# Universal Remote – Roomie 9 — user reviews > 104 indexed App Store user reviews of Universal Remote by Roomie Remote, Inc, rated 4.00/5 from 803 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-roomie-9/id1455871956/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-roomie-9/id1455871956.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 513 · 4★ 69 · 3★ 48 · 2★ 26 · 1★ 147 ## What do users think of Universal Remote? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 🚀 Great home control functionality - 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface - 🚀 Reliable and robust - 👍 Excellent system integration **Cons** - 🐛 Buggy and unreliable - 👎 Poor customer support - 💰 Expensive subscription model - 👎 Difficult to set up and configure - 🐛 Frequent crashes and issues - 👎 Lack of customization options **Commonly reported bugs** - Subscription issues and billing problems - Compatibility problems with newer OS versions - Inconsistent device control and automation - Syncing and connectivity problems across devices **Most requested features** - Dark mode option - Better integration with smart home devices - More customization options for button layout - Improved sharing and multi-user support ## Newest reviews (16 of 104) ### 1/5 — Long Hard Road *2024-04-08, version 8.7.0* I’ve been using this application for years all through the name changes etc. I can honestly say the application is finally matured enough to be usable for my application (LG OLED tv, Denon receiver, Fire tv stick). The programming has become more straight forward, the user interface while not overly colorful is at least intuitive and usable. Programming does not glitch anywhere’s as much as it used to. I have Govee lights to control which will be my next exercise. Much improved guys/gals. Thank you. ### 3/5 — Lifetime Subscription? *2024-01-12, version 8.5.4* What happened to the lifetime subscription? ### 1/5 — I WANT A REFUND *2024-01-09, version 8.5.4* APPLE WONT GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK AND THERES NO INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONTACT THESE PEOPLE TO REQUEST A REFUND $50 DOWN THE DRAIN UGH ### 1/5 — Rhymes with puck off *2023-12-07, version 8.5.4* This app: Give us your email address and then we’ll show you how the app works and whether it even uses IR to communicate with wired devices. Me:Ugh. Fine here. But I’m not actually logged in so don’t mail it. This app: Great. Now give us $90 and then we’ll show you how the app works and whether it even uses IR to communicate with wired devices. Me: … ### 1/5 — No way to try without signing up for subscription *2023-11-04, version 8.5.3* Offer a timed option in the app without subscribing so we can test if it will work. I’m not signing up for a subscription to access a trial. ### 1/5 — Once again it has broken my setup *2023-09-16* Who runs this product? I cringe every time there is an update, and this one is no exception. My volume controls for my denon receivers have all stopped working. Please for the love of the universe, stop making unnecessary changes. You are not going to replace HomeKit or google, pick your product area and your key customer and make them love your product. I expect that your goal is to to retain customers like me who have complex av systems and multi person families who benefit from ease of use of tech. If this is the case, you should be looking at existing configuration to find the most common components, setups, and integrations and then regression test simulated versions of them before you release new software. Seems to me you are testing new setups from scratch, and maybe that works fine, but you are always breaking your more tenured customers setups. I have managed to simplify my life in one system down to an appletv running everything, including on/off and volume - motivated by being able to stop using roomie. So for that system I have achieved a roomie-free situation that is perfect. For my theater, there is a lot more going on and it helps to have roomies ability to integrate and automation controls. Unfortunately instead of being excited about roomie, I spend time like a clever squirrel trying to find another path and look forward to the day I can finally fire you, and stop paying hundreds of dollars a year. **Developer response:** Designating your Primary Controller in the Homes panel as per the Setup Guide resolves that. ### 2/5 — bit disapointing *2023-05-21, version 8.4.0* the older roomie remote app was more customizable and looked better I dont know why they have made the new one so much like hard work ### 3/5 — App seems cool buttt *2023-05-15, version 8.4.0* The app seems cool but it’s to expensive for what it is and limited for what it’s worth unless you have upwards of 100-300 bucks for the unlocked app I had hopes for this but was let down by options price and consumer connections like google home and budget friendly devices ### 1/5 — Not reliable *2023-05-05, version 8.3.3* Constantly having to restore home. Room devices keep disappearing or functions change for activities. To top it off, the subscription keeps getting higher and higher. Will be forced to look elsewhere for more reasonable options… More and more of my devices use the FREE Home Assistant… Greed is pricing them out of range… ### 2/5 — Functional but difficult to use *2023-04-14* While this app can actually control most devices, it is painful to configure and offers almost no control over the button layout. The user interface for setting up activities and commands violates almost every principle of good UX design — it will easily add hours to tasks that should take minutes. Simple commands are hidden in pop up menus in weird places, everything takes a million taps to complete a task, etc. I could forgive that… but the last straw was the complete lack of control over button layout. For example, the default for my A/V processor has a big volume control in the center, and a logo under it you can press to open a tray with every other command stuffed in it. Nothing else, tons of blank space to either side of the volume on my iPad. I can add custom buttons to the panel with the volume, but it gives zero control over position. It stacks them below the volume making the whole UI scroll rather than use all that blank space. Very frustrating. For how expensive