# VLC Remote vs Remote for VLC, PC & Mac

The clearest difference is rating: VLC Remote at 4.7 against Remote for VLC, PC & Mac's 4.1. VLC Remote also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (66% vs 52%). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VLC Remote sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year and Remote for VLC, PC & Mac sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VLC Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 599 and 469 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of VLC Remote's written reviews are positive against 52% of Remote for VLC, PC & Mac's.

VLC Remote ships an update monthly, Remote for VLC, PC & Mac every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VLC Remote | Remote for VLC, PC & Mac |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (599 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-remote/id299344206/reviews)** | [4.1 (469 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-for-vlc-pc-and-mac/id1140931401/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **599** | 469 |
| Positive reviews | **66.3% of reviews** | 51.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 40 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hobbyist Software Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/291218199) | [Adarsh Urs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1140931400) |

## What reviewers say

### VLC Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vlc-remote/id299344206)

Control your VLC Media Player on Mac or PC from your iPhone or iPad. Manage playback, volume, subtitles, and more, all from your couch. Offers a free version with ads and limited features, with an upgrade option for full functionality.

**Highlights:** Remote control for VLC Media Player, Play, pause, stop, and navigate media, Control volume and aspect ratio, Manage subtitles and audio tracks, View cover art and playlist, Today widget for quick access

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Control - Annual | $4.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to set up
- 👍 Convenient remote control
- 💡 Ability to browse files and playlists
- 🚀 Responsive controls
- 👍 Useful for watching movies from the couch

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnections and crashes
- 👎 Confusing or outdated interface
- 🔒 Potential security concerns with required software installation
- 👎 Limited functionality in free version
- 💰 Expensive subscription for full version

**Reported bugs**

- Search function not working
- Playlist not updating correctly
- Frequent crashes or freezes
- Incompatibility with newer OS versions

**Requested features**

- Chromecast support
- System volume control
- Headset mode
- Ability to respond to dialog boxes on the local machine


### Remote for VLC, PC & Mac

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remote-for-vlc-pc-and-mac/id1140931401)

Control VLC media player, your computer's mouse, and keyboard remotely from your smartphone or tablet. Browse files, manage playlists, and even control streaming services like Netflix and YouTube without leaving your couch.

**Highlights:** Control VLC Media Player, PC and Mac remote control, Mouse and keyboard emulation, Browse computer files, Manage playlists, Control YouTube and streaming services, Add subtitle files

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Features (Yearly) | $3.99 | per year |
| Netflix Controls | $0.99 | one-time |
| Power Controls | $0.99 | one-time |
| Chrome/Safari/Firefox Controls | $0.99 | one-time |
| Amazon Prime Controls | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock VLC Features | $2.99 | one-time |
| Unlock VLC Features  & No Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| Mouse & Keyboard Controls | $2.99 | one-time |
| Ad Remover | $3.99 | one-time |
| Full Features (For Lifetime) | $5.99 | one-time |
| All Features Without VLC | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient remote control
- 🚀 Works across platforms
- 💡 Useful features like YouTube control
- 👍 Easy setup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and disconnections
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 💩 Intrusive ads
- 🤯 Confusing and unintuitive UI

**Reported bugs**

- Incompatible with latest iOS/macOS versions
- Issues with mouse/touch controls
- Purchased features not working as expected
- Unexpected behavior when pausing/stopping playback

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to control brightness and other system functions
- Better support for VLC 3.0
- Customizable themes and colors


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VLC Remote free?

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

### Is Remote for VLC, PC & Mac free?

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VLC Remote or Remote for VLC, PC & Mac?

VLC Remote is rated higher. VLC Remote averages 4.7 out of 5 from 599 ratings, while Remote for VLC, PC & Mac averages 4.1 from 469 ratings.

### Do VLC Remote or Remote for VLC, PC & Mac have ads?

Remote for VLC, PC & Mac shows ads; VLC Remote does not.

### Which is updated more often, VLC Remote or Remote for VLC, PC & Mac?

VLC Remote ships an update monthly, and Remote for VLC, PC & Mac every 3 months. Most recently, VLC Remote was updated on October 29, 2026 and Remote for VLC, PC & Mac 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.*