Comparison

Icon Control vs Smart AC Remote

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

Head to head
About

Icon Control

Read full description

Connect your own iOS devices to an Icon Connect control system. Control Audio/Video, Security, Lights, Blinds and HVAC.

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 โ€” 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 โ€” Control instantly if your AC is in Apple Home. No extra hardware needed. 2. IR Adapter Dongle ($3-$8) โ€” 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) โ€” Place a BroadLink RM4 Mini or Tuya hub near your AC. Control from anywhere, even remotely. 4. Smart AC with WiFi โ€” 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 โ€” 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

Smart AC Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Icon Control at none against Smart AC Remote's 8. Smart AC Remote's advantage is device support. On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Smart AC Remote sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Icon Control asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 6 level
Icon Control versus Smart AC Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIcon ControlSmart AC Remote
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviewsโ€”0.0% of reviews
Update frequencyโ€”Every 6 days
Adsโ€”No
In-app purchasesNo โ€” betterYes
Monetizationโ€”Freemium
Devicesโ€”iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch โ€” better
Requires iOS1716.0 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size4 MB28 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperIcon Connect LimitedMOBILE ALCHEMY LTD

In-app purchases

None

Icon 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 Icon Control free?
Icon 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.

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