Best MoCA Adapters 2020 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Posted on the 28 September 2020 by Palmgear @PalmgearBlog

Did you know that you can enjoy high-speed, uninterrupted wired internet in your home without laying out a single Ethernet cable?

Well, using your existing home coaxial cable plus the best MoCA adapter, you can easily create a powerful Ethernet network for all the Ethernet-enabled devices in your home.

Streaming HD videos and online gaming without lags just got real!

This guide will help you get the perfect MoCA for the job.

Our research experts have analyzed numerous adapters on the market and found the following best performing models for you to choose from.

Best MoCA Adapters reviews:

1. MOTOROLA MOCA Adapter for Ethernet Over Coax

So you want stable, fast, and efficient internet in your home? If yes, we suggest that you consider this MoCA adapter from Motorola. A favorite for many, the adapter will supply you with super-fast Ethernet internet of up to 1000Mbps.

As expected, this adapter establishes the high-speed Ethernet connection using your existing coax cable, between your WiFi router and any device with an Ethernet port. This means all your Ethernet-enabled devices, from HDTV to computer, game console, etc., will enjoy superior intent speeds.

Online gaming and streaming of high-quality videos will become smoother and lag-free with this Moca adapter.

Inside the package, you'll discover a PoE (point of entry) filter. This is quite an asset as it enhances your network security and prevents unauthorized access to your MoCA network.

It allows you to connect up to 16 devices back to the router, meaning all your home devices will be enjoying a stable, fast, and reliable network.

The high powered adapter is incredibly easy to set up as you just need to make a simple plug-in connection to get it running. It works with all MoCA devices, including 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, and 2.5. The included On/Off switch will prove quite helpful when using this adapter.

Highlighted Features:
  • Up to 1,000 Mbps speed rating
  • Comes with a PoE (point of entry) filter
  • Easy plug-in setup
  • Connects up to 16 remote devices

2. Actiontec ECB6200S02 MOCA Adapter for Ethernet Over Coax

The Actiontec Moca also gives you a sure path to better WiFi. If you're experiencing many WiFi-related issues in your home, such as dead spots and interferences, consider upgrading it with this MoCA coax to Ethernet adapter for consistent Gigabit Ethernet performance.

Because it supports the latest bonded MoCA 2.0 standard, this adapter will offer you amazing internet speeds up to 1Gbps. Needless to say, this is more than enough bandwidth to meet your HD video streaming, online gaming, and other heavy-use applications.

The adapter is super-easy to set up, and you don't even need any technical background to do it. It's shipped in a pair, so you just plug the adapter into your router and the other to your device near a coax part in any room in your home.

Don't forget that this adapter works with any Ethernet router and virtually any device featuring an Ethernet cable. It works with the same cable as your fiber optic service and TV cable, meaning it won't cause interference when you use it.

Highlighted Features:
  • Offers speeds of up to 1Gbps
  • Clear power and coax indicators
  • Works with existing home coax cable
  • Supports up to 16 devices

3. TiVo Bridge Plus Moca 2.0 Adapter

Do you own TiVo devices and wish to network all of them together? If yes, this TiVo Bride Plus MoCA adapter is designed to help you achieve exactly that. It helps instantly establish a lightning-fast network in your house.

Like the other best MoCA adapters featured on this list, this model also relies on your home coax cabling and turns it into super-efficient Ethernet internet. It supplies all your Ethernet-connected devices with a bi-directional combined speed of up to 1Gbps for all your streaming, gaming, and other heavy bandwidth needs.

It offers this great internet speed without causing interferences and other issues related to cable TV and HDTV antennas.

It allows all your TiVo devices to receive full signals and even the advanced TiVo features via your home network. It also gives you full access to recordings, live TV, and even built-in applications like Hulu and Netflix.

The device features a budget-friendly price tag. It's MoCA 2.0-enabled. And is backward compatible with MoCA 1.1. It works with all TiVo devices, including TiVo BOLT, TiVo BOLT VOX, and TiVo MINI VOX.

Highlighted Features:
  • Up to 1Gbps internet speeds
  • Comes with a 2-way splitter
  • Compatible with all TiVo bridge devices
  • MoCA 2.0 enabled
  • Backward compatible with MoCA 1.1

4. ZyXEL MoCA 2.0 Ethernet to Coax Single Adapter

If working on a tight budget, this is the perfect MoCA coax Ethernet adapter for you. Despite a low cost, this is a high-quality MoCA adapter that stands out from some of the higher-priced models in terms of performance.

