Comparison

Smart AC Remote vs ESP AC 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

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

ESP AC Remote

Features
Read full description

ESP AC Remote turns your phone into a simple, fast remote for air conditioners controlled by an ESPHome device on your local Wi-Fi network. If your air conditioner is connected to an ESPHome-based controller (for example through an IR blaster or a compatible control board), this app can discover it on your network and control it โ€” regardless of the air conditioner brand. No cloud account, no sign-up, no complicated setup. FEATURES - Automatic device discovery on your local Wi-Fi - Power your air conditioner on and off - Switch modes: Cool, Heat, Dry, Fan, Auto - Set the exact target temperature - View indoor, outdoor, and target temperatures at a glance - Toggle the remote beep - Rename your devices and keep them saved between scans - Clean, modern interface in 5 languages (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic) COMPATIBILITY ESP AC Remote works with air conditioners that are controlled by an ESPHome device exposing a climate entity over the local network. It does not connect to air conditioners directly and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any air conditioner manufacturer. You need a working ESPHome controller set up for your unit. LOCAL & PRIVATE The app communicates directly with your ESPHome device over your Wi-Fi network. Your phone and the device must be on the same Wi-Fi โ€” it does not work over mobile data or a different network. PREMIUM (optional) The free version is fully functional and supported by ads. An optional Premium subscription removes all banner and interstitial ads for a cleaner experience and helps support development. Choose monthly or yearly, and switch plans anytime. Premium is an auto-renewing subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Privacy Policy: https://espacc.w2solution.net/espaac/privacy.html Terms of Use: https://espacc.w2solution.net/espaac/terms.html

Screenshots

Smart AC Remote4 screens
ESP AC Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Smart AC Remote at none against ESP AC Remote's shown. Smart AC Remote also leads on device support (4 vs 2). ESP AC Remote's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 6 days). On price, in-app purchases 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 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and ESP AC Remote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smart AC Remote ships an update every 6 days, ESP AC Remote daily. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences ยท 3 level
Smart AC Remote versus ESP AC Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmart AC RemoteESP AC Remote
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 6 daysDaily โ€” better
AdsNo โ€” betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch โ€” betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 โ€” better17.0
Further details โ€” not scored
Size28 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMOBILE ALCHEMY LTDW2S SOLUTION LTD

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Smart AC Remote

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly$1.997 Days
  • Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Yearly3 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$29.99
2 purchases

ESP AC Remote

Subscriptions2
  • Premium monthly$3.991 Month
  • Premium yearly$22.991 Year

Questions

Is Smart AC Remote free?
Smart AC Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ESP AC Remote free?
ESP AC Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Smart AC Remote or ESP AC Remote have ads?
ESP AC Remote shows ads; Smart AC Remote does not.
Which is updated more often, Smart AC Remote or ESP AC Remote?
Smart AC Remote ships an update every 6 days, and ESP AC Remote daily. Most recently, Smart AC Remote was updated on October 12, 2026 and ESP AC Remote on September 20, 2026.

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