Comparison

Universal vs SmartTV remote control

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

Head to head
About

Universal

Transform your smartphone into a versatile TV remote. Easily control channels, volume, and navigate menus with an intuitive interface, touchpad, and keyboard. Unlock an ad-free experience and advanced features with a premium subscription.

Highlights
  • Control many TV brands
  • Interactive touchpad and joystick
  • Effortless typing with keyboard
  • User-friendly interface
  • Ad-free premium experience
  • Smart keyboard search
Features
Read full description

Universal Remote Control : Simplify Your TV Experience! Turn your phone into a powerful, easy-to-use remote for your TV with Universal Remote Control! Say goodbye to misplaced remotes and hello to a smarter way of controlling your TV—right from your pocket. Key Features: Compatible with Many TV Brands: Control your TV seamlessly, whether you’re changing channels, adjusting volume, or navigating menus. Works with popular brands . Interactive Touchpad and Joystick: Transform your phone’s screen into a touchpad or joystick for effortless TV control. Effortless Typing and Selection: Built-in keyboard and numeric keypad make searching, typing, and switching channels easier than ever. User-Friendly Design: Simple, intuitive interface suitable for everyone. Go Premium for an Enhanced Experience: Unlock exclusive benefits with our Premium version: Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted control without distractions. Smart Keyboard: Easily search and type on your TV with your phone’s keyboard. Subscription Options: Weekly Plan: $2.99 Monthly Plan: $7.99 Quarly Plan: $14.99 Annual Plan: $34.99 Pricing is based on the App Store Pricing Matrix and may vary by region. Additional Details: Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage your subscription anytime through iTunes Account Settings. **Disclaimer:** Universal Remote・TV Control is an independent application and is not an official product of Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, Hisense, Panasonic, Vizio, Insignia, TCL, Onn, Westinghouse, Skyworth, Element, or any other brand. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of these companies. To unlock all features of Universal Remote・TV Control, a Premium subscription is required. For Smart TVs and compatible devices, ensure that both your phone and Smart TV/Device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. For Infrared (IR) TVs, your phone must have a built-in IR blaster for the remote control functionality to work. Legal & Support: Privacy Policy: https://1remote.tv/pp.html Terms of Use: https://1remote.tv/tou.html Support Contact: support@1remote.tv Reimagine your TV experience—download Universal Remote Control today and take control like never before!

About

SmartTV remote control

Features
Read full description

SamTV is the perfect companion for managing your Smart TV. With a sleek multi-button layout, it offers intuitive and comfortable control, putting everything you need right at your fingertips. Your smartphone transforms into a powerful, all-in-one remote! Watch your favorite shows and movies with quick-access streaming buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. Browsing content has never been easier! Simplify Your TV Experience Designed for users who want fast, easy control, this app lets you operate your Smart TV directly from your mobile device. Gain full control over your SamTV replicating all the features of a physical remote while adding extra smart functions. Simply connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network, and you're ready to go! Key Features & Buttons: Power – Turn your TV on/off Home & Return – Navigate easily Channel & Volume – Adjust with simple taps or phone side buttons Mute – Instantly silence your TV Directional Pad – Up, Down, Left, Right + "OK" button Playback Controls – Play, Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward Streaming Shortcuts – One-tap access to Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and more Settings – Quickly access TV settings Subscription Details: After your free trial, payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions will automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage your subscription anytime through iTunes settings. Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/smarttvremotecontrol-samtv/privacy-policy Terms of Servicehttps://sites.google.com/view/smarttvremotecontrol-samtv/terms-of-service

Screenshots

Universal4 screens
SmartTV remote control3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: SmartTV remote control at none against Universal's shown. SmartTV remote control also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 8 days). On price, in-app purchases, 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 sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and SmartTV remote control sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Universal ships an update every 8 days, SmartTV remote control every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on August 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Universal versus SmartTV remote control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversalSmartTV remote control
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (25 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings25 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size126 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAmerican FootballBobby Fischer

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Universal

Subscriptions4
  • Remote Control For TV Weekly$2.997 Days
  • Universal TV Remote Monthly$7.991 Month
  • Universal Remote 3 Months$14.993 Months
Show 1 more
  • Element TV Remote Yearly$34.991 Year
2 purchases

SmartTV remote control

Subscriptions1
  • Auto Renewable Subscriptions3 Days trial$4.991 Month
One-time1
  • Auto Renewable Subscriptions$9.99

Questions

Is Universal free?
Universal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SmartTV remote control free?
SmartTV remote control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Universal or SmartTV remote control have ads?
Universal shows ads; SmartTV remote control does not.
Which is updated more often, Universal or SmartTV remote control?
Universal ships an update every 8 days, and SmartTV remote control every 2 days. Most recently, Universal was updated on August 24, 2026 and SmartTV remote control on September 21, 2026.

Other comparisons