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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Universal remote for Roku tv vs TV Remote

Universal remote for Roku tv 4.4★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner Universal remote for Roku tv
TV Remote 4.4★ · Free + IAP 45

For a free remote experience, Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) is a better choice, despite its frequent ads, as TV Remote (App B) heavily paywalls basic functionality.

Full reviews: Universal remote for Roku tv · TV Remote

Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) and TV Remote (App B) both offer remote control functionality for smart TVs, but App A is generally preferred for its free usability, even with numerous ads. App B, while having a larger user base, is criticized for paywalling essential features, making it less accessible without a subscription.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: Universal remote for Roku tvR2R6R17R19
Universal remote for Roku tv App A is praised for working well as a remote, with users appreciating its ability to turn off the real remote and its universal compatibility with non-Roku TVs like Vizio R2R17. However, some users report issues with volume controls and general connectivity, especially after updates or for paid subscribers R6R19.
TV Remote App B is noted for its ability to connect to various TVs and being simple to use R84R108. However, a significant number of users report that basic functions like volume, home, and back buttons are paywalled . Connectivity issues, such as losing connection or not detecting networks, are also frequently mentioned R69.
Ease of Use edge: Universal remote for Roku tvR3R8R11R12
Universal remote for Roku tv Users find App A generally easy to use once connected, with some noting it's the first app that worked for them R8R11. The main friction point is the overwhelming number of ads that interrupt usage R3R12R16R18.
TV Remote App B is described as simple and easy to use by some who successfully connect . However, many users find it difficult to use due to constant prompts to pay for features and frequent disconnections R67.
Reliability tieR1R2R7R8
Universal remote for Roku tv App A's reliability is mixed; while some users report it works perfectly R2R8, many experience issues with it not connecting at all, freezing, or disconnecting frequently even after paying for a subscription R1R7R19.
TV Remote App B also has mixed reliability. Some users report it works great for years without issues . However, many others experience problems with it not connecting, losing connectivity frequently, or not working at all even after paying for a subscription R69.
Price/Value edge: Universal remote for Roku tvR3R4R5R9
Universal remote for Roku tv App A is free with in-app purchases, but the free version is heavily criticized for an excessive number of ads, sometimes appearing every 2-5 clicks R3R9R12. Some users report being charged weekly ($4.99) or for a full year after a free trial, even when the app didn't work R4R5R19.
TV Remote App B is also free with in-app purchases, but users widely report that essential functions are paywalled, making the free version almost unusable R67. There are complaints of being charged weekly ($14) or for a full year even after canceling a free trial, and the app still not working R115.
Support tieR4R19R31R49
Universal remote for Roku tv There are no direct mentions of customer support interactions for App A. However, users report issues with unexpected charges and the app not working after payment, suggesting a lack of effective resolution or clear communication R4R19R31R49.
TV Remote Similar to App A, there are no direct mentions of customer support for App B. Users report being charged for subscriptions that don't work or for free trials that convert to full subscriptions without clear consent, indicating potential issues with billing and support R115.
Pick Universal remote for Roku tv if

Pick Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) if you need a free remote and are willing to tolerate frequent ads, or if you have a non-Roku TV like Vizio that it might support R8R17. It's also a good choice if you're looking for a remote that works without immediate payment demands for basic functions R8.

Pick TV Remote if

Pick TV Remote (App B) if you are prepared to pay for a subscription to unlock full functionality and value a simple interface, and if you've had success with it in the past or in different locations R108.

Evidence note: Both apps are free with IAP, and a significant portion of negative reviews for both are related to the free-tier friction (ads, paywalls) and issues with subscription billing. The lifetime ratings are very similar, but recent reviews highlight more severe issues with App B's paywalling of basic features.

Frequently asked

Do these apps require payment to function?
Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) works for free but includes a high volume of ads, sometimes every 2-5 clicks, which can be removed with a paid subscription R3R16R18. TV Remote (App B) requires payment for essential functions like volume and navigation buttons, making the free version largely unusable R67.
Are there connectivity issues with either app?
Both apps have reported connectivity issues; Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) users mention it not connecting at all or freezing R1R7R33, while TV Remote (App B) users frequently experience disconnections and problems detecting Wi-Fi networks R69.
Can these apps control non-Roku TVs?
Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) is noted by some users to be universal and work for non-Roku TVs, such as Vizio R17. TV Remote (App B) is also described as being able to connect to any TV R84R108.
What are the subscription costs for these apps?
Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) has reports of weekly charges of $4.99 and annual charges after free trials R4R49. TV Remote (App B) has reports of weekly charges of $14 and annual subscriptions, with users complaining about charges even after trial cancellations R115R49.

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. [R2] 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.
  2. [R6] Universal remote for Roku tv 3/5 · US It works: Except for the volume controls
  3. [R17] 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
  4. [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.
  5. [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
  6. [R8] Universal remote for Roku tv 5/5 · US Finally!: I’ve tried out at least 15 apps, this is the FIRST app that has worked! Ads pop up but who cares it works! Does not make you download it and then say pay, or make you pay to connect your tv. Thank you!!!!
  7. [R11] Universal remote for Roku tv 5/5 · US I love the route for my tv I just need y’all to download the app for ur tv right now: Can you please give us
  8. [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.
  9. [R1] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Don’t use this app: It did not work at all
  10. [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 👎👎👎👎👎👎😡😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬
  11. [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
  12. [R5] Universal remote for Roku tv 5/5 · US Ooops: I guess apparently you have to pay
  13. [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
  14. [R31] 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
  15. [R49] 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!
  16. [R16] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Awful: Every 2 clicks there’s an add
  17. [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
  18. [R67] TV Remote 1/5 · US They take your money: Costs money to click buttons. So stupid and greedy
  19. [R33] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Not working: As soon as I downloaded, it wouldn’t work
  20. [R69] TV Remote 3/5 · GB Keeps stopping: Great as you can control your tv in those moments when you can’t find the remotes, but it would not remember the devices. Therefore asking for reconnecting almost every time you use the app
  21. [R84] TV Remote 5/5 · US Tv Remote: This app is amazing you can use just to connect to any tv 🤍
  22. [R108] TV Remote 5/5 · US N: Excelente l really recommend this control remote you can use it on any tv and more than one at the same time
  23. [R115] TV Remote 1/5 · US Overpriced and useless: $14 per week for this horrible app, the worse part is they offered a 3 day free trial and they still charge me $14. Never supporting garbage apps like this

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