Comparison

Zapp Remote for Android TV 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

Zapp Remote for Android TV

Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone or iPad into a powerful remote control for your Android TV, Google TV and Chromecast devices. Zapp connects over Wi-Fi in seconds — no registration and no physical remote needed. WHY Zapp? ◆ Voice search: find movies and shows or control your TV hands-free. ◆ Screen mirroring: share your phone or tablet screen on the big screen with one tap. ◆ Instant typing: use your iPhone keyboard instead of the on-screen TV keyboard. ◆ Quick app launch: open Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and more with a single touch. ◆ D-pad and touchpad modes: navigate exactly the way you prefer. ◆ Volume and power: full control, including your device's physical volume buttons. ◆ Multiple TVs: pair once and switch between all the TVs in your home. WORKS WITH YOUR DEVICES Zapp is compatible with Google TV Streamer, Chromecast with Google TV, Nvidia Shield and smart TVs from Sony, Philips, TCL, Hisense and hundreds of other Android TV models. EASY SETUP 1. Connect your iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network. 2. Open Zapp and select your TV. 3. Enter the pairing code shown on the screen. Done! Free, fast and designed for iOS with a clean, modern interface. Note: your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. This app is not affiliated with Google LLC or any TV manufacturer mentioned.

About

Universal Remote

Transform your iPhone into a Wi-Fi remote for compatible smart TVs and streaming devices. Control navigation, volume, channels, and media playback with ease. Supports Siri commands for hands-free operation.

Highlights
  • Wi-Fi TV discovery
  • Siri command support
  • Navigation and media controls
  • Volume and channel adjustment
  • On-device credential storage
  • Wake compatible TVs
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into one convenient remote for compatible smart TVs and streaming devices on your Wi-Fi network. Universal Remote discovers supported TVs on your local network and provides the controls you use most, including navigation, selection, home, back, volume, mute, channel controls, media controls, settings, and power. Supports Siri commands for things like navigation, power on/off, volume controls, channel controls and more. SUPPORTED TV PLATFORMS • Google TV and Android TV devices with the Google TV Remote Service • LG TVs running webOS • Vizio SmartCast TVs • Amazon Fire TV devices • Many many more, these are just the devices I've tested on so far! FEATURES • Automatic TV discovery over your local Wi-Fi network • Secure on-device pairing credential storage • Directional navigation and selection controls • Home, back, settings, and media controls • Volume, mute, and channel controls • Hold supported buttons to repeat commands • Light haptic feedback when pressing remote buttons • Remember previously connected TVs on each network • Wake compatible, previously configured TVs over your local network • No account required Your iPhone and TV must be connected to the same local network. Initial pairing may require entering a code displayed by the TV or approving the connection using the physical remote or the controls directly on your TV. Compatibility varies by manufacturer, model, software version, and network configuration. Devices that advertise Google Cast but do not provide a supported system remote service cannot be controlled through Google Cast alone. Universal Remote contains banner ads. Advertising privacy and tracking choices are presented in accordance with your device settings and applicable consent requirements. Google TV, Android TV, LG webOS, Vizio SmartCast, Amazon Fire TV, and other names are trademarks of their respective owners. Universal Remote is an independent application and is not endorsed by or affiliated with these companies.

Screenshots

Zapp Remote for Android TV4 screens
Universal Remote3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Zapp Remote for Android TV at none against Universal Remote's shown. Universal Remote's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Zapp Remote for Android TV ships an update fortnightly, Universal Remote every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Zapp Remote for Android TV versus Universal Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZapp Remote for Android TVUniversal Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Ad-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size46 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAether StudiosISAAC GREGORY FARR

In-app purchases

None

Zapp Remote for Android TV

No in-app purchases

None

Universal Remote

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Zapp Remote for Android TV free?
Zapp Remote for Android TV is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Universal Remote free?
Universal Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Zapp Remote for Android TV or Universal Remote have ads?
Universal Remote shows ads; Zapp Remote for Android TV does not.
Which is updated more often, Zapp Remote for Android TV or Universal Remote?
Zapp Remote for Android TV ships an update fortnightly, and Universal Remote every 2 days. Most recently, Zapp Remote for Android TV was updated on October 19, 2026 and Universal Remote on October 21, 2026.

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