Comparison

TV Controller vs Universal Control TV

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

Head to head
About

TV Controller

Features
Read full description

TV Controller: Smart Remote gives you a convenient way to manage your Smart TV from your phone using a shared WiFi connection. The app is designed with a clean and responsive interface, helping you access essential TV controls in a simple and practical way. After connecting your phone and TV to the same network, the app can detect compatible devices available nearby and allow a quick connection process. Once paired, your phone can be used as an alternative remote for common TV functions without needing additional accessories. The experience is built for everyday use, with straightforward navigation and smooth interaction for supported Smart TVs. Main Features • Control compatible TVs through WiFi • Adjust volume and switch channels • Power on or off supported models • Quick connection to nearby devices • Smooth and responsive controls • Simple and user-friendly interface Easy Setup • Connect your phone and TV to the same WiFi network • Open the app and select your device • Start controlling your TV directly from your phone No complicated setup or external hardware is required. Important Note • Supports Smart TVs connected via WiFi only • IR (infrared) control is not supported • Both devices must remain on the same network • Compatibility may vary depending on the TV model TV Controller: Smart Remote provides a practical way to access everyday TV controls from your phone with a stable WiFi connection and an easy-to-use experience.

About

Universal Control TV

Transform your iPhone into a smart TV remote without extra hardware. Automatically discover and control compatible TVs over WiFi, offering features like a trackpad, keyboard input, and one-tap app launching.

Highlights
  • Automatic WiFi TV discovery
  • Trackpad and keyboard input
  • One-tap app launching
  • Complete remote functions
  • Channel number pad
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into a real universal remote for your smart TV — no IR hardware, no dongles, no clunky pairing codes. Universal Control TV finds your Roku, Samsung Tizen and other smart TVs automatically over WiFi in seconds, then hands you full control right from your pocket. Skip the fumbling with tiny on-screen keyboards and laggy factory remotes. This app gives you precision, speed and features your TV's original remote wishes it had. Automatic Discovery: scan your WiFi network and find compatible smart TVs instantly. One-time pairing means every TV you add is remembered and ready on future launches. Complete Remote Control: power, volume, mute, channel changes and a smooth circular D-pad for navigating menus without missing a beat. Trackpad Mode: swipe across your phone screen like a mouse to glide around the TV interface with precision instead of clicking arrow keys repeatedly. Keyboard Text Input: type searches, usernames and passwords using your iPhone's full keyboard instead of hunting-and-pecking on the TV's on-screen remote. One-Tap App Launch: jump straight into Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ and other streaming apps with a single tap. Channel Number Pad: punch in exact channel numbers 0-9 instantly, just like a classic remote. Setup takes seconds — connect to the same WiFi as your TV, let the app find it, tap to pair, and you're in control. No extra hardware, no IR blaster required. Universal Control TV is offered as a premium weekly subscription with a 3-day free trial, so you can try every feature risk-free before you commit. Download now and start controlling your TV smarter, faster and from anywhere in the room. https://remotetvtotal.com/terms.html https://remotetvtotal.com/policy.html

Screenshots

TV Controller4 screens
Universal Control TV3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TV Controller at none against Universal Control TV's 1. TV Controller also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). Universal Control TV's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence 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. Universal Control TV sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. TV Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TV Controller ships an update fortnightly, Universal Control TV every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
TV Controller versus Universal Control TV: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTV ControllerUniversal Control TV
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.7 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Subscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size46 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVu Quang TuanEND ONLINE SLU

In-app purchases

None

TV Controller

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Universal Control TV

Subscriptions1
  • Premium Weekly3 Days trial$9.997 Days

Questions

Is TV Controller free?
TV Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Universal Control TV free?
Universal Control TV is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TV Controller or Universal Control TV have ads?
TV Controller shows ads; Universal Control TV does not.
Which is updated more often, TV Controller or Universal Control TV?
TV Controller ships an update fortnightly, and Universal Control TV every 3 weeks. Most recently, TV Controller was updated on October 1, 2026 and Universal Control TV on October 9, 2026.

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