Comparison

Smart AC Remote vs Universal Remote

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

Head to head
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

About

Universal Remote

Features
Read full description

Turn your phone into a smart universal remote control. Control TVs, air conditioners, fans, projectors, set-top boxes, air purifiers, robot vacuums, water heaters, washing machines and more from a single app. Features: โ€ข Universal remote control โ€ข TV remote control โ€ข Air conditioner remote โ€ข WiFi and infrared support โ€ข Easy device management โ€ข Smart home control experience โ€ข Simple setup and operation Note: Some features require compatible infrared accessories or supported hardware.

Screenshots

Smart AC Remote4 screens
Universal Remote3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Universal Remote at none against Smart AC Remote's 8. Smart AC Remote's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks). 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. Universal Remote asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smart AC Remote ships an update every 6 days, Universal Remote every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences ยท 4 level
Smart AC Remote versus Universal Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmart AC RemoteUniversal Remote
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews0.0% of reviewsโ€”
Update frequencyEvery 6 days โ€” betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNo โ€” betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
MonetizationFreemiumโ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch โ€” betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.0 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size28 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMOBILE ALCHEMY LTDๆตทๅฝฌ ๅ”

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
None

Universal Remote

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Smart AC Remote free?
Smart AC Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Universal Remote free?
Universal Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Smart AC Remote or Universal Remote have ads?
Universal Remote shows ads; Smart AC Remote does not.
Which is updated more often, Smart AC Remote or Universal Remote?
Smart AC Remote ships an update every 6 days, and Universal Remote every 2 weeks. Most recently, Smart AC Remote was updated on October 25, 2026 and Universal Remote on October 24, 2026.

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