It's unbelievable that such an affordable unit can offer you superior internet speeds rated at 1.4Gbps! This is such a powerful network for every family member to enjoy high-speed internet from just any corner of the house.

The adapter uses your home coax wiring to extend your home network to far areas where WiFi won't reach. You simply connect the adapter to your router and the nearest coax wall port. Just that...and you have blazing internet speed in any room for streaming 4K videos, playing online games, tormenting files, and more at the same time!

For the looks, this unit features a sleek and attractive design that gives it a modern, sophisticated look.

The device has a plug-and-play setup, making it easy for you to install in your home. It doesn't require you to install any software or make any configurations to start enjoying high-speed internet in your home.

Highlighted Features:

5. Translite MoCA 2.5 with 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports

If you're made of money, the Translite MoCA 2.5 adapter is a great choice. It can transport data at exceptional rates of up to 2.5Gbps, making it stand out from the rest of its competition. It leverages the coaxial cables in your home, saving you from having to drill holes to run new Ethernet cables.

The device also stands from its competition with its flexible frequency selection. It works at incredibly high frequency, falling between 125MHz to 1675MHz. This flexibility gives you the freedom to select the ideal channels depending on the network condition, so you can enj0y non-stop internet connection in your home.

Another great thing about this adapter is its powerful interference-proof capability. Its physical layer can easily take on advanced ACMT mode for noise elimination at low-frequency range-ensuring interference-free experience.

With MoCA protected setup support, this device will give you an easy one press pairing for your hone network install. It also helps isolate your home network from the neighborhood. With up to 3Gbps throughput, with low latency and packet rate loss, this device offers you absolute bandwidth supply for unparalleled performance.

Highlighted Features:

6. Actiontec Bonded MoCA 2.0 Ethernet to Coax adapter

Here's another high-performance Actiontec MoCA adapter for you. This Ethernet to coax adapter will put an end to your WiFi woes by transforming your existing home coax cable into a fast and reliable Ethernet connection. It outperforms your wireless network for reliability, speed, latency, and security.

The adapter is capable of supplying all your Ethernet-enabled devices with high internet speeds of up to 1Gbps. This is, doubtlessly, the kind of speed that comes to mind when you think of the perfect bandwidth for online gaming 4K video streaming, and other demanding activities.

With its bonded MoCA technology plus consistent gigabit Ethernet performance, this adapter is sure to give you mind-blowing internet experience from the comfort of your home couch or bed.

Setting up this adapter is pretty simple and fast for everyone. It comes as a pair, so you connect one to your router and the other one into your device in a coax cable near you. It utilizes the same coax cable as your fiber optic service or cable TV, with zero interference. It works with virtually any router and any internet-enabled device with an Ethernet port.

Highlighted Features:
  • Up to 1Gbps data speed
  • Uninterrupted internet connections
  • Easy plug n play setup
  • Supports bonded MoCA technology
  • Works with existing coax cable

7. BluEMeta MC-001B MoCA Adapters

Are you tired of your underperforming powerline Ethernet adapter and want an alternative for a strong and reliable Ethernet network? If yes, this affordably priced MoCA adapter will let you use your existing coaxial cable to instantly create reliable, fast internet around your home.

The top-rated adapter features bonded MoCA 2.0 technology. It works by allowing data transmission through your home coaxial infrastructure. And supports fast data transmissions of up to 1Gbps, with a latency of 5ms for lag-free internet use. This makes streaming of HD media and online gaming a reality.

The budget-friendly unit outdoes most units in its price range with its ability to support up to 16 pieces of MoCA adapters in the same network. This makes it highly scalable. Besides, it lets you hook it up with a router, access point for network expansion purposes.

No special knowledge or level of expertise is needed to set up this adapter. You just follow the straightforward instructions in the user manual to get it done. No special configurations are required.

Highlighted Features:

8. Kiwee Broadband Bonded MoCA 2.0 Ethernet to Coax adapter

Finally, in our MoCA adapter review list, we have this top-rated Ethernet to coax adapter from Kiwee. This model is also designed to eliminate dead zones, interferences, and other frustrating WiFi related issues.

Like all the other adapters we've discussed above, this model is designed to work with your existing home coax wiring to provide your home with a reliable Ethernet network.

