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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Better options than

The Roku App (Official) alternatives

Users often look for alternatives to the official Roku app due to persistent connectivity issues, frustrating ad experiences, and changes in the user interface. While the official app offers convenient features like private listening, many find its performance unreliable and its subscription management confusing.

Why users look for alternatives to The Roku App (Official)

The alternatives

Rokie
4.5★ · 700,344 ratings · Free

Rokie functions as a remote control for Roku devices, with some users finding it helpful when their physical remote is lost . However, it heavily relies on in-app purchases and advertisements, which can be intrusive R53R54R56R57.

Better for: Rokie might suit users who are looking for a basic remote function and are willing to tolerate frequent ads or pay for a premium version to remove them R54R57. However, some users report connection issues even after paying .

Head-to-head: The Roku App (Official) vs Rokie
RoByte
4.5★ · 255,562 ratings · Free

RoByte provides remote control functionality for Roku devices, with some users praising it as a great alternative to the official app R66R69. It is highlighted by some as a privacy-conscious choice, as opposed to concerns about data mining with the official app R66.

Better for: RoByte is better for users who prioritize privacy and are looking for a functional remote app, though some features like volume control or quick pass may require a subscription R66R70R73. Users should be aware that some experience connection issues and a need to re-authorize use with a physical remote R68.

Head-to-head: The Roku App (Official) vs RoByte
TV Remote & Universal Control™
4.8★ · 139,446 ratings · Free

This app offers universal remote control capabilities, with some users finding it effective for controlling their TVs, including non-Roku brands like VIZIO R120. However, a significant drawback is its high subscription fee, with users reporting costs of $39.99 a year or needing to pay to unlock basic button functions R79R81R82.

Better for: This app might suit users who have lost their physical remote and are desperate for a temporary fix, and are willing to pay a substantial annual fee to unlock full functionality R79. It's not recommended for those seeking a free or affordable remote solution R79.

Head-to-head: The Roku App (Official) vs TV Remote & Universal Control™
Reforo
4.5★ · 109,155 ratings · Free

Reforo functions as a Roku remote, with some users finding it convenient and easy to use R94. It is noted that while it may ask for payment, it doesn't always force it R94. However, it is criticized for having too many ads and sometimes cutting off phone usage .

Better for: Reforo could be a choice for users who need a basic remote and don't mind navigating through numerous ads, or for those who appreciate that payment isn't strictly enforced R94. Some users report issues with automatic TV selection in multi-TV households and problems with AirPlay R95.

Head-to-head: The Roku App (Official) vs Reforo
Universal remote for Roku tv
4.4★ · 33,982 ratings · Free

This app is praised by some users for actually working when many other remote apps fail, and for offering various options R108. It is noted that it works for non-Roku TVs as well, such as VIZIO R120. However, a major complaint is the overwhelming number of ads, with users reporting ads every few clicks or every 10 clicks R109R120. Some users also report being charged weekly or having connection issues R110.

Better for: This app is best for users who prioritize functionality and are willing to tolerate frequent ads, especially if they have struggled to find a working remote app for their Roku or even non-Roku TV R120. It is not suitable for those who want an ad-free experience or are concerned about unexpected charges R109R110.

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

You should stick with the official Roku app if you primarily use it for basic remote functions and find its private listening feature valuable, especially if you haven't encountered significant connectivity issues or dislike the new UI changes .

Evidence note: All alternatives had sufficient reviews to form a judgment.

Frequently asked

Why do users look for alternatives to the official Roku app?
Users look for alternatives due to persistent connectivity issues, with the remote taking multiple tries to connect or frequently disconnecting R10R12R15R21. Other reasons include dissatisfaction with recent UI changes, such as the new center OK button or input navigation R3R13R34R36, and problems with subscription management or unexpected charges R7R16R28.
Are there free Roku remote alternatives?
Yes, some alternatives like Rokie and Reforo can be used for free, but users report frequent and intrusive ads that may hinder the experience R53R54R56R57. Some apps also offer basic functionality for free but charge for premium features like volume control R73.
Which Roku remote apps have high subscription costs?
TV Remote & Universal Control™ is noted for having a high subscription cost, with users reporting it costs $39.99 a year to use R79R81. Other apps like RoByte and Universal remote for Roku tv also have paid features or subscriptions, with some users reporting charges of $4.99 weekly or $7.99 for premium features R70R73R110.
Do any alternative Roku remote apps work with non-Roku TVs?
Yes, the app "Universal remote for Roku tv" has been reported by users to work with non-Roku TVs, specifically mentioning VIZIO TVs R120.

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.

