# TP vs NETGEAR Orbi

TP and NETGEAR Orbi both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 95% of TP's written reviews are positive against 35% of NETGEAR Orbi's. TP also leads on chart position (#30 vs unranked) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). NETGEAR Orbi's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 15). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TP sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. NETGEAR Orbi 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 Orbi. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 162K and 354K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 95% of TP's written reviews are positive against 35% of NETGEAR Orbi's.

TP ships an update fortnightly, NETGEAR Orbi every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | TP | NETGEAR Orbi |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (162K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tp-link-tether/id599496594/reviews)** | [4.7 (354K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgear-orbi-wifi-system-app/id1182184397/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 162K | **354K** |
| Positive reviews | **95.4% of reviews** | 34.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#30** | — |
| Size | 363 MB | 249 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:** #30 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 Orbi

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgear-orbi-wifi-system-app/id1182184397)

Manage your home WiFi network remotely with this app. It offers features like parental controls, cybersecurity, speed tests, and guest network setup. Easily monitor usage, pause WiFi, and update firmware from anywhere.

**Highlights:** Remote WiFi management, Parental controls, Network security, Speed testing, Guest WiFi setup, Traffic monitoring, Firmware updates

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable WiFi
- 🔒 Excellent security features
- 👍 Intuitive app and setup
- 👍 Great coverage and connectivity
- 👍 Seamless device management

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app with frequent crashes
- 🔍 Limited functionality in the app
- 💰 Expensive for the features provided
- 🤯 Frustrating setup process
- 🔍 Lacking advanced customization options

**Reported bugs**

- App unable to find or connect to router
- Frequent disconnections and network instability
- Incorrect device status and connection information
- Inability to access advanced router settings

**Requested features**

- Separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz network control
- Improved parental controls and time scheduling
- Better integration with smart home devices
- More detailed network analytics and diagnostics
- Streamlined firmware update process


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TP free?

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

### Is NETGEAR Orbi free?

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

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

TP is rated higher. TP averages 4.8 out of 5 from 162K ratings, while NETGEAR Orbi averages 4.7 from 354K ratings.

### Do TP or NETGEAR Orbi have ads?

Neither TP nor NETGEAR Orbi shows ads.

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

TP ships an update fortnightly, and NETGEAR Orbi every 5 weeks. Most recently, TP was updated on October 31, 2026 and NETGEAR Orbi on October 31, 2026.

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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.*