Comparison

Universal TV Remote Control # vs WatchCTRL

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Universal TV Remote Control #

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
Read full description

Can't find the remote? Use your iPhone or iPad to control a compatible TV over WiFi. Start with free basic remote buttons, with companion controls on Apple Watch and Mac. CHECK COMPATIBILITY Supports compatible Apple TV, Samsung, LG, Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, Roku, Hisense and Vizio devices. Experimental support is also available for compatible Philips, Sony and Panasonic TVs, depending on model and firmware. Your phone and TV must be on the same local network. Pairing or enabling network control on your TV may be required. Available buttons and features vary by model. FREE EVERYDAY CONTROL Use the basic keypad for volume, channels, navigation and playback where supported. Basic Apple Watch and widget buttons are also free. Save multiple TVs and organize them by room. TYPE, TAP AND WATCH Premium unlocks keyboard input, app launching, input switching, keypad customization, extended Apple Watch controls and additional Siri Shortcuts on supported devices. Touchpad navigation is available on supported Apple TV, Samsung and LG devices. DIRECT CONNECTION Remote commands are sent over your local network. No TV account is required. IN-APP PURCHASES Choose a lifetime purchase or an auto-renewing subscription where offered. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account when you confirm the purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage or cancel subscriptions in your App Store account settings. DISCLAIMER This is an independent app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Apple Inc., Samsung, LG, Google, Amazon, Roku, Hisense, Vizio or any other TV or device manufacturer. Product names, logos and brands belong to their owners and are used only to indicate compatibility. Privacy Policy: https://www.rs.ltd/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.rs.ltd/terms

About

WatchCTRL

Features
Read full description

Study smarter with AnkiWeb integration: show answers and rate flashcards (Again, Hard, Good, Easy) directly from your Apple watch. No need to touch your phone. Also supports optional desktop companion connectivity for the Anki app or desktop browser integration. Use the iPhone browser to navigate other sites from your Apple Watch. Scroll, refresh, and play/pause media — all from your wrist. Perfect for browsing while cooking, exercising, or studying. Browse your favourite sites like Reddit, TikTok, Instagram, and more. Save favourites for quick access, or enter any URL.

Screenshots

Universal TV Remote Control #4 screens
WatchCTRL4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Universal TV Remote Control # at Free against WatchCTRL's $2.99. Universal TV Remote Control # also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). WatchCTRL's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On 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

Universal TV Remote Control # is free to download; WatchCTRL costs $2.99 up front. Universal TV Remote Control # sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. WatchCTRL asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Universal TV Remote Control # versus WatchCTRL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversal TV Remote Control #WatchCTRL
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating4.3 (1.3K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews74.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.3K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 days—
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size146 MB2 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperRemote Sunrise LTDNondescript Software Inc.

Bugs and requests

Universal TV Remote Control #

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Fails to connect to some TV models
  • Loses connection randomly
  • Volume controls not working properly

Requested features

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

WatchCTRL

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Universal TV Remote Control #

Subscriptions5
  • Unlock All Features7 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Smart TV Remote - 1 month$3.991 Month
  • Universal TV Remote - 1 year$9.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Universal TV Remote - 1 month$9.991 Month
  • Smart TV Remote - 1 year$19.991 Year
One-time2
  • Universal TV Remote - lifetime$19.99
  • Universal TV Remote - lifetime$39.99
None

WatchCTRL

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Universal TV Remote Control # free?
Universal TV Remote Control # is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is WatchCTRL free?
WatchCTRL costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Universal TV Remote Control # or WatchCTRL have ads?
Universal TV Remote Control # shows ads; WatchCTRL does not.

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