  1. [R10] The Roku App (Official) 1/5 · US Terrible: Controller takes 5 tries to actually connect and multiple open and closing of app
  2. [R12] The Roku App (Official) 3/5 · US Doesn’t work all the time: Sometimes it takes me a few minutes to get it to work and every few months it stops working and I have to delete it and reinstall for it to work again but when it does work it’s nice
  3. [R15] The Roku App (Official) 3/5 · GB Bug issue: Very handy and useful, bugs stressful. We use this app as we keep losing remotes but when we try to connect to the TV it takes a while and wastes time and causes frustration.
  4. [R21] The Roku App (Official) 3/5 · GB App: The remote on my phone keeps disconnecting everyone now and then and takes ages to reconnect it
  5. [R1] 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?!!!
  6. [R18] The Roku App (Official) 3/5 · GB Love the headphones mode .. BUT: The Headphones mode is great but it doesn’t work on the AppleTV app! Please fix this bc I am hard of hearing and love using my headphones with Roku.
  7. [R3] The Roku App (Official) 3/5 · US Center OK button: I don't like the new center OK button
  8. [R13] The Roku App (Official) 1/5 · US Hate the newest version: I don’t know what changed or why but the platform has gone too far. Opting out of all of the latest changes is impossible ( a few aspects can be turned off- but not everything). I might have to buy a new tv to ensure I am not being tracked.
  9. [R34] The Roku App (Official) 1/5 · US Digital remote: Why did the original move function change its very complicated now
  10. [R36] The Roku App (Official) 1/5 · US New update: The new update for the Roku TVs suck so bad. Literally had the perfect set up, now the TV inputs are in a different area, got to do a lot extra just to get to the inputs I need. Not a fan of that.
  11. [R7] The Roku App (Official) 1/5 · US Charges: Money keeps taken away me even after I cancel subscriptions
  12. [R16] The Roku App (Official) 1/5 · US No chat, no phone: There’s no way to contact a real person or even a chat bot on Roku. I subscribed to Fox one to watch World Cup soccer. All of a sudden the screen changed to a “Your program will return soon.” There’s absolutely no tech support available to figure out why I’m getting this message. I’m thinking about switching to a different streaming device. 🤬
  13. [R28] The Roku App (Official) 1/5 · US ROKU: I’m getting charged $8.55 per month to have ROKU and I have never used it as I don’t know how and I don’t know how I got enrolled in it and I don’t know how to get out of it so I don’t have to pay for this service I don’t use. Please help me out. I don’t know where to call if that’s what I need to do. I’m not tech-savvy so please help.
  14. [R27] The Roku App (Official) 3/5 · GB Roku: Every time i try getting on the app it keeps kicking me out and it’s getting really annoying
  15. [R30] The Roku App (Official) 3/5 · GB Not the best experience: The app works maybe 1 in 10 times. I keep getting the same error over and over again, “something went wrong while loading this page, use the remote control”. AirPlay is a nightmare to use. It works again maybe 1 in 10 times. 1) it forces me to add a credit card or PayPal. I’m not going to buy any add ons so I don’t like this. 2) UStream app CRASHES THE STICK !! SORT IT
  16. [R53] Rokie 3/5 · US Brycen: Way too many sdd’s
  17. [R54] 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...
  18. [R56] Rokie 3/5 · US Can you don't.: Us login in and clicking should be enough money THIS DOESN'T NEED ADS.
  19. [R57] Rokie 1/5 · US Youre joking with the ads: Ad for every button you click. That’s messed up, Roku. I am not a happy camper.
  20. [R66] 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
  21. [R67] 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
  22. [R68] 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
  23. [R69] RoByte 5/5 · US Robyte: It's good
  24. [R79] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 1/5 · US Payment: Who in the world makes a remote app cost you $39.99 a year just so you can watch tv? we already pay to watch shows on our television and want to make it easier by using our phones to control our tv. having to pay is the dumbest thing i’ve seen. it’s a waste of money and a waste of time downloading this app unless you want to pay a price for something you shouldn’t have to pay for.
  25. [R80] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 5/5 · US Hand: Hand
  26. [R81] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 3/5 · US Useful app, greedy paywall: The app is overall fine, but the subscription fee is insane.
  27. [R82] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 1/5 · US Terrible: If I can give a more of a less review, I would I don’t even know how this has five stars, even though you have to pay for just to do anything its sucks and don’t know why its up and running scaming ah app
  28. [R93] Reforo 1/5 · US Payment why?: Why not just download the Roku app?
  29. [R94] Reforo 5/5 · US ITS GOOD: Ok so this app it actually really good and it works and it might ask for yu to pay put it doesn’t force yu to! I recommend it tho for Roku 🫰🫰
  30. [R95] Reforo 3/5 · US Works to control tv if you can select the right one out of multiple: Often times it will select tv on its own without given user the choice. House has multiple sets controlled by remote.
  31. [R96] Reforo 1/5 · US Absolute trash: Trash
  32. [R107] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Don’t use this app: It did not work at all
  33. [R108] Universal remote for Roku tv 5/5 · US Best remote ever: I like the options you can use and you can do anything and this is cool. I like how you can turn off the real remote and on and this is a smart one for your phone.
  34. [R109] Universal remote for Roku tv 3/5 · US ads: yes it works… but unless you have premium you will literally get 100 ads in less than 5 minutes. it gets really annoying
  35. [R110] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Service review: Horrible app. Incredible scam. They charged my card 4.99$ weekly it only worked the first day. Now they want 7.99$. No good. Stay away from this scam
  36. [R70] RoByte 3/5 · US Why have a subscription???: Like we already have a subscription for our Disney, or Netflix or whatever. (Usually) why do we need one for our mobile remote?
  37. [R73] RoByte 3/5 · US This comment is a question for the developer: Developer this app is good just why do you need to pay for the volume the quick pass? It’s OK to keep but why do you have to pay for the volume?
  38. [R120] Universal remote for Roku tv 4/5 · US Great! (Ish): It’s amazing to an extent. I’m actually super surprised it worked, because I don’t have a Roku tv. It is in fact, universal and works for my VIZIO. However, there is an ad every 10 clicks. (No it is not a video ad, you just have to click the X, which you are immediately able to do) the ads are not THAT bad to deal with anyways. I will be using my Roku remote most of the time but righ

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