# TV Remote Universal vs Universal Remote

The clearest difference is rating: Universal Remote at 4.3 against TV Remote Universal's 3.4. Universal Remote also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17). TV Remote Universal's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TV Remote Universal sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Universal Remote sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Universal Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12K and 13K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of TV Remote Universal's written reviews are positive against 18% of Universal Remote's.

TV Remote Universal ships an update every 3 weeks, Universal Remote every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | TV Remote Universal | Universal Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal/id1447773150/reviews) | **[4.3 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-remote/id1487434765/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12K | **13K** |
| Positive reviews | 13.6% of reviews | **17.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Real Vision Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447773149) | [Plane Cubes](https://appshunter.io/developer/1712487303) |

## What reviewers say

### TV Remote Universal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal/id1447773150)

Control your smart TV directly from your iPhone or iPad. This app transforms your device into a universal remote, supporting major brands like Samsung, LG, and Roku. Enjoy seamless control over power, volume, channels, and smart TV features.

**Highlights:** Power ON / OFF, Volume control, Channel selection, Navigation pad, Media player functions, Smart TV features

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium version | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Amazing
- 👍 Good app
- 🚀 Works great

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Mediocre, only works half the time
- 🐛 Does not work
- 🐛 Connection issues, won't connect or show available TV
- 🐛 Reconnecting issues after disconnecting
- 🔋 Too many ads, makes it unusable

**Reported bugs**

- Fails to detect or connect to devices
- Constant ads interrupt usage
- Unreliable, frequently stops working

**Requested features**

- Better TV search and connection options
- Improved stability and reliability


### Universal Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-remote/id1487434765)

Transform your phone into a smart TV remote. Easily control volume, channels, power, and more for compatible Samsung and LG smart TVs over your WiFi network. Offers premium features through a subscription.

**Highlights:** Control smart TVs from your phone, WiFi network connection, Volume, channel, power control, Source and smart function control, Compatible with Samsung and LG TVs

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start Free Trial | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Universal Remote Pro Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Universal Remote Pro Year | $39.99 | per year |
| Go Pro Universal Remote TV | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Universal remote control
- 💯 Works as advertised
- 🤩 Great app for managing TV

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive subscription
- 🚫 Doesn't work with some TVs
- 🔍 Requires original remote for setup
- 🤬 Lots of ads
- 🔒 Hard to cancel subscription

**Reported bugs**

- App keeps disconnecting from TV
- Doesn't recognize TV or remote commands
- Crashes or freezes during use

**Requested features**

- Add keyboard and mouse support for TV browser
- Improve compatibility with more TV models
- Provide better troubleshooting and support options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TV Remote Universal free?

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

### Is Universal Remote free?

Universal Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, TV Remote Universal or Universal Remote?

Universal Remote is rated higher. TV Remote Universal averages 3.4 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Universal Remote averages 4.3 from 13K ratings.

### Do TV Remote Universal or Universal Remote have ads?

Both TV Remote Universal and Universal Remote show ads.

### Which is updated more often, TV Remote Universal or Universal Remote?

TV Remote Universal ships an update every 3 weeks, and Universal Remote every 2 months. Most recently, TV Remote Universal was updated on November 1, 2026 and Universal Remote on November 1, 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.*