Control vs BetterAudio Remote
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Control
Easily manage media playback and system volume on your Mac from your iPhone or iPad. It supports popular apps like Spotify, VLC, and Apple Music without requiring subscriptions or companion app installations.
- System-level volume control
- Basic media playback controls
- Supports TV.app, Music.app, VLC, Spotify
- No subscription or companion app needed
- Connects via built-in permissions
- Requires same network connection
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The simplest and fastest way to control media playback, volume, and more on your Mac. Control connects directly over your local network, so you never have to install or run a companion app. 【NEW】Control any app, video, or website with Keyboard controls. Re-arrange your keypad and add the commands (and shortcuts!) that are useful to you. Additionally, Control always supports system-level volume controls and *direct* playback controls for the following apps: • TV.app • Music.app • QuickTime Player • VLC • IINA • mpv • Spotify • Safari (experimental) No subscriptions, no payments, no ads, no tracking. Control is privacy-first and doesn't collect any data. It connects directly across your local network, so your information never even touches the internet. Need more Control? Send a request anytime. I'd love to make the app as useful as possible. Note: Control’s connection to your Mac is managed via built-in macOS permissions. Once accepted, Control will work forever with no additional setup. It requires being on the same network and enabling Remote Access. Some VPN clients may interfere, depending on settings. Powered by AppleScript.
BetterAudio Remote
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BetterAudio Remote turns your iPhone into a powerful controller for your Mac’s audio. Key features: - Remote control for Spotify and Apple Music Now Playing on macOS - Quick playback actions (play, pause, next/previous) - Control BetterAudio devices directly from your iPhone - Minimal, fast, and easy-to-use interface Whether you’re working, producing, or just listening, BetterAudio Remote keeps your audio under control - without reaching for your Mac. Control Now Playing for Spotify and Apple Music on your Mac with quick play/pause, skip, and track navigation - without switching screens or interrupting your workflow. It’s perfect for Mac users who want faster, more convenient audio control at their fingertips.
Screenshots
Verdict
Control and BetterAudio Remote are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Control | BetterAudio Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 10 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Ryan Whitney | Artur Rok |
In-app purchases
Control
No in-app purchases
BetterAudio Remote
No in-app purchases









