# Universal TV Remote Control vs Universal Remote for TV Smart

The clearest difference is ads: Universal Remote for TV Smart at none against Universal TV Remote Control's shown. Universal Remote for TV Smart also leads on rating (4.1 vs 3.6). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal TV Remote Control sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and Universal Remote for TV Smart sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Universal Remote for TV Smart holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4.1K and 7.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of Universal TV Remote Control's written reviews are positive against 72% of Universal Remote for TV Smart's.

Universal TV Remote Control ships an update every 2 weeks, Universal Remote for TV Smart weekly. Both last shipped on November 11, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal TV Remote Control | Universal Remote for TV Smart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (4.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-control/id1492122256/reviews) | **[4.1 (7.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-for-tv-smart/id6461691664/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4.1K | **7.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 65.1% of reviews | **72.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 24 MB | 159 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Codematics Services](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225541389) | [VTN GLOBAL LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699925027) |

## What reviewers say

### Universal TV Remote Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-control/id1492122256)

Transform your iPhone into a powerful universal TV remote. Easily control over 100 TV brands without needing your physical remote or dealing with battery issues. Enjoy fast setup and intuitive controls for all your entertainment needs.

**Highlights:** Control 100+ TV brands, Wi-Fi connectivity, Automatic TV discovery, Power, volume, input controls, App access and media playback, Navigation and directional controls

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $89.99 | per year |
| Remove Full Screen Ads | $24.99 | one-time |
| Ad Free Version | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works well
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Useful for lost remotes
- 🚀 Convenient remote alternative

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work for some TV brands
- 🔋 Drains battery
- 💸 Too many ads
- 🐛 Connectivity issues

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes
- Buttons don't respond
- Incompatible with certain TV models

**Requested features**

- Support for more TV brands
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Ad-free version


### Universal Remote for TV Smart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-for-tv-smart/id6461691664)

Control your TV and smart devices with your smartphone. This app offers universal remote functionality, on-demand controls for volume and playback, and quick access to apps and channels. It also features voice command capabilities for a hands-free experience.

**Highlights:** Universal remote compatibility, On-demand controls (volume, channels, apps), Quick app and channel access, Voice command functionality, Intuitive smartphone interface

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Weekly | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly sale off | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use as a TV remote
- 🤩 Great for pranking family members
- 🙌 Helpful when losing the physical remote
- 🎉 Works well with various TV models

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Constant ads and in-app purchases
- 🔌 Drains phone battery quickly
- 🤔 Misleading advertising about projector feature

**Reported bugs**

- Connectivity issues with certain TV models
- Remote controls not always responsive
- App crashes or freezes occasionally

**Requested features**

- Add ability to cast phone screen to TV
- Improve instructions and setup process
- Reduce number of ads or make them optional


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal TV Remote Control free?

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

### Is Universal Remote for TV Smart free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Universal TV Remote Control or Universal Remote for TV Smart?

Universal Remote for TV Smart is rated higher. Universal TV Remote Control averages 3.6 out of 5 from 4.1K ratings, while Universal Remote for TV Smart averages 4.1 from 7.2K ratings.

### Do Universal TV Remote Control or Universal Remote for TV Smart have ads?

Universal TV Remote Control shows ads; Universal Remote for TV Smart does not.

### Which is updated more often, Universal TV Remote Control or Universal Remote for TV Smart?

Universal TV Remote Control ships an update every 2 weeks, and Universal Remote for TV Smart weekly. Most recently, Universal TV Remote Control was updated on November 11, 2026 and Universal Remote for TV Smart on November 11, 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.*