Comparison

TP vs TP

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

Head to head
About

TP

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
Currently charting
Read full description

TP-Link Tether provides the easiest way to access and manage your TP-Link Router/ xDSL Router/ Range Extender with your mobile devices. From quick setup to parental controls, Tether provides a simple, intuitive user interface to see your device status, online client devices and their privileges. - Setup SSID, password and Internet or VDSL/ADSL settings of your devices - Block unauthorized users who are accessing your devices - Manage permissions of client devices - Parental control function with schedule and URL-based Internet access management - Find the best location to place your range extender - Automatically turn off the LEDs at specific time - Manage most of TP-Link devices simultaneously View compatible routers of Tether: https://www.tp-link.com/tether/product-list/#wi-fi-routers To learn how to find the hardware version of your device, go to http://www.tp-link.com/faq-46.html More devices supported by Tether are coming soon! Important Notes ● Upgrade firmware is required. Go to the download page to choose the correct version and download the latest firmware: http://www.tp-link.com/support.html ● TP-Link Tether does not work when connected to guest network ● For any issue, please contact http://www.tp-link.com/support.html ● Privacy Policy: https://privacy.tp-link.com/app/Tether/privacy ● Terms of Use: https://privacy.tp-link.com/app/Tether/tou ● HomeShield Subscription Service Agreement: https://www.tp-link.com/homeshield/service-agreement/?app=tether ● Auto-Renewal Service Agreement: https://www.tp-link.com/homeshield/auto-renewal-service-agreement/?app=tether

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

TP4 screens
TP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is chart position: TP at #28 against TP's #99. On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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. TP sells 10 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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for TP against 4.9 for TP. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 158K and 84K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 95% of TP's written reviews are positive against 92% of TP's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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

Scorecard1 real difference · 10 level
TP versus TP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTPTP
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (158K ratings)4.9 (84K ratings) — better
Positive reviews95.4% of reviews — better92.3% of reviews
Number of ratings158K — better84K
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#28 — better#99
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size363 MB497 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTP-Link Systems Inc.TP-Link Systems Inc.

Customer experience

TP

All ratings157,501 ratings
Positive96.5%
Neutral1.2%
Negative2.3%
Written reviews8,136 reviews
Positive95.4%
Neutral1.6%
Negative3.0%

TP

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

User reviews

TP

From 158K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

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

TP

Reported bugs

11 issues
  • Login screen freezes
  • Incompatible with older devices
  • Can't set date and time
  • Client icons don't save when changed
  • Parental controls not working
Show 6 more
  • Forced to create an online account to manage local device
  • Constantly logging in and out
  • Trouble connecting to router
  • Changing MAC addresses causing issues
  • Blocking clients not working
  • App not recognizing own devices

Requested features

10 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Advanced analytics dashboard
  • Manual configuration
  • More advanced configuration options
  • IFTTT functionality
Show 5 more
  • Don't change MAC address of connected devices
  • Provide information to upgrade router
  • Use device descriptions from static IP reservations
  • Register for cloud services through the app
  • More features and functionality

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

10 purchases

TP

Subscriptions10
  • Adv Parental Controls Monthly1 Month trial2 variants$2.991 Month
  • Security+ Monthly1 Month trial$4.991 Month
  • Monthly1 Month trial$5.991 Month
Show 7 more
  • Adv Parental Controls Yearly1 Month trial2 variants$17.991 Year
  • Security+1 Year trial$35.991 Year
  • Security+1 Month trial$35.991 Year
  • Yearly1 Month trial$54.991 Year
  • TP-Link On-the-Go Antivirus1 Year trial$109.991 Year
  • Total Security Package1 Year trial3 variants$129.991 Year
  • Total Security1 Year trial$159.991 Year
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 TP free?
TP 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, TP or TP?
TP is rated higher. TP averages 4.8 out of 5 from 158K ratings, while TP averages 4.9 from 84K ratings.
Do TP or TP have ads?
Neither TP nor TP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TP or TP?
TP ships an update fortnightly, and TP every 3 weeks. Most recently, TP was updated on September 25, 2026 and TP on September 25, 2026.
Which is more popular, TP or TP?
TP currently peaks at #28 in the App Store charts, and TP at #99. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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