SURFboard Central vs PPG MagicBox
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SURFboard Central
Simplify the setup and management of your home network devices. This app provides step-by-step installation guides, Wi-Fi configuration, and network monitoring for various modems, routers, and mesh systems.
- Step-by-step device installation guides
- Wi-Fi network configuration and management
- Guest network setup
- Client device monitoring
- Parental controls and screen time management
- Network health monitoring
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Thank you for purchasing a SURFboard product! Simply download this application, select the device model, and follow the on-screen instructions to setup your device. This single (Central) mobile application will support all our current SURFboard devices. Cable Modems: - Models: S33, S34, SB6141, SB6121, SB6183, SB6190, SB8200, SBV3202, SBV2402, T25. - Step-by-step install guide includes help for device activation by your Cable Internet Service Provider. - Access to device information, help, and technical support. - Quick launch the device Web Application for device configuration and management. Cable Modems with Wi-Fi: - Models: G18, G20, G34, G36, G54, SBG10, SBG6950, SBG7400, SBG7580, SBG7600, SBG8300 - Step-by-step install guide includes help for device activation by your Cable Internet Service Provider. - Access to device information, help, and technical support. - Use the device Web Application OR the mobile app for device configuration and management. - Easy to use Wi-Fi management functions. mAX Wi-Fi Mesh Routers: - Models: W11, W121, W122, W21, W30, W31, W61, WC4S, WC4T - Step-by-step install guide includes help for optimal mesh node placement in your home for performance and coverage. - Easy to use Wi-Fi management and enhanced mAX features*. Wi-Fi Gaming and Extenders: - Models: W6B, W6U - Step-by-step install guide. - Access to device information, help, and technical support. - Quick launch the device Web Application for device configuration and management. --- Easy to use Wi-Fi management functions --- - Manage your Wi-Fi network when you are at home or away. - Setup a private and secure home Wi-Fi network. - Setup a separate Guest network for visitors. - View client devices connected to your network. - Add friendly names for each client device. - Check your mobile device real-time Wi-Fi speed. - Create profiles for your kids to manage their screen time, allowing schedule or manual Internet pause. --- Enhanced mAX features --- - Get notified when selected device leave or join your home network. - Enhance your parental controls with "screen" time rewards. - Network Health monitoring with recommendations for optimization. For additional help, please visit the SURFboard User Community at https://community.surfboard.com/ For device technical details and support, please visit SURFboard Support at https://www.surfboard.com/support/resources/ * Not all enhanced mAX features are available on W61, WC4S, and WC4T
PPG MagicBox
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PPG MagicBox is a utility application for users of PPG MagicBox hardware. The application helps the PPG MagicBox connect to Wi-Fi.
Screenshots
Verdict
SURFboard Central and PPG MagicBox are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | SURFboard Central | PPG MagicBox |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.6 (1.7K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 10.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1.7K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 193 MB | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ARRIS Group, Inc. | PPG Industries, Inc |
Bugs and requests
SURFboard Central
Reported bugs
5 issues- App crashes frequently
- Fails to connect to network
- Incorrect device information displayed
- Parental controls don't work as expected
- Unable to change network name or password
Requested features
4 requests- Add more advanced configuration options
- Improve parental controls and internet scheduling
- Provide a web-based interface instead of just a mobile app
- Allow users to bypass the app and access router settings directly
PPG MagicBox
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
SURFboard Central
No in-app purchases
PPG MagicBox
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is SURFboard Central free?
Is PPG MagicBox free?
Do SURFboard Central or PPG MagicBox have ads?
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