Comparison

iR Universal Remote Control vs TV Remote

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

iR Universal Remote Control

Transform your iPhone into a powerful universal remote control for all your home entertainment and electronic devices. This app, combined with the iRed Transmitter hardware, allows you to control TVs, audio equipment, cameras, and more with an intuitive interface.

Highlights
  • Universal remote control
  • Control TVs, DVD players, DVRs, and more
  • Custom remote design
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • No complex WiFi or Bluetooth setup
  • Large device database
  • Quickly switch between remotes
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into THE universal remote control. iR Remote requires the iRed Transmitter hardware (http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Infrared-transmitter-for-iPhone-iPod/) iR Remote transforms your device into a personal universal remote. Use it to control your TV, DVD players, DVRs, cable boxes, audio equipment, high-end digital cameras, ceiling fans, air conditioners, and almost any other product - at home or on the go. Replace all your remotes with your iPhone. Stash the old remotes, and enjoy the convenience and simplicity of using your device. Out with the clutter and confusion, and in with everything you love about your device: the sharp, brilliant display, the Multi-Touch interface, the versatility and portability. With the ability to control any device, iR Remote takes the concept of universal to a new level. Simply plugin iRed into the audiojack and start using. You will able to control anything you want in your home or business. iR Remote combines the power of an intuitive App with the simplicity of iRed. It will give you all the power and none of the complexity. iR Remote does all of this in an attractive, intuitive, Apple inspired and easy to use interface. The perfect replacing for multiple and often-confusing diffrent remote control devices. iR Remote can control any number of devices. Use it to control your -TV -DVD players -DVRs -cable boxes -audio equipment -high-end digital cameras -ceiling fans -air conditioners ... and almost any other product that receive infrared signals. Custom Remote Quickly and easily design your custom remote by dragging and dropping any buttons you want, and assign a signal (hex codes) to each. iR Remote intelligently analyzes the signal and stores it in your device. You can program all your remotes in just minutes. A home for your old phone. Save your old phone from the recycling bin. With iR Remote you could still use it as your favourite universal remote control. Features: -No complex WiFi or Bluetooth setup -large database -auto search -intuitive design -quickly switch between different remotes -store as much remotes as u want -control any device Note: iR Remote requires the iRed Transmitter hardware (http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Infrared-transmitter-for-iPhone-iPod/)

About

TV Remote

Control your smart TV directly from your phone. Connect via WIFI to manage volume, channels, and navigation with a touchpad and keyboard. Supports major brands like Samsung, Roku, and LG.

Highlights
  • WIFI TV connection
  • Smart TV detection
  • Touchpad navigation
  • Keyboard input
  • Channel launching
  • Voice search
Features
Read full description

TV Remote is the ultimate solution for controlling your Smart TV from the comfort of your phone. With its easy-to-use interface and compatibility with various TV brands such as Samsung, Roku, LG, Sony, FireTV, AndroidTV, Vizio, and Hisense, this app lets you take charge of your TV viewing experience. You can connect your device to your TV via WIFI, and enjoy full control of your TV functions, including volume, channels, input sources, and more, right from your mobile device. Whether you're watching a movie, playing games, or simply relaxing, the app makes it easy to manage your TV, no matter where you are. Try it today and discover a whole new level of TV control. Main features: * Automatically detects Smart TVs on the same WIFI network * Works with most popular TV brands * Large touchpad for easy menu and content navigation * Launch channels directly from the app * Fast and simple keyboard input * Voice search for hands-free control *** Upgrade to Premium to remove ads and unlock all features*** You can choose one-time payment or a yearly subscription. (with 3-day free trial) a monthly subscription a weekly subscription – Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase (After free trial period if offered). – Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. – Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. – Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user’s Account Settings after purchase. – Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. This app is not affiliated with or endorsed by Samsung, Roku, or any other TV brands listed above. Privacy: https://evolly.app/privacy-policy/ Terms: https://evolly.app/terms-of-service/

Screenshots

iR Universal Remote Control4 screens
TV Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: TV Remote at Free against iR Universal Remote Control's $3.99. TV Remote also leads on rating (4.4 vs 1.3) and ratings volume (605K vs 88). iR Universal Remote Control's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

TV Remote is free to download; iR Universal Remote Control costs $3.99 up front. TV Remote sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. iR Universal Remote Control asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TV Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 1.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TV Remote has 605K ratings behind it against 88, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 2% of iR Universal Remote Control's written reviews are positive against 20% of TV Remote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iR Universal Remote Control ships an update every 6 weeks, TV Remote monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
iR Universal Remote Control versus TV Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriR Universal Remote ControlTV Remote
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating1.3 (88 ratings)4.4 (605K ratings) — better
Positive reviews2.4% of reviews20.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings88605K — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksMonthly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
Best chart rank—#5 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS6.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size14 MB188 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOliver FoelzEVOLLY.APP

Customer experience

iR Universal Remote Control

All ratings88 ratings
Positive5.7%
Neutral1.1%
Negative93.2%
Written reviews293 reviews
Positive2.4%
Neutral3.1%
Negative94.5%

TV Remote

All ratings604,789 ratings
Positive85.3%
Neutral3.4%
Negative11.3%
Written reviews4,287 reviews
Positive20.4%
Neutral3.1%
Negative76.5%

User reviews

iR Universal Remote Control

From 88 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ⭐ Works well
  • ⭐ Connects to devices

Room to improve

  • ❌ Requires additional hardware purchase
  • ❌ Doesn't work as advertised
  • ❌ Poor customer support
  • ❌ Crashes and bugs
  • ❌ Useless in demo mode

TV Remote

From 605K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Connects easily
  • 👍 Convenient remote control
  • 🔒 Works with multiple TVs
  • 👍 Helpful when remote is lost

Room to improve

  • 🔒 Requires original remote for setup
  • 💰 Subscription required for full functionality
  • 🐛 Frequent disconnections
  • 💰 Expensive subscription
  • 🔋 Drains phone battery

Bugs and requests

iR Universal Remote Control

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes on launch
  • Doesn't recognize devices
  • Requires license that doesn't work

Requested features

2 requests
  • Compatibility with more devices
  • Ability to use own IR hardware

TV Remote

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App doesn't recognize TV
  • Power button doesn't work
  • Volume controls not functioning

Requested features

3 requests
  • Allow remote control without original remote
  • Offer more free features
  • Improve reliability and stability

In-app purchases

None

iR Universal Remote Control

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

TV Remote

Subscriptions5
  • Weekly Premium$4.997 Days
  • Weekly Premium3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Monthly Premium$8.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Yearly Premium$19.991 Year
  • Annual Premium3 Days trial$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium.$44.99

Questions

Is iR Universal Remote Control free?
iR Universal Remote Control costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is TV Remote free?
TV Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, iR Universal Remote Control or TV Remote?
TV Remote is rated higher. iR Universal Remote Control averages 1.3 out of 5 from 88 ratings, while TV Remote averages 4.4 from 605K ratings.
Do iR Universal Remote Control or TV Remote have ads?
TV Remote shows ads; iR Universal Remote Control does not.
Which is updated more often, iR Universal Remote Control or TV Remote?
iR Universal Remote Control ships an update every 6 weeks, and TV Remote monthly. Most recently, iR Universal Remote Control was updated on September 25, 2026 and TV Remote on September 28, 2026.

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