Leviton Wall Jack Review: Reliable Yet Pricey Verdict
A verified Amazon buyer summed up the appeal of the Leviton Telephone Wall Jack Surface Mount in plain terms: “This phone jack gets the job done and is less expensive than those sold locally.” That sense of no‑nonsense functionality runs through much of the feedback, but digging into multiple platforms shows a more nuanced verdict — a solid 7.5/10 performance, with durability and ease of install praised, yet size and price questioned.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy installation with clear wire markings | Some models larger than expected |
| Sturdy, high‑impact plastic build | Perceived as overpriced compared to rivals |
| Color options to match décor | Limited built‑in switching/two‑line options |
| Reliable long‑term termination | High gloss finish looks cheap to some users |
| Mounting hardware included | No modern design features beyond basics |
Claims vs Reality
Leviton markets these jacks as quick‑mount, high‑quality terminations with UL/CSA approval, and the 110‑type punch‑down or screw terminal designs are meant to make installs “fast.” In practice, that claim holds for many. A verified Amazon buyer noted: “Got this product a few days earlier than expected. Took me about 35 minutes to install inside and outside. Working great.” For DIY homeowners, the labeled wire colors and included mounting hardware make setup straightforward.
The brand also emphasizes style and matching with other Leviton plates via smooth finishes and color options like ivory, white, light almond, and even brown midsize variants. While several buyers appreciated this (“color is match with on the wood”), Trustpilot feedback shows occasional mismatch with expectations — one purchaser of the brown midsize wall jack called it “very shiny… looks very cheap” despite its sturdy feel.
Finally, the reliability claim is a core part of Leviton’s pitch. Reddit user track_me relayed input from multiple professionals: “They just fail less and have less problems… you do it right the first time and don't skimp on a couple dollars.” Yet another Reddit voice countered, “They are overpriced imo… we have like 500 drops in the building, I don't think I have ever had a single termination issue” — with competing brands. This suggests the longevity claim holds, but cost‑benefit is debated.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One recurring theme is how approachable these jacks are for basic home upgrades. A homeowner replacing a 30‑year‑old yellowed plate said installing the white midsize jack “did the trick” and was “real easy… the wire terminals… were marked with the wire colors.” For renters and casual DIYers, this means no hiring a technician just to get a new jack in place.
Professional installers find the robustness valuable. Because punch‑down connections are less prone to loosening, they avoid callbacks. As one Reddit professional explained, sending an employee back “costs… two hours… plus fuel,” and avoiding repeat visits justifies using trusted parts.
Color variety also earns approval. Brown and almond shades can integrate into older‑style kitchens and wood‑paneled rooms where standard white would stand out. Verified buyers called these “beautiful… the perfect finish to a kitchen remodel” and “just what I needed… a shame stores don't stock this color.”
Common Complaints
Size surprises are a frequent frustration. Some duplex jacks are “more than twice the size” of prior models, enough to “look overpowering on my baseboard.” This mainly affects users replacing older, smaller units — the scale difference becomes visually intrusive.
Functionality gaps also rank high: single‑line configurations are standard, and combining two plugs on one line requires rewiring inside the jack. As one Amazon customer said, “It would be nice if it had a switch to connect two plugs… as it is you have to string wires on the inside.”
Price sensitivity surfaces especially in professional circles. While reliability is valued, others note cheaper brands like Ortronics or Infinite Cables performing equally well. One Reddit comment likened brand price differences to automaker branding — “The product is not significantly different.”
Divisive Features
Finishes split opinion. Some see the high gloss as clean and reflective, while Trustpilot input shows others calling it “looks very cheap.” That subjective perception can sway homeowners choosing visible hardware.
Durability claims get broad support among installers, but end‑users sometimes see reliability as irrelevant if cheaper alternatives never fail in their use case. The benefit is clearer in high‑volume, mission‑critical installs than in residential setups with minimal wear.
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Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot ratings (4.4/5 for the midsize brown 6P4C jack) and brand reviews paint Leviton as “very popular” with “good warranty protection” and strong performance in set‑up and connection reliability. However, the brand scores poorly on shipping and returns policies — suggesting online buyers should confirm fit and finish before ordering to avoid costly returns.
On Reddit, long‑term use gets positive nods, with professionals reporting fewer failures over years compared to generic imports. Yet the lack of visible post‑sale support (like free returns) means reliability out of the box is critical — a mismatch in size or color may not be easily remedied.
Alternatives
Competitors like Ortronics, AMP, and Infinite Cables come up in discussion. The trade‑off is brand premium vs similar performance — Reddit users say AMP terminations “never had one fail” while admitting “people break them but that’s not AMP’s fault.”
If price is the decisive factor, Infinite Cables jacks get mentioned as “great and pretty cheap.” For pro installers who value warranty backing and brand recognition, Leviton remains a frequent choice.
Price & Value
Leviton jacks range from under $5 for basic white screw‑terminal plates to over $7 for surface mount or specialized colors, as seen in eBay listings ($5.98 for ivory quick‑connect, $7.39 for ivory 8P8C). Bulk lots for commercial projects can push per‑unit costs down.
Resale on eBay shows moderate demand, with multi‑packs and rare colors fetching higher percentages of original retail. Bargain hunters suggest checking local hardware closeouts or online bulk lots to sidestep retail markups.
FAQ
Q: Are Leviton wall jacks compatible with modern digital phone services?
A: Yes, they work with traditional PSTN and ISDN lines and, in many setups, VoIP adapters. Just match conductor count and jack type to service needs.
Q: Can I connect two phones to one line with these jacks?
A: Not directly. Users note you'd need to manually wire inside the jack or use a splitter — there’s no built‑in switch for dual plugging.
Q: Do the surface mount models include mounting hardware?
A: Yes, screws or double‑sided tape are included, making them simple to attach to walls or furniture.
Q: How durable is the finish over time?
A: Reports vary — colors resist fading, but gloss appearance divides opinion. Older units have kept structural integrity for decades.
Q: Are these oversized compared to older jacks?
A: Some duplex models run larger; buyers replacing small vintage plates may find them conspicuous.
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Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a homeowner or installer seeking reliable, color‑matched wall jacks with straightforward installation. Avoid if you need minimal size plates or are highly sensitive to brand markups versus generics. Pro tip from the community: bulk‑buy online for better per‑unit pricing and always double‑check dimensions before purchase.
