# Universal Remote vs Universal TV Remote ◆

The clearest difference is monetization model: Universal Remote at free with in-app purchases against Universal TV Remote ◆'s subscription. Universal Remote also leads on rating (4.3 vs 4.1). Universal TV Remote ◆'s advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal Remote sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Universal TV Remote ◆ sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Universal Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13K and 8.4K respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 18% and 17% positive.

Universal Remote ships an update every 2 months, Universal TV Remote ◆ every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Remote | Universal TV Remote ◆ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-remote/id1487434765/reviews)** | [4.1 (8.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote/id1527843569/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **13K** | 8.4K |
| Positive reviews | **17.8% of reviews** | 16.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 24 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Plane Cubes](https://appshunter.io/developer/1712487303) | [Vinh Nguyen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893574532) |

## What reviewers say

### Universal Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-remote/id1487434765)

Transform your phone into a smart TV remote. Easily control volume, channels, power, and more for compatible Samsung and LG smart TVs over your WiFi network. Offers premium features through a subscription.

**Highlights:** Control smart TVs from your phone, WiFi network connection, Volume, channel, power control, Source and smart function control, Compatible with Samsung and LG TVs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start Free Trial | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Universal Remote Pro Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Universal Remote Pro Year | $39.99 | per year |
| Go Pro Universal Remote TV | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Universal remote control
- 💯 Works as advertised
- 🤩 Great app for managing TV

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive subscription
- 🚫 Doesn't work with some TVs
- 🔍 Requires original remote for setup
- 🤬 Lots of ads
- 🔒 Hard to cancel subscription

**Reported bugs**

- App keeps disconnecting from TV
- Doesn't recognize TV or remote commands
- Crashes or freezes during use

**Requested features**

- Add keyboard and mouse support for TV browser
- Improve compatibility with more TV models
- Provide better troubleshooting and support options


### Universal TV Remote ◆

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote/id1527843569)

Control your smart TV using your iPhone or iPad. Connect to the same WiFi network for automatic detection and use features like a built-in keyboard, voice commands, and media casting. Offers a fully functional remote experience with motion control and Apple Watch support.

**Highlights:** Fully functional remote control, Built-in keyboard for searches, Mouse Air motion control, Voice commands, Cast photos, videos, and audios, Apple Watch and Widgets support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Upgrade TV Remote | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works with TVs
- 👍 Apple Watch compatible
- ⭐️ Great app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work
- 💰 Requires subscription
- 🔍 Difficult to use
- 🤖 Buggy
- 🚫 Doesn't connect to TV

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't recognize subscription
- Keeps asking to upgrade
- Crashes frequently

**Requested features**

- Add Back and Home buttons to Apple Watch app
- Improve TV compatibility


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Remote free?

Universal Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Universal TV Remote ◆ free?

Universal TV Remote ◆ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Universal Remote or Universal TV Remote ◆?

Universal Remote is rated higher. Universal Remote averages 4.3 out of 5 from 13K ratings, while Universal TV Remote ◆ averages 4.1 from 8.4K ratings.

### Do Universal Remote or Universal TV Remote ◆ have ads?

Universal Remote shows ads; Universal TV Remote ◆ does not.

### Which is updated more often, Universal Remote or Universal TV Remote ◆?

Universal Remote ships an update every 2 months, and Universal TV Remote ◆ every 2 weeks. Most recently, Universal Remote was updated on November 1, 2026 and Universal TV Remote ◆ on November 1, 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.*