Best MoCA Adapters 2021 – Reviews and Buying Guide
MoCA adaptors are small devices that boost your internet speed at home and the office. This useful gadget delivers consistency of internet connection, unlike modems or routers.
When you add a MoCA adapter to existing wired networks or Wi-Fi, you create a superfast network without using all the Wi-Fi bandwidth required for mobile devices.
Hence this results in a reliable superhighway for Wi-Fi traffic, eliminating all dead zones. In our review of the best MoCA adapters, we explore the different options on the market so that you can pick the one that meets your expectations. Let’s jump straight into the discussion!
How Does a MoCA Adapter Work?
MoCA helps in making wired networks function better with more speeds, reliability, and low latency. Normally, it uses the existing coaxial cables at home.
A coaxial cable connects TVs to set boxes and to the cable TV networks. The good news is that you can use the existing coaxial to improve the home network. Indeed it does raise the speed to an incredible 1 GBPS with latency as low as 3.5 MX when using these adapters or Wi-Fi extenders.
When this happens, you can stream and play online games due to the network being more consistent. On the same note, you can connect your device to the existing cable network using a Wi-Fi extender.
However, for the gadget to work, there must be coax to Ethernet ports that connect to several devices. For assurance, ensure the device you pick has a logo. You can also log in to the router’s configuration manager to confirm if the extender is device-enabled.
Before you start using the cable, you need to set it up first. Start by connecting the COAX-IN port of your coaxial cable to the adapter. Then, ensure the coaxial cable is connected to the Television or Set-Top box on the adapter’s Out-port.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality MoCA Adapter
A MoCA coax ethernet adapter helps to create a wired-network at home without necessarily interfering with the internet wiring. Upon connection, you’ll get an efficient, reliable, and extremely high internet speed.
Stream Many Games
There are numerous advantages to having a reliable internet connection. For starters, you can stream high-stake video games without any interruptions or lags. You can also stream live TV and connect other devices to your internet connection.
Impressive Speeds
With MoCA, you can achieve up to 1 gigabit (Gbps) network speed. A MoCA network adapter can boost your Wi-Fi signal. Hence it delivers an ultrafast network for pristine 4K streaming and web surfing.
Other than that, it offers a very high bandwidth of 175Mbps, which can stream two HD videos simultaneously.
Uses Current Wiring System
MoCA adapters are money-savers since you don’t need to install a new wiring system. You can use the existing coaxial network wiring, and therefore it’s easy to implement.
Can Handle Large Files
Due to internet speed reliability, you can transfer or share large files between devices, for instance, between a computer and a printer or computer to the television for viewing.
Doesn’t Interfere with Electric Connection
Since a MoCA adapter doesn’t use coaxial cable, it doesn’t interfere with the current electric connection. Similarly, it’s not affected by the current electric connections or other networks within the property.
Secure
Since it’s a wired system, MoCA has no risk of attacks by hackers, unlike Wi-Fi, because it is wireless and therefore secure.
4 Best MoCA Adapter Reviews
When shopping for these devices, you’ll be amazed at the broad selection within the market. Where it’s not easy to tell the difference by just the first impression, you’d want to be sure that the device you choose will give back value. Keep reading as we explore the adapters for you.
1. Zyxel MoCA
If you have a family, the most likely scenario is where everybody uses the internet for gaming, live streaming, surfing, and much more. Hence, you need a fast and reliable network. It can be frustrating when different users switch off their devices to allow others to access the network.
A simple solution is to turn your home coax cable into a 1.4 Gbps network so that you can enjoy high-speed network connectivity with different devices simultaneously or at the same time.
Zyxel MoCA Adapter enables you to build stable and speedy network connectivity through the existing coaxial layout. It supplements your Wi-Fi network without the need to install extra cables to extend the network from one place to the other.
This device is reliable and is of high performance. Therefore it ensures you have strong network connectivity to all corners of your home, including the so-called dead zones.
It’s based on the latest and most advanced MoCA 2.0 bonded technology. Hence this enables you to build a superior network of over 1 GBPS speeds, which is essential in multi-ultra HD streaming and online gaming.
Even better, you can perform these activities simultaneously without lags or interference from other devices connected to the system. Without a doubt, MoCA 1.1 and MoCA 1.0 cannot match MoCA 2.0; they are now outdated.
Installation is easy as you don’t need software to install or configure. You just need to connect one HLA 4205 to the Ethernet port on your router and the existing coax wall port.
Then, use the other HLA-4205 moca coax to Ethernet adapter or WAP-7205 coax to Wi-Fi adapters to the room that needs an extension of the internet. It is compatible with your existing coaxial cable used by antenna or TV service Providers.
