# TV Remote Universal vs Universal TV Remote Controller

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | TV Remote Universal | Universal TV Remote Controller |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal/id1447773150/reviews) | **[4.1 (637 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-controller/id1538250188/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 637 |
| Positive reviews | 13.6% of reviews | **25.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 36 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Real Vision Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447773149) | [SON TUNG](https://appshunter.io/developer/486079249) |

## 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 TV Remote Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-controller/id1538250188)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| WEEKLY SUBSCRIPTION | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| WEEKLY SUBSCRIPTION | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION | $9.99 | per month |
| YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION | $19.99 | per year |
| YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION | $39.99 | per year |
| One-time Payment | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*