# Smart AC Remote vs Universal Remote

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart AC Remote | Universal Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 28 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MOBILE ALCHEMY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1577973502) | [海彬 唐](https://appshunter.io/developer/6771846427) |

## What reviewers say

### Smart AC Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-ac-remote/id6772658343)

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:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $29.99 | one-time |


### Universal Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-ac/id6773980217)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*