Are Powerline Adapters Good for Gaming? Complete Guide

If you are wondering are powerline adapters good for gaming this article has all the details you need, and a verdict.

One of the major concerns for any gamer while playing on a console or PC is to have the best connectivity, have a minimum lag and reduce latency levels.

The short answer is a resounding YES. Powerline adapters offer a connection between your home internet connection and your gaming console. They are connected through your home’s existing electrical connections and will establish an access point at every electrical outlet in your house.

It’s best to understand how powerline adapters work to help you determine if it is the right option for you.

In addition, it’s also important to make a comparison with other available options and settle for the best.

Read on to find out more!

The Basics Of Powerline Adapters

The powerline adapter helps solve major problems while gaming online. These are:

1. Latency

Latency measures the strength of your internet connection to the console. It should always be high for a smooth gaming experience and better picture quality.

2. Connectivity

Good connectivity with fast and reliable internet speeds ensures you won’t have to pause midgame or deal with intermittent interruptions.

3. Lag

Lag measures the responsiveness of your network to the game. High lag means you will have slow responses and will be at a disadvantage while playing.

The powerline adapter will solve these problems, and your gaming experience will generally be an enjoyable one.

Are Powerline Adapters Good For Gaming – Reasons

Before considering whether powerline adapters are the right option for you, evaluate your connection needs and current internet performance.

If you want to get fewer cable connections or your internet is bad, powerline adapters can help you.

Here are some of the reasons you should try them out;

Reason #1 Powerline Adapters Vs. WIFI Router

Consoles support a direct connection to your WIFI router. Many gamers use this option since it is simple and you don’t have to make multiple connections.

It is, however, less reliable compared to a powerline adapter in several ways. The latter will make your gaming better compared to a WIFI router connection.

Here’s why:

1. Higher connection speeds.
2. No signal barriers such as walls.
3. Proximity to your gaming console.
4. Uses existing power line hence no investment on a router.

Your console should always be closer to your WIFI router for a stable connection. It will ensure you don’t experience any lag and that you can play smoothly.

This will, however, not be the case if the router and console are in different rooms in the house.

However, with the powerline adapter, you can create a strong connection anywhere you take your console around the house. The connection speed will remain high.

Your WIFI router will encounter several signal barriers before connecting to your console. They include walls, other wireless signals and distance.

TIP: Powerline adapters can be connected to any power outlet in your house. It will bypass all physical barriers to ensure your console gets a strong signal.

Reason #2 Powerline Adapters Vs. Ethernet Internet Connection

Some gamers prefer ethernet cables since they offer a steady internet connection. They are also simple to install as you only have to plug the cable into the ethernet port on your console.

The connection will not break unless you take out the cable, and this is quite reliable. A powerline adapter, however, offers better features that make it more reliable.

Here are some reasons to pick powerline adapters over Ethernet connections;

1. No need to spend money on lengthy Ethernet cables.
2. No need to deal with cable replacements after wear and tear.
3. Avoids cable installations altogether.
4. Get wider coverage unlike Ethernet cable connection.

Installing powerline adapters is fast and simple since connection is drawn from an existing cable connection throughout your house.

It will thus make every room with a power outlet accessible with the powerline adapter, and consoles can be connected easily.

It is thus the right solution for are ethernet powerline adapters good for gaming.

What About Coverage?

Powerline adapters offer wider coverage compared to ethernet cables. As long as there is a power outlet in a room, you can always use a powerline adapter.

You can therefore locate your console in any room without compromising the quality of your connectivity.

With an Ethernet cable, however, you are limited to where the cable will reach. In addition, it is not as portable as the powerline adapter, which will inconvenience you while you set up your preferred console gaming area.

NOTE: Powerline adapters have high connection speed and can clock up to 1Gbps on a 5G internet connection. 

They will remain strong and stable for a longer time, making games on your console run smoothly. It will make your latency and lag levels lower.

Reason #3 Powerline Adapter Vs. Network Extender

When finding out how good are powerline adapters for gaming, you have to compare them with WIFI extenders.

The WIFI extender is meant to amplify your WIFI connection to ensure it reaches wider distances and to let you connect your console comfortably.

These are the reasons why a power adapter will outperform a network extender in console gaming;

1. Lower latency.
2. Better internet speeds.
3. No intermittent internet connection and disruptions.
4. Ability to move your gaming console to different rooms.

The constant beaming of signals from one area to another with the network extender degrades its overall speed and reliability.

It will increase the latency significantly and will become unstable when connected to the console. A powerline will connect from one area directly to an outlet close to the console and have no interference.

What About Connection Speed?

Powerline adapters have a high connection speed as they will encounter fewer barriers than the signals from a network extender.

This will ensure a gamer can continue to play with low ping and a stable connection.

A Powerline adapter can easily be moved throughout the house as long as the area is covered under the main connection.

However, a network adapter should remain close to the router from which it is receiving its signal to work correctly. The former is thus more convenient for a console gamer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Electricity Will Your Powerline Adapter Use?

Powerline adapters use a small amount of power to remain powered on all day long.

You will thus hardly notice any changes in your electricity consumption. Since they rely on your existing cable connections, this power-saving option is good.

Are Powerline Adapters Reliable?

A major concern for gamers is – Are powerline adapters good for gaming, and they are. The devices reduce lag and eliminate latency.

Games on your console will thus run smoothly, and your responses in games will be captured faster. It will thus keep you ahead of other gamers.

Can Powerline Adapters Improve Gaming Performance?

Yes, powerline adapters will significantly improve your gaming performance. They ensure your game progression is smooth and high frame rates are maintained.

It will thus help you become better in competitive games. Powerline adapters are a good alternative for Wi-Fi, ethernet or Wi-Fi extender connections to your console.

Powerline adapters are brilliant especially for gamers who prefer a wireless interface. You will want a solution that will ensure your games run smoothly and at high frame rates. 

It is important to have stable internet, especially when playing competitive FPS games, which are all things that powerline adapters provide.

Read Next: How to Fix TP-Link Powerline Adapter Keeps Disconnecting?

Final Thought

Powerline adapters significantly outperform other options in speed, reliability and convenience.

Your gaming experience will become better when using this option, and you should ensure your home cable connection is good.

You can now make an informed decision on are powerline adapters good for gaming.

Happy gaming!!