Comparison

TP vs StarThing

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

Head to head
About

TP

Configure and manage your network devices remotely. Monitor network status, manage clients, and change settings from your smartphone or tablet. Supports both standalone device management and centralized control for multiple devices.

Highlights
  • Configure Omada devices
  • Monitor network status
  • Manage clients
  • Standalone mode for individual devices
  • Controller mode for centralized management
  • Local and cloud access
Features
Read full description

Omada app is used for configuring and managing your Omada devices. You can change settings, monitor the network status and manage clients, all from the convenience of a smart phone or tablet. STANDALONE MODE Standalone mode is designed for managing EAPs or wireless routers right away without having to spend time configuring a controller. Each device is managed separately. This mode is recommended for networks which only have a few EAPs (or wireless routers) and require only basic functions, such as home network. CONTROLLER MODE Controller mode works together with a software Omada Controller or a hardware Cloud Controller, and is suitable for managing multiple devices (including gateways, switches and EAPs) centrally. Controller mode allows you to configure and automatically synchronize unified settings to the devices in the network. Compared to Standalone Mode, more configuration options are available and supports to manage more devices in Controller mode. You can manage devices in Controller mode in two ways: via Local Access or Cloud Access. In Local Access mode, the Omada app can manage devices when the Controller and your mobile device are in the same subnet; in Cloud Access mode, the Omada app can access the Controller across the internet so you can manage your devices wherever you are. Compatibility List: The controller mode currently supports hardware cloud controllers (OC200 V1, OC300 V1), software Omada Controller v3.0.2 and above. (To experience more features support and more stable services, we recommend that you upgrade your controller to a new version). Standalone Mode currently supports the following models (with latest firmware): EAP245 (EU)/(US) V1 EAP225 (EU)/(US) V3/V2/V1 EAP115 (EU)/(US) V4/V2/V1 EAP110 (EU)/(US) V4/V2/V1 EAP225-Outdoor (EU)/(US) V1 EAP110-Outdoor (EU)/(US) V3/V1 EAP115-Wall (EU) V1 EAP225-Wall (EU) V2 ER706W (EU)/(US) V1/V1.6 ER706W-4G (EU)/(US) V1/V1.6 *The latest firmware is required and can be downloaded from https://www.tp-link.com/omada_compatibility_list. More devices supported by the app are coming!

About

StarThing

Features
Read full description

StarThing makes device management more convenient A one-stop management platform for equipment, inventory, customers, and sales data makes equipment management more convenient and site operation simpler. Introduction: StarThing APP is an intelligent management platform designed for various categories of self-service devices, including entertainment, lifestyle, retail, and travel.With just one mobile phone, you can easily manage all your devices, monitor their status, real-time inventory, sales figures, and interact efficiently with your customers.Our goal is to significantly reduce merchants' operating costs, substantially improve management efficiency, and allow you to focus more time and money on business growth. - All-category equipment management - Multi-category support: It is perfectly compatible with various equipment types, such as entertainment machines, life service equipment, and retail vending machines, including claw machines, washing machines, self-service vending machines, and self-service coffee machines, and can be managed uniformly on one platform. - Real-time status monitoring:Remotely monitor equipment status and fault status, receive instant fault warnings and rapid response to ensure uninterrupted business operations and make things easier for merchants. - Remote control and settings: It supports remote operation and parameter adjustment of equipment, greatly increasing management efficiency. - Smart Inventory and Sales - Inventory is clearly displayed: Product inventory and equipment sales data are synchronized in real time and automatically deducted. - Clear data reports: By analyzing data and generating reports based on multiple dimensions such as store, time period, and equipment, operational results are readily apparent, aiding in precise decision-making. - Customer Interaction and Growth - Membership management tools: It supports marketing functions such as membership points, recharge discounts, and package deals, directly boosting revenue growth. - Mobile collaborative office - More convenient management: Breaking the limitations of time and space, bosses, store managers, and employees can handle business anytime, anywhere via their mobile phones. - Flexible role and permission configuration: It allows setting corresponding operating permissions for employees in different positions, making responsibilities clear and management more standardized. - Language barrier - StarThing offers multiple language versions, ensuring a seamless experience when using our services. - Privacy and Support - We highly value your data security and privacy; all data transmissions are encrypted. - For any assistance or valuable suggestions, please feel free to contact us through the in-app "Feedback" or official customer service channels. Every piece of feedback you provide is a driving force for our improvement. - Our mission: Make devices smarter and life better. For more information about StarThing, please visit: https://global.starthing.com

Screenshots

TP4 screens
StarThing3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: TP at every 10 days against StarThing's every 6 weeks. StarThing's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TP ships an update every 10 days, StarThing every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
TP versus StarThing: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTPStarThing
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (616 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings616 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 10 days — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size149 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTP-Link Systems Inc.STARTHING PTE. LTD.

Bugs and requests

TP

Reported bugs

6 issues
  • App crashes when accessing local controller
  • Cannot reboot devices from the app
  • Firmware update breaks cloud access
  • Incompatible organization error
  • Wireless client information not displayed
Show 1 more
  • Wireless device signal strength not shown

Requested features

6 requests
  • Add landscape mode support
  • Improve 2FA integration
  • Increase network speed reporting limit
  • More advanced configuration options
  • Persistent user settings and preferences
Show 1 more
  • Provide a 'clear all logs' function

StarThing

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

TP

No in-app purchases

None

StarThing

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TP free?
TP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is StarThing free?
StarThing is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do TP or StarThing have ads?
Neither TP nor StarThing shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TP or StarThing?
TP ships an update every 10 days, and StarThing every 6 weeks. Most recently, TP was updated on September 23, 2026 and StarThing on September 10, 2026.

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