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TP-Link PA7017P vs PA9020P: Check the Path, Then Count the Ports

Choose the TL-PA7017P KIT for one remote wired device if its current price is lower. Choose the TL-PA9020P KIT for two direct connections at one desk or TV, budgeting for a third Ethernet cable. First decide whether you can accept wiring-dependent performance: neither kit guarantees a target speed, and AV2000 does not mean twice the usable speed of AV1000.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-11

Source checked 2026-10-11 00:10 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Is powerline a sensible option for the intended electrical path, and do you need one or two direct Ethernet connections at the destination?

The PA9020P adds a second direct Ethernet connection at the remote adapter; its larger AV label does not establish a faster result in your home.

Quick verdict

Choose TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT if

  • You want a TV and console, or two desk devices, plugged directly into the same remote adapter without adding a switch.
View TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT on AmazonPaid link
When to skip: You need a guaranteed data speed at the destination before choosing a connection method.
When the recommendation changes
  • A required speed must be assured before purchase: neither model label resolves that need.
  • An existing Ethernet switch already supplies the remote connections, reducing the value of the PA9020P second port.
  • The electrical path or applicable installation requirements remain uncertain; resolve those before choosing either kit.

The differences that matter

Electrical Path Eligibility And Rate Expectations

TP-Link TL-PA7017P KIT

AV1000 is a maximum physical signal-rate class, not guaranteed usable speed. TP-Link names electrical interference, traffic, overhead, AFCI breakers and separate circuits as factors affecting throughput or range.[1]

TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT

AV2000 describes a theoretical physical-layer rate, not guaranteed usable speed. TP-Link names electrical noise, wiring and traffic as limits, and recommends the same circuit and HomePlug standard for better performance.[2]

What this changes: Treat the intended electrical path as the first buying question. Neither label tells you what speed your outlets will deliver, and AV2000 does not promise twice AV1000 usable speed. Same-circuit advice is a performance recommendation, not proof that every cross-circuit connection is impossible.[1, 2]

The available evidence does not establish a winner

Remote Endpoint Count And Extra Switch Need

TP-Link TL-PA7017P KIT

One Gigabit Ethernet port per adapter; the model-level kit specification lists two adapters and two Ethernet cables.[1]

TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT

Two Gigabit Ethernet ports per adapter; the model-level kit specification lists two adapters and two Ethernet cables.[2]

What this changes: With one adapter at the router and one at the destination, TL-PA7017P directly connects one remote device; TL-PA9020P directly connects two devices at that same location. A router plus two directly connected remote devices uses three Ethernet cables, so the PA9020P setup needs one more cable than the two listed in the kit. The PA7017P needs additional connection hardware, such as an Ethernet switch, for two remote devices.[1, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

One wired device at a remote desk

Best fit: TP-Link TL-PA7017P KIT

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The PA7017P supplies the single direct connection you need. Prefer it when its current offer costs less; this is a port-fit choice, not evidence that it performs better.

View TP-Link TL-PA7017P KIT on AmazonPaid link

TV and console at the same remote location

Best fit: TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Both can plug directly into the PA9020P remote adapter. Obtain or reuse the third Ethernet cable for the router-plus-two-device setup; the second port does not guarantee more usable bandwidth.

View TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

If the PA9020P costs more, weigh its second direct remote connection against the switch and cabling you would otherwise need or already own. Compare the complete setup rather than treating AV2000 as a proven speed upgrade.

There is not enough verified price history here for a buy-now or wait recommendation. Check current offers and the required extra hardware.

Limitations

  • This comparison covers US model-page specifications. The hardware revision and exact package sold by a particular retailer are unverified; confirm kit contents before ordering. It does not resolve housing dimensions or clearance around your outlet.
  • The electrical-path guidance is not a home-installation or safety assessment. Grounding and conductor requirements are not established here. Consult the applicable instructions and qualified professional support if the installation is uncertain.
  • No comparable hands-on throughput, latency, coverage or long-term reliability tests were used. There is no measured performance, reliability, safety or security winner.

Questions shoppers ask

Will either kit work across different electrical circuits?

The cited pages do not settle that for a particular home. For the PA9020P, TP-Link recommends the same circuit for better performance. For the PA7017P, it lists separate circuits among factors that can affect throughput and range; its footnote also specifically names AFCI breakers. These statements do not guarantee same-circuit results or establish that every cross-circuit path fails. TP-Link advises consulting an IT professional when network conditions are uncertain.

Does AV2000 deliver 2 Gbps to my computer?

No. The label refers to a theoretical powerline physical rate, while the PA9020P has Gigabit Ethernet ports. Neither the label nor the port rating promises a usable data-transfer speed. Your Internet plan can also limit Internet traffic, but it is not the speed ceiling for every transfer within your local network.

Do two ports mean I can connect two separate remote rooms?

Not with the included adapters in the usual router-to-remote setup. Each model page lists two adapters: one goes at the router, leaving one remote adapter. The PA9020P second port adds a connection where that remote adapter sits; it does not add another remote powerline adapter.

Methodology and sources

We compared the US product pages’ circuit and rate qualifications, Ethernet ports and listed kit contents. Cable needs are calculated for one adapter at the router and one at the remote location; advertised rates are not treated as measured performance.

AI was used for source research, drafting and editing this comparison. Pickoryx did not conduct hands-on testing of either kit.

View 2 sources
  1. 1.TL-PA7017P KIT | AV1000 Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit | TP-LinkTP-Link · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-11 00:10 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Overview: Gigabit Port and Plug and Play; Specifications: Interface and Package Content; footnote 2 and final network-speed note: One Gigabit Ethernet port per adapter, two adapters and two cables; physical-rate and electrical-path limitations including separate circuits and AFCI.
  2. 2.TL-PA9020P KIT | AV2000 2-Port Gigabit Passthrough Powerline Starter Kit | TP-LinkTP-Link · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-11 00:10 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Specifications: Transmission Speeds, Interface and Package Content; first asterisk footnote and final network-speed note: Two Gigabit ports per adapter, two adapters and two cables; theoretical physical rate, Ethernet limits and same-circuit recommendation.