# Universal TV Remote ◆ vs TV Remote

The clearest difference is monetization model: TV Remote at free with in-app purchases against Universal TV Remote ◆'s subscription. TV Remote also leads on review sentiment (53% vs 17%) and rating (4.5 vs 4.1). Universal TV Remote ◆'s advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (8.4K vs 564). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal TV Remote ◆ sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and TV Remote sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TV Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Universal TV Remote ◆ has 8.4K ratings behind it against 564, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 17% of Universal TV Remote ◆'s written reviews are positive against 53% of TV Remote's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal TV Remote ◆ | TV Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (8.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote/id1527843569/reviews) | **[4.5 (564 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal-control-plus/id1663632832/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8.4K** | 564 |
| Positive reviews | 16.9% of reviews | **53.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 29 MB | 144 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vinh Nguyen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893574532) | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### TV Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal-control-plus/id1663632832)

Transform your smartphone into a universal remote for smart TVs and streaming devices. Control channels, volume, and apps with a familiar interface. Cast media and mirror your screen for a seamless entertainment experience.

**Highlights:** Universal smart TV control, App launching and navigation, Media casting (photos, videos), Screen mirroring, Control soundbars and consoles, Intuitive interface

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote ◦ Universal Control | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote ◦ Universal Control | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Smart, Universal TV Remote | $14.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly app
- 🚀 Convenient to use
- ✨ Works well as a remote
- 💡 Useful when remote is broken

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Paywall restricts features
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🤔 Unclear free trial terms

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't work with certain TV models
- Subscription issues (unable to cancel, etc.)
- Frequent crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add support for more TV brands
- Improve subscription management
- Provide a one-time purchase option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal TV Remote ◆ free?

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

### Is TV Remote free?

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

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

TV Remote is rated higher. Universal TV Remote ◆ averages 4.1 out of 5 from 8.4K ratings, while TV Remote averages 4.5 from 564 ratings.

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

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

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

Universal TV Remote ◆ ships an update every 2 weeks, and TV Remote every 2 weeks. Most recently, Universal TV Remote ◆ was updated on November 10, 2026 and TV Remote on November 7, 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.*