Universal remote for Roku tv alternatives

Users often look for alternatives to Universal remote for Roku tv due to excessive ads, unexpected subscription charges, and connection issues. Alternatives offer varying experiences, from the official Roku app with its data privacy concerns to third-party options that also struggle with ads and connectivity.

Why users look for alternatives to Universal remote for Roku tv

The app displays an excessive number of ads, with some users reporting ads every 2-5 clicks, making it frustrating to use unless a premium subscription is purchased^R3^R9^R12^R16
Users report being charged unexpected subscription fees, sometimes weekly or annually, even after canceling trials or for an app that initially claimed to be free, leading to accusations of scams^R4^R5^R19^R21
Many users experience frequent connection problems, with the app failing to connect to their Roku TV or disconnecting often, even for paid subscribers, rendering it unusable^R1^R7^R19^R25
Some users who previously paid for the app or used it for free found that recent updates introduced a paywall or subscription requirement, effectively locking them out of an app they once used without issue^R19^R21^R27^R39

The alternatives

The Roku App (Official)

4.7★ · 5,817,337 ratings · Free

The official Roku app provides remote control functionality for Roku devices, allowing users to control their TV from their phone . It is generally seen as doing its job ^R52 and is appreciated by users for its convenience when the physical remote is lost or out of reach .

Better for: This app is better for users who prioritize reliability and basic remote functions from an official source, especially if they frequently misplace their physical remote . However, users concerned about data privacy or those who experience connectivity issues should be cautious .

Head-to-head: Universal remote for Roku tv vs The Roku App (Official)

Rokie

4.5★ · 700,344 ratings · Free

Rokie offers remote control for Roku devices, with some users finding it helpful when their physical remote is unavailable . However, it is heavily criticized for its frequent ads, which appear with almost every button click, and for pushing premium subscriptions ^R67^R68.

Better for: This app might be a temporary solution for users who are desperate for a remote and are willing to tolerate constant ads and in-app purchase prompts ^R67^R68. It is not suitable for those seeking a smooth, ad-free experience or reliable long-term use .

Head-to-head: Universal remote for Roku tv vs Rokie

TV Remote

4.4★ · 584,181 ratings · Free

TV Remote is an app that some users have found to successfully connect to their TV when other remote apps failed, offering a simple and easy-to-use interface . However, it is widely criticized for requiring payment or a subscription to access basic functions, with some users stating it costs money to click buttons or turn off the TV ^R79.

Better for: This app could be considered by users who have struggled to find any other app that connects to their TV and are willing to pay for basic remote functionality . It is not recommended for users looking for a free remote solution or those who object to subscription models for simple utilities ^R79.

Head-to-head: Universal remote for Roku tv vs TV Remote

RoByte

4.5★ · 255,562 ratings · Free

RoByte is an app that some users find works well as a Roku remote, with one user preferring it over the official app due to concerns about data mining ^R94. However, it faces criticism for connection issues, requiring authorization with a physical remote, and having paywalls for features like volume control ^R96.

Better for: RoByte is better for users who are wary of data privacy with official apps and are looking for an alternative that works for basic functions, provided they can tolerate occasional connection problems and potential paywalls for advanced features ^R94.

Head-to-head: Universal remote for Roku tv vs RoByte

TV Remote & Universal Control™

4.8★ · 139,446 ratings · Free

This app is described by some users as a useful tool for controlling their TV, especially when the physical remote is lost . However, it is heavily criticized for its "insane" subscription fees, with users reporting that basic functions or "all buttons" are locked behind a paywall, costing up to $39.99 a year ^R107^R109.

Better for: This app is not recommended for most users due to its high subscription costs for basic functionality ^R107^R109. It might only be considered by someone desperate for a remote who is willing to pay a premium price, but even then, many users report it doesn't work after payment ^R110.

Head-to-head: Universal remote for Roku tv vs TV Remote & Universal Control™

Stick with Universal remote for Roku tv if

You should stick with Universal remote for Roku tv if you have found it to be one of the few apps that actually connects to your specific TV and you are willing to pay for the premium version to avoid the excessive ads and potential connection issues . Some users report it works well for them once they pay to remove ads .

Evidence note: No alternative had too few reviews to judge.

Frequently asked

Why does Universal remote for Roku tv have so many ads?

Universal remote for Roku tv has many ads because it operates on a freemium model, where basic functionality is available with frequent ad interruptions, sometimes every 2-5 clicks, to encourage users to purchase a premium subscription for an ad-free experience ^R3^R9^R12^R16.

Does Universal remote for Roku tv require payment?

Yes, while Universal remote for Roku tv may initially appear free, many users report that it requires payment, either through a weekly subscription of $4.99 or a monthly/annual fee, to access full functionality or remove excessive ads ^R4^R5^R19^R21. Some users were charged after a free trial or found features locked behind a paywall ^R19^R21^R44.

Is the official Roku app better than third-party remote apps?

