# TV Remote vs Universal Remote

TV Remote and Universal Remote both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 56% of TV Remote's written reviews are positive against 18% of Universal Remote's. TV Remote also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). Universal Remote's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). On price, rating, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TV Remote sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 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.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for TV Remote against 4.6 for Universal Remote. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 61K and 13K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 56% of TV Remote's written reviews are positive against 18% of Universal Remote's.

TV Remote ships an update every 3 days, Universal Remote every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 9, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | TV Remote | Universal Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (61K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal/id1670649189/reviews)** | [4.6 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-smart-tv/id6446663709/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **61K** | 13K |
| Positive reviews | **56.3% of reviews** | 17.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#148** | — |
| Size | 63 MB | 144 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Zap Software Studio BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/1793745371) | [Node Excellence](https://appshunter.io/developer/1756942328) |

## What reviewers say

### TV Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal/id1670649189)

**Currently charting:** #148 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Control your smart TV using your smartphone. This app supports numerous brands and models, consolidating multiple remotes into one device. Enjoy a simplified TV-watching experience.

**Highlights:** Smart TV control via phone, Supports wide range of brands, Eliminates need for multiple remotes, Easy TV-watching experience, Compatible with popular brands

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Premium | $19.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works great
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Useful when remote is lost
- 🔒 No ads or subscriptions
- 🚀 Quick connection to TV

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connection issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems with some TV models
- 🐛 Keyboard not working on some TVs
- 🐛 Disconnects frequently

**Reported bugs**

- App force closes when connecting to certain TVs
- Volume controls not working on some TVs
- Remote buttons not responding consistently

**Requested features**

- Add ability to turn TV on/off
- Improve keyboard functionality
- Expand TV brand compatibility
- Add option to save connected TV


### 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?

TV Remote is rated higher. TV Remote averages 4.6 out of 5 from 61K 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 days, and Universal Remote every 3 weeks. Most recently, TV Remote was updated on November 9, 2026 and Universal Remote on November 9, 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.*