You can turn any coaxial outlet within your home into high-speed internet connectivity using this MoCA adapter.
Pros
Cons
2. Actiontec MOCA Adapter
Our next product is Actiontec MOCA Adapter, which comes with multiple Gigabit switches to enhance your internet experience. If you have trouble dealing with dead zones or interference in your home or office, you can consider this device to boost your Gigabit Ethernet.
By integrating it into your current coax wiring system, you’ll achieve better speed and a reliable connection between your devices and the router.
With a speed of up to one Gpbs, you’re assured of latency and security. In a nutshell, Actiontec-MOCA Adapter boosts your Wi-Fi coverage by increasing the speed of the existing wired system.
Also, it’s a money saver since there’s no need to buy a new set of wires. This device uses your existing coax cable for your fiber optic or cable TV. Hence, there is a seamless integration without any interference. On the same note, it doesn’t support Direct TV, AT&T Internet, or satellite TV cables.
Another plus feature of this device is that it’s compatible with different types of ethernet routers. What this means is that it can work with any gadget with an existing coaxial port. These devices include Blu-ray, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox, and multimedia streaming gadgets.
The installation of this device is a breeze and doesn’t require the configuration of a MoCA adapter. Similarly, there’s no need to reconfigure your router when setting up. Also, you only need to plug a single adapter to your modem — router system and other devices such as TV or PC.
With this device, you’ll get a guarantee of reliable Wi-Fi and better speeds. Hence, you can enjoy playing online games, HD video streaming, and other high stake applications.
Pros
Cons
3. Motorola MoCA Adapter
Reliable internet means high-speed connectivity free from interruptions and the ability to use every device conveniently. Additionally, it should enable you to stream and play online gaming simultaneously without affecting the quality of your internet connectivity.
A bonded 2.0 MoCA adapter is all you need to integrate into your existing coaxial cable wiring. Subsequently, this facilitates better speeds between your ethernet router and remote devices.
With the Motorola MoCA adapter, you can connect to your HDTV, computer, game station, a wireless extender, or any other device with an Ethernet port. In addition, you can achieve a reliable speed of 1Gbps.
Essentially, this speed is too high when you compare it to normal Wi-Fi. It also cuts down on costs since you can use the same coax cable with your TV or internet.
This adapter is a top product, and you’ll enjoy the versatility. It enables you to handle video streaming and other high data traffic like online gaming over your coax cable.
In doing so, this lessens the burden of your Wi-Fi capacity. Better still, all your Wi-Fi devices will achieve wide wireless bandwidth, and this increases speeds.
This MoCA adapter is easy to install with just a few steps to follow. One thing we like about it is the fact that you don’t need to configure or reconfigure your router as all the instructions are clear.
There is flexibility with this device since you can connect to most coax networks, including those associated with cable TV, Cable internet and FiOs, or any other fiber-optic network.
Pros
Cons
4. TIVO Bridge MoCA Adapter
Without a doubt, the best internet connection delivers excellent speed and is dependable. Moreover, you can handle many devices without slowing down connectivity.
Such a network doesn't leave room for dead zones, and one is evenly-distributed to all corners of your home. Therefore, all your devices can pick clear signals from a powerful network device.
You can connect the TIVO MoCA 2 adapter to your existing coaxial wiring and enjoy ultra-reliable internet throughout your home. It will enable you to connect all your devices to your home's coax or Ethernet network to achieve a cumulative speed of up to 1 Gbps.
You can also access your recordings, built-in apps such as Netflix, Pristine video, Hulu, live TV, and others. Best of all, it's easy to transfer large files between devices or even share across the network thanks to the reliability.
Another thing to add about this adapter is that it uses the TIVO edge and bolt series alongside the Mini Vox. It means that it's compatible with the past generation of MoCA adapters such as the 1:1 series.
We love the installation process, which is super-easy. All you have to do is connect the TIVO Bridge Plus to the existing coax wiring or Ethernet to enjoy your desirable fast and more reliable home network.
Finally, this model is 2.0 enabled, and therefore, it's designed for high-speed data without interruptions or other problems associated with TV and HD Antennas.
Pros
Cons
What to Look for Before Buying a MoCA Adapter?
There are several reasons for installing am]n MoCA adapter to your existing coaxial network.
It could often be due to inconsistency of internet connectivity, some areas experiencing fluctuating or unreliable networks while others lack connectivity at all. In addition, your existing network may be slow, which can be agonizing.
When this happens, it's time to act! You'll need a device that helps you overcome all these problems. Unfortunately, several brands are available in the market.
As such, it can be confusing trying to decide the best model that will meet your needs. Below, we have rounded-up the factors to consider before buying a MoCA Adapter.
