Comparison

TV Remote vs Universal Remote

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

Head to head
About

TV Remote

Transform your iPhone into a universal smart TV remote. Control volume, change channels, type searches with your keyboard, and launch apps. Offers a free version with ads and a one-time purchase for Pro features like ad removal and multi-TV support.

Highlights
  • Universal smart TV control
  • Keyboard and voice input
  • App launching
  • Touchpad for LG TVs
  • WiFi connectivity
  • One-time Pro purchase
Features
Read full description

Lost the remote? Take back control. Turn your iPhone into a powerful remote control for your smart TV. Change the volume, find your next show and get back to watching. YOUR COUCH. YOUR TV. YOUR RULES. Stop hunting between the cushions. TV Remote puts everyday controls, a keyboard and TV app shortcuts right in your hand. Connect over WiFi, pair your TV and make yourself comfortable. No extra hardware. No account to create. A UNIVERSAL TV REMOTE FOR YOUR EVERYDAY WATCHING • Tap to navigate, adjust volume, change channels and control playback. • Press and hold volume or channel buttons to keep the action going. • Type searches with your iPhone keyboard on supported TVs. • Dictate into supported TV search fields instead of tapping letter by letter. • Swipe and point with the touchpad on compatible LG webOS TVs. • Browse and launch supported apps installed on your TV. • Find your TV over WiFi or add it by IP address, then reconnect for your next session. ONE TV. EVERYDAY CONTROLS. FREE. Use the in-app remote for one TV with advertising. Enjoy supported keyboard, voice input, app launching and LG touchpad features without a subscription. GO PRO ONCE. GET MORE FROM YOUR TV. One purchase unlocks TV Remote Pro: • Remove ads. • Save multiple TVs and switch between rooms. • Customize your TV app shortcut row. • Use Siri and Shortcuts for supported actions on a paired, saved TV. Buy once. No recurring subscription. MADE FOR POPULAR SMART TV PLATFORMS • Samsung TVs running Tizen • LG TVs running webOS • Roku TVs and streaming players • Google TV and Android TV models, including compatible Sony, TCL, Hisense and Philips TVs • Amazon Fire TV devices with ADB debugging enabled • Vizio SmartCast TVs Compatibility and available controls vary by TV platform, model and firmware. Keyboard, voice input, touchpad, app launching and power controls are available where supported. Streaming apps and their content or subscriptions are not included. GET READY IN THREE STEPS 1. Connect your iPhone and TV to the same WiFi network. 2. Find your TV and approve any pairing request on its screen. 3. Open the remote and take control. Remote commands travel directly from your iPhone to your TV over your local network. Optional diagnostic reports help us investigate connection problems and can be turned off in Settings. Download TV Remote and put your next movie night back in your hands. Support: https://tvremote.puresoftltd.com/support Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Universal Remote

Features
Read full description

Turn your phone into a universal remote for every TV in your home. Universal TV Remote connects over Wi-Fi and works with Samsung, LG, Roku, Fire TV, Vizio, Android TV, Google TV, Sony, TCL and Hisense — no extra hardware, no infrared, no cables. Open the app, tap your TV, and you are in control in seconds. THE REMOTE IS FREE — AND STAYS FREE • Automatic TV discovery on your Wi-Fi network • Full button remote: power, volume, channels, D-pad, OK, back, home • Switch inputs (HDMI, TV, AV) with a single tap • Type with your phone keyboard instead of hunting letters on screen • Launch your streaming apps straight from your phone • Every button press is free for your connected TV. Forever. WORKS WITH • Samsung Smart TV (2016 and newer, Tizen) • LG Smart TV (webOS) • Roku, TCL Roku TV and Hisense Roku TV • Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick • Android TV and Google TV, including Sony • Vizio SmartCast PREMIUM • Cast photos and videos from your phone to the big screen • Live screen mirroring — share what you see, in real time • Save several TVs and switch between them instantly • Custom button layouts and macros • Haptic feedback and volume-button control WHY YOU WILL KEEP IT Remote lost in the sofa? Batteries dead? Kids hid it again? Your phone is always within reach. Everything runs over your home Wi-Fi, so there is nothing to pair, plug in or point at the screen. HOW TO START Connect your phone and your TV to the same Wi-Fi network, open the app and pick your TV from the list. Some TVs ask you to confirm the connection once on screen — after that it simply works. --- Universal TV Remote offers an optional subscription with a 3-day free trial. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple Account settings. Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited when a subscription is purchased. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Samsung, LG, Roku, Amazon, Vizio, Sony, TCL, Hisense or Google. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Terms of Use: https://vesoftapps.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://vesoftapps.com/privacy

Screenshots

TV Remote4 screens
Universal Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Universal Remote at none against TV Remote's shown. Universal Remote also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On price, in-app purchases 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. TV Remote sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Universal Remote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
TV Remote versus Universal Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTV RemoteUniversal Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 days—
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.615.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size35 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVietTS CO., LTDSIA Vesoft

In-app purchases

1 purchases

TV Remote

One-time1
  • TV Remote Pro Lifetime$6.99
2 purchases

Universal Remote

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly$5.997 Days
  • Yearly$29.991 Year

Questions

Is TV Remote free?
TV Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Universal Remote free?
Universal Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TV Remote or Universal Remote have ads?
TV Remote shows ads; Universal Remote does not.

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