# Smart TV remote app vs Universal

Smart TV remote app and Universal both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Universal's written reviews are positive against 14% of Smart TV remote app's. Universal also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 5 months) and device support (3 vs 1). Smart TV remote app's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (268 vs 25). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Smart TV remote app sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and Universal sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Smart TV remote app against 4.5 for Universal. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Smart TV remote app has 268 ratings behind it against 25, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 14% of Smart TV remote app's written reviews are positive against 100% of Universal's.

Smart TV remote app ships an update every 5 months, Universal every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart TV remote app | Universal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (268 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-app/id1614904513/reviews) | **[4.5 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-control-tv-plus/id6740773005/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **268** | 25 |
| Positive reviews | 14.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 MB | 126 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SCOUT -WEB BASED SYSTEMS LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1614904515) | [American Football](https://appshunter.io/developer/1677585318) |

## What reviewers say

### Smart TV remote app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-app/id1614904513)

Control your smart TV using your phone as a virtual remote. Connect via Wi-Fi to manage volume, channels, playback, and menus for various popular TV brands. Enjoy a realistic design for easy navigation.

**Highlights:** Virtual remote control, Wi-Fi connectivity, Volume control, Channel changing, Navigation pad, Video playback controls, Menu and options access

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Universal Remote Control TV | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Week Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Week Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Universal TV Remote Control | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Connects to anything
- 👍 Worked first time instantly

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 All features are paid
- 💸 Expensive subscription
- 💸 High weekly cost
- 💸 Trying to scam users
- 👎 App doesn't work

**Reported bugs**

- Does not work on TV
- Cannot find TV
- Difficult to cancel subscription
- Free version opens ads with every button press
- Payment went through without agreement

**Requested features**

- Clear instructions on how to connect
- Option to cancel subscription easily
- Less intrusive ads in free version


### Universal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-control-tv-plus/id6740773005)

Transform your smartphone into a versatile TV remote. Easily control channels, volume, and navigate menus with an intuitive interface, touchpad, and keyboard. Unlock an ad-free experience and advanced features with a premium subscription.

**Highlights:** Control many TV brands, Interactive touchpad and joystick, Effortless typing with keyboard, User-friendly interface, Ad-free premium experience, Smart keyboard search

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remote Control For TV Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Universal TV Remote Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Universal Remote 3 Months | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| Element TV Remote Yearly | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smart TV remote app free?

Smart TV remote app is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Universal free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Smart TV remote app or Universal?

Universal is rated higher. Smart TV remote app averages 4.4 out of 5 from 268 ratings, while Universal averages 4.5 from 25 ratings.

### Do Smart TV remote app or Universal have ads?

Universal shows ads; Smart TV remote app does not.

### Which is updated more often, Smart TV remote app or Universal?

Smart TV remote app ships an update every 5 months, and Universal every 8 days. Most recently, Smart TV remote app was updated on October 27, 2026 and Universal on October 24, 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.*