# Universal Remote vs Smart Remote for Android TVs

The clearest difference is ads: Universal Remote at none against Smart Remote for Android TVs's shown. Universal Remote also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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 Smart Remote for Android TVs sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Universal Remote ships an update fortnightly, Smart Remote for Android TVs every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal Remote | Smart Remote for Android TVs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-remote/id6450844215/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 143 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.1 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gentlemen's s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1664064879) | [TECHFLINES JOINT STOCK COMPANY](https://appshunter.io/developer/1728616987) |

## 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:** macOS Compatibility, 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


### Smart Remote for Android TVs

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-remote-for-android-tvs/id6749923372)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Android TV Subscription Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Android TV Subscription Yearly | $17.99 | per year |
| Android TV Lifetime | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal Remote free?

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

### Is Smart Remote for Android TVs free?

Smart Remote for Android TVs is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Universal Remote or Smart Remote for Android TVs have ads?

Smart Remote for Android TVs shows ads; Universal Remote does not.

### Which is updated more often, Universal Remote or Smart Remote for Android TVs?

Universal Remote ships an update fortnightly, and Smart Remote for Android TVs every 2 months. Most recently, Universal Remote was updated on October 16, 2026 and Smart Remote for Android TVs on September 27, 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.*