TP vs Starlink
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
Starlink
This app helps you set up and optimize your satellite internet connection. It guides you through finding the best installation spot, checking for obstructions, and verifying your WiFi. You can also monitor your network, receive alerts, and troubleshoot issues.
- Identify optimal install location
- Check for obstructions
- Set up hardware
- Verify WiFi connection
- Receive service alerts
- Access connectivity statistics
- Troubleshoot issues
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Starlink delivers high-speed Internet almost anywhere on Earth. The Starlink app is here to help you: • Identify the install location that will ensure the best quality of service • Check for obstructions that can interfere with service • Set up your Starlink hardware • Verify your WiFi connection • Receive alerts for service issues • Access your connectivity statistics • Identify devices connected to your network • Troubleshoot connectivity issues • Contact support
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Starlink at none against TP's 15. Starlink also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 weeks) and chart position (#22 vs #121). TP's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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. Starlink asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for TP against 4.9 for Starlink. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 87K and 115K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 92% of TP's written reviews are positive against 86% of Starlink's.
TP ships an update every 3 weeks, Starlink every 10 days. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.
| Parameter | TP | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (87K ratings) | 4.9 (115K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 92.4% of reviews — better | 86.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 87K | 115K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #121 | #22 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 498 MB | 286 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | TP-Link Systems Inc. | SpaceX |
Customer experience
TP
Starlink
User reviews
TP
From 87K 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)
Starlink
From 115K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Fast and reliable internet
- 👍 Easy setup and installation
- 💡 Excellent for rural areas
- 🚀 Consistent high speeds
- 👍 Seamless user experience
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional connectivity issues
- 💰 Expensive upfront cost
- 💰 High monthly subscription
- 🐛 Intermittent outages
- 🐛 Obstruction detection problems
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
Starlink
Reported bugs
3 issues- App crashes when trying to contact support
- Unable to load account information in app
- Inability to add mesh routers through app
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to block devices on the network
- More router configuration options
- Push notifications for service updates
- Directional stow option for mobile use
- Scheduled software updates
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
Starlink
No in-app purchases








