# Stick vs Universal TV Remote

The clearest difference is ads: Stick at none against Universal TV Remote's shown. Stick also leads on ratings volume (16K vs 8) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stick sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and Universal TV Remote sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Stick holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stick has 16K ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Stick ships an update every 3 weeks, Universal TV Remote every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stick | Universal TV Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stick-remote-control-for-tv/id6470928223/reviews)** | [4.3 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-smartctrl/id6740748603/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **16K** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 45.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 113 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [APPSPRO LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852212807) | [Nice Express](https://appshunter.io/developer/1300337847) |

## What reviewers say

### Stick

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stick-remote-control-for-tv/id6470928223)

Transform your smartphone into a versatile TV remote control. Easily navigate menus, change channels, and type using your phone's screen. Offers a touchpad, joystick, and keyboard for seamless interaction with various TV models.

**Highlights:** Universal TV compatibility, Touchpad and joystick control, On-screen keyboard for typing, Channel and audio control, User-friendly interface

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stick - Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Stick - Premium for One Year | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Quick connection
- 💡 Useful for lost remotes
- 🆓 Free with no ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- ⚠️ Paid version required for full functionality
- 🔌 Disconnects when switching apps

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't connect to TV
- Stops working after updates
- Fails to detect TV on network

**Requested features**

- Add source/input button
- Improve compatibility with more TV brands


### Universal TV Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-smartctrl/id6740748603)

Control all your smart TVs with a single app. Easily connect to devices on your Wi-Fi network for instant remote access. Features a touchpad, keyboard for typing, and quick launch buttons for streaming services.

**Highlights:** Control multiple smart TVs, Wi-Fi device discovery, Full remote functionality, Touchpad and keyboard input, Quick launch streaming apps, App launching from TV

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Pro | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Pro | $7.99 | per month |
| Remote for Roku Lifetime access | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stick free?

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

### Is Universal TV Remote free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Stick or Universal TV Remote?

Stick is rated higher. Stick averages 4.5 out of 5 from 16K ratings, while Universal TV Remote averages 4.3 from 8 ratings.

### Do Stick or Universal TV Remote have ads?

Universal TV Remote shows ads; Stick does not.

### Which is updated more often, Stick or Universal TV Remote?

Stick ships an update every 3 weeks, and Universal TV Remote every 4 months. Most recently, Stick was updated on October 24, 2026 and Universal TV Remote on October 24, 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.*