# VarCo vs Universal Remote

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: VarCo at none against Universal Remote's 6. VarCo also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal Remote sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. VarCo asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VarCo | Universal Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Size | 165 MB | 91 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [iSchool Bulgaria OOD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1488481481) | [Maito Akira](https://appshunter.io/developer/887893710) |

## What reviewers say

### VarCo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/varco/id1563161622)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Universal Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-sam-smart-tv/id6470111668)

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Trial Premium Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VarCo free?

VarCo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Universal Remote free?

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

### Do VarCo or Universal Remote have ads?

Universal Remote shows ads; VarCo does not.

### Which is updated more often, VarCo or Universal Remote?

VarCo ships an update every 3 weeks, and Universal Remote every 3 weeks. Most recently, VarCo was updated on October 27, 2026 and Universal Remote on October 19, 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.*