# Universal TV Remote Controller vs Sam TV Remote Control

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Sam TV Remote Control at 67% against Universal TV Remote Controller's 25%. Sam TV Remote Control also leads on rating (4.4 vs 4.1) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). Universal TV Remote Controller's advantage is ratings volume (637 vs 129). 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 Sam TV Remote Control sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Sam TV Remote Control holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 637 and 129 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Universal TV Remote Controller's written reviews are positive against 67% of Sam TV Remote Control's.

Universal TV Remote Controller ships an update every 2 months, Sam TV Remote Control every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal TV Remote Controller | Sam TV Remote Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (637 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-controller/id1538250188/reviews) | **[4.4 (129 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-tv-remote-control/id6468896146/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **637** | 129 |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SON TUNG](https://appshunter.io/developer/486079249) | [Linh Nguyen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1710850352) |

## 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


### Sam TV Remote Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-tv-remote-control/id6468896146)

Transform your iPhone into a remote for your Sam TV. Connect once to control your television with familiar navigation keys and quick access to streaming apps. Enjoy a fast and accurate experience without delay.

**Highlights:** Wi-Fi network TV search, Physical remote-like navigation, Fast and accurate control, Direct access to YouTube and Netflix, Remembers connected TVs

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Samsung TV Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Samsung TV Remote Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Samsung TV Remote Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Sam TV Remote Life Time | $44.99 | 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 Sam TV Remote Control free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Universal TV Remote Controller or Sam TV Remote Control?

Sam TV Remote Control is rated higher. Universal TV Remote Controller averages 4.1 out of 5 from 637 ratings, while Sam TV Remote Control averages 4.4 from 129 ratings.

### Do Universal TV Remote Controller or Sam TV Remote Control have ads?

Both Universal TV Remote Controller and Sam TV Remote Control show ads.

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

Universal TV Remote Controller ships an update every 2 months, and Sam TV Remote Control every 3 weeks. Most recently, Universal TV Remote Controller was updated on October 8, 2026 and Sam TV Remote Control on October 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.*