this app is… it is something only the developer who wrote it could love. ### 2/5 — Needy and annoying *2023-04-12, version 8.3.3* Prompts for feedback and a review every time I attempt to power a room. I run a primary instance on a headless Mac Mini, and every freaking time the app is updated it wants me to sign in to my apple account. The first I know of this is the whole setup stops working. Why? If there was an workable alterntaive I would have binned this app long ago. At present its best described as Hostageware. ### 4/5 — Does not support KNX devices. *2023-04-12, version 8.3.3* unfortunately the best control app cannot control the most popular KNX equipment in Europe. if it were, then Roomie sales would have grown exponentially. I wish you development and prosperity. ### 1/5 — App is ok, support is a joke *2023-04-05, version 8.3.2* The app is fairly decent, although the subscription is horribly overpriced. On top of that, when you contact support the reply comes in form of insults from an individual with a level of arrogance I have rarely seen in my life. Only recommendation is STAY AWAY!! ### 1/5 — Plans changes reduce features and increase price. *2023-03-25, version 8.3.2* Custom code functionality was available in all but the lowest tier is now only in pro subscriptions. I have 4 devices and am now faced with spending $100 to simply to support a single DAC with custom codes. I’ve used Roomie from the early days prior to the Simple Control fiasco. I’ve now canceled my subscription. ### 3/5 — Highly Capable App but Homekit Devices are limited on all plans but Pro *2023-03-10* This is a highly capable and reliable app that I have used for years, including the legacy Simple Control app. There is a pretty steep learning curve so be prepared to invest a fair amount of time up front to learn how to use it. The lengthy manual is informative and I found that to be the best way to gain an understanding on how to start with the app. Now for the paid subscriptions. If you use Homekit devices in your home and would like to be able to control them from within the Roomie app, you will likely need the $100 per year Pro subscription. This is why. Even though the Home Complete $60 plan says that it supports unlimited devices, pay attention to the 5 room limitation. If you have Homekit devices in more than 5 rooms of your home (as defined in the Apple Home app), you will only be able to see and control the Homekit devices in 5 rooms. If you add a Homekit smart plug to the sixth room and want to control it, the Pro subscription will be required. So while you may only have a total of 6 Homekit devices in your home and each is in a different room, you will have to choose which 5 you want to control from within Roomie if you select the Home Complete subscription for $60/yr. Most homes have more than 5 rooms where Homekit devices might be located, and if your home is like this, you will need to get the Pro $100/yr plan to control those Homekit devices from within the Roomie app. ### 1/5 — this program is very greedy *2023-02-12, version 8.3.0* subscribtion for remote??? No ways! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Great when it works but very buggy *2025-06-17, version 9.2.2* This app is a constant headache. It breaks periodically without making changes. I’ve experienced cases where making one small change ends up erasing or changing unrelated settings in activities. My most recent problem was setting unit it up on a new iPad. My home is on an iPhone and another iPad. The new iPad doesn’t pick up my home despite being signed in with the same Apple ID. ### 1/5 — DON'T BOTHER *2025-06-02, version 9.2.2* have to pay a subscription just to use the app.. like you don't even get to use the remote AT ALL.. waste of time ### 1/5 — Canceled the Demo - still billed for a whole year *2025-04-14, version 9.2.2* I downloaded the app to try out for three days, canceled and deleted the app the next day but was still billed $40 ### 1/5 — How to get taken advantage of. *2025-03-15, version 9.2.1* I have now been charged 4 times for this app trying to get it to work properly and there is no support. This is a huge rip off. When first installed it worked until I had to pay for the next year and I’ve had nothing but problems ever since. There is no tech support just frustration. ### 1/5 — Nothing works *2025-02-16, version 9.2.1* I bought a perpetual license foe this app, and literally nothing works. The old app was intuitive, colorful, and worked fine. They discontinued it that and replaced it with this nightmare, where nothing controls anything. There used to be live tech support that was super helpful too, but I guess they grew past the point of providing human help. ### 1/5 — Customer service *2025-01-15, version 9.2.1* I need a number to contact these people to roomie remote ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work without farming your data *2024-12-30, version 9.2.1* Impossible to use without signing up and giving your credit card number for a trial. Too many ads. Didn’t work. Use another app. This one isn’t worth it. ### 1/5 — No technical support *2024-10-24* The application is very good and very complete, but if you have a technical problem and you cannot solve it yourself, forget it because they will not give you a solution, they do not have technical support. ### 1/5 — Stop it!!! *2024-09-14* Stop stop stop making changes that break things. Every time this app automatically updates it breaks something. Please learn how to qa software. You have decided to make a solution for integrating disparate a/v systems. Please learn how to be excellent at that. You are not a replacement for homekit, home assistant, etc. supremely frustrating. I can’t imagine how frustrated a professional would be using this software for hundreds of clients. I’m just a diyer, and even though I am down to a single super simple theater room setup on roomie it’s broken at least 2-3 times a year. I dread seeing the new feature walkthrough, I know my weekend is shot at that point. Disappointed as usual. **Developer response:** Designating your Primary Controller in the Homes panel as per the Setup Guide resolves that. ### 1/5 — Don’t download unless you want to pay *2024-06-08, version 8.7.1* The app doesn’t tell you a subscription is required to use the app. And it’s insanely