# TV Remote vs Smart TV Remote Universal App

TV Remote and Smart TV Remote Universal App both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 53% of TV Remote's written reviews are positive against 13% of Smart TV Remote Universal App's. TV Remote also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 16 months) and ratings volume (564 vs 33). Smart TV Remote Universal App's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TV Remote sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Smart TV Remote Universal App sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TV Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TV Remote has 564 ratings behind it against 33, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of TV Remote's written reviews are positive against 13% of Smart TV Remote Universal App's.

TV Remote ships an update every 2 weeks, Smart TV Remote Universal App every 16 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TV Remote | Smart TV Remote Universal App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (564 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal-control-plus/id1663632832/reviews)** | [4.3 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-universal-app/id6466823406/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **564** | 33 |
| Positive reviews | **53.4% of reviews** | 12.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 16 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 144 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.2 | **16** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) | [Real Vision Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447773149) |

## What reviewers say

### TV Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal-control-plus/id1663632832)

Transform your smartphone into a universal remote for smart TVs and streaming devices. Control channels, volume, and apps with a familiar interface. Cast media and mirror your screen for a seamless entertainment experience.

**Highlights:** Universal smart TV control, App launching and navigation, Media casting (photos, videos), Screen mirroring, Control soundbars and consoles, Intuitive interface

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

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote ◦ Universal Control | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote ◦ Universal Control | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per year |
| Smart, Universal TV Remote | $14.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly app
- 🚀 Convenient to use
- ✨ Works well as a remote
- 💡 Useful when remote is broken

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Paywall restricts features
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🤔 Unclear free trial terms

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't work with certain TV models
- Subscription issues (unable to cancel, etc.)
- Frequent crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add support for more TV brands
- Improve subscription management
- Provide a one-time purchase option


### Smart TV Remote Universal App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-universal-app/id6466823406)

Transform your smartphone into a universal TV remote. Control various brands like Samsung, LG, and Roku with easy Wi-Fi setup. Enjoy full TV functions, smart features, and a user-friendly interface.

**Highlights:** Universal compatibility with major TV brands, Easy Wi-Fi setup, Full TV control (power, volume, channels), Smart TV functionalities, Virtual navigation pad, User-friendly interface

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium - Remove Ads | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TV Remote free?

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

### Is Smart TV Remote Universal App free?

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

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

TV Remote is rated higher. TV Remote averages 4.5 out of 5 from 564 ratings, while Smart TV Remote Universal App averages 4.3 from 33 ratings.

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

Both TV Remote and Smart TV Remote Universal App show ads.

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

TV Remote ships an update every 2 weeks, and Smart TV Remote Universal App every 16 months. Most recently, TV Remote was updated on October 22, 2026 and Smart TV Remote Universal App 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.*