The official Roku app is generally reliable for basic remote functions and is appreciated for its convenience when the physical remote is lost , but some users express concerns about data mining and privacy ^R94. Third-party apps like Universal remote for Roku tv often face criticism for excessive ads and unexpected subscription charges ^R3^R4^R18^R44, while others like RoByte are preferred by some for privacy reasons despite their own connection issues ^R94.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

[R3] Universal remote for Roku tv 3/5 · US ads: yes it works… but unless you have premium you will literally get 100 ads in less than 5 minutes. it gets really annoying
[R9] Universal remote for Roku tv 3/5 · US To many ads: This app is great if you need a free remote but you are going to have to deal with the constant ad pop ups
[R12] Universal remote for Roku tv 3/5 · US Nice when it works: I understand needing ads but every 3-4 clicks? It's excessive.
[R16] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Awful: Every 2 clicks there’s an add
[R4] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Service review: Horrible app. Incredible scam. They charged my card 4.99$ weekly it only worked the first day. Now they want 7.99$. No good. Stay away from this scam
[R5] Universal remote for Roku tv 5/5 · US Ooops: I guess apparently you have to pay
[R19] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Doesn’t work at all!: So it worked amazing for a few weeks, but now anytime I try to use it ever since updating it makes me watch an ad and then connect it. So I try to connect it but it makes me pay for something. It says it’s free, but I have to pay? it won’t let me use the app at all without paying.
[R21] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Do not get this app!!!!: It would not work unless I paid for a monthly subscription
[R1] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Don’t use this app: It did not work at all
[R7] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Ruko does not work at all: I does not even connect at all ade every time I use it. It freezing LiKE WHAT IS THIS APP 👎👎👎👎👎👎😡😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬
[R25] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US No Longer Works: Tried connecting my TV multiple times even as a paid subscriber and it will not work at all. I first downloaded this app months ago and it worked perfectly fine with or without a subscription.
[R27] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US I think this is illegal: I bought the app awhile back before the subscription based pay wall. had it for years no problem but now that there is a subscription it won’t let me use the app I already paid for
[R39] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Too many ads: Way too many ads when I just tried to click one button I can’t even turn off my TV without having to pay for full access to the app
[R51] The Roku App (Official) 1/5 · US Update sucks: Updated app because it kept dropping the private listening. Now it won’t control my sound at all?!!!
[R52] The Roku App (Official) 4/5 · US It does its job: It does it's job, what more can I say?
[R53] The Roku App (Official) 3/5 · US Center OK button: I don't like the new center OK button
[R54] The Roku App (Official) 1/5 · US FUUUUCK YOU: FUUUUCK YOUFUUUUCK YOU FUUUUCK YOUFUUUUCK YOU FUUUUCK YOUFUUUUCK YOU FUUUUCK YOUFUUUUCK YOU FUUUUCK YOUFUUUUCK YOU FUUUUCK YOUFUUUUCK YOU FUUUUCK YOUFUUUUCK YOU FUUUUCK YOUFUUUUCK YOU
[R65] Rokie 1/5 · US Hate: It won’t let me get in it
[R66] Rokie 5/5 · US Da bih ga: Da bih ga
[R67] Rokie 3/5 · US Brycen: Way too many sdd’s
[R68] Rokie 1/5 · US Idk: Bro everytime I use this app it wants me to get premium so bad. Like I could be using this app and a ad would pop up like leave me alone I'm trying to watch YouTube and it just would leave me on a YouTube short on REPEAT so yeah...
[R79] TV Remote 1/5 · US It sucks: No where does it say up front that it has a cost.
[R80] TV Remote 5/5 · US Hi: Hi
[R81] TV Remote 1/5 · US The TV won't work with the firestick: Poor compatibility
[R82] TV Remote 4/5 · US Stop asking me: Stop asking me to rate and leave a review everytime I open the app
[R93] RoByte 1/5 · US It doesn’t work: It doesn’t work
[R94] RoByte 5/5 · US great app: has worked great for me so far. i deleted the official roku app because it might be “free” but it’s actually at the cost of mining your data. and selling it to third parties. don’t believe me? go check whatever ad they’re posting and see if it’s not related to something you searched recently on another device. predatory and gross. ROBYTE however is awesome and does not run ads. i think
[R95] RoByte 3/5 · US Why does it do this: Every now and then when you press a button it makes the screen move in that same direction until it can’t and goes down even more until you press one of the arrows over and over but that’s my only negative thing but overall it’s a mediocre app
[R96] RoByte 1/5 · US Not working: I try to connect to my Roku tv but it says it’s connected but it’s not working and it’s not anything like it says it is
[R107] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 1/5 · US Scam: These scammers want you to pay a subscription for "all buttons" which is every button... are you insane? you think i'm gonna pay to watch tv and also pay to use my remote? piss all the off I hope you and your scammer family has bad luck for the foreseeable future. rot h e double hockey sticks
[R108] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 5/5 · US Mi curto: 👍👍👍👍👍
[R109] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 3/5 · US Useful app, greedy paywall: The app is overall fine, but the subscription fee is insane.
[R110] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 1/5 · US They are sum juice: Njas want u to pay just for it not to work this app is bs and they just want money
[R18] Universal remote for Roku tv 3/5 · US To many ads: I can’t keep up with my remote so I downloaded this remote app but it has to many ads that is just crazy every 2 taps you make a ad pops up really then wants you to pay $5.99 omg please do something about that so I’m only giving 3 stars
[R44] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Beware! Downloaded app with free trial but charged full year: I downloaded this app for my TV. It was not connecting so I figured there were limits within the free sections of the app. I agreed to a free week trial subscription and then instantly cancelled the subscription. I received a Paypal email that I was charged a full year subscription. The worst part - it does not connect with my TV!

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store