Comparison

Universal control vs Remote

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

Head to head
About

Universal control

Transform your iPhone and Apple Watch into a universal remote for your TV and smart devices. Effortlessly control channels, volume, and apps with a clean, intuitive interface designed for the whole family. Enjoy seamless control from anywhere in the room.

Highlights
  • Control TV and smart devices
  • iPhone and Apple Watch compatibility
  • Instant setup
  • Intuitive gestures
  • Customizable layout
  • Quick-access shortcuts
Features
Read full description

Universal Control transforms your iPhone and Apple Watch into a powerful, all-in-one remote for your TV and smart devices. Say goodbye to lost remotes, dead batteries, and cluttered coffee tables — everything you need is now on your wrist and in your pocket. Whether you're switching channels, adjusting the volume, or navigating your favorite streaming apps, Universal Control makes it effortless. Beautifully designed, lightning fast, and incredibly easy to use — for the whole family. — WHY MILLIONS LOVE A UNIVERSAL REMOTE — • One app to control your TV and connected devices • Control straight from your iPhone OR your Apple Watch • Instant connection — set up in seconds, no technical skills needed • Clean, modern interface that anyone can use • Smooth, responsive, and reliable over Wi-Fi • Lightweight and battery-friendly — APPLE WATCH SUPPORT — Leave your phone in the other room. With the built-in Apple Watch app, you can: • Power your TV on and off from your wrist • Adjust volume up and down instantly • Change channels and navigate menus • Access your most-used controls in a single tap The perfect companion for quick, hands-free control. — POWERFUL FEATURES — • Full navigation: power, volume, channels, and directional controls • Quick-access shortcuts for the actions you use most • Intuitive gestures for smooth menu and screen control • Customizable, easy-to-read layout — no manual required • Optimized for the latest iPhone and Apple Watch models • Full support for the newest iOS and watchOS — DESIGNED FOR EVERYDAY LIFE — Relaxing on the couch and can't find the remote? Cooking in the kitchen? Getting ready in the bedroom? Universal Control keeps you in command from anywhere in the room. Switch inputs, adjust the volume, browse menus, and navigate your screen — all from your phone or watch. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, guest rooms, vacation homes, and anywhere you want simple, reliable control. — SIMPLE, FAST & PRIVATE — Universal Control is built to be straightforward and transparent. No clutter, no confusion — just a smooth experience that works the moment you need it. We respect your privacy and keep things simple. — THE ONLY REMOTE YOU'LL EVER NEED — Join users who have simplified their living rooms with one elegant, dependable app. Download Universal Control today and enjoy a smarter, easier way to control your screen — from your iPhone and your Apple Watch. ——— LEGAL / DISCLAIMER Universal Control is an independent application and is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or associated with any television manufacturer, streaming service, or third-party brand. All product names, logos, trademarks, and brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification and compatibility-reference purposes. Their use does not imply any endorsement or partnership. This app requires a compatible device and an active network connection. Compatibility and available features may vary depending on the device, model, and firmware. Apple Watch is a trademark of Apple Inc. Use of the Apple Watch app requires a paired iPhone. Privacy Policy: https://aitranslation.app/TVremote/privacy.html Terms of Use (EULA): https://aitranslation.app/TVremote/terms.html

About

Remote

Features
Read full description

NO ADS — EVER No ads, no banners, no pop-ups, no tracking — and it will always stay that way. Smart TV Remote is a fast, private remote control with no ads for Android TV and Google TV — right from your iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac. It connects directly to your TV over Wi-Fi on your local network. No account to create, nothing sent to the cloud, and no ads — ever. FEATURES • D-pad and trackpad navigation, volume, power and playback controls • App shortcuts to launch Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ and more • Type with your keyboard instead of pecking at on-screen letters • Voice control — just say what you want to open • Home Screen, Lock Screen and Control Center widgets • Apple Watch app with a watch-face complication • Mac menu bar app with global keyboard shortcuts • Fully customizable remote layout • Works with Sony Bravia, TCL, Philips, Nvidia Shield, Chromecast with Google TV and most Android TV devices FREE & PRO The basic remote is free. A one-time Pro purchase unlocks customization, unlimited app shortcuts, voice, the keyboard, the Apple Watch app, widgets and the Mac app. No subscription. PRIVACY Smart TV Remote talks only to your TV on your local network. There are no accounts, no tracking and no ads. Your TV must support the Android TV / Google TV remote protocol and be on the same Wi-Fi network as your device.

Screenshots

Universal control4 screens
Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Universal control at none against Remote's 1. On price, update cadence, ads 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. Remote sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Universal control asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Universal control ships an update every 10 days, Remote every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Universal control versus Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversal controlRemote
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 10 days — betterEvery 11 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developeryousra britelMakiByte

In-app purchases

None

Universal control

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Remote

One-time1
  • Smart TV Remote Pro$9.99

Questions

Is Universal control free?
Universal control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Remote free?
Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Universal control or Remote have ads?
Neither Universal control nor Remote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Universal control or Remote?
Universal control ships an update every 10 days, and Remote every 11 days. Most recently, Universal control was updated on September 9, 2026 and Remote on September 6, 2026.

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