# TP vs NETGEAR Nighthawk

TP and NETGEAR Nighthawk both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 95% of TP's written reviews are positive against 30% of NETGEAR Nighthawk's. TP also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly) and chart position (#32 vs #168). NETGEAR Nighthawk's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 15) and ratings volume (708K vs 158K). On price, rating, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TP sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. NETGEAR Nighthawk asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for TP against 4.7 for NETGEAR Nighthawk. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 158K and 708K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 95% of TP's written reviews are positive against 30% of NETGEAR Nighthawk's.

TP ships an update fortnightly, NETGEAR Nighthawk monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TP | NETGEAR Nighthawk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (158K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tp-link-tether/id599496594/reviews)** | [4.7 (708K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgear-nighthawk-wifi-app/id1124666597/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 158K | **708K** |
| Positive reviews | **95.4% of reviews** | 29.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#32** | #168 |
| Size | 363 MB | 248 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TP-Link Systems Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1713842892) | [NETGEAR](https://appshunter.io/developer/394405580) |

## What reviewers say

### TP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tp-link-tether/id599496594)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Easily manage your TP-Link routers, DSL modems, and range extenders from your mobile device. Set up your network, control access, and monitor connected clients with an intuitive interface. Features include parental controls, LED management, and device blocking.

**Highlights:** Network setup (SSID, password, internet settings), Block unauthorized users, Manage client device permissions, Parental control with scheduling and URL filtering, Range extender placement guidance, LED control, Simultaneous device management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adv Parental Controls Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Security+ Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Adv Parental Controls Yearly | $17.99 | per year |
| Security+ | $35.99 | per year |
| Security+ | $35.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $54.99 | per year |
| TP-Link On-the-Go Antivirus | $109.99 | per year |
| Total Security Package | $129.99 | per year |
| Total Security | $159.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy setup
- 👍 User friendly
- 👍 Simple and easy
- 👍 Awesome tech
- 👍 Top wifi

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Set up not clear
- 🐛 Fairly straight forward
- 🐛 Workroom
- 🐛 Dark Mode
- 🐛 Unable to login

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Can't set date and time
- Client icons don't save when changed
- Parental controls not working

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Advanced analytics dashboard
- Manual configuration
- More advanced configuration options
- IFTTT functionality


### NETGEAR Nighthawk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgear-nighthawk-wifi-app/id1124666597)

**Currently charting:** #168 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Manage your home WiFi network from anywhere with this app. Easily set up your router, control internet access for devices, and enhance your network's security. It also includes tools to test your internet speed and monitor data usage.

**Highlights:** Remote network access, Parental controls, Network security, Speed testing, Guest WiFi setup, Traffic monitoring

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to set up
- 🚀 Improved internet experience
- 🔒 Good security features
- 📊 Useful network monitoring

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🔍 Limited device management
- 🔧 Difficult configuration for advanced users
- 🔔 Excessive notifications and upsells

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to detect or connect to router
- Device list inaccurate or inconsistent
- Firmware updates causing connectivity problems
- App crashing or freezing

**Requested features**

- Ability to customize device names and icons
- Parental controls with time limits and scheduling
- Improved remote access and management
- Better integration with other Netgear products


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TP free?

TP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NETGEAR Nighthawk free?

NETGEAR Nighthawk is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, TP or NETGEAR Nighthawk?

TP is rated higher. TP averages 4.8 out of 5 from 158K ratings, while NETGEAR Nighthawk averages 4.7 from 708K ratings.

### Do TP or NETGEAR Nighthawk have ads?

Neither TP nor NETGEAR Nighthawk shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TP or NETGEAR Nighthawk?

TP ships an update fortnightly, and NETGEAR Nighthawk monthly. Most recently, TP was updated on October 19, 2026 and NETGEAR Nighthawk on October 18, 2026.

### Which is more popular, TP or NETGEAR Nighthawk?

TP currently peaks at #32 in the App Store charts, and NETGEAR Nighthawk at #168. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*