Comparison

Universal AC Remote Control vs Smart AC Remote

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

Head to head
About

Universal AC Remote Control

Control your TV and air conditioner with your smartphone. This app acts as a universal remote, eliminating the need for physical remotes. It supports a wide range of popular brands and models.

Highlights
  • Universal remote control for TVs and ACs
  • Control via smartphone
  • Supports major brands and models
  • Infrared remote functionality
  • No batteries required for infrared
Features
Read full description

What? Can't find your remote? A universal remote control for TVs and air conditioners. For smart home appliance users, all you need is your mobile phone. It is a must-have at home. TVs and air conditioners can be controlled with one click using this APP as a universal remote control on your mobile phone. Infrared remote control: No batteries required, just use the mobile app. Remote control database: brands of major popular models, remote control is not restricted

About

Smart AC Remote

Transform your iPhone into a universal AC remote. Control any air conditioner from over 500 brands using infrared, WiFi, or Apple HomeKit. Replace lost remotes and manage your AC's temperature, modes, and timers with ease.

Highlights
  • Universal AC remote control
  • Supports 500+ AC brands
  • Control via IR, WiFi, or HomeKit
  • Set timers and schedules
  • Adjust temperature and fan speed
  • Control ACs in multiple rooms
Features
Read full description

AC Remote is a smart air conditioner remote control app that turns your iPhone into a universal AC remote. It helps homeowners, renters, and travelers control any air conditioner from any brand using infrared accessories, WiFi, or Apple HomeKit. With 500+ supported AC brands, AC Remote replaces lost, broken, or incompatible remotes instantly. HOW IT WORKS AC Remote sends infrared (IR) signals to your air conditioner — the same technology your original remote uses. Pick your AC brand, connect a device, and start controlling in seconds. If your AC is already in Apple Home, connect through HomeKit with zero setup. FOUR WAYS TO CONNECT 1. Apple HomeKit & Matter — Control instantly if your AC is in Apple Home. No extra hardware needed. 2. IR Adapter Dongle ($3-$8) — Plug a USB-C or Lightning IR adapter into your iPhone. Point and tap, just like a real remote. 3. WiFi IR Hub ($15-$30) — Place a BroadLink RM4 Mini or Tuya hub near your AC. Control from anywhere, even remotely. 4. Smart AC with WiFi — Daikin, Gree, or Midea with built-in WiFi connect directly over your local network. WHAT YOU CAN DO - Turn your AC on before you get home using a WiFi hub - Set a sleep timer so the AC turns off after you fall asleep - Switch between cool, heat, dry, and fan modes without finding the remote - Adjust temperature and fan speed from your couch or your office - Control ACs in multiple rooms from one app - Use Turbo mode for rapid cooling on hot days FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Can I control my AC with my phone if I lost the remote? A: Yes. Plug in a $3 IR adapter or use a WiFi hub, select your brand from 500+ supported, and your iPhone becomes the remote. Q: What brands does AC Remote support? A: Over 500 including Daikin, Gree, Midea, Haier, LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Hitachi, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Sharp, Carrier, Frigidaire, TCL, Hisense, and hundreds more. Q: Do I need special hardware? A: It depends. HomeKit ACs need nothing extra. For standard ACs, a $3 IR adapter plugs into your iPhone. For anywhere control, a $15 WiFi IR hub works over your home network. Q: Does it work without WiFi? A: Yes. An IR adapter works without WiFi — point your iPhone at the AC like a regular remote. SUPPORTED DEVICES Apple HomeKit & Matter thermostats, USB-C IR Adapter (iPhone 15-17+), Lightning IR Adapter (iPhone 14 and older), BroadLink RM4 Mini, Tuya/Smart Life Hub, SwitchBot Hub Mini, Sensibo Sky/Air, Tasmota/ESP8266 DIY IR Blaster, Daikin/Gree/Midea WiFi AC (direct connection). Core remote control features are free. Pro unlocks advanced features, additional device support, and removes all limits. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation. Subscriptions auto-renew unless turned off 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage in Settings > Apple ID. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy: https://acremote.app/privacy Support: support@acremote.app

Screenshots

Universal AC Remote Control3 screens
Smart AC Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Universal AC Remote Control at 100% against Smart AC Remote's 0%. Universal AC Remote Control also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 8) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). Smart AC Remote's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 months). On price and device support 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. Smart AC Remote sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Universal AC Remote Control asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Universal AC Remote Control ships an update every 2 months, Smart AC Remote every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Universal AC Remote Control versus Smart AC Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversal AC Remote ControlSmart AC Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB28 MB
Age rating12++4
Developer其能 任MOBILE ALCHEMY LTD

Customer experience

Universal AC Remote Control

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Smart AC Remote

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

Universal AC Remote Control

No in-app purchases

8 purchases

Smart AC Remote

Subscriptions7
  • Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Premium Weekly$5.997 Days
Show 4 more
  • Premium Weekly$7.997 Days
  • Premium Weekly3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Premium Weekly3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Yearly3 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$29.99

Questions

Is Universal AC Remote Control free?
Universal AC Remote Control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Smart AC Remote free?
Smart AC Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Universal AC Remote Control or Smart AC Remote have ads?
Universal AC Remote Control shows ads; Smart AC Remote does not.
Which is updated more often, Universal AC Remote Control or Smart AC Remote?
Universal AC Remote Control ships an update every 2 months, and Smart AC Remote every 6 days. Most recently, Universal AC Remote Control was updated on November 8, 2026 and Smart AC Remote on November 7, 2026.

Other comparisons