# BuddyReader vs Smart Remote

The clearest difference is rating: BuddyReader at 5.0 against Smart Remote's 4.5. BuddyReader also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5) and device support (3 vs 1). Smart Remote's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (100 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Smart Remote sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. BuddyReader asks for nothing beyond the download.

BuddyReader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Smart Remote has 100 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

BuddyReader ships an update every 14 months, Smart Remote every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BuddyReader | Smart Remote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddyreader/id967087554/reviews)** | [4.5 (100 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-remote-tv-control/id6748286395/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **100** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 6 MB | 378 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gabriel Hernandez](https://appshunter.io/developer/523022716) | [AppCrafters](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824995256) |

## What reviewers say

### BuddyReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddyreader/id967087554)

This utility app scans QR codes for businesses within the BuddyCard ecosystem. It provides a quick and efficient way to read codes for various business needs.

**Highlights:** QR code scanning, BuddyCard ecosystem integration, Business utility, Fast code reading

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smart Remote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-remote-tv-control/id6748286395)

Transform your iPhone into a universal remote for Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Effortlessly change channels, adjust volume, and launch apps directly from your device. Enjoy a seamless and intuitive control experience for your home entertainment.

**Highlights:** Universal remote control for Samsung/LG Smart TVs, Unlimited TV connections (Premium), Full access to all TV apps, Intuitive and customizable interface, Power on/off, channel, volume control

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TV Remote Control Premium | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote Control Premium | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote Control Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| TV Remote Control Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| TV Remote Control Premium | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BuddyReader free?

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

### Is Smart Remote free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BuddyReader or Smart Remote?

BuddyReader is rated higher. BuddyReader averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Smart Remote averages 4.5 from 100 ratings.

### Do BuddyReader or Smart Remote have ads?

Neither BuddyReader nor Smart Remote shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BuddyReader or Smart Remote?

BuddyReader ships an update every 14 months, and Smart Remote every 2 weeks. Most recently, BuddyReader was updated on October 7, 2026 and Smart Remote on October 7, 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.*