# Universal Remote vs TV Remote・Universal Control #1

The clearest difference is monetization model: Universal Remote at free with in-app purchases against TV Remote・Universal Control #1's subscription. Universal Remote also leads on review sentiment (81% vs 50%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal Remote sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days and TV Remote・Universal Control #1 sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Universal Remote against 4.7 for TV Remote・Universal Control #1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.1K and 557 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of Universal Remote's written reviews are positive against 50% of TV Remote・Universal Control #1's.

Universal Remote ships an update fortnightly, TV Remote・Universal Control #1 monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Remote | TV Remote・Universal Control #1 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-remote/id6450844215/reviews) | **[4.7 (557 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remoteuniversal-control-1/id6478119018/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 557 |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 143 MB | 198 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.1** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gentlemen's s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1664064879) | [Mihai Turlea](https://appshunter.io/developer/1855548265) |

## What reviewers say

### Universal Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-remote/id6450844215)

Transform your phone into a powerful TV controller. Manage channels, volume, menus, and use keyboard input for seamless navigation. Compatible with major smart TV brands over Wi-Fi.

**Highlights:** Control channels and volume, Access TV menus and info, Keyboard input for searches, Haptic feedback, Responsive touchpad interface, Wi-Fi network connectivity

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Universal Remote | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Remote control for TV | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Universal TV Remote | $8.99 | per month |
| Remote Control for TV | $9.99 | per 3 months |
| Remote Control for TV | $19.99 | per year |
| TV Remote | $24.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 🚀 Quick response time and responsiveness
- 📱 Transforms phone into functional remote
- 🔄 Automatic detection and customization
- ✨ Works across multiple TV brands (LG, Samsung, Sony, Roku)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Aggressive subscription model and paywalls
- 🔌 Connectivity issues with some TVs
- 📺 Inconsistent compatibility across devices
- ⚠️ Unreliable connection reliability

**Reported bugs**

- App won't connect to TV
- Subscription popup blocks basic functionality
- Connectivity drops and unreliable connections

**Requested features**

- Free version without subscription requirements
- Improved TV compatibility and connection stability


### TV Remote・Universal Control #1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remoteuniversal-control-1/id6478119018)

Transform your iPhone into a universal remote for your smart TV. Control channels, volume, menus, and use a touchpad or keyboard for easier navigation. Connects instantly via Wi-Fi for a seamless experience.

**Highlights:** Universal compatibility with major TV brands, Full remote control functions, Easy Wi-Fi setup, Touchpad and keyboard support, Intuitive user interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Universal Remote for TV | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Smart TV Remote Control | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Control: Smart Remote App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Control: Smart Remote App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Control Remote + Widgets | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Universal TV Control + Widgets | $19.99 | per month |
| TV Control Universal Remote | $29.99 | per year |
| Universal TV Control + Widgets | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Remote free?

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

### Is TV Remote・Universal Control #1 free?

TV Remote・Universal Control #1 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Universal Remote or TV Remote・Universal Control #1?

TV Remote・Universal Control #1 is rated higher. Universal Remote averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while TV Remote・Universal Control #1 averages 4.7 from 557 ratings.

### Do Universal Remote or TV Remote・Universal Control #1 have ads?

Neither Universal Remote nor TV Remote・Universal Control #1 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Universal Remote or TV Remote・Universal Control #1?

Universal Remote ships an update fortnightly, and TV Remote・Universal Control #1 monthly. Most recently, Universal Remote was updated on October 27, 2026 and TV Remote・Universal Control #1 on October 21, 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.*