# iTunes Remote vs Roku Remote (Official)

The clearest difference is ads: iTunes Remote at none against Roku Remote (Official)'s shown. iTunes Remote also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (11.4 vs 16.0). Roku Remote (Official)'s advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (6.4M vs 40K). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for iTunes Remote against 4.7 for Roku Remote (Official). That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Roku Remote (Official) has 6.4M ratings behind it against 40K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 57% of iTunes Remote's written reviews are positive against 64% of Roku Remote (Official)'s.

iTunes Remote ships an update every 5 months, Roku Remote (Official) every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | iTunes Remote | Roku Remote (Official) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (40K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/itunes-remote/id284417350/reviews) | **[4.7 (6.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roku-remote-official/id482066631/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 40K | **6.4M** |
| Positive reviews | 56.9% of reviews | **63.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#12** |
| Size | 12 MB | 229 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.4** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Apple](https://appshunter.io/developer/284417353) | [ROKU INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/482066634) |

## What reviewers say

### iTunes Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/itunes-remote/id284417350)

Control your Apple Music, iTunes, or Apple TV app library from your iPhone or iPad. Browse content, manage playlists, and stream audio to AirPlay speakers throughout your home.

**Highlights:** Control Apple Music, iTunes, Apple TV, Browse music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, Create and edit playlists, View upcoming songs (Up Next), Search entire libraries, Stream to AirPlay speakers, Group speakers for multi-room audio

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent for controlling music on Mac and AirPlay devices
- 👍 Convenient remote control for Apple TV
- 💡 Allows remote access to iTunes library

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnects and stability issues
- 🔍 Lacks integration with Apple Music
- 📺 No longer supports Apple Watch
- 🔍 Limited functionality compared to previous versions

**Reported bugs**

- Arrows and navigation buttons disappearing
- Inability to control Apple TV
- Frequent need to reconnect to iTunes library

**Requested features**

- Add support for HomePod and stereo HomePods
- Integrate with Apple Music for searching and adding to library
- Improve user interface and add more customization options
- Restore Apple Watch support


### Roku Remote (Official)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roku-remote-official/id482066631)

**Currently charting:** #12 Top Free · Entertainment, #49 Top Free (US App Store)

Control your streaming devices with a mobile remote, search for content using voice or keyboard, and enjoy private listening. Stream free movies and live TV on the go, and cast media from your phone to your TV.

**Highlights:** Mobile remote control, Voice and keyboard search, Private listening with headphones, Stream free movies and live TV, Cast media from phone to TV, Add and launch channels

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient remote control
- 🎧 Private listening feature
- 📱 Ability to control TV from phone
- 🔍 Easy to navigate and search
- 🆓 Free app with no ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnection issues
- ⏱️ Slow to connect or respond
- 🔌 Compatibility problems with some TVs
- 🔇 Private listening not always reliable
- 🤯 Frustrating when remote doesn't work

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes frequently
- Fails to detect or connect to Roku devices
- Loses connection during use
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Unreliable private listening mode

**Requested features**

- Add volume control for Roku sticks
- Improve Bluetooth/headphone connectivity
- Allow remote access over mobile data
- Add widget for quick TV controls
- Optimize app for iPad's larger screen


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iTunes Remote free?

iTunes Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Roku Remote (Official) free?

Roku Remote (Official) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, iTunes Remote or Roku Remote (Official)?

Roku Remote (Official) is rated higher. iTunes Remote averages 4.6 out of 5 from 40K ratings, while Roku Remote (Official) averages 4.7 from 6.4M ratings.

### Do iTunes Remote or Roku Remote (Official) have ads?

Roku Remote (Official) shows ads; iTunes Remote does not.

### Which is updated more often, iTunes Remote or Roku Remote (Official)?

iTunes Remote ships an update every 5 months, and Roku Remote (Official) every 3 weeks. Most recently, iTunes Remote was updated on November 1, 2026 and Roku Remote (Official) on November 1, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*