Comparison

TP vs Spark Local

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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

About

Spark Local

Features
Read full description

The pace of IoT devices, and companies, changes much more rapidly than the devices they're trying to replace in our homes. It can be costly to replace an IoT device every time the manufacturer discontinues a product line, or goes out of business. This is where SparkLocal comes in! While many IoT devices, and their mobile apps, rely on the cloud for a lot of functionality, they also often have local APIs that can be utilized for control. So, when a manufacturer takes their cloud offline, and with it, their mobile app functionality, many devices can still be controlled and made usable on the local network. SparkLocal utilizes these public local APIs to breathe new life into your abandoned IoT devices. Stay tuned for updates to see what other devices are given a new life!

Screenshots

TP4 screens
Spark Local2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Spark Local at none against TP's 15. TP's advantage is chart position (#105 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. TP sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Spark Local asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
TP versus Spark Local: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTPSpark Local
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (86K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings86K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#105 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size497 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTP-Link Systems Inc.Casey Morris

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

Spark Local

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

8 purchases

TP

Subscriptions8
  • Adv Parental Controls Monthly1 Month trial$2.991 Month
  • Security+ Monthly1 Month trial$4.991 Month
  • HomeShield Pro Monthly1 Month trial$5.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • 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
None

Spark Local

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TP free?
TP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Spark Local free?
Spark Local is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do TP or Spark Local have ads?
Neither TP nor Spark Local shows ads.

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