# Remote for VLC, PC & Mac vs SmartyPlay

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SmartyPlay at none against Remote for VLC, PC & Mac's 10. SmartyPlay also leads on ads (none vs shown). Remote for VLC, PC & Mac's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 16 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Remote for VLC, PC & Mac sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per year. SmartyPlay asks for nothing beyond the download.

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac ships an update every 3 months, SmartyPlay every 16 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Remote for VLC, PC & Mac | SmartyPlay |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (470 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-for-vlc-pc-and-mac/id1140931401/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **470** | — |
| Positive reviews | 51.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 16 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 38 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adarsh Urs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1140931400) | [Foxsoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/1857476698) |

## What reviewers say

### Remote for VLC, PC & Mac

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-for-vlc-pc-and-mac/id1140931401)

Control VLC media player, your computer's mouse, and keyboard remotely from your smartphone or tablet. Browse files, manage playlists, and even control streaming services like Netflix and YouTube without leaving your couch.

**Highlights:** Control VLC Media Player, PC and Mac remote control, Mouse and keyboard emulation, Browse computer files, Manage playlists, Control YouTube and streaming services, Add subtitle files

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Features (Yearly) | $5.99 | per year |
| Netflix Controls | $0.99 | one-time |
| Power Controls | $0.99 | one-time |
| Chrome/Safari/Firefox Controls | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock VLC Features | $2.99 | one-time |
| Unlock VLC Features  & No Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| Mouse & Keyboard Controls | $2.99 | one-time |
| Ad Remover | $3.99 | one-time |
| All Features Without VLC | $6.99 | one-time |
| Full Features (For Lifetime) | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient remote control
- 🚀 Works across platforms
- 💡 Useful features like YouTube control
- 👍 Easy setup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and disconnections
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 💩 Intrusive ads
- 🤯 Confusing and unintuitive UI

**Reported bugs**

- Incompatible with latest iOS/macOS versions
- Issues with mouse/touch controls
- Purchased features not working as expected
- Unexpected behavior when pausing/stopping playback

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to control brightness and other system functions
- Better support for VLC 3.0
- Customizable themes and colors


### SmartyPlay

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartyplay/id6748363645)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Remote for VLC, PC & Mac free?

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SmartyPlay free?

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

### Do Remote for VLC, PC & Mac or SmartyPlay have ads?

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac shows ads; SmartyPlay does not.

### Which is updated more often, Remote for VLC, PC & Mac or SmartyPlay?

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac ships an update every 3 months, and SmartyPlay every 16 months. Most recently, Remote for VLC, PC & Mac was updated on November 6, 2026 and SmartyPlay on November 5, 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.*