It boasts high speeds of up to 1Gbps and will work well with homes with cable television. With such great data transfer rates, this device will enable you to connect all your Ethernet-enabled devices for a solid, reliable internet connection. It will also allow you to stream HD videos and play online games without experiencing lagging or interruptions.

Since this adapter supports the latest Moca 2.0 technology, you can rest assured that it will supply you with sufficient bandwidth for playing online games, streaming HD videos, and handling other demanding online applications.

The setup part is a simple plug and play, so you won't have any issues setting up this adapter for a seamless Ethernet connection. Just ensure your coax cabling is in good condition. They feature a white housing which blends perfectly well with your house interior.

Highlighted Features:

What is a MoCA Adapter?

MoCA, an abbreviation for Multimedia over Coax Alliance, refers to a device designed to use the coaxial cables already installed in your home to create a wired internet home network. In other words, it lets you create powerful Ethernet internet without necessarily drilling holes on the walls to lay out gigabit Ethernet cables.

Because this unique home networking technology helps you establish a wired network connection, it eliminates the dead zones and lagging internet usage experience that comes with wireless networks.

It creates ultra-highs-speed internet (think transmission rates of over 1Gbps) with low latency (as low as 3.5ms). The result is a highly stable and reliable internet, translating to smooth online gaming and video streaming.

Keep in mind, though, that MoCA doesn't interfere with the broadcast of your cable TV service as its broadcast between 500MHz and 1.5GHz (1500MHz).

How Does a MoCA Adapter Work?

Now that we've explained what MoCA adapter is, you might be wondering how exactly it works to create such a powerful network in your home.

The quick answer is...it uses your existing home coaxial cable to transmit data at super-fast rates.

For beginners, the coaxial cables refer to the wires you use in your home to connect your TV to the set-top box or paid TV services. A typical home in the US features at least two coax ports.

Most people use a wireless home network to access the internet on their devices. Unfortunately, this kind of network has too many drawbacks. For instance, the wireless network speed varies from one point to point in your home or even drops in some areas. Parts of the house where you can't access the wireless network are called dead zones or dead spots. Also, the wireless network experiences a lot of interferences and lagging, making it unstable.

With soo many issues, homeowners have to turn to another alternative to enjoy stable and fast internet connections.

The BEST alternative is to use wired Ethernet internet for your Ethernet-enabled devices.

BUT...you'll first need to layout Ethernet cables in your home for you to convert your wireless network into a wired network. That means drilling holes, investing in equipment, etc., which makes it quite an investment.

This is where the MoCA adapter comes in!

It gives you an easier route for enjoying wired internet by using the already installed coax cables in your home to transmit data from the router to your Ethernet-enabled devices. It saves you from having to drill holes and investing in additional equipment and accessories.

The adapters are usually sold as a pair and feature plug and play setup, making them easy and fast to install for everyone.

You'll just need to connect the first adapter to your modem/router and to an existing coaxial cable to transmit the internet signal. Then, you'll need to connect the other adapter to a coaxial port anywhere in your home to gain the data. You can connect your device to the second adapter using an Ethernet cable.

That's it! Now you have wired internet in your home, and you're all set to start enjoying a faster and interference-free network in your home.

How to Choose a MoCA Adapter

Planning to buy your first MoCA adapter? Here's your part. Find below the key factors to consider when shopping for the best MoCA adapter that meets your needs for a fast, lag-free home network.

Reliability

Let's face it...you're mostly running from a wireless network because it's extremely unreliable. With this in mind, you don't want to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. You want to ensure you get a MoCA adapter that solves the issues you had with your WiFi network, such as interference, lagging, buffering when streaming videos, dead spots in some parts of your house, and other issues. Ensure you choose a high-performance adapter that will offer you the most reliable connection, with low latency and zero interruptions.

Speed

You also need to pick a MoCA adapter based on your internet speed needs. Define what you mostly use your home network for. Is it gaming? Or streaming 4K videos? With this info, you'll be able to choose an adapter that best meets your needs. Most of the products will give you between 1 and 1.5Gbps speed, so you'll have plenty of options at your disposal.

Price

The different adapters come with varying price tags, ranging from the cheap to high-priced models. Cheap doesn't always mean poor quality. If you're on a budget, you can easily find a model with excellent performance. If you have money to spend, you can always get a high-end adapter with exceptional data transmission rates and a ton of special features.

