# TV Remote vs Stick

The clearest difference is ads: Stick at none against TV Remote's shown. Stick also leads on ratings volume (16K vs 563). TV Remote's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 weeks). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TV Remote sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Stick sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 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 — 4.5 for TV Remote against 4.5 for Stick. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stick has 16K ratings behind it against 563, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 53% of TV Remote's written reviews are positive against 45% of Stick's.

TV Remote ships an update every 2 weeks, Stick every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 12, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | TV Remote | Stick |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (563 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal-control-plus/id1663632832/reviews) | **[4.5 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stick-remote-control-for-tv/id6470928223/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 563 | **16K** |
| Positive reviews | **53.4% of reviews** | 45.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 144 MB | 113 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.2 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) | [APPSPRO LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852212807) |

## 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 (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote ◦ Universal Control | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote ◦ Universal Control | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| 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


### Stick

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stick-remote-control-for-tv/id6470928223)

Transform your smartphone into a versatile TV remote control. Easily navigate menus, change channels, and type using your phone's screen. Offers a touchpad, joystick, and keyboard for seamless interaction with various TV models.

**Highlights:** Universal TV compatibility, Touchpad and joystick control, On-screen keyboard for typing, Channel and audio control, User-friendly interface

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stick - Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Stick - Premium for One Year | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Quick connection
- 💡 Useful for lost remotes
- 🆓 Free with no ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- ⚠️ Paid version required for full functionality
- 🔌 Disconnects when switching apps

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't connect to TV
- Stops working after updates
- Fails to detect TV on network

**Requested features**

- Add source/input button
- Improve compatibility with more TV brands


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TV Remote free?

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

### Is Stick free?

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

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

Stick is rated higher. TV Remote averages 4.5 out of 5 from 563 ratings, while Stick averages 4.5 from 16K ratings.

### Do TV Remote or Stick have ads?

TV Remote shows ads; Stick does not.

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

TV Remote ships an update every 2 weeks, and Stick every 3 weeks. Most recently, TV Remote was updated on November 12, 2026 and Stick on November 12, 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.*