expensive. Go buy another remote. It’s way cheaper than this insanely over priced app. Save your time and move on ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Worth it!! *2025-05-21, version 9.2.2* This is a great app to control the entire home. I love every aspect!! ### 5/5 — Great app-High quality! *2024-12-11, version 9.2.0* Great quality, love that this app can control a whole house or an apartment. Great for being able to have one of your basic things(a phone) be your remote. No more looking for the remote in the couch cushions! Love the app and love the other apps made my the company-GREAT quality and user interface ### 5/5 — Best Universal Control App. *2023-10-07, version 8.5.2* For the home automation enthusiast that loves DIY this is the app for you. ### 5/5 — Mac App is a Companion App to iOS App *2023-09-23, version 8.5.1* I've read some negative reviews about the MacOS version of this app and I think it should be clarified that the Mac App is really meant to be a companion app to the IOS and iPadOS apps. Roomie is really intended to be used with a touch screen like an iPhone or an iPad, but I've give a lot of props to the developer for taking the time to develop a Mac dedicated app. The Mac version of the App works exactly like it's iOS and iPadOS counterparts and can also be used as an always-on "hub", which isn't necessary for most features, but a nice option for more advanced features. While I understand that some people may be turned off by the subscription model/fee, I find it to be worth the money because a) I can control all of my TVs and media players throughout my house without any additonal hardware, b) the developer is consistently updating the app and adding new features (and is also very active on the forum and c) there aren't any better options in the market that do what this app does now that Harmony has shut down. I really wish the developer would consider developing a physical remote that other family members could use, but I'm assured this will never happen. Nevertheless, I can't criticize the app or the developer for this since that's not the business model here and the product is really solid on its own. The front-end/UI of the app is an absolute gem. I have a hard time finding any room for improvement. The setup/backend process, however, leaves a bit to be desired. While not horrible, it's not as straight forward and easy to use as say the Harmony Hub setup process. I will admit, however, once you figure out the activity setup process you'll find that it's a bit more powerful than the Harmony Hub. I've been an Apple user for years and while I hate subscription models, this is one I can support because the developer is constantly improving this app, adding features and keeping it awesome. And the subscription model is much more reasonable than it once was. Now, if you're household has TVs and Audio devices that are older and not network connected or compatible with Roomie, than I suggest looking elsewhere. But for those that are looking for perhaps a Harmony replacement or a new toy to play with, this app is polished and supports a wide range of devices, so it's not some cheap fly by night app that supports only one brand. This app is legit with a very acrive developer. ### 5/5 — Working Great *2022-11-10* Long time iRule user here as proprietary systems that require a service call to replace a component drive me nuts and the iRule servers are being shut down. I have multiple rooms so those all in one remote systems don’t fit so well plus they can be kludgey to program. Roomie discovered many of my components that had IP addresses and for the rest, since Roomie works with the Global Cache IR blasters I was already using I had everything set up again in no time! It is a subscription model, but the price is fair and hopefully a revenue stream will keep them providing and supporting this great product. It comes with only a one week free trial but in two days you will see how well it works! Very satisfied subscriber! Update: A year later now, and still working great. My wife has a much easier time with Roomie than she did with iRule. ### 5/5 — Problem with latest update *2022-11-03, version 8.1.0* Latest updates cuts off my app… ### 5/5 — Peter Doidge *2022-01-03, version 7.1.2* Very good interface , been using it for 4 years and just upgraded to latest version. You need to be switched on to the way the system works but once grasped it’s a doddle. Tried using alternative products over the years but this is by far the best without paying silly money ### 5/5 — No support *2021-11-22, version 7.1.1* I cannot make anything work in this new release. Don’t know what I am doing wrong and support is no help. Actually there is no support. At least that is what they tell you when you enter a big report. ### 5/5 — Excellent *2021-10-16* I have used many versions of this app over the years for one reason, it is reliable and robust. The amount of compatible devices and the ease of remote layout and design makes us the perfect option for me in my household. I highly recommend it for anyone that has a lot of smart home devices and audiovisual equipment. It is great having a remote that will control my home theater, the thermostat, the lights, and will bring up my security cameras all in one interface. ### 5/5 — Roomie Remote v.7 is simply the best remote control app available. Period. *2021-10-06* I’ve been using Roomie from the start and through its segue as Simple Control and then back. I’m so glad Will and the gang are back on track. This latest version and their revised purchase/subscription plans with Family Sharing and free access to the app for guests eliminates a lot of the annoyances of previous versions. Yes, the app isn’t what I would consider inexpensive, but nothing on the market comes close to offering what Roomie can do all in one simple and clean interface without installing an all encompassing proprietary home automation system. With Roomie, you can press a button to control (or voice command) all your AV gear, lights, scenes, cameras, etc. from various vendors and using multiple protocols… you’re not limited to just HomeKit devices or just one brand of receiver or lighting control… you can use just about anything and have them all work together under Roomie. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-07.*