Comparison

First Step Help vs TP

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

Head to head
About

First Step Help

This utility app performs various network tests and diagnostics to help troubleshoot internet issues. It allows users to share test results with support agents for faster problem resolution. Additional features include live view sessions and router settings checks.

Highlights
  • Network tests and diagnostics
  • Share test results with support
  • Live View sessions
  • Router settings check
  • Location data for network analysis
Features
Read full description

First Step Help runs a variety of network tests and diagnostics and allows you to share them with the support representative who's working hard to solve your problem. This information will help them to solve your issue quickly so you can go back to enjoying your Internet package to the fullest! After running your scan a First Step Internet support agent needs to look at the information collected so please contact after you have run a scan With First Step Help, we'll also be able to get a better view of your setup with a Live View session, or make necessary changes to your router settings with Router Check. Note: The location permission gives us access to additional network data

About

TP

Easily set up and manage your home internet service and network. Monitor your connection, control access for devices, and ensure your network is secure from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.

Highlights
  • Easy WiFi network setup
  • Remote network monitoring and management
  • Parental controls for internet access
  • Device access control
  • Automatic firmware updates
  • Mesh network creation
Features
Read full description

The Aginet app is the easiest way to activate your internet service, get online in minutes, and set up your home network. No technician required. Now, you can check your network status, view details about your existing wireless connection from anywhere, and make changes right from your smartphone or tablet. With a TP-Link Aginet gateway or mesh WiFi, enjoy strong, secure connections at home with robust app features: • Easy Setup: No-fuss home WiFi network setup done in minutes. • Remote Access: Monitor and manage your home network from anywhere. • Parental Controls: Schedule or pause internet access to promote healthy internet habits. • Access Control: Block devices from using your network without your consent. • Home Protection: Keep your network firmware always updated to the latest security standards. • EasyMesh: Build a flexible mesh network for seamless roaming. We're always interested in hearing your feedback. For any feature requests or thoughts on how we can improve. Reach out to support@tp-link.com. By using this app, you agree to TP-Link’s Terms of Service (https://privacy.tp-link.com/app/Aginet/tou) and Privacy Policy (https://privacy.tp-link.com/app/Aginet/privacy). For more information about your TP-Link Aginet device, visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/

Screenshots

First Step Help3 screens
TP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: TP at 4.9 against First Step Help's 3.0. TP also leads on ratings volume (1K vs 2) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). First Step Help's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and review sentiment (100% vs 86%). 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 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. First Step Help asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TP holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TP has 1K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of First Step Help's written reviews are positive against 86% of TP's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

First Step Help ships an update every 4 months, TP every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
First Step Help versus TP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFirst Step HelpTP
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)4.9 (1K ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better85.7% of reviews
Number of ratings21K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size56 MB341 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFirst Step Internet, L.L.C.TP-Link Systems Inc.

Customer experience

First Step Help

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

TP

All ratings1,038 ratings
Positive98.3%
Neutral0.8%
Negative1.0%
Written reviews488 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral3.3%
Negative11.1%

In-app purchases

None

First Step Help

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

TP

Subscriptions6
  • Monthly1 Month trial$2.991 Month
  • Monthly1 Month trial$4.991 Month
  • Yearly1 Month trial$17.991 Year
Show 3 more
  • Yearly1 Month trial$35.991 Year
  • TP-Link On-the-Go Antivirus1 Year trial$109.991 Year
  • Total Security Package1 Year trial$129.991 Year

Questions

Is First Step Help free?
First Step Help is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TP free?
TP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, First Step Help or TP?
TP is rated higher. First Step Help averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while TP averages 4.9 from 1K ratings.
Do First Step Help or TP have ads?
Neither First Step Help nor TP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, First Step Help or TP?
First Step Help ships an update every 4 months, and TP every 6 weeks. Most recently, First Step Help was updated on October 5, 2026 and TP on October 15, 2026.

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