Comparison

TP vs XL Lock Manager

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

XL Lock Manager

Manage your locks digitally with a user-friendly interface. Control access via NFC, PIN, fingerprint, or Bluetooth, and monitor activity in real-time. Share access easily without requiring others to download the app.

Highlights
  • Multiple access methods (NFC, PIN, Fingerprint, Bluetooth)
  • User-specific access customization
  • Real-time activity logs
  • Share PIN codes via messaging apps
  • Remote unlocking with Gateway
  • Low battery warnings
  • Lock transfer and grouping
Features
Read full description

The Lock Manager App is the digital solution for easy key management and the key of the future. It comes with a simple and user-friendly layout which helps you to administrate your Locks easily. The App comes with many intelligent features such as: o Choose between various access features (NFC Tags, Pin Codes, Fingerprint and Bluetooth Low Energy) and customise the access for each user. o Handle all permissions of each Lock over the App. You decide who has access, anytime and anywhere. o Get a real time report with an overview of all activity logs and see who accessed at what time. o There is no need for single users to download the App to receive Pin Codes and access the Lock. Simply share the Pin Code via WhatsApp, SMS or Email. o With a Gateway (using Wi-Fi as a bridge) you can even unlock your storage from anywhere in the world. o Low battery warning. o Easy transfer of Locks to a different account when the management changes. o Enter individual names for each Lock for a clear overview. o Manage all your Locks in groups for easy handling. o You choose the way of handling the access by turning the toggle mode on or off.

Screenshots

TP4 screens
XL Lock Manager4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: TP at 95% against XL Lock Manager's 0%. TP also leads on chart position (#39 vs unranked). XL Lock Manager's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). 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. TP sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. XL Lock Manager asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TP ships an update fortnightly, XL Lock Manager monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
TP versus XL Lock Manager: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTPXL Lock Manager
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (163K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews95.4% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings163K — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#39 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size363 MB120 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTP-Link Systems Inc.Tretipi Software GmbH

Customer experience

TP

All ratings161,323 ratings
Positive96.5%
Neutral1.2%
Negative2.3%
Written reviews8,588 reviews
Positive95.4%
Neutral1.6%
Negative2.9%

XL Lock Manager

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

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

XL Lock Manager

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

7 purchases

TP

Subscriptions7
  • Adv Parental Controls Monthly1 Month trial$2.991 Month
  • Security+ Monthly1 Month trial$4.991 Month
  • Monthly1 Month trial$5.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • Adv Parental Controls Yearly1 Month trial2 variants$17.991 Year
  • Security+1 Month trial$35.991 Year
  • Yearly1 Month trial$54.991 Year
  • Total Security Package1 Year trial3 variants$129.991 Year
None

XL Lock Manager

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TP free?
TP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is XL Lock Manager free?
XL Lock Manager is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do TP or XL Lock Manager have ads?
Neither TP nor XL Lock Manager shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TP or XL Lock Manager?
TP ships an update fortnightly, and XL Lock Manager monthly. Most recently, TP was updated on November 4, 2026 and XL Lock Manager on November 3, 2026.

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