TP vs SURFboard Central
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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
SURFboard Central
Simplify the setup and management of your home network devices. This app provides step-by-step installation guides, Wi-Fi configuration, and network monitoring for various modems, routers, and mesh systems.
- Step-by-step device installation guides
- Wi-Fi network configuration and management
- Guest network setup
- Client device monitoring
- Parental controls and screen time management
- Network health monitoring
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Thank you for purchasing a SURFboard product! Simply download this application, select the device model, and follow the on-screen instructions to setup your device. This single (Central) mobile application will support all our current SURFboard devices. Cable Modems: - Models: S33, S34, SB6141, SB6121, SB6183, SB6190, SB8200, SBV3202, SBV2402, T25. - Step-by-step install guide includes help for device activation by your Cable Internet Service Provider. - Access to device information, help, and technical support. - Quick launch the device Web Application for device configuration and management. Cable Modems with Wi-Fi: - Models: G18, G20, G34, G36, G54, SBG10, SBG6950, SBG7400, SBG7580, SBG7600, SBG8300 - Step-by-step install guide includes help for device activation by your Cable Internet Service Provider. - Access to device information, help, and technical support. - Use the device Web Application OR the mobile app for device configuration and management. - Easy to use Wi-Fi management functions. mAX Wi-Fi Mesh Routers: - Models: W11, W121, W122, W21, W30, W31, W61, WC4S, WC4T - Step-by-step install guide includes help for optimal mesh node placement in your home for performance and coverage. - Easy to use Wi-Fi management and enhanced mAX features*. Wi-Fi Gaming and Extenders: - Models: W6B, W6U - Step-by-step install guide. - Access to device information, help, and technical support. - Quick launch the device Web Application for device configuration and management. --- Easy to use Wi-Fi management functions --- - Manage your Wi-Fi network when you are at home or away. - Setup a private and secure home Wi-Fi network. - Setup a separate Guest network for visitors. - View client devices connected to your network. - Add friendly names for each client device. - Check your mobile device real-time Wi-Fi speed. - Create profiles for your kids to manage their screen time, allowing schedule or manual Internet pause. --- Enhanced mAX features --- - Get notified when selected device leave or join your home network. - Enhance your parental controls with "screen" time rewards. - Network Health monitoring with recommendations for optimization. For additional help, please visit the SURFboard User Community at https://community.surfboard.com/ For device technical details and support, please visit SURFboard Support at https://www.surfboard.com/support/resources/ * Not all enhanced mAX features are available on W61, WC4S, and WC4T
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: TP at 92% against SURFboard Central's 11%. TP also leads on rating (4.9 vs 1.6) and ratings volume (84K vs 1.5K). SURFboard Central's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 15). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. SURFboard Central asks for nothing beyond the download.
TP holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 1.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TP has 84K ratings behind it against 1.5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of TP's written reviews are positive against 11% of SURFboard Central's.
TP ships an update every 3 weeks, SURFboard Central every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | TP | SURFboard Central |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (84K ratings) — better | 1.6 (1.5K ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 92.3% of reviews — better | 10.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 84K — better | 1.5K |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #114 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 497 MB | 193 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | TP-Link Systems Inc. | ARRIS Group, Inc. |
Customer experience
TP
SURFboard Central
User reviews
TP
From 84K 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)
SURFboard Central
From 1.5K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast setup
- 💡 Helpful for monitoring home network
- 🔒 Secure connection
Room to improve
- 🐛 Buggy and unstable
- 🔍 Limited functionality
- 💤 Slow and unresponsive
- 🤔 Confusing setup process
- 🔒 Poor security and privacy
Bugs and requests
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
SURFboard Central
Reported bugs
5 issues- App crashes frequently
- Fails to connect to network
- Incorrect device information displayed
- Parental controls don't work as expected
- Unable to change network name or password
Requested features
4 requests- Add more advanced configuration options
- Improve parental controls and internet scheduling
- Provide a web-based interface instead of just a mobile app
- Allow users to bypass the app and access router settings directly
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 trial2 variants$17.991 Year
- Security+1 Month trial$35.991 Year
- HomeShield Pro Yearly1 Month trial$54.991 Year
- Total Security Package1 Year trial5 variants$129.991 Year
- Total Security Yearly1 Year trial$159.991 Year
SURFboard Central
No in-app purchases









