# Universal TV Remote Controller vs Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universal TV Remote Controller at 25% against Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus's 0%. Universal TV Remote Controller also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (637 vs 113). Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus's advantage is rating (4.3 vs 4.1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal TV Remote Controller sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Universal TV Remote Controller has 637 ratings behind it against 113, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 25% of Universal TV Remote Controller's written reviews are positive against 0% of Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Universal TV Remote Controller ships an update every 2 months, Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal TV Remote Controller | Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (637 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-controller/id1538250188/reviews) | **[4.3 (113 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-remote-for-thing-tv-plus/id1538716622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **637** | 113 |
| Positive reviews | **25.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SON TUNG](https://appshunter.io/developer/486079249) | [Khanh Le](https://appshunter.io/developer/1437735756) |

## What reviewers say

### Universal TV Remote Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-controller/id1538250188)

Control your smart TV with your phone. This app automatically scans for devices and offers features like channel switching, keyboard search, and voice control. A premium subscription unlocks all features and removes ads.

**Highlights:** Automatic TV device scanning, Single-tap channel switching, Keyboard and voice search, Swift navigation, Ad-free experience (premium)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| WEEKLY SUBSCRIPTION | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| WEEKLY SUBSCRIPTION | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION | $9.99 | per month |
| YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION | $19.99 | per year |
| YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION | $39.99 | per year |
| One-time Payment | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works as a replacement when physical remote is lost
- ⭐ Effective for Samsung TV control
- ✅ Functional remote control capabilities

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Aggressive premium paywall and forced upgrades
- 🐛 Frequent connection failures and disconnections
- ❌ App stops working after initial period
- 😤 Excessive ads and harassment for premium
- 🔄 Requires constant app refreshing to function

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to connect to TV devices
- Connection drops frequently
- Volume control unavailable or missing
- Stuck on guide screen unable to exit
- Repetitive TV selection prompts

**Requested features**

- Restore and improve volume control functionality
- Free access to basic remote functions without premium
- Keyboard and search functionality without paywall
- Home button access without premium upgrade


### Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-remote-for-thing-tv-plus/id1538716622)

Transform your phone into a powerful remote control for your LG TV. Easily navigate menus, cast media, and access your favorite apps with a simple setup. Enjoy instant performance and a virtual remote experience.

**Highlights:** Fast remote control for LG TVs, Intuitive virtual remote interface, Cast device photos and videos, Quick access to apps and channels, Flexible navigation control panel

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LG Remote TV‪ - Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| LG Remote TV‪ - Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| LG Remote - Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal TV Remote Controller free?

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

### Is Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Universal TV Remote Controller or Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus?

Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus is rated higher. Universal TV Remote Controller averages 4.1 out of 5 from 637 ratings, while Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus averages 4.3 from 113 ratings.

### Do Universal TV Remote Controller or Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus have ads?

Both Universal TV Remote Controller and Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Universal TV Remote Controller or Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus?

Universal TV Remote Controller ships an update every 2 months, and Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus every 6 months. Most recently, Universal TV Remote Controller was updated on October 21, 2026 and Smart Remote for ThinG TV Plus on October 8, 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.*