First Step Help vs TP
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Network tests and diagnostics
- Share test results with support
- Live View sessions
- Router settings check
- Location data for network analysis
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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
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.
- Easy WiFi network setup
- Remote network monitoring and management
- Parental controls for internet access
- Device access control
- Automatic firmware updates
- Mesh network creation
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | First Step Help | TP |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (2 ratings) | 4.9 (1K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 85.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 1K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 56 MB | 341 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | First Step Internet, L.L.C. | TP-Link Systems Inc. |
Customer experience
First Step Help
TP
In-app purchases
First Step Help
No in-app purchases
TP
- Monthly1 Month trial$2.991 Month
- Monthly1 Month trial$4.991 Month
- Yearly1 Month trial$17.991 Year
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- Yearly1 Month trial$35.991 Year
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- Total Security Package1 Year trial$129.991 Year








