Comparison

Sam vs TV Remote

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

Head to head
About

Sam

Transform your iPhone into a virtual remote for your smart TV. Easily control channels, volume, menus, and media with a simple tap. It syncs automatically via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for physical remotes and batteries.

Highlights
  • Virtual remote control
  • Channel switching
  • Volume adjustment
  • Menu navigation
  • Media management
  • Automatic Wi-Fi sync
  • No setup required
Features
Read full description

SamRemote: Transforms your iPhone into a powerful, virtual remote for your smart TV. Our intuitive TV remote app streamlines your tv experience, allowing you to easily control your TV with all the features of the original remote control. With a simple tap, switch channels, adjust volume, navigate through menus, and manage your media - all from your iPhone or iPad. The best part? SamRemote requires zero setup. Simply launch the app and it automatically syncs with your Smart TV via your Wi-Fi. You're all set to take command of your TV Say goodbye to the days of losing your physical remote or scrambling to replace batteries. With Sam, your ultimate TV control is always in your pocket, ready whenever you are. Experience smart TV viewing as it should be - simplified and under your command. DISCLAIMER Sam is neither an official Samsung product, nor are we affiliated with the Samsung Electronics company. SUBSCRIPTION: We offer auto-renewing subscription: - Length: Yearly-Monthly-Weekly - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - You will be able to access the Premium features of the app for the duration of the subscription - Subscription automatically renews for the same price and duration period as the original period unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period - The account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period at the cost of the chosen package. - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's iTunes Account Settings after purchase - No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active subscription period - You may cancel a subscription during its free trial period via the subscription setting through your Apple account. This must be done 24 hours before the end of the subscription period to avoid being charged. Please visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202039 for more information on how to proceed. - You may turn off the auto-renewal of your subscription via your Apple Account Settings. However, you are not able to cancel the current subscription during its active period - Any unused portion of a free-trial period will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription. Privacy Policy : http://nstx.io/SamRemote/samremote_policy.html Terms of Use : http://nstx.io/SamRemote/samremote-terms.html

About

TV Remote

Transform your smartphone into a universal remote for smart TVs and streaming devices. Control channels, volume, and apps with a familiar interface. Cast media and mirror your screen for a seamless entertainment experience.

Highlights
  • Universal smart TV control
  • App launching and navigation
  • Media casting (photos, videos)
  • Screen mirroring
  • Control soundbars and consoles
  • Intuitive interface
Features
Read full description

TV Remote – The Ultimate Smart TV Controller in Your Pocket Say goodbye to juggling multiple remotes and take full control of your entertainment experience with TV Remote. This powerful app transforms your smartphone into a fully functional remote control for your smart TVs, streaming devices, and more. Whether you're changing channels, adjusting the volume, or launching your favorite apps like Netflix or YouTube, everything you need is just a tap away. TV Remote is designed to offer fast, reliable, and intuitive control without the hassle of batteries or complicated setups. With a clean interface that mirrors the traditional remote experience, plus extra smart features, it’s everything you need—right in your pocket. ** Complete Control of Your Entertainment Setup ** - Works seamlessly with smart TVs and other connected devices - Connects instantly when your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network - Eliminates the need for physical remotes and batteries - Compatible with a wide range of brands and streaming platforms - Navigate inputs, switch channels, adjust sound, and more - Supports control for soundbars, cable boxes, and game consoles ** Smart Features Made for Convenience ** - Realistic button layout for a familiar and easy-to-use interface - Quick access to popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more - Launch, pause, skip, and rewind content with simple on-screen controls - Manage all your devices in one app for a clutter-free setup ** Share and Display Media on the Big Screen ** - Cast your photos and videos directly to your TV screen - View content in high resolution for a better viewing experience - Great for showing vacation pictures, home videos, or personal projects ** Screen Mirroring Made Simple ** - Mirror your phone screen to your TV for presentations, browsing, or multitasking - Enjoy greater control with a larger display - Ideal for sharing content or navigating apps together No More Remotes. Just One App. TV Remote is your reliable, all-in-one remote control alternative. Say goodbye to searching under cushions and buying new batteries. Whether you're watching movies, gaming, or streaming music, this app keeps you in full control from anywhere in the room. Subscription and Payment Information - Payment will be charged to your iTunes account after confirmation of purchase. - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. - You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings. Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Privacy Policy: https://zipoapps.com/tvremoteios/privacy Terms of Use: https://zipoapps.com/tvremoteios/terms

Screenshots

Sam4 screens
TV Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: TV Remote at 53% against Sam's 26%. TV Remote also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.2). Sam's advantage is ratings volume (116K vs 564) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Sam sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and TV Remote sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TV Remote holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sam has 116K ratings behind it against 564, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 26% of Sam's written reviews are positive against 53% of TV Remote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Sam versus TV Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSamTV Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (116K ratings)4.5 (564 ratings) — better
Positive reviews25.6% of reviews53.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings116K — better564
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16 — better16.2
Further details — not scored
Size67 MB144 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developeryohan teixeiraZipoApps

Customer experience

Sam

All ratings116,472 ratings
Positive79.5%
Neutral4.6%
Negative15.9%
Written reviews1,814 reviews
Positive25.6%
Neutral8.3%
Negative66.0%

TV Remote

All ratings564 ratings
Positive85.3%
Neutral4.6%
Negative10.1%
Written reviews73 reviews
Positive53.4%
Neutral5.5%
Negative41.1%

User reviews

Sam

From 116K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Works well when connected
  • 👍 Easy to set up
  • 👍 Convenient to use phone as remote

Room to improve

  • 🔋 Frequent disconnection issues
  • 📺 Can't turn TV on with app
  • 💸 Expensive paid version
  • 📢 Excessive ads in free version
  • 🐛 Inconsistent functionality

TV Remote

From 564 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 User-friendly app
  • 🚀 Convenient to use
  • ✨ Works well as a remote
  • 💡 Useful when remote is broken

Room to improve

  • 💰 Expensive subscription
  • 🔒 Paywall restricts features
  • 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
  • 🤔 Unclear free trial terms

Bugs and requests

Sam

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Fails to connect to TV consistently
  • Buttons stop working after a while
  • Paid version loses ad-free functionality

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add option to turn TV on/off
  • Improve stability and reliability
  • Reduce frequency of ads in free version

TV Remote

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App doesn't work with certain TV models
  • Subscription issues (unable to cancel, etc.)
  • Frequent crashes and freezes

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add support for more TV brands
  • Improve subscription management
  • Provide a one-time purchase option

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Sam

Subscriptions5
  • Premium version3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Premium version$7.997 Days
  • Premium version$14.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Premium version3 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Premium version$29.991 Year
One-time3
  • removal of advertising$3.99
  • removal of advertising$19.99
  • Premium version$34.99
17 purchases

TV Remote

Subscriptions17
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$2.997 Days
Show 14 more
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • TV Remote ◦ Universal Control$4.997 Days
  • TV Remote ◦ Universal Control3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$8.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Smart, Universal TV Remote$14.991 Month
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial2 variants$19.991 Month
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial2 variants$29.991 Month
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Sam free?
Sam is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TV Remote free?
TV Remote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Sam or TV Remote?
TV Remote is rated higher. Sam averages 4.2 out of 5 from 116K ratings, while TV Remote averages 4.5 from 564 ratings.
Do Sam or TV Remote have ads?
Both Sam and TV Remote show ads.
Which is updated more often, Sam or TV Remote?
Sam ships an update every 2 weeks, and TV Remote every 2 weeks. Most recently, Sam was updated on October 29, 2026 and TV Remote on October 22, 2026.

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