthrough outlet keeps the wall socket usable for a lamp, TV or console
- HomePlug AV2 with 128-bit AES and true plug-and-pair setup
- Real throughput still depends heavily on your wiring and can fall well short of the rated figure
- No Wi-Fi built in, so it only helps a device you can run a short cable to
TP-Link AV2000 2-Port Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA9020P KIT)
Buy itThe performance pick: two gigabit ports and 2x2 MIMO that squeezes more out of tricky wiring and longer runs.
- Two Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit for wiring a console and a TV or two PCs from one adapter
- 2x2 MIMO uses extra conductors in your wiring for better stability on longer or cross-circuit runs
- Passthrough outlet plus 128-bit AES, same simple pairing as the rest of the line
- Costs meaningfully more than a single-port AV1000 kit
- The 2000 headline number is a rated maximum you will not see in a real home
- Larger, heavier bricks that can crowd a tight outlet or power strip
Side by side
The 6 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| TP-Link AV1000 Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA7017P KIT) Our pick | TP-Link AV2000 2-Port Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA9020P KIT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Most people who want a reliable wired link to one room and don't want to sacrifice the outlet. | Enthusiasts on a gigabit plan who want the best odds on difficult wiring or need to feed multiple wired devices. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$$ · premium |
| Rated powerline speed | AV1000 (up to 1000 Mbps) | AV2000 (up to 2000 Mbps, 2x2 MIMO) |
| Ethernet port per unit | One Gigabit | Two Gigabit |
| Passthrough outlet | Yes - socket stays usable | Yes - socket stays usable |
| Realistic ceiling | High (gigabit port, wiring permitting) | Highest of the group |
| Best home fit | Value all-rounder | Heavy or multi-device on gigabit plans |
| Setup & security | Plug & pair, 128-bit AES | Plug & pair, 128-bit AES |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the TP-Link AV1000 Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA7017P KIT) if
most people who want a reliable wired link to one room and don't want to sacrifice the outlet.
Know before buying: real throughput still depends heavily on your wiring and can fall well short of the rated figure.
Pick the TP-Link AV2000 2-Port Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA9020P KIT) if
enthusiasts on a gigabit plan who want the best odds on difficult wiring or need to feed multiple wired devices.
Know before buying: costs meaningfully more than a single-port AV1000 kit.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the TP-Link AV1000 Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA7017P KIT) - The sensible default: gigabit port, a passthrough outlet so you don't lose the socket, and enough real-world headroom for almost any home use. Choose the TP-Link AV2000 2-Port Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Kit (TL-PA9020P KIT) instead if enthusiasts on a gigabit plan who want the best odds on difficult wiring or need to feed multiple wired devices.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Powerline Adapters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).