Comparison

CtrlTV vs Hand

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

Head to head
About

CtrlTV

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
Read full description

Lost your TV remote? Control your smart TV from your iPhone fast, free, no setup. CtrlTV finds your TV on your Wi-Fi network and gives you full control right from your phone. No extra hardware. No batteries to replace. No more searching the couch. KEY FEATURES • Instant Wi-Fi connection no setup, no pairing dance • Full remote control: power, volume, channels, navigation • Built-in keyboard type passwords and searches in seconds • Touchpad and keypad control modes • Smooth playback control play, pause, skip • Auto-reconnect to your TV • Home Screen widgets in four themes • Quick app launches directly on your TV • Clean, modern, native iPhone design WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT • Replace your lost or broken remote in seconds • Type 10× faster than tapping arrow keys on your TV remote • Open your streaming apps on the TV straight from your phone • No ads. No clutter. No nonsense. COMPATIBILITY • Works with most Wi-Fi smart TVs from 2016 onward that support network remote control • Open CtrlTV on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV it lists every set it can reach • Not finding your TV? Contact support and we'll help REQUIREMENTS • iPhone and smart TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network • App launching is a one-time in-app purchase Download CtrlTV and turn your iPhone into the only remote you'll ever need. CtrlTV is an independent app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any television manufacturer. All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About

Hand

Features
Read full description

Remote for ViZIO TV. Lost your physical remote or tired of replacing dead batteries? Transform your smartphone or tablet into a powerful, convenient Smart Remote Control for your Vizio Smart TV! With seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, an intuitive touchpad, and built-in keyboard input, controlling your TV has never been easier or faster. Whether you need to adjust the volume, browse streaming channels, navigate menus, or type search queries quickly, Vizo Remote App gives you complete control right from the palm of your hand. KEY FEATURES INSTANT AUTO-DISCOVERY AND WI-FI CONNECTIVITY - Automatically scan and pair with Vizio Smart TVs on your local Wi-Fi network in seconds. - Quick Re-connect: Reopens directly to your previously paired TV for instant access. - Manual IP Connect option available for custom network setups. FULL TV REMOTE CONTROLS - Power On/Off control. - Volume Up / Down / Mute rocker controls. - Channel Up / Down switching. - Home, Back, Menu, Exit, and Source/Input selection buttons. - Media Playback controls (Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind). TOUCHPAD AND 3D D-PAD NAVIGATION - Smooth Touchpad Matrix: Navigate TV menus with effortless swipes and taps. - 3D Navigation Wheel: Precise directional pad control for smooth browsing. BUILT-IN ON-SCREEN KEYBOARD - Stop typing letter-by-letter with a physical remote! - Type movie titles, passwords, and search queries instantly using your phone keyboard. NUMPAD AND DIRECT CHANNEL ACCESS - Dedicated Numpad grid to switch directly to your favorite TV channels. - Quick access to installed streaming apps and channels. HOW TO USE 1. Ensure your iPhone and your Vizio Smart TV are connected to the SAME Wi-Fi network. 2. Open Vizo Remote App and allow it to discover your TV. 3. Tap on your Vizio TV to pair and start controlling your TV instantly! DISCLAIMER Vizo Remote App is an independent application and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Vizio Inc. or any of its trademarks.

Screenshots

CtrlTV4 screens
Hand4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hand at none against CtrlTV's 1. Hand also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). CtrlTV's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and device support 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. CtrlTV sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Hand asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CtrlTV ships an update weekly, Hand every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
CtrlTV versus Hand: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCtrlTVHand
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS26.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB105 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAnatoli PetrosyantsMirai Skills & Knowledge

In-app purchases

1 purchases

CtrlTV

One-time1
  • Launch Apps on TV$1.99
None

Hand

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CtrlTV free?
CtrlTV is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hand free?
Hand is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do CtrlTV or Hand have ads?
Hand shows ads; CtrlTV does not.
Which is updated more often, CtrlTV or Hand?
CtrlTV ships an update weekly, and Hand every 2 days. Most recently, CtrlTV was updated on October 24, 2026 and Hand on October 24, 2026.

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