# CtrlTV vs TV Remote

The clearest difference is ads: CtrlTV at none against TV Remote's shown. CtrlTV also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). TV Remote's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CtrlTV sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and TV Remote sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for CtrlTV against 5.0 for TV Remote. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

CtrlTV ships an update weekly, TV Remote every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CtrlTV | TV Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ctrltv-smart-tv-remote/id6760845815/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal-control/id6793078465/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 13 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anatoli Petrosyants](https://appshunter.io/developer/848828498) | [VietTS CO., LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1625828366) |

## What reviewers say

### CtrlTV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ctrltv-smart-tv-remote/id6760845815)

Control your smart TV from your iPhone without any setup. This app offers instant Wi-Fi connection for full remote functionality, including a built-in keyboard for faster typing. It seamlessly integrates with popular streaming services and supports major TV brands.

**Highlights:** Instant Wi-Fi connection, Full remote control, Built-in keyboard, Touchpad and keypad modes, Playback control, Auto-reconnect, Sleep timer

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Launch Apps on TV | $1.99 | one-time |


### TV Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tv-remote-universal-control/id6793078465)

Transform your iPhone into a universal smart TV remote. Control volume, change channels, type searches with your keyboard, and launch apps. Offers a free version with ads and a one-time purchase for Pro features like ad removal and multi-TV support.

**Highlights:** Universal smart TV control, Keyboard and voice input, App launching, Touchpad for LG TVs, WiFi connectivity, One-time Pro purchase

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TV Remote Pro Lifetime | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CtrlTV free?

CtrlTV is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is TV Remote free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CtrlTV or TV Remote?

CtrlTV and TV Remote are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do CtrlTV or TV Remote have ads?

TV Remote shows ads; CtrlTV does not.

### Which is updated more often, CtrlTV or TV Remote?

CtrlTV ships an update weekly, and TV Remote every 4 days. Most recently, CtrlTV was updated on October 8, 2026 and TV Remote on October 15, 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.*