# fanSync Bluetooth vs Universal Remote

The clearest difference is rating: Universal Remote at 4.3 against fanSync Bluetooth's 2.2. Universal Remote also leads on ratings volume (7.8K vs 79). fanSync Bluetooth's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal Remote sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. fanSync Bluetooth asks for nothing beyond the download.

Universal Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Universal Remote has 7.8K ratings behind it against 79, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of fanSync Bluetooth's written reviews are positive against 33% of Universal Remote's.

fanSync Bluetooth ships an update every 2 months, Universal Remote monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | fanSync Bluetooth | Universal Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fansync-bluetooth/id789781949/reviews) | **[4.3 (7.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-control/id1537510382/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 79 | **7.8K** |
| Positive reviews | 25.5% of reviews | **32.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 173 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fanimation, INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/884066079) | [UNIVERSAL REMOTE LABS COMPANY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1524909391) |

## What reviewers say

### fanSync Bluetooth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fansync-bluetooth/id789781949)

Control your ceiling fan using your smartphone via Bluetooth. This app allows for convenient operation of compatible fan receivers. Visit the manufacturer's website to learn about purchasing the necessary receiver.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth fan control, Smartphone operation, Compatible receiver required, Manufacturer website for purchase info

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works when it works
- 👍 Controls fan and light
- 👍 Easy to use (when functional)
- 👍 Reverses fan direction
- 👍 Connects multiple fans

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Constantly drops connection
- 🐛 App doesn't work
- 🐛 Stops connecting
- 🐛 Fan disappears from app
- 🐛 Unreliable connection

**Reported bugs**

- App not working
- App doesn't conform to basic protocol
- App doesn't rotate
- App doesn't see fans
- App stopped connecting

**Requested features**

- Support for iOS shortcuts
- HomeKit compatibility
- Siri integration
- Save fans instead of searching
- Winter/summer button for fan direction


### Universal Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-remote-tv-control/id1537510382)

Control all your smart TVs and streaming devices from your phone. Offers quick navigation, app access, and gesture controls for a seamless remote experience. Compatible with major brands.

**Highlights:** Control smart TVs and streaming devices, Full-featured remote with essential buttons, Channel and volume control, One-tap access to popular apps, Swipe-based gesture controls, Quick WiFi pairing

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium Access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $19.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Responsive and fast
- 🎨 Seamless pairing with devices
- 💡 Useful as a backup remote

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔌 Unreliable connection to devices
- 📢 Intrusive ads and constant upsells

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to find or connect to TV
- Purchased features not activating
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Restoration of purchases not working

**Requested features**

- Customizable button layout
- Support for more TV brands
- Ability to control smart home devices
- Improved Apple Watch integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is fanSync Bluetooth free?

fanSync Bluetooth is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Universal Remote free?

Universal Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, fanSync Bluetooth or Universal Remote?

Universal Remote is rated higher. fanSync Bluetooth averages 2.2 out of 5 from 79 ratings, while Universal Remote averages 4.3 from 7.8K ratings.

### Do fanSync Bluetooth or Universal Remote have ads?

Universal Remote shows ads; fanSync Bluetooth does not.

### Which is updated more often, fanSync Bluetooth or Universal Remote?

fanSync Bluetooth ships an update every 2 months, and Universal Remote monthly. Most recently, fanSync Bluetooth was updated on October 8, 2026 and Universal Remote on October 14, 2026.

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