Comparison

JSmartApp vs CtrlTV

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

Head to head
About

JSmartApp

Features
Read full description

JSmartApp is a SmartThings client designed for speed and ease of use. It doesn't replace the existing SmartThings app but it is much faster and makes accessing and controlling your smart home devices much easier. Quickly access all of your SmartThings devices. Assign favorites and sort them how you want to access them. Rooms and devices can be sorted your way. View the status of multiple devices on a single page to get a quick view of your smart home. Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets provide for quick access to your devices

About

CtrlTV

Control your smart TV directly from your iPhone without any setup. This app connects to your TV over Wi-Fi, offering full remote functionality, a built-in keyboard for easy typing, and quick access to apps. It's designed to replace lost or broken remotes with a seamless user experience.

Highlights
  • Instant Wi-Fi connection
  • Full remote control
  • Built-in keyboard
  • Touchpad and keypad modes
  • Playback control
  • Quick app launches
  • Home Screen widgets
Features
Read full description

Lost your TV remote? Control your smart TV from your iPhone fast, free, no setup. CtrlTV finds your TV on your Wi-Fi network and gives you full control right from your phone. No extra hardware. No batteries to replace. No more searching the couch. KEY FEATURES • Instant Wi-Fi connection no setup, no pairing dance • Full remote control: power, volume, channels, navigation • Built-in keyboard type passwords and searches in seconds • Touchpad and keypad control modes • Smooth playback control play, pause, skip • Auto-reconnect to your TV • Home Screen widgets in four themes • Quick app launches directly on your TV • Clean, modern, native iPhone design WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT • Replace your lost or broken remote in seconds • Type 10× faster than tapping arrow keys on your TV remote • Open your streaming apps on the TV straight from your phone • No ads. No clutter. No nonsense. COMPATIBILITY • Works with most Wi-Fi smart TVs from 2016 onward that support network remote control • Open CtrlTV on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV it lists every set it can reach • Not finding your TV? Contact support and we'll help REQUIREMENTS • iPhone and smart TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network • App launching is a one-time in-app purchase Download CtrlTV and turn your iPhone into the only remote you'll ever need. CtrlTV is an independent app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any television manufacturer. All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Screenshots

JSmartApp4 screens
CtrlTV4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: CtrlTV at weekly against JSmartApp's every 7 months. JSmartApp's advantage is iOS requirement (15.5 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. JSmartApp sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and CtrlTV sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

JSmartApp ships an update every 7 months, CtrlTV weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
JSmartApp versus CtrlTV: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJSmartAppCtrlTV
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.5 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJulian WerfelAnatoli Petrosyants

In-app purchases

3 purchases

JSmartApp

One-time3
  • Small Tip$0.99
  • Medium Tip$2.99
  • Large Tip$4.99
1 purchases

CtrlTV

One-time1
  • Launch Apps on TV$1.99

Questions

Is JSmartApp free?
JSmartApp is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is CtrlTV free?
CtrlTV is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do JSmartApp or CtrlTV have ads?
Neither JSmartApp nor CtrlTV shows ads.
Which is updated more often, JSmartApp or CtrlTV?
JSmartApp ships an update every 7 months, and CtrlTV weekly. Most recently, JSmartApp was updated on November 3, 2026 and CtrlTV on October 31, 2026.

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