# Universal TV Remote Controller vs Stick

The clearest difference is ads: Stick at none against Universal TV Remote Controller's shown. Stick also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.1) and review sentiment (45% vs 25%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support 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 Stick sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Stick holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stick has 16K ratings behind it against 636, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Universal TV Remote Controller's written reviews are positive against 45% of Stick's.

Universal TV Remote Controller ships an update every 2 months, Stick every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal TV Remote Controller | Stick |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (636 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-controller/id1538250188/reviews) | **[4.5 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stick-remote-control-for-tv/id6470928223/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 636 | **16K** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **45.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 35 MB | 113 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SON TUNG](https://appshunter.io/developer/486079249) | [APPSPRO LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852212807) |

## 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


### Stick

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stick-remote-control-for-tv/id6470928223)

Transform your smartphone into a versatile TV remote control. Easily navigate menus, change channels, and type using your phone's screen. Offers a touchpad, joystick, and keyboard for seamless interaction with various TV models.

**Highlights:** Universal TV compatibility, Touchpad and joystick control, On-screen keyboard for typing, Channel and audio control, User-friendly interface

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stick - Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Stick - Premium for One Year | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Quick connection
- 💡 Useful for lost remotes
- 🆓 Free with no ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- ⚠️ Paid version required for full functionality
- 🔌 Disconnects when switching apps

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't connect to TV
- Stops working after updates
- Fails to detect TV on network

**Requested features**

- Add source/input button
- Improve compatibility with more TV brands


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal TV Remote Controller free?

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

### Is Stick free?

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

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

Stick is rated higher. Universal TV Remote Controller averages 4.1 out of 5 from 636 ratings, while Stick averages 4.5 from 16K ratings.

### Do Universal TV Remote Controller or Stick have ads?

Universal TV Remote Controller shows ads; Stick does not.

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

Universal TV Remote Controller ships an update every 2 months, and Stick every 3 weeks. Most recently, Universal TV Remote Controller was updated on October 25, 2026 and Stick on October 31, 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.*