Comparison

Remote for Vizio · 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

Remote for Vizio ·

Control your Vizio SmartCast TV with your iPhone. This app offers a full remote experience with a touchpad, keyboard, and automatic connection. It's a convenient replacement for a lost or broken physical remote.

Highlights
  • Full Vizio Smart TV remote functionality
  • Large touchpad for navigation
  • Integrated keyboard
  • Automatic device connection
  • Menu and content navigation
Features
Read full description

TV Remote for Vizio is designed specifically to control Vizio SmartCast TVs. Just connect an iPhone and a TV to the same Wi-Fi network and you will be able to control the TV using a mobile device after a simple pairing routine. The app features all the necessary buttons. You no longer have to look for your TV remote control or buy a new one in order to replace the one broken down. Key features: - Fully functional remote control for Vizio Smart TV; - A large touchpad for convenient menu and content navigation; - Keyboard; - Automatic connection to a device; Compatibility: Smart TV Remote for Vizio is not compatible with Vizio SmartCast TVs released before 2016 and with legacy Vizio Internet Apps Smart TVs. Premium Subscription User can subscribe for unlimited access to Premium features. Subscribed users have unlimited use of the Interaction tab without ads. This app includes an optional auto-renewable subscription: 1 week with a 3-days free trial period. Subscription is from $2.99 weekly. Prices are equal to the value that "Apple's App Store Matrix" determines is the equivalent of the subscription price in USD. 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. For details please visit the link https://support.apple.com/HT202039. When current trial/subscription period expires, user will be unsubscribed. The current active subscription period can not be canceled. After subscription expires, user will no longer be able to use Interaction tab. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. Terms of Use: https://kraftwerk9.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://kraftwerk9.com/privacyus Disclaimer: Kraftwerk 9, Inc is not an affiliated entity of Vizio Inc, and Smart TV Remote application is not an official product of Vizio.

About

Universal Remote

Transform your phone into a powerful TV controller. Manage channels, volume, menus, and use keyboard input for seamless navigation. Compatible with major smart TV brands over Wi-Fi.

Highlights
  • Control channels and volume
  • Access TV menus and info
  • Keyboard input for searches
  • Haptic feedback
  • Responsive touchpad interface
  • Wi-Fi network connectivity
Features
Read full description

Introducing the Universal Remote: Smart TV Hub" - your ultimate solution to the perennial dilemma of a missing TV remote or the frustration of dealing with outdated devices. Say goodbye to these headaches as our innovative remote control app turns your phone into a powerful TV controller. Take your TV experience to the next level with the Universal Remote: Smart TV Hub"! Our no-frills application offers seamless control of your web-connected TV, right from your iPhone. This app gives you full control over various functions including channels, volume, menu, info, tools, and basic controls like play/pause/stop and more, mirroring the functionality of a traditional handheld remote. Compatible with leading brands such as SAMSUNG, LG, SONY, ROKU, PANASONIC, AndroidTV, and Hesense. Support for TV models from different years of production and screen sizes. A simple connection between your iPhone and your TV over the same Wi-Fi network turns your touchscreen into a comprehensive navigation panel. It replicates all the functions of a traditional remote control. Key features include: - Fast and easy to get started: The app becomes your physical remote control, always at your fingertips. - Automatic customization: Easy to set up and use for effortless control. - Haptic feedback: Enhances the overall experience with realistic vibrations. - Responsive touchpad: Provides an aesthetically pleasing and tactile interface. - Keyboard input: Simplifies TV search and entry. - Wi-Fi compatibility: Automatically detects all TVs on your network, making phone control a breeze. "Universal remote control: Smart TV Hub" is a full-featured mobile version of a traditional TV remote control. Designed to streamline your daily life. Now you don't have to leave the comfort of your sofa to hunt for a misplaced remote or buy a new one in case it goes missing. Just sync the app with your device and you can effortlessly browse through your favorite shows, movies, and programs - all from your mobile phone. Embrace the wonders of technology and unlock a smarter, more convenient life! ***** Disclaimer Please note that our app is an independent application and is not endorsed or affiliated with SAMSUNG, LG, SONY, ROKU, PANASONIC, AndroidTV, Hesense, or any other brand mentioned. Subscription Pricing & Terms: - To unlock all features you need to subscribe to our Premium plan. - Prices are equal to the value that "Apple's App Store Matrix" determines is the equivalent of the subscription price in USD. - Subscriptions are billed weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually at the rate selected depending on the subscription plan. - Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase. - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal from your Account Settings after the purchase. - Subscriptions will renew automatically unless you turn off auto-renewal at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. The renewal cost will be charged to your account 24 hours before the end of the current period. - When the subscription is canceled, it will remain active until the end of the period. Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded. - If offered, any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Privacy Policy: http://vataras.com/privacy_policy Terms of Service: http://vataras.com/terms_of_use

