Comparison

AC Remote vs Smart AC Remote

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

Head to head
About

AC Remote

Control compatible Wi-Fi air conditioners remotely from your iPhone. Manage temperature, mode, and fan speed for multiple units. Requires Wi-Fi or HomeKit connection; does not support infrared-only units.

Highlights
  • Remote AC control via Wi-Fi
  • HomeKit integration
  • Manage multiple air conditioners
  • Adjust temperature, mode, fan speed
  • Set off timer
  • Find compatible devices
Read full description

Control your compatible Wi-Fi air conditioner from your iPhone on your home network, or through Apple HomeKit. BEFORE YOU SUBSCRIBE Your air conditioner must be connected to Wi-Fi or HomeKit. Infrared-only units are not supported, and iPhone cannot send IR signals. This app does not replace an IR remote. WORKS WITH - Apple HomeKit accessories - Gree, Midea, Daikin and Tuya-based Wi-Fi devices on the same network - Some Tuya and newer Midea devices require a key or token to pair Compatibility varies by model. KEY FEATURES - Control temperature, mode, fan speed and swing, where your device supports them - Manage multiple air conditioners in one app - Find compatible devices on your Wi-Fi network - Set an off timer - Clean, simple interface SUBSCRIPTION AC Remote offers Weekly, Monthly and Yearly subscriptions that remove ads and unlock all features. The price and billing period are shown on the purchase screen in your local currency before you confirm. - Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. - The subscription renews automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - Your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period. - You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use: https://alcheclub.co/terms-of-use/ Privacy Policy: https://alcheclub.co/privacy-policy/

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

AC Remote4 screens
Smart AC Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Smart AC Remote at none against AC Remote's shown. Smart AC Remote also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. AC Remote sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Smart AC Remote sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AC Remote ships an update every 2 weeks, Smart AC Remote every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
AC Remote versus Smart AC Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAC RemoteSmart AC Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (120 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings120 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 6 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.116.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB28 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperALCHE CLUB COMPANY LIMITEDMOBILE ALCHEMY LTD

Customer experience

AC Remote

All ratings120 ratings
Positive85.0%
Neutral3.3%
Negative11.7%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Smart AC Remote

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

10 purchases

AC Remote

Subscriptions8
  • Weekly Premium$2.997 Days
  • Premium Weekly Trial3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Premium Weekly$7.997 Days
Show 5 more
  • Premium Monthly Trial3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Premium Monthly$11.991 Month
  • Monthly Premium3 Days trial$11.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium1 Month trial$69.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly Trial3 Days trial$69.991 Year
One-time2
  • Lifetime Premium$29.99
  • Lifetime Premium$49.99
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 AC Remote free?
AC Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Smart AC Remote free?
Smart AC Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AC Remote or Smart AC Remote have ads?
AC Remote shows ads; Smart AC Remote does not.
Which is updated more often, AC Remote or Smart AC Remote?
AC Remote ships an update every 2 weeks, and Smart AC Remote every 6 days. Most recently, AC Remote was updated on November 8, 2026 and Smart AC Remote on November 7, 2026.

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