Comparison

Universal Control vs Free Remote for Roku

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

Head to head
About

Universal Control

Control your smart TV directly from your iPhone or iPad. This app offers seamless navigation, media casting, and screen mirroring without needing extra hardware. It's a convenient solution for managing your TV experience.

Highlights
  • Smart Auto-Detection
  • Smooth Navigation Touchpad
  • Quick Channel Access
  • On-Screen Keyboard
  • Media Casting
  • Screen Mirroring
Features
Read full description

Universal Remote for TV – Smart & Simple Control Control your Smart TV from your iPhone or iPad. Enjoy smooth navigation, media casting, and screen mirroring with no extra hardware required. Universal Control - TV Remote is the perfect solution for controlling your Smart TV. Whether you’ve misplaced your TV Remote or want a more convenient way to navigate, this Remote For TV app provides a seamless and user-friendly experience. *COMPATIBLE* Our Universal TV Remote Control app is compatible with most major Smart TV brands and popular streaming devices. With its intuitive interface, quick connectivity, and powerful features, the Universal Remote for TV app lets you switch channels, adjust volume, stream media, and navigate menus—all from your mobile device. *Key features of Universal TV Remote Control* - Smart Auto-Detection – Instantly finds compatible Smart TVs on the same Wi-Fi network. - Work with Brands – Works with most popular TV brands - Smooth Navigation – Use a large touchpad for easy menu browsing. - Quick Channel Access – Launch your favorite channels with a single tap. - On Screen Keyboard – Search and type without a physical remote. - Favorite Channels – Save frequently watched channels for quick access. - Works with Supported Smart TVs – Compatible with select TV brands. *Unlimited casting and mirroring* Cast & Mirror any media from your device to your Smart TV without restrictions. Enjoy real-time Screen Mirroring from your Phone to the smart TV—watch videos, view photos, and play games without interruptions with the premium version. - Web Video Casting - Screen Mirroring - Media Casting - Supported Channels - Play music on TV speakers – Enjoy high-quality sound through your TV. *How to connect* - Ensure your iPhone/iPad and Smart TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. - Open Universal Control - TV Remote and let it detect your TV. - Tap to connect and start controlling your TV instantly. - No extra hardware or complicated setup. *Why Choose Universal Tv Remote - Cast To Tv!!* - No More Lost Remotes – Your iPhone is always within reach. - One App for Multiple TVs – Works with supported Smart TVs. - Fast & Responsive – Instant connection without lag. - User-Friendly Interface – Simple design for all ages. - Regular Updates & Support – Stay up to date with the latest features. Important Notes - Your Smart TV & iPhone/iPad must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this app to work. - Some TV models may require additional setup for advanced features. - Download Now & Take Full Control of Your Smart TV!

About

Free Remote for Roku

Transform your iPhone into a universal remote for smart TVs. Effortlessly navigate, type text, and launch favorite channels wirelessly via Wi-Fi. Compatible with various smart TV devices.

Highlights
  • Automatic Smart TV discovery
  • Wi-Fi enabled control
  • Fast keyboard input
  • Channel shortcuts
  • Trackpad navigation
Features
Read full description

Remote TV — Control your TV with ease! Turn your iPhone into a powerful remote control for all your Stmart TV devices. With a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection, you can control your TV effortlessly, type text quickly, and launch your favorite channels with a single tap. Key Features: • Automatic Discovery: Instantly find Smart TV devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network. • Smooth Navigation: Use the modern trackpad to easily navigate your TV interface. • Fast Keyboard: Type passwords, email addresses, or perform instant searches without using the tedious TV keyboard. • Channel Shortcuts: Launch your favorite streaming services (Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, etc.) directly from your app. • 100% Wireless: Works entirely via Wi-Fi (no infrared transmitter required). How to Use: 1. Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Smart TV. 2. Open the app and let it automatically detect your television. 3. You're ready! Control your TV with ease. Disclaimer: This app is not affiliated with Roku, Inc.

Screenshots

Universal Control4 screens
Free Remote for Roku4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Free Remote for Roku at 5.0 against Universal Control's 2.6. Free Remote for Roku also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 months). Universal Control's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, device support and iOS requirement 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 Control sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Free Remote for Roku asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Free Remote for Roku holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Free Remote for Roku has 88 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Universal Control ships an update every 2 months, Free Remote for Roku every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Universal Control versus Free Remote for Roku: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversal ControlFree Remote for Roku
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (5 ratings)5.0 (88 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings588 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size54 MB48 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperAnwar KamalMirai Skills & Knowledge

Customer experience

Universal Control

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Free Remote for Roku

All ratings88 ratings
Positive98.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative1.1%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Universal Control

Subscriptions3
  • weekly subscription$3.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription$9.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription$29.991 Year
One-time3
  • Upgrade to Premium (Weekly)$1.99
  • Upgrade to Premium (Monthly)$6.99
  • Lifetime Premium$29.99
None

Free Remote for Roku

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Universal Control free?
Universal Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Free Remote for Roku free?
Free Remote for Roku is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Universal Control or Free Remote for Roku?
Free Remote for Roku is rated higher. Universal Control averages 2.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Free Remote for Roku averages 5.0 from 88 ratings.
Do Universal Control or Free Remote for Roku have ads?
Free Remote for Roku shows ads; Universal Control does not.
Which is updated more often, Universal Control or Free Remote for Roku?
Universal Control ships an update every 2 months, and Free Remote for Roku every 2 days. Most recently, Universal Control was updated on October 24, 2026 and Free Remote for Roku on October 25, 2026.

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