Screenshots

Remote for Vizio ·3 screens
Universal Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universal Remote at 81% against Remote for Vizio ·'s 17%. Universal Remote also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.6) and ads (none vs shown). Remote for Vizio ·'s advantage is ratings volume (15K vs 1.1K) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.1). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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. Remote for Vizio · sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Universal Remote sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 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, 4.6 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Remote for Vizio · has 15K ratings behind it against 1.1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 17% of Remote for Vizio ·'s written reviews are positive against 81% of Universal Remote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Remote for Vizio · ships an update every 3 months, Universal Remote fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Remote for Vizio · versus Universal Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRemote for Vizio ·Universal Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.6 (15K ratings)4.6 (1.1K ratings) — better
Positive reviews17.4% of reviews81.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings15K — better1.1K
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better14.1
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB143 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKraftwerk 9 IncGentlemen's s.r.o.

Customer experience

Remote for Vizio ·

All ratings15,010 ratings
Positive64.4%
Neutral3.7%
Negative31.8%
Written reviews132 reviews
Positive17.4%
Neutral1.5%
Negative81.1%

Universal Remote

All ratings1,076 ratings
Positive90.0%
Neutral4.5%
Negative5.6%
Written reviews32 reviews
Positive81.3%
Neutral3.1%
Negative15.6%

User reviews

Remote for Vizio ·

From 15K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Works fine
  • 🚀 Quick and easy setup
  • 🚀 Responsive and user-friendly
  • 🚀 Fantastic alternative to Vizio remote

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Does not connect to Vizio TV
  • 🐛 Requires WiFi, but can't connect without a remote
  • 🐛 Paid features don't work as expected
  • 🐛 Restore purchases don't work
  • 🐛 Unresponsive and buggy

Universal Remote

From 1.1K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
  • 🚀 Quick response time and responsiveness
  • 📱 Transforms phone into functional remote
  • 🔄 Automatic detection and customization
  • ✨ Works across multiple TV brands (LG, Samsung, Sony, Roku)

Room to improve

  • 💰 Aggressive subscription model and paywalls
  • 🔌 Connectivity issues with some TVs
  • 📺 Inconsistent compatibility across devices
  • ⚠️ Unreliable connection reliability

Bugs and requests

Remote for Vizio ·

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Doesn't locate or connect to TV
  • Paid features not working as advertised
  • Restore purchases not functioning
  • Frequent crashes and freezes

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add up/down/left/right arrows for navigation
  • Improve connectivity and compatibility with Vizio TVs
  • Provide better customer support and address issues
  • Offer a more transparent and fair pricing model

Universal Remote

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App won't connect to TV
  • Subscription popup blocks basic functionality
  • Connectivity drops and unreliable connections

Requested features

2 requests
  • Free version without subscription requirements
  • Improved TV compatibility and connection stability

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Remote for Vizio ·

Subscriptions3
  • Premium weekly subscription3 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • Monthly premium subscription$6.991 Month
  • Year pro version$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime premium remote$14.99
6 purchases

Universal Remote

Subscriptions6
  • Universal Remote7 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Remote control for TV$5.997 Days
  • Universal TV Remote$8.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Remote Control for TV$9.993 Months
  • Remote Control for TV7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • TV Remote$24.991 Year

Questions

Is Remote for Vizio · free?
Remote for Vizio · 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, Remote for Vizio · or Universal Remote?
Universal Remote is rated higher. Remote for Vizio · averages 3.6 out of 5 from 15K ratings, while Universal Remote averages 4.6 from 1.1K ratings.
Do Remote for Vizio · or Universal Remote have ads?
Remote for Vizio · shows ads; Universal Remote does not.
Which is updated more often, Remote for Vizio · or Universal Remote?
Remote for Vizio · ships an update every 3 months, and Universal Remote fortnightly. Most recently, Remote for Vizio · was updated on November 1, 2026 and Universal Remote on October 30, 2026.

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