# Universal TV Remote vs Smart TV Remote

The clearest difference is rating: Smart TV Remote at 5.0 against Universal TV Remote's 4.3. Smart TV Remote also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 4 months). Universal TV Remote's advantage is ratings volume (8 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal TV Remote sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Smart TV Remote sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Smart TV Remote holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Universal TV Remote has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Universal TV Remote ships an update every 4 months, Smart TV Remote every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Universal TV Remote | Smart TV Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-tv-remote-smartctrl/id6740748603/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-universal/id6806555548/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 13 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Nice Express](https://appshunter.io/developer/1300337847) | [Florea Media SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1465702621) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Smart TV Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-tv-remote-universal/id6806555548)

Transform your iPhone into a universal remote for all your smart TVs. Effortlessly control power, volume, channels, and access apps directly from your device. Enjoy a seamless experience with a touchpad, keyboard, and app launcher.

**Highlights:** Universal TV control, Wi-Fi connectivity, Touchpad navigation, On-screen keyboard, App launching, Save multiple TVs

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $22.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Universal TV Remote free?

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

### Is Smart TV Remote free?

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

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

Smart TV Remote is rated higher. Universal TV Remote averages 4.3 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Smart TV Remote averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

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

Both Universal TV Remote and Smart TV Remote show ads.

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

Universal TV Remote ships an update every 4 months, and Smart TV Remote every 8 days. Most recently, Universal TV Remote was updated on October 24, 2026 and Smart TV Remote on October 13, 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.*