Comparison

Phil vs TV Remote, Universal Remote

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

Head to head
About

Phil

Transform your phone into a smart TV remote with a variety of models. Enjoy a fast touchpad, keyboard, and an intuitive interface for seamless control. Your last used remote is saved for instant access.

Highlights
  • Multiple remote models supported
  • Quick access to last used remote
  • Fast touchpad and keyboard
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • No installation required
Features
Read full description

This app contains the remote models: RM-D1000 RM-627C RC3000E02 RM-L1030 and more Features: * Your last remote will be saved for quick and easy access next time you'll open the app * NO installation, just click and play * FAST touch pad and keyboard for quick swipes and typing * AMAZING design with cool and easy interface Have questions? remote isn't working? Please feel free to contact us on support@os-apps.com

About

TV Remote, Universal Remote

Transform your smartphone into a universal TV remote. Control power, volume, channels, and menus for over 1000 TV models worldwide. Simplify your entertainment setup and eliminate the need for multiple physical remotes.

Highlights
  • Universal TV control
  • Power on/off
  • Volume adjustment
  • Channel navigation
  • Menu access
  • Simple setup
  • Wide compatibility
Features
Read full description

Universal TV Remote Control App Works with 1000+ Models in Over 100+ Countries! Control your TV effortlessly with just your phone. Simply choose your TV brand and connect in seconds. Say goodbye to your old, cluttered remotes with this all-in-one solution! Remote Troubles? We’ve Got You! - Frustrated with frequent battery replacements? - Tired of constantly searching for your misplaced remote? - Confused by having multiple remotes that all look the same? - Did your pet chew up the remote again? - Is your remote unresponsive or slow? With your phone always within reach, transform it into a universal TV remote and eliminate these problems. Regain control and simplify your daily life! With TV Remote App: - Control power on/off - Adjust volume - Mute with a single tap - Enter channel numbers directly - Navigate channels - Control AV/TV mode - Access your TV menu Why TV Remote Control? - Simple setup – connect to your TV in just one tap - Compatible with almost all TV brands - Intuitive, user-friendly design Please Note This universal remote control for TV is not affiliated with any TV manufacturers included. We Value Your Feedback If your TV brand or model isn’t listed, please reach out. Your input helps us continually improve our app! Subscription Terms & Details - Get unlimited access to all features. - The payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. - The subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - Subscription may be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to Account Settings after purchase. - The account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. - Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication. Privacy Policy: https://inston.ltd/privacypolicy.html?pkg=com.inston.tvremote Terms of Use: https://inston.ltd/terms.html?pkg=com.inston.tvremote

Screenshots

Phil4 screens
TV Remote, Universal Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

Phil and TV Remote, Universal Remote both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 48% of Phil's written reviews are positive against 25% of TV Remote, Universal Remote's. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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

Both are free to download. Phil sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and TV Remote, Universal Remote sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Phil against 4.8 for TV Remote, Universal Remote. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5.1K and 2.9K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 48% of Phil's written reviews are positive against 25% of TV Remote, Universal Remote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Phil ships an update fortnightly, TV Remote, Universal Remote every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Phil versus TV Remote, Universal Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhilTV Remote, Universal Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (5.1K ratings)4.8 (2.9K ratings) — better
Positive reviews47.5% of reviews — better25.2% of reviews
Number of ratings5.1K — better2.9K
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.112.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size98 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOz ShabbatthInston

Customer experience

Phil

All ratings4,666 ratings
Positive91.2%
Neutral2.9%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews120 reviews
Positive47.5%
Neutral5.8%
Negative46.7%

TV Remote, Universal Remote

All ratings2,932 ratings
Positive95.9%
Neutral1.1%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews206 reviews
Positive25.2%
Neutral2.9%
Negative71.8%

User reviews

Phil

From 5.1K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Works perfectly
  • 🚀 Connects quickly
  • 💡 Useful when remote is lost

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent disconnections
  • 🔍 Requires location access
  • 💸 Too many ads

TV Remote, Universal Remote

From 2.9K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🙌 Helpful for finding lost remote
  • 💡 Allows room/location customization

Room to improve

  • 🤑 Excessive paid features
  • 🚫 Limited functionality in free version
  • 📺 Compatibility issues with some TV models
  • 💤 Frequent ads interrupting usage

Bugs and requests

Phil

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Unable to connect to TV
  • Keeps asking for updated version
  • Functionality issues after WiFi disconnect

Requested features

2 requests
  • Paid ad-free version
  • Improved connection stability

TV Remote, Universal Remote

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App fails to connect to TV
  • Buttons not responding as expected
  • Subscription not canceling properly

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to control more TV functions without subscription
  • Option to disable ads in free version
  • Support for more TV brands and models

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Phil

One-time1
  • No Ads$3.99
10 purchases

TV Remote, Universal Remote

Subscriptions8
  • Monthly Premium$3.991 Month
  • Pro: Unlock All3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Pro: Full Access3 Days trial$6.997 Days
Show 5 more
  • Weekly Subscription$6.997 Days
  • Pro: Ultimate Access$12.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription3 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Annual Premium3 Days trial$24.991 Year
  • Access IPTV Channels - Yearly3 Days trial$24.991 Year
One-time2
  • Lifetime Pro$27.99
  • Lifetime Premium$32.99

Questions

Is Phil free?
Phil is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TV Remote, Universal Remote free?
TV Remote, Universal Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Phil or TV Remote, Universal Remote?
TV Remote, Universal Remote is rated higher. Phil averages 4.7 out of 5 from 5.1K ratings, while TV Remote, Universal Remote averages 4.8 from 2.9K ratings.
Do Phil or TV Remote, Universal Remote have ads?
Both Phil and TV Remote, Universal Remote show ads.
Which is updated more often, Phil or TV Remote, Universal Remote?
Phil ships an update fortnightly, and TV Remote, Universal Remote every 3 weeks. Most recently, Phil was updated on November 3, 2026 and TV Remote, Universal Remote on November 4, 2026.

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