Comparison

TV Remote Universal vs Universal Remote

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 Remote

Transform your smartphone into a universal remote for any TV. Easily stream content, adjust volume, and navigate menus with a user-friendly interface. Connect via Wi-Fi for seamless control of smart TVs and access to popular streaming services.

Highlights
  • Control any TV via Wi-Fi
  • Stream Netflix, Prime, YouTube
  • Adjust volume and channels
  • Navigate smart TV menus
  • No infrared required
  • Auto-connect to TV
  • Connect to multiple TVs
Features
Read full description

With "Universal Remote ∞ TV Control", you can transform your smartphone into a universal remote control for any TV! Our app offers a sleek, multi-button design that ensures an intuitive and seamless user experience, putting the power of advanced TV control at your fingertips. Easily stream your favorite shows, switch channels, or adjust the volume—Controlla is your go-to solution for effortless TV management. This app gives you complete control over your Smart TV, including all the features of your old physical remote control plus some intelligent functions. To use Controlla, connect your mobile device and Smart TV to the same Wi-Fi network and start using it. Watch your favorite TV shows and movies using our unique streaming buttons for all the popular channels, including Netflix, Prime, and YouTube. Controlla makes it easier to watch what you love, browse online, and access your favorite content. BUTTONS Turn TV ON and OFF (supported models only) Home button Return button Numbers keyboard (enter a channel number to jump right to it) Color buttons (red, yellow, green, blue) Change channels (next and previous) Increase or decrease volume (also using phone side buttons) Mute sound (silent mode) Change source (HDMI, PC, AV...) Access 4 favorite buttons Up / Down / Left / Right navigation + center button “OK” Play / Pause / Reverse / Fast Forward Dedicated Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube buttons Settings button Menu button Touchpad FEATURES No infrared equipment required—just a Wi-Fi connection Auto-connect to your TV every time you open the app Realistic and user-friendly app design Light vibration feedback when pressing buttons Connect to multiple TVs with one phone and switch between devices easily With just a few taps on your phone, enjoy a more convenient, streamlined, and user-friendly TV experience. Start enhancing your entertainment now! Download Controlla now and transform your TV viewing experience. Manage your entertainment effortlessly from your phone and enjoy a smoother, more intuitive way to control your TV. For support or inquiries, contact us in-app or visit https://www.controlla-tv.com. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more information: Privacy Policy: https://www.controlla-tv.com/ Terms of Service: https://www.controlla-tv.com/controlla-tv-terms-of-use DISCLAIMER This app is not affiliated with or endorsed by any universal brand. It is independently designed to enhance the experience for any TV brand user.

Screenshots

TV Remote Universal4 screens
Universal Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universal Remote at 57% against TV Remote Universal's 14%. Universal Remote also leads on rating (4.5 vs 3.4) and ads (none vs shown). TV Remote Universal's advantage is ratings volume (12K vs 313). On price, update cadence, 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 Remote sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Universal Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TV Remote Universal has 12K ratings behind it against 313, 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 57% of Universal Remote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TV Remote Universal ships an update every 3 weeks, Universal Remote fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 20, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
TV Remote Universal versus Universal Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTV Remote UniversalUniversal Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (12K ratings)4.5 (313 ratings) — better
Positive reviews13.6% of reviews57.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12K — better313
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS1715.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB132 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperReal Vision LtdControlla TV 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%

Universal Remote

All ratings313 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral4.5%
Negative8.0%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral7.1%
Negative35.7%

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 Remote

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
5 purchases

Universal Remote

Subscriptions4
  • Week Plan3 Days trial$8.997 Days
  • Week Plan3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Year Plan$34.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • New Year Plan3 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • LifeTime Plan$34.99

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 4.5 from 313 ratings.
Do TV Remote Universal or Universal Remote have ads?
TV Remote Universal shows ads; Universal Remote does not.
Which is updated more often, TV Remote Universal or Universal Remote?
TV Remote Universal ships an update every 3 weeks, and Universal Remote fortnightly. Most recently, TV Remote Universal was updated on October 20, 2026 and Universal Remote on October 20, 2026.

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