# Universal TV Remote Control # vs Smart Remote

The clearest difference is price: Universal TV Remote Control # at Free against Smart Remote's $5.99. Universal TV Remote Control # also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 weeks) and device support (4 vs 2). Smart Remote's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Universal TV Remote Control # is free to download; Smart Remote costs $5.99 up front. Universal TV Remote Control # sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Smart Remote asks for nothing beyond the download.

Universal TV Remote Control # ships an update every 5 days, Smart Remote every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal TV Remote Control # | Smart Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $5.99 |
| Rating | **[4.3 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-control/id1535056536/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.3K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 74.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 152 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Remote Sunrise LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/619088610) | [建立 蒋](https://appshunter.io/developer/1752788453) |

## What reviewers say

### Universal TV Remote Control #

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-control/id1535056536)

Transform your iPhone into a comprehensive smart TV remote. Control power, volume, navigation, and apps across a wide range of brands. Enjoy faster text input and touchpad control, all without needing your physical remote.

**Highlights:** Full-featured remote control (power, volume, navigation), Launch apps directly on supported TVs, Text input via iPhone keyboard, Touchpad navigation, Control from Apple Watch and Home Screen widgets, Supports multiple TV brands and streaming devices

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All Features | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Smart TV Remote - 1 month | $3.99 | per month |
| Universal TV Remote - 1 year | $9.99 | per year |
| Universal TV Remote - 1 month | $9.99 | per month |
| Smart TV Remote - 1 year | $19.99 | per year |
| Universal TV Remote - lifetime | $1.99 | one-time |
| Universal TV Remote - lifetime | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Responsive and fast
- 💡 Useful remote control features
- 🔒 Secure connection
- 🤖 Works with various TV brands

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connectivity issues
- 🔍 Difficult to find specific TV models
- 💰 Paid subscription required for full functionality
- 🕰️ Slow response times on some devices
- 🔘 Confusing button layout

**Reported bugs**

- Fails to connect to some TV models
- Loses connection randomly
- Volume controls not working properly

**Requested features**

- Add more TV brand support
- Improve Apple Watch integration
- Customize button layout and colors
- Implement voice control
- Add keyboard functionality


### Smart Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-remote-tv-remote/id6504606948)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal TV Remote Control # free?

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

### Is Smart Remote free?

Smart Remote costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

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

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

Universal TV Remote Control # ships an update every 5 days, and Smart Remote every 6 weeks. Most recently, Universal TV Remote Control # was updated on October 29, 2026 and Smart Remote on October 30, 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.*