Comparison

TV Remote Universal vs IR

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

IR

Configure Bluetooth-enabled occupancy sensors wirelessly from your mobile device. This app simplifies setup and management for electrical contractors, installers, and facility managers, allowing adjustments without physical access to the sensors.

Highlights
  • Configure TRANS Bluetooth occupancy sensors
  • Wireless sensor management
  • Secure sensor installation data
  • Adjust settings remotely
  • No cellular or WiFi needed for configuration
Features
Read full description

Configure TRANS Bluetooth enabled occupancy sensors from the floor. Leave the ladder behind. This sensor configuration app allows users (electrical contractors, installers, or facility managers) to configure and manage IR-TEC's BLE enabled sensor installations via a mobile device. It not only makes sensor configuration easier and faster, but also secure all important data of sensor installations. No more worry about cellular service or WiFi availability, the use of BLE allows you to make sensor configuration and setting change anytime.

Screenshots

TV Remote Universal4 screens
IR4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: IR at 5.0 against TV Remote Universal's 3.4. IR also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). TV Remote Universal's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (12K vs 2). On price and device support 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. IR asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

IR holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TV Remote Universal has 12K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TV Remote Universal ships an update every 3 weeks, IR every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
TV Remote Universal versus IR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTV Remote UniversalIR
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (12K ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews13.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings12K — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS1713.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB66 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperReal Vision LtdIR-TEC INTERNATIONAL LTD.

Customer experience

TV Remote Universal

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

IR

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

IR

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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
None

IR

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TV Remote Universal free?
TV Remote Universal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is IR free?
IR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, TV Remote Universal or IR?
IR is rated higher. TV Remote Universal averages 3.4 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while IR averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do TV Remote Universal or IR have ads?
TV Remote Universal shows ads; IR does not.
Which is updated more often, TV Remote Universal or IR?
TV Remote Universal ships an update every 3 weeks, and IR every 4 months. Most recently, TV Remote Universal was updated on October 17, 2026 and IR on September 27, 2026.

Other comparisons