ARRIS SURFboard Manager vs TP
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ARRIS SURFboard Manager
Manage and configure your ARRIS SURFboard® devices with this utility app. It facilitates onboarding and seamless transfer of settings to the new SURFboard Central app for supported models.
- Device management
- Device configuration
- Onboarding new devices
- Seamless settings transfer
- Supports specific ARRIS models
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The ARRIS SURFboard® Manager app is being updated to SURFboard Central - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/surfboard-central/id1478418148 SURFboard Central will help you get the most of your device with new features, new UI and new experiences. We are excited to have our new and current customers shift over to SURFboard Central and have worked to make the transition as easy as possible. For our SBG8300/SBG10/SBG7580-AC / SBG6950AC2 / SBG7400AC2/ SBG7600AC2 customers: New customers - please start with SURFboard Central App for onboarding and managing your device. If you already completed onboarding, no worries - you will be prompted to seamlessly transfer all your information to the new App. Existing customers - with this update, you will be prompted to launch SURFboard Central that will seamlessly transfer your existing configuration and settings to the new App. For our legacy device users: SBR-AC3200P / SBR-AC1900P / SBR-AC1200P / SBX-AC1200P Stay Tuned - we will be updating our Mobile Application to support these devices. For now, please continue to use the ARRIS SURFboard® Manager App to manage and configure your devices.
TP
Easily set up and manage your mesh WiFi system with step-by-step guidance for optimal home coverage. Control connected devices, manage online activity, and enhance your network security from your smartphone.
- Easy setup with step-by-step instructions
- Optimal placement suggestions for mesh units
- Device connection management
- Parental controls and content blocking
- Guest network creation
- Network performance testing
- Smart home device integration
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Welcome to the Deco App — the perfect way to set up your mesh WiFi in minutes and control your whole network. Our simple-to-follow guide walks you through the setup process and even gives you suggestions for whole home coverage. Once connected, you’ll have instant access to check every connected device, manage your kids’ online activity, and control your home network effortlessly. All from the palm of your hand. - EASY TO SET UP AND MANAGE • Quickly set up with step-by-step instructions • Find the best spots to place additional Deco units for maximum coverage • Control your WiFi network without turning on your computer • Check your connection status and network speed at a glance • Find out who or what is connecting to your network • Instantly block unwanted devices with a tap - PROTECT YOUR WIFI • Detect potential threats and receive warnings before things get serious • Create a guest network to give friends internet access while shielding your private network • Block unauthorized access and inappropriate content • Run network performance tests - FIND FAMILY TIME WITH PARENTAL CONTROLS • Set a time restriction and pause the WiFi on kids’ devices • Control when specific devices have WiFi access • Make room for more family time with Schedules - PRIORITIZE YOUR FAVORITE DEVICES QoS lets you choose which devices always have the fastest connections. Set a schedule to assign device priority for different times of the day. - KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR NETWORK Detailed reports help you understand your home WiFi and everything connected. - CREATE YOUR SMART HOME Connect, control, and check the status of your smart cameras, plugs, and lights – all from the Deco app. Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Stay tuned for updates as we add new features and products to the Deco family! Privacy Policy: http://www.tp-link.com/en/privacy?app=deco#sec_a\ Term of Use: http://www.tp-link.com/en/privacy?app=deco#sec_b\ HomeShield Subscription Service Agreement: https://www.tp-link.com/homeshield/service-agreement/?app=deco Auto-Renewal Service Agreement: https://www.tp-link.com/homeshield/auto-renewal-service-agreement/?app=deco For more information about Deco, visit www.tp-link.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: TP at 92% against ARRIS SURFboard Manager's 3%. TP also leads on rating (4.9 vs 1.3) and ratings volume (88K vs 982). ARRIS SURFboard Manager's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. TP sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. ARRIS SURFboard Manager asks for nothing beyond the download.
TP holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 1.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TP has 88K ratings behind it against 982, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 3% of ARRIS SURFboard Manager's written reviews are positive against 92% of TP's.
ARRIS SURFboard Manager ships an update every 3 months, TP every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ARRIS SURFboard Manager | TP |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.3 (982 ratings) | 4.9 (88K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 3.2% of reviews | 92.4% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 982 | 88K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | #122 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 96 MB | 498 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ARRIS Group, Inc. | TP-Link Systems Inc. |
Customer experience
ARRIS SURFboard Manager
TP
User reviews
ARRIS SURFboard Manager
From 982 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Works as expected
- 🚀 Smooth setup process
Room to improve
- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🔒 Security and privacy concerns
- 👎 Difficult to use
- 💤 Unresponsive and slow
- 🤯 Completely non-functional
TP
From 88K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Easy setup
- 🚀 Excellent coverage
- 🚀 Reliable connection
- 👍 Intuitive app
- 👍 Useful features (parental controls, guest network, etc.)
Room to improve
- 🐛 Connectivity issues (devices disconnecting, app not finding network)
- 🐛 Unreliable app performance (slow, crashes, bugs)
- 🔒 Security concerns (lack of password protection, device authentication)
- 💡 Limited customization options (channel selection, device prioritization)
Bugs and requests
ARRIS SURFboard Manager
Reported bugs
3 issues- Unable to scan QR code
- Login issues and lost connectivity
- Inconsistent app behavior
Requested features
3 requests- Ability to reset password
- Improved parental controls
- Better device management
TP
Reported bugs
3 issues- App frequently fails to find or connect to network
- Devices not showing up correctly in app
- Inconsistent performance after firmware updates
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to manually select Wi-Fi channels
- Option to force device connection to specific frequency band
- Scheduled reboots and automatic firmware updates
- More detailed network analytics and diagnostics
- Improved parental controls with content-based time limits
In-app purchases
ARRIS SURFboard Manager
No in-app purchases
TP
- Adv Parental Controls Monthly1 Month trial$2.991 Month
- Security+ Monthly1 Month trial$4.991 Month
- HomeShield Pro Monthly1 Month trial$5.991 Month
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- Adv Parental Controls Yearly1 Month trial$17.991 Year
- Security+1 Month trial$35.991 Year
- HomeShield Pro Yearly1 Month trial$54.991 Year
- Total Security Package1 Year trial4 variants$129.991 Year
Questions
Is ARRIS SURFboard Manager free?
Is TP free?
Which has better reviews, ARRIS SURFboard Manager or TP?
Do ARRIS SURFboard Manager or TP have ads?
Which is updated more often, ARRIS SURFboard Manager or TP?
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