Comparison

TV Remote Universal vs Universal TV Remote Controller

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TV Remote Universal

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
Read full description

Lost your remote again? Your iPhone just became the only one you need. TV Remote Universal turns your phone into a fast, reliable remote for almost any smart TV — no infrared, no extra hardware, no hunting through couch cushions. Connect over Wi-Fi and take control in seconds. ONE APP. EVERY TV IN YOUR HOME. CONTROL EVERYTHING Power, volume, channels, inputs, playback and a full navigation pad — every button of your physical remote, right on your screen. Everything responds instantly. TYPE INSTEAD OF PECKING Stop clicking letter-by-letter across an on-screen grid. Use your phone's keyboard to search shows, sign in to apps and enter passwords in a fraction of the time. SWIPE TO NAVIGATE A smooth touchpad lets you glide through menus with your thumb — faster and more natural than tapping arrow buttons. CONTROL BY VOICE Speak instead of scrolling. Use voice to search and navigate on supported TVs, hands-free. OPEN YOUR APPS IN ONE TAP Jump straight to your favorite streaming apps without scrolling through the home screen. WORKS WITH YOUR TV Compatible with Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Philips, Panasonic, RCA, Roku and Roku streaming sticks, Fire TV, Android TV and more. If it's a smart TV on your Wi-Fi, chances are we've got you covered. SET UP IN UNDER A MINUTE Connect your iPhone or iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV and follow the on-screen steps. That's it — no pairing codes, no cables. WHY YOU'LL KEEP IT - Clean, responsive design that just works - No IR blaster required - Light and dark mode - Works on iPhone and iPad UPGRADE TO PREMIUM Go ad-free and unlock the full experience Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours before the current period ends. You can manage or cancel subscriptions in your Apple ID account settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited when you buy a subscription. Privacy Policy: https://realvision.app/privacy-policy/ Terms of Use: https://realvision.app/terms-of-use/ Disclaimer: This app is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Philips, Panasonic, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or any other TV brand mentioned. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

About

Universal TV Remote Controller

Control your smart TV with your phone. This app automatically scans for devices and offers features like channel switching, keyboard search, and voice control. A premium subscription unlocks all features and removes ads.

Highlights
  • Automatic TV device scanning
  • Single-tap channel switching
  • Keyboard and voice search
  • Swift navigation
  • Ad-free experience (premium)
Features
Read full description

The simple and easy remote control for all Smart TV Requirements Remember to connect your Phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network. Feature : - Automatically scan TV devices - Channel switch with single tap - Search more convenience with keyboard and voice control - Navigate swiftly like a real remote COMPATIBILITY This Universal Remote Control connects seamlessly via Wi-Fi with all major TV brands, including: • Samsung Smart TV • LG • Roku • Sony DISCLAIMER: This application is not affiliated with nor endorsed by any aforementioned brand, and it is not an official product of it or of its affiliates. ***PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTIONS*** Unlock All Features Ad-Free 24/7 Support Annual subscription (which comes with 3-day free trial) - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user’s Account Settings after purchase - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. Privacy Policy: https://sontung.app/privacy/ Terms of Use: https://sontung.app/term-of-use/

Screenshots

TV Remote Universal4 screens
Universal TV Remote Controller4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Universal TV Remote Controller at 4.1 against TV Remote Universal's 3.4. Universal TV Remote Controller also leads on review sentiment (25% vs 14%) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17). TV Remote Universal's advantage is ratings volume (12K vs 637) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. TV Remote Universal sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Universal TV Remote Controller sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Universal TV Remote Controller holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TV Remote Universal has 12K ratings behind it against 637, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of TV Remote Universal's written reviews are positive against 25% of Universal TV Remote Controller's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TV Remote Universal ships an update every 3 weeks, Universal TV Remote Controller every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
TV Remote Universal versus Universal TV Remote Controller: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTV Remote UniversalUniversal TV Remote Controller
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (12K ratings)4.1 (637 ratings) — better
Positive reviews13.6% of reviews25.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12K — better637
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS1715.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperReal Vision LtdSON TUNG

Customer experience

TV Remote Universal

All ratings11,742 ratings
Positive56.4%
Neutral8.0%
Negative35.5%
Written reviews734 reviews
Positive13.6%
Neutral2.9%
Negative83.5%

Universal TV Remote Controller

All ratings637 ratings
Positive76.0%
Neutral4.4%
Negative19.6%
Written reviews28 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral7.1%
Negative67.9%

User reviews

TV Remote Universal

From 12K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🤩 Amazing
  • 👍 Good app
  • 🚀 Works great

Room to improve

  • 🐛 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

Universal TV Remote Controller

From 637 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Works as a replacement when physical remote is lost
  • ⭐ Effective for Samsung TV control
  • ✅ Functional remote control capabilities

Room to improve

  • 💰 Aggressive premium paywall and forced upgrades
  • 🐛 Frequent connection failures and disconnections
  • ❌ App stops working after initial period
  • 😤 Excessive ads and harassment for premium
  • 🔄 Requires constant app refreshing to function

Bugs and requests

TV Remote Universal

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Fails to detect or connect to devices
  • Constant ads interrupt usage
  • Unreliable, frequently stops working

Requested features

2 requests
  • Better TV search and connection options
  • Improved stability and reliability

Universal TV Remote Controller

Reported bugs

8 issues
  • App fails to connect to TV devices
  • Connection drops frequently
  • Volume control unavailable or missing
  • Stuck on guide screen unable to exit
  • Repetitive TV selection prompts
Show 3 more
  • Premium features stop working after payment
  • App won't recognize TV after reinstall
  • Restore function ineffective

Requested features

4 requests
  • Restore and improve volume control functionality
  • Free access to basic remote functions without premium
  • Keyboard and search functionality without paywall
  • Home button access without premium upgrade

In-app purchases

4 purchases

TV Remote Universal

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Premium$3.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly3 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time2
  • Premium version$3.99
  • Lifetime Premium$34.99
6 purchases

Universal TV Remote Controller

Subscriptions5
  • WEEKLY SUBSCRIPTION$3.997 Days
  • WEEKLY SUBSCRIPTION3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION$9.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION$19.991 Year
  • YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION3 Days trial$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • One-time Payment$7.99

Questions

Is TV Remote Universal free?
TV Remote Universal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Universal TV Remote Controller free?
Universal TV Remote Controller is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, TV Remote Universal or Universal TV Remote Controller?
Universal TV Remote Controller is rated higher. TV Remote Universal averages 3.4 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Universal TV Remote Controller averages 4.1 from 637 ratings.
Do TV Remote Universal or Universal TV Remote Controller have ads?
Both TV Remote Universal and Universal TV Remote Controller show ads.
Which is updated more often, TV Remote Universal or Universal TV Remote Controller?
TV Remote Universal ships an update every 3 weeks, and Universal TV Remote Controller every 2 months. Most recently, TV Remote Universal was updated on November 2, 2026 and Universal TV Remote Controller on November 3, 2026.

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