Comparison

Linksys vs TP

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

Head to head
About

Linksys

Manage your home WiFi network remotely from anywhere. Control connected devices, set up guest networks, and implement parental controls to manage internet access for children. Prioritize devices for better streaming and gaming performance, and enhance security against online threats.

Highlights
  • Remote WiFi access
  • Network dashboard
  • Guest network setup
  • Device prioritization
  • Network security features
  • Parental controls
Features
Read full description

This app is the command center for your Velop system and Linksys Smart WiFi routers. Use the Linksys app anywhere you have an internet connection to check connected devices, set up guest access, or keep your kids off the internet when they should be doing homework. KEY FEATURES • Remote Access – All you need is the internet. • Dashboard – Your WiFi's vital stats on one page. • Guest Access – Give friends internet access, but keep personal data secure. • Device Prioritization – Improve streaming and online gaming by giving WiFi priority to favored devices. • Network Security - Be proactive against network threats and malicious sites with Linksys Shield. • Parental Controls – Encourage kids' healthy internet behavior by pausing internet access. Privacy Policy: https://www.linksys.com/embed/lswf/en-us/privacy-policy/ Terms of Use: https://www.linksys.com/embed/lswf/en-us/terms/ SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS* • Velop systems and Linksys Smart WiFi routers. Full list of supported routers: http://www.LinksysSmartWiFi.com/cloud/ustatic/mobile/supportedRouters.html • User account (created in the app or at http://www.LinksysSmartWiFi.com) connected to your Linksys product. • iOS 14.0 and greater For additional help, visit our support site at http://support.linksys.com

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

Screenshots

Linksys4 screens
TP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: TP at 92% against Linksys's 21%. TP also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and chart position (#99 vs unranked). Linksys's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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. Linksys sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and TP sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TP holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 98K and 84K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of Linksys's written reviews are positive against 92% of TP's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Linksys ships an update every 5 weeks, TP every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Linksys versus TP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLinksysTP
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (98K ratings)4.9 (84K ratings) — better
Positive reviews21.1% of reviews92.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings98K — better84K
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#99 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size111 MB497 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLinksys USA, Inc.TP-Link Systems Inc.

Customer experience

Linksys

All ratings98,345 ratings
Positive94.7%
Neutral2.3%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews735 reviews
Positive21.1%
Neutral5.3%
Negative73.6%

TP

All ratings84,095 ratings
Positive98.1%
Neutral0.7%
Negative1.2%
Written reviews7,633 reviews
Positive92.3%
Neutral2.4%
Negative5.3%

User reviews

Linksys

From 98K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Reliable and light-weight
  • 🔒 Secure and easy to manage
  • 👍 Simple and effective interface
  • 👍 Helpful parental controls

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy and unreliable app
  • 🐛 Slow and unresponsive app
  • 🐛 Inconsistent device detection
  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
  • 🐛 Inaccurate network information

TP

From 84K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Easy setup
  • 🚀 Excellent coverage
  • 🚀 Reliable connection
  • 👍 Intuitive app
  • 👍 Useful features (parental controls, guest network, etc.)

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Connectivity issues (devices disconnecting, app not finding network)
  • 🐛 Unreliable app performance (slow, crashes, bugs)
  • 🔒 Security concerns (lack of password protection, device authentication)
  • 💡 Limited customization options (channel selection, device prioritization)

Bugs and requests

Linksys

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App frequently loses connection to router
  • Cannot reliably rename or manage connected devices
  • Parental controls settings randomly reset or malfunction
  • Inability to troubleshoot or diagnose network issues

Requested features

5 requests
  • Allow device-specific parental controls
  • Add option to view network usage statistics
  • Improve app navigation and responsiveness
  • Provide more granular control over node settings
  • Implement dark mode and customization options

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

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Linksys

Subscriptions2
  • Linksys Aware3 Months trial$2.991 Month
  • Linksys Shield3 Months trial$4.991 Month
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

Questions

Is Linksys free?
Linksys is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TP free?
TP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Linksys or TP?
TP is rated higher. Linksys averages 4.7 out of 5 from 98K ratings, while TP averages 4.9 from 84K ratings.
Do Linksys or TP have ads?
Neither Linksys nor TP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Linksys or TP?
Linksys ships an update every 5 weeks, and TP every 3 weeks. Most recently, Linksys was updated on September 25, 2026 and TP on September 25, 2026.

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