Easy setup

As we mentioned earlier, MoCA adapters are generally easy to setup. But don't assume that you'll have an easy time installing just any model you get. Look for a unit that comes with a plug and play installation method for easy, fast setup. Also, models that come with an easy to follow user guide will help you through the installation. Looking at what previous users have to say regarding installing an adapter will also give you a clue of how easy it is to install.

Why Use A MoCA Adapter?

As we've stressed many times before, MoCA technology is becoming the in-thing for homeowners who crave stable, high-speed, efficient network in their homes.

There are a couple of reasons behind its popularity, as outlined below.

1. Easy installation

The reason many homeowners choose to stay with their frustrating wireless networks is the hassle that comes with installing wired internet infrastructure in their homes. Drilling holes in your walls and laying out Ethernet is a lot of work, and you might just not be ready for it. The costs incurred might not be part of your financial plans. But things are different with MoCA technology; it relies on the coaxial cables installed in your home to transmit data. They're super easy and fast to set up, and you'll only need to invest in an adapter.

2. Affordable high-speed internet

MoCA adapters advocate for super-fast internet speeds as they directly wire your internet-enabled devices to your home network. They instantly eliminate lagging with super-low latency rates and minimized interference. The best part is that they don't cost an arm and a leg, and anyone can afford them. You also don't need to spend a dime on additional accessories or equipment to install these units in your home.

3. Extend your home network range

Nearly all MoCA adapters come with this additional, helpful feature-connecting with a wireless access point. As such, they can help further expand your wireless network coverage. This eliminates dead zones in your house and ensures you can enjoy stable internet from any area of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is MoCA faster than Ethernet?

If you use MoCA, you'll get to enjoy super-fast speeds of up to 1Gbps. The speed might get even faster with Ethernet. However, keep in mind that Ethernet comes at a high cost when you factor in the equipment and accessories needed for the setup plus the cost of hiring a professional. For a reliable and convenient network that's fast enough, we suggest that you go with MoCA.

Q: Is MoCA better than WiFi?

Way better! WiFi is highly vulnerable to interferences from other electronic appliances in your home. Its speed also tends to vary from point to point in your home and can even be completely inaccessible in dead zones. With a MoCA device, you enjoy a direct wired connection that's stable and free of any interruptions or interferences.

Q: Do I need two MoCA adapters?

You need two MoCA adapters, one to transmit data over the coax cable and the other to gain the data in another room in your home. You connect the first router to your router's Ethernet output and then link it to the coax cable transmitting the signal. Plug the other adapter to a coax port in any room to gain the signal and then to your internet device via an Ethernet cable.

Q: Does my router has MoCA?

The easiest way to check if your router has MoCA is by checking whether it has the word MoCA or the MoCA logo itself anywhere on it. You might also consider logging into the router configuration manager to check if MoCA is mentioned anywhere. If you find that your router doesn't have MoCA, you just need an adapter to make it MoCA-enabled.

Q: Motorola vs. Actiontec: Which is better?

The two are the biggest names in the MoCA industry. One thing to note is that actionist has been in the industry for longer, unlike Motorola, which is barely new. For this reason, Actiontec has a wider range of models to choose from, while Motorola has limited options. Also worth noting is that Motorola products are more affordable than the Actiontec models.

All in all, each brand's products have their ups and downs. The ultimate decision will depend on your unique home networking needs.

Q: Does MoCA interfere with a cable modem?

Sure, some cable models might experience interference from the MoCA signal. Luckily, connecting a PoE filter to the F connector on your cable modem will help solve this problem. Programming all your MoCA devices with the same MoCA security key can also eliminate the interference.

Q: How do I enhance the security of my MoCA system?

Use a MoCA signal blocker to prevent the signal from leaving your home compound or your network from being accessed by unauthorized users. These signal blockers are usually placed at PoE (point of entry) of your home coax system to enhance your network security. They're also highly affordable.

Final Verdict

Now you can create ultra-high-speed internet in your home without investing in additional equipment or accessories or running any Ethernet cables. You just your existing home coaxial cables and a MoCA adapter to create a reliable, super-fast, and efficient wired network that covers just any corner of your home. We've just offered you all the info you need to know when choosing the best MoCA adapter for your network needs. We've also outlined some of the top-rated adapters you can order today to make your dream of using a high-speed, uninterrupted home network come alive.