# Apple TV vs Remote Controller for TV

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Apple TV at none against Remote Controller for TV's 5. Apple TV also leads on review sentiment (43% vs 11%) and ratings volume (1.9M vs 676). Remote Controller for TV's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On price and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Remote Controller for TV sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Apple TV asks for nothing beyond the download.

Apple TV holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Apple TV has 1.9M ratings behind it against 676, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of Apple TV's written reviews are positive against 11% of Remote Controller for TV's.

Apple TV ships an update every 2 months, Remote Controller for TV weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Apple TV | Remote Controller for TV |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.9M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/apple-tv/id1174078549/reviews)** | [4.5 (676 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-controller-for-tv/id6496851627/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.9M** | 676 |
| Positive reviews | **43.2% of reviews** | 11.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.2** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Vision Pro** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Apple](https://appshunter.io/developer/284417353) | [LOOP MOBILE FZCO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741140077) |

## What reviewers say

### Apple TV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/apple-tv/id1174078549)

This app is a central hub for exclusive original series, movies, and live sports like Formula 1 and MLB. It also aggregates content from your favorite streaming services, allowing you to buy or rent titles and discover new shows.

**Highlights:** Exclusive Apple Originals, Live Formula 1 & MLB, Buy or rent movies, Aggregate streaming services, Personalized recommendations, Continue Watching feature

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Decent quality viewing experience
- 👍 Impressive 4K and audio quality
- 🤩 Fantastic original content

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable app
- 🤯 Confusing and unintuitive interface
- 💰 Misleading pricing and pay-to-watch content
- 🤔 Lack of user-friendly features
- 😡 Terrible customer support

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently
- Playback issues and random freezes
- Incorrect episode/content display
- Syncing problems across devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to save/bookmark content for later
- Improved content organization and navigation
- Sync playback progress across devices
- Chromecast/casting support
- User profiles and personalized recommendations


### Remote Controller for TV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-controller-for-tv/id6496851627)

Transform your smartphone into a powerful remote for your smart TV. Control channels, volume, navigate menus with a trackpad, and perform text searches directly from your device. Connects easily over Wi-Fi to compatible smart TV models.

**Highlights:** Smart TV remote control, Channel and volume management, Built-in trackpad navigation, Text search functionality, One-tap app launching, Automatic Wi-Fi connection

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Premium | $44.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Apple TV free?

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

### Is Remote Controller for TV free?

Remote Controller for TV is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Apple TV or Remote Controller for TV?

Apple TV is rated higher. Apple TV averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.9M ratings, while Remote Controller for TV averages 4.5 from 676 ratings.

### Do Apple TV or Remote Controller for TV have ads?

Apple TV shows ads; Remote Controller for TV does not.

### Which is updated more often, Apple TV or Remote Controller for TV?

Apple TV ships an update every 2 months, and Remote Controller for TV weekly. Most recently, Apple TV was updated on September 30, 2026 and Remote Controller for TV on September 29, 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.*