Comparison

Universal Remote vs AFS TV Remote

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

Head to head
About

Universal Remote

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
Read full description

Introducing the Universal Remote: Smart TV Hub" - your ultimate solution to the perennial dilemma of a missing TV remote or the frustration of dealing with outdated devices. Say goodbye to these headaches as our innovative remote control app turns your phone into a powerful TV controller. Take your TV experience to the next level with the Universal Remote: Smart TV Hub"! Our no-frills application offers seamless control of your web-connected TV, right from your iPhone. This app gives you full control over various functions including channels, volume, menu, info, tools, and basic controls like play/pause/stop and more, mirroring the functionality of a traditional handheld remote. Compatible with leading brands such as SAMSUNG, LG, SONY, ROKU, PANASONIC, AndroidTV, and Hesense. Support for TV models from different years of production and screen sizes. A simple connection between your iPhone and your TV over the same Wi-Fi network turns your touchscreen into a comprehensive navigation panel. It replicates all the functions of a traditional remote control. Key features include: - Fast and easy to get started: The app becomes your physical remote control, always at your fingertips. - Automatic customization: Easy to set up and use for effortless control. - Haptic feedback: Enhances the overall experience with realistic vibrations. - Responsive touchpad: Provides an aesthetically pleasing and tactile interface. - Keyboard input: Simplifies TV search and entry. - Wi-Fi compatibility: Automatically detects all TVs on your network, making phone control a breeze. "Universal remote control: Smart TV Hub" is a full-featured mobile version of a traditional TV remote control. Designed to streamline your daily life. Now you don't have to leave the comfort of your sofa to hunt for a misplaced remote or buy a new one in case it goes missing. Just sync the app with your device and you can effortlessly browse through your favorite shows, movies, and programs - all from your mobile phone. Embrace the wonders of technology and unlock a smarter, more convenient life! ***** Disclaimer Please note that our app is an independent application and is not endorsed or affiliated with SAMSUNG, LG, SONY, ROKU, PANASONIC, AndroidTV, Hesense, or any other brand mentioned. Subscription Pricing & Terms: - To unlock all features you need to subscribe to our Premium plan. - Prices are equal to the value that "Apple's App Store Matrix" determines is the equivalent of the subscription price in USD. - Subscriptions are billed weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually at the rate selected depending on the subscription plan. - Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase. - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal from your Account Settings after the purchase. - Subscriptions will renew automatically unless you turn off auto-renewal at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. The renewal cost will be charged to your account 24 hours before the end of the current period. - When the subscription is canceled, it will remain active until the end of the period. Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded. - If offered, any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Privacy Policy: http://vataras.com/privacy_policy Terms of Service: http://vataras.com/terms_of_use

About

AFS TV Remote

Transform your smartphone into a powerful remote control for your streaming devices. Easily manage playback, navigate menus, and enter text with an intuitive interface. It's a convenient solution for controlling your home entertainment from your phone.

Highlights
  • Full remote control (power, volume, navigation)
  • Quick access to apps and streaming services
  • On-screen keyboard for text entry
  • Smooth Wi-Fi connection
  • User-friendly interface
  • Replacement for lost physical remotes
Features
Read full description

Turn your phone into a convenient remote for your streaming device and enjoy easy control of your home entertainment in one place. Quickly access playback, navigation, and key device functions through a simple and intuitive interface designed for everyday use. Key Features: - Full remote control for power, volume, and navigation - Easy access to installed apps and streaming services - On-screen keyboard for fast text entry and searching - Smooth Wi‑Fi connection for quick setup and responsive control - User-friendly layout for effortless daily use - Handy replacement when your physical remote is misplaced or out of reach Enjoy a simpler way to control your streaming experience and manage your favorite content from your phone with ease. Payment will be charged to the credit card connected to your iTunes Account when you confirm the initial subscription purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current subscription period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and the cost of the renewal will be identified. You may manage your subscription and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to your Account Settings after the purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription, where applicable. Terms of Use & Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11N_HJ0iPe3LJ-oOXw4zsKF3veEguSIFPXaeMckX9CPA/edit?usp=sharing https://docs.google.com/document/d/10nIXH5CYZV7ak677ePa4g-lKAnlDKCkH3v66Flc1bxo/edit?usp=sharing

Screenshots

Universal Remote4 screens
AFS TV Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

Universal Remote and AFS TV Remote both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 81% of Universal Remote's written reviews are positive against 43% of AFS TV Remote's. Universal Remote also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (14.1 vs 17). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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

Both are free to download. Universal Remote sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days and AFS TV Remote sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Universal Remote against 4.5 for AFS TV Remote. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.1K and 847 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 81% of Universal Remote's written reviews are positive against 43% of AFS TV Remote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Universal Remote ships an update fortnightly, AFS TV Remote every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Universal Remote versus AFS TV Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversal RemoteAFS TV Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (1.1K ratings) — better4.5 (847 ratings)
Positive reviews81.3% of reviews — better43.5% of reviews
Number of ratings1.1K — better847
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.1 — better17
Further details — not scored
Size143 MB79 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGentlemen's s.r.o.Jeroen Bakker

Customer experience

Universal Remote

All ratings1,076 ratings
Positive90.0%
Neutral4.5%
Negative5.6%
Written reviews32 reviews
Positive81.3%
Neutral3.1%
Negative15.6%

AFS TV Remote

All ratings846 ratings
Positive86.4%
Neutral4.1%
Negative9.5%
Written reviews23 reviews
Positive43.5%
Neutral4.3%
Negative52.2%

Bugs and requests

Universal Remote

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

2 requests
  • Free version without subscription requirements
  • Improved TV compatibility and connection stability

AFS TV Remote

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Universal Remote

Subscriptions6
  • Universal Remote7 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Remote control for TV$5.997 Days
  • Universal TV Remote$8.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Remote Control for TV$9.993 Months
  • Remote Control for TV7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • TV Remote$24.991 Year
9 purchases

AFS TV Remote

Subscriptions9
  • Fire Stick Smart Controller$5.997 Days
  • Fire Stick TV Remote Universal3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Fire Stick TV Remote Universal3 Days trial$6.997 Days
Show 6 more
  • Fire Stick Smart Controller3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Fire Stick Smart Controller$7.997 Days
  • Fire Stick TV Remote Universal3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Fire Stick Smart Controller$19.991 Month
  • Fire Stick Smart Controller3 Days trial$29.991 Month
  • Fire Stick TV Remote Universal$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Universal Remote free?
Universal Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is AFS TV Remote free?
AFS TV Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Universal Remote or AFS TV Remote?
Universal Remote is rated higher. Universal Remote averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while AFS TV Remote averages 4.5 from 847 ratings.
Do Universal Remote or AFS TV Remote have ads?
Neither Universal Remote nor AFS TV Remote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Universal Remote or AFS TV Remote?
Universal Remote ships an update fortnightly, and AFS TV Remote every 4 months. Most recently, Universal Remote was updated on November 7, 2026 and AFS TV Remote on November 8, 2026.

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