# TV Remote vs Universal Remote

The clearest difference is monetization model: TV Remote at free with in-app purchases against Universal Remote's subscription. TV Remote also leads on review sentiment (31% vs 18%). Universal Remote's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (13K vs 3.2K). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TV Remote sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days and Universal Remote sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Universal Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3.2K and 13K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 31% of TV Remote's written reviews are positive against 18% of Universal Remote's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TV Remote | Universal Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (3.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal-control/id1661904719/reviews) | **[4.6 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-smart-tv/id6446663709/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3.2K | **13K** |
| Positive reviews | **30.6% of reviews** | 17.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 123 MB | 144 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Fire Technologies Hong Kong Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871390749) | [Node Excellence](https://appshunter.io/developer/1756942328) |

## What reviewers say

### TV Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal-control/id1661904719)

Control your TV and streaming devices with your phone. Easily navigate channels, cast media, and search for content using your device's keyboard or voice. Enjoy a simplified entertainment experience.

**Highlights:** Universal TV remote control, Touchpad or button navigation, Screen mirroring, Channel access, Wireless WiFi/IR control, Voice and keyboard search, Cast photos and videos

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full version by week | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Full version by month | $9.99 | per month |
| Weekly Subscription With Trial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Week Lite Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Full version by year 7D trial | $34.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription With Trial | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient remote control
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 💡 Useful features like keyboard and touch control
- 👍 Works well with Roku devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription-based model
- 🔍 Difficulty connecting to TV
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive for a remote app

**Reported bugs**

- Volume controls not working
- App unable to find TV
- Subscription issues and inability to cancel

**Requested features**

- Make the app free to use
- Improve connection reliability
- Add more device compatibility


### Universal Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-smart-tv/id6446663709)

Easily control your smart TV from your iPhone. Adjust volume, switch channels, and launch streaming apps with a beautiful, fast interface. Connects automatically over Wi-Fi.

**Highlights:** Control smart TVs, Adjust volume and channels, Access streaming apps, Launch channels directly, Automatic Wi-Fi detection, Fast response time, Beautiful remote interface

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TV Remote Premium 1 Week | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote Premium 1 Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote Premium 1 Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote Premium 1 Month | $9.99 | per month |
| TV Remote Premium 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |
| TV Remote Premium Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |
| TV Remote Premium Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Convenient remote control
- 🚀 Seamless connection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connection issues
- 💰 Paid subscription required
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription
- 🤔 Misleading about free features
- 💰 Expensive for a remote app

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't work as advertised
- Fails to connect to Roku devices
- Continues to charge even after cancellation

**Requested features**

- Support for more TV brands
- Free version with basic functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TV Remote free?

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

### Is Universal Remote free?

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

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

Universal Remote is rated higher. TV Remote averages 4.4 out of 5 from 3.2K ratings, while Universal Remote averages 4.6 from 13K ratings.

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

TV Remote shows ads; Universal Remote does not.

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

TV Remote ships an update every 3 weeks, and Universal Remote every 3 weeks. Most recently, TV Remote was updated on October 27, 2026 and Universal Remote on October 28, 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.*