Comparison

Linksys vs Host_Desk

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

Host_Desk

Features
Read full description

Simple activity and expense tracking for small portfolio (under 5 properties) hosts of short term rentals.

Screenshots

Linksys4 screens
Host_Desk3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Host_Desk at none against Linksys's 2. Linksys's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, 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. Linksys sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Host_Desk asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Linksys ships an update every 5 weeks, Host_Desk every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Linksys versus Host_Desk: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLinksysHost_Desk
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (98K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews20.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings98K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size111 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLinksys USA, Inc.Jonathan Keyek

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

Host_Desk

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Linksys

Subscriptions2
  • Linksys Aware3 Months trial$2.991 Month
  • Linksys Shield3 Months trial$4.991 Month
None

Host_Desk

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Linksys free?
Linksys is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Host_Desk free?
Host_Desk is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Linksys or Host_Desk have ads?
Neither Linksys nor Host_Desk shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Linksys or Host_Desk?
Linksys ships an update every 5 weeks, and Host_Desk every 3 weeks. Most recently, Linksys was updated on October 19, 2026 and Host_Desk on October 7, 2026.

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