# TP vs Starlink

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | TP | Starlink |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (87K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tp-link-deco/id1186159417/reviews) | **[4.9 (115K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starlink/id1537177988/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 87K | **115K** |
| Positive reviews | **92.4% of reviews** | 86.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | #121 | **#22** |
| Size | 498 MB | 286 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TP-Link Systems Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1713842892) | [SpaceX](https://appshunter.io/developer/1486258477) |

## What reviewers say

### TP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tp-link-deco/id1186159417)

**Currently charting:** #121 Top Free · Utilities, #143 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adv Parental Controls Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Security+ Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| HomeShield Pro Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Adv Parental Controls Yearly | $17.99 | per year |
| Security+ | $35.99 | per year |
| HomeShield Pro Yearly | $54.99 | per year |
| Total Security Package | $129.99 | per year |
| Total Security Yearly | $159.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy setup
- 🚀 Excellent coverage
- 🚀 Reliable connection
- 👍 Intuitive app
- 👍 Useful features (parental controls, guest network, etc.)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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)

**Reported bugs**

- App frequently fails to find or connect to network
- Devices not showing up correctly in app
- Inconsistent performance after firmware updates

**Requested features**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starlink/id1537177988)

**Currently charting:** #22 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

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.

**Highlights:** Identify optimal install location, Check for obstructions, Set up hardware, Verify WiFi connection, Receive service alerts, Access connectivity statistics, Troubleshoot issues

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable internet
- 👍 Easy setup and installation
- 💡 Excellent for rural areas
- 🚀 Consistent high speeds
- 👍 Seamless user experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connectivity issues
- 💰 Expensive upfront cost
- 💰 High monthly subscription
- 🐛 Intermittent outages
- 🐛 Obstruction detection problems

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to contact support
- Unable to load account information in app
- Inability to add mesh routers through app

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TP free?

TP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Starlink free?

Starlink is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, TP or Starlink?

Starlink is rated higher. TP averages 4.9 out of 5 from 87K ratings, while Starlink averages 4.9 from 115K ratings.

### Do TP or Starlink have ads?

Neither TP nor Starlink shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TP or Starlink?

TP ships an update every 3 weeks, and Starlink every 10 days. Most recently, TP was updated on November 1, 2026 and Starlink on November 1, 2026.

### Which is more popular, TP or Starlink?

TP currently peaks at #121 in the App Store charts, and Starlink at #22. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*