# Universal Remote vs ADBAM

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ADBAM at none against Universal Remote's 7. Universal Remote's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal Remote sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. ADBAM asks for nothing beyond the download.

Universal Remote ships an update every 3 weeks, ADBAM every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Remote | ADBAM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-smart-tv/id6446663709/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **13K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 17.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 144 MB | 101 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Node Excellence](https://appshunter.io/developer/1756942328) | [Alcides Vieira](https://appshunter.io/developer/1046524680) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### ADBAM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/adbam/id6596766084)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Remote free?

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

### Is ADBAM free?

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

### Do Universal Remote or ADBAM have ads?

Neither Universal Remote nor ADBAM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Universal Remote or ADBAM?

Universal Remote ships an update every 3 weeks, and ADBAM every 2 months. Most recently, Universal Remote was updated on October 19, 2026 and ADBAM on October 10, 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.*