# DirectVR Remote for DirecTV vs Universal Smart TV Remote App

The clearest difference is price: Universal Smart TV Remote App at Free against DirectVR Remote for DirecTV's $0.99. Universal Smart TV Remote App also leads on rating (4.5 vs 2.2) and review sentiment (68% vs 44%). DirectVR Remote for DirecTV's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and chart position (#167 vs unranked). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Universal Smart TV Remote App is free to download; DirectVR Remote for DirecTV costs $0.99 up front. Universal Smart TV Remote App sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. DirectVR Remote for DirecTV asks for nothing beyond the download.

Universal Smart TV Remote App holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Universal Smart TV Remote App has 458 ratings behind it against 34, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of DirectVR Remote for DirecTV's written reviews are positive against 68% of Universal Smart TV Remote App's.

DirectVR Remote for DirecTV ships an update every 4 months, Universal Smart TV Remote App every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DirectVR Remote for DirecTV | Universal Smart TV Remote App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.2 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directvr-remote-for-directv/id400971700/reviews) | **[4.5 (458 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-smart-tv-remote-app/id1502206853/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 34 | **458** |
| Positive reviews | 43.9% of reviews | **68.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#167** | — |
| Size | 20 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.4** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RMR Labz](https://appshunter.io/developer/400971703) | [Hemant Bhonsle](https://appshunter.io/developer/442878468) |

## What reviewers say

### DirectVR Remote for DirecTV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directvr-remote-for-directv/id400971700)

**Currently charting:** #167 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

Control your DirecTV system over WiFi with this comprehensive remote app. It offers full-screen controls, program information, social sharing, and Genie/RVU support. A free version is available to test compatibility before purchasing.

**Highlights:** WiFi remote control, Genie and RVU support, Full screen remotes, Program information, Social networking and sharing, Built-in community features

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Universal Smart TV Remote App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-smart-tv-remote-app/id1502206853)

Control your Samsung, Sony, Roku, or Vizio smart TV instantly without complex setup. This app eliminates the need for lost or broken physical remotes. It's compatible with Apple Watch and requires no subscription.

**Highlights:** Instant TV control, No settings required, Supports Apple Watch, No subscription needed, Control multiple brands

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium with Trial | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium Access | $44.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient remote control
- 🚀 Responsive and fast
- 💡 Useful for lost remotes
- 👍 Works well with various TV brands

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnections and app freezes
- 💰 Intrusive and excessive ads
- 🚫 Limited functionality compared to physical remote
- 🐛 Issues with scanning and connecting to TVs

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes after TV scanning
- Unable to connect to certain TV models
- Ads not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Ability to control TV power on/off
- Option to customize ad frequency
- Support for more TV brands
- Improved stability and reliability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DirectVR Remote for DirecTV free?

DirectVR Remote for DirecTV costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Universal Smart TV Remote App free?

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

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

Universal Smart TV Remote App is rated higher. DirectVR Remote for DirecTV averages 2.2 out of 5 from 34 ratings, while Universal Smart TV Remote App averages 4.5 from 458 ratings.

### Do DirectVR Remote for DirecTV or Universal Smart TV Remote App have ads?

Neither DirectVR Remote for DirecTV nor Universal Smart TV Remote App shows ads.

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

DirectVR Remote for DirecTV ships an update every 4 months, and Universal Smart TV Remote App every 3 months. Most recently, DirectVR Remote for DirecTV was updated on November 1, 2026 and Universal Smart TV Remote App on October 20, 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.*