Reliability
Your Wi-Fi network is convenient, but it could be experiencing low speeds. A probable cause being multiple devices operating within the network at the same time. The bandwidth gets congested, and an adapter will bridge the gap to reinstate the internet to a more reliable network with upgraded speed.
Moreover, the adapter you select should be strong. For this reason, it allows you to enjoy streaming and online gaming that require more space without interfering with the functions of other devices.
Speed
A good speed will enable you to play online games as well as live streams. In this case, choose an adapter that can deliver an excellent internet speed free from lags. A speed of 1Gbps and above is adequate to address the traffic problems and reduce congestion within the network.
Compatibility
Before buying a MoCA adapter, ensure it's compatible with your home network connection. The adapter should integrate with the existing coax network seamlessly. Hence, you don't have to do extra wiring in your home or call a technician to overhaul all your coaxial network to accommodate it.
Ease of Use
Choose an adapter which you can easily install without any configuration. An option that doesn't require software installation is the best option.
Affordability
Budget is a consideration when buying any device. MoCA adapters come at different prices, with some being expensive while others are cheap. However, the best option should give you value for money. Regardless of the price, the adapter you choose should improve the performance of your internet connection.
Design
MoCA adapters have different designs, with the most option having ports or have split ends. An adapter with ports on one end appears more organized and neat. The one with ports on both ends may be easy to connect more cables on different sides.
MoCA Adapter Setup process
All MoCA Adapters are built for the same purpose. The design, brand, or shape does not matter so long as all the required ports are available and can connect with the coaxial wiring network. This device's intended purpose is to enable you to improve your internet connectivity to a more reliable, efficient, and stable network.
Quite too often, you'll find the manufacturer's manuals that give you instructions on how to connect the device. You may not need any technical support to connect; it is simple and easy to install so long as your home has a coaxial wiring network. Notwithstanding, here are simple instructions on how to connect this device.
You will realize that to achieve high speed, and you need to be keen during the set-up process. Read the manual first since there are many brands on the market from different manufacturers.
After installation, this kind of superhighway internet connection will use existing cable wiring as a backhaul to expand the Wi-Fi network beyond the primary router.
This will result in faster speeds, steady connections with less congestion. Therefore, it is possible to connect more than one adapter to your existing network, depending on your demands.
However, you may not need many adapters for home use, unlike offices or workplaces, where there are many users. As long as you follow instructions, your MoCA adapter will be up and running within a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best MoCA Ethernet adapter?
The finest device should give you value. It should integrate into your current coaxial cable network and offer a stable internet connection; when shopping, lookout for a high-quality adapter that’s compatible with your existing network.
2. What is a MoCA cable?
MoCA adapters are a unique gadget that helps to boost your internet speed at home and the office. Quite often, it connects to an existing coaxial cable network to deliver consistency of internet connection, unlike modems or routers.
3. How do I know if the MoCA cable is compatible with my network?
For starters, it's important to note that a MoCA adapter connects to the coaxial network. Once you've established this, you'll need to check on the MoCA logo at the port area. Then, log into the device manager and confirm if it’s enabled.
4. Why do should I install a MoCA adapter?
Again, it all depends on an individual's preference. However, a MoCA adapter is a useful device that lets you stream live and play high stake games online. You can also access the recording from the built-in apps such as Hulu TC and Netflix.
In addition, it lets you transfer large files between different devices such as computers and printers since the speed is excellent.
5. How do I install a MoCA adapter?
One good thing about a MoCA adapter is that it’s easy to install and doesn’t require any special configuration or software set-up. All you need is to have your coaxial cable ready.
Now, plug the port of your MoCA adapter into the coaxial port, and you’re ready to start streaming and enjoy the super-speeds of your internet network.
6. What’s the difference between MoCA 1.0 and 2.0?
MoCA 1.0 is an old version of a MoCA adapter. Although it’s still available on the market, MoCA 2.0 is an advanced option. When shopping, consider the most recent version as it has modern software updates.
7. Where can I buy a MoCA adapter?
MoCA adapters are available in various network stores; you can also find them on online websites such as Amazon.
8. Can I use many MoCA adapters at home?
That depends on the devices you have at home and the users. Generally, at home, you may just need a few MoCA adapters since the users are few. Not unless it’s a large family set-up! However, in offices and business establishments, you may need several adapters to meet the needs of many users.
Final Words
As we come to the close of our MOCA adapter review, it's pretty clear that the best devices are super-performers and will boost your current internet connectivity. Yet, for sure, a MoCA adapter connects to your existing Coaxial cable network to enhance its performance.
When shopping, your best pick should give you value, perform well alongside reliability. Confidently, now you can shop without a hassle.