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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 Control™

Universal remote for Roku tv 4.4★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner Universal remote for Roku tv
TV Remote & Universal Control™ 4.8★ · Free + IAP 30

Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) is a better choice for users seeking a free remote app, despite its aggressive ad frequency, as TV Remote & Universal Control™ (App B) is largely unusable without a paid subscription.

Full reviews: Universal remote for Roku tv · TV Remote & Universal Control™

Both apps offer universal remote functionality for Roku TVs, but user experiences diverge significantly due to their monetization strategies. App A, 'Universal remote for Roku tv', is generally functional in its free tier but is heavily criticized for an overwhelming number of ads. App B, 'TV Remote & Universal Control™', offers a cleaner interface but locks most basic remote functions behind a mandatory subscription, rendering it largely useless for free users.

Head to head

Features edge: Universal remote for Roku tvR2R6R7R17
Universal remote for Roku tv Users appreciate App A's ability to control Roku TVs and even some non-Roku TVs, with some finding it works better than their physical remote R2R17. However, some users report issues with volume controls R6 and the app freezing R7.
TV Remote & Universal Control™ App B users are frustrated that essential remote functions, like navigation buttons, are locked behind a paywall R61. Many report that the app does not work at all without paying . A common complaint is the inability to turn the TV on if it's already off R75R90.
Ease of Use edge: Universal remote for Roku tvR3R8R11R12
Universal remote for Roku tv App A is praised by some for being easy to use and connecting quickly R8R11. However, many users find the constant ads disrupt the user experience significantly, making it difficult to use even basic functions R3R12R16. Disconnection issues are also reported, even for paid subscribers .
TV Remote & Universal Control™ App B is criticized for immediately asking for ratings before use and for having an 'invisible' close button for subscription screens, indicating a poor user experience . The core issue is that the app's basic functionality is locked, making it not easy to use for free users .
Reliability edge: Universal remote for Roku tvR1R7R8R19
Universal remote for Roku tv App A has mixed reliability. Some users report it works perfectly R8, while others experience it not working at all from the start R1R7. There are also reports of the app working initially but then ceasing to function or requiring payment after an update R19.
TV Remote & Universal Control™ App B is widely reported as unreliable for free users, with many stating it 'does not work' or 'nothing works' without a subscription R67R90. Even for those who attempt the 'free trial', it often fails to connect or function R67R90.
Price/Value edge: Universal remote for Roku tvR3R4R12R16
Universal remote for Roku tv App A is free with In-App Purchases (IAP) to remove ads. The free version is heavily criticized for an excessive number of ads, appearing every few clicks R3R12R16. Some users who paid for premium to remove ads still experienced disconnections . There are also reports of unexpected weekly charges R4 and issues with previous purchases not being honored after subscription changes R31.
TV Remote & Universal Control™ App B is free to download but requires a subscription to use most, if not all, basic remote functions R61. Users express outrage over the high subscription costs, with some mentioning $39.99 a year or $6.99 a week . Many feel it's a 'scam' given the official Roku app is free R61. There are also complaints of being charged immediately after selecting a 'free trial' R49.
Support tieR4R31R49R67
Universal remote for Roku tv There are no direct mentions of customer support interactions in the reviews for App A. However, issues like unexpected charges R4R49 and previous purchases not being honored R31 suggest potential problems with billing or lack of responsive support.
TV Remote & Universal Control™ Reviews for App B do not mention direct customer support experiences. However, complaints about being 'tricked' into purchases R67 and charges occurring despite cancelling free trials imply a lack of adequate support or deceptive practices.
Pick Universal remote for Roku tv if

You are looking for a free remote app that generally works, even if it means enduring frequent ads R8. You only need basic remote functionality and are willing to tolerate ad interruptions .

Pick TV Remote & Universal Control™ if

You are willing to pay a significant weekly or annual subscription fee for a remote app, despite the availability of free alternatives .

Evidence note: Reviews for both apps are heavily skewed towards negative experiences, particularly regarding monetization. App B's lifetime rating is higher, but recent reviews overwhelmingly condemn its paywall, suggesting a shift in user experience or a history of deceptive practices. The free vs. paid asymmetry is very strong here, with App B being almost entirely unusable without payment, while App A offers some functionality for free users.

Frequently asked

Do these apps offer a truly free remote experience?
Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) offers a free tier that provides remote functionality, but it is heavily interrupted by frequent ads R3R12R16. TV Remote & Universal Control™ (App B) is not truly free, as most essential remote buttons and features are locked behind a mandatory subscription, often costing $6.99 per week or $39.99 per year R61.
Are there any hidden costs or deceptive practices?
Yes, both apps have reports of problematic billing. Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) has users reporting unexpected weekly charges of $4.99 or more after initial use R4, and some who paid for the app previously found their access revoked due to new subscription models R31. TV Remote & Universal Control™ (App B) is widely accused of being a 'scam' for charging users immediately after selecting a 'free trial' and for requiring payment for basic functions without clear upfront disclosure R61.
Can these apps turn on my TV if it's off?
Universal remote for Roku tv (App A) reviews do not specifically address turning on a TV from an off state. TV Remote & Universal Control™ (App B) is explicitly criticized for its inability to turn on a TV that is already off, which frustrates users who downloaded the app specifically for that purpose R75R90.

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. [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 👎👎👎👎👎👎😡😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬
  4. [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
  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. [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.
  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. [R16] Universal remote for Roku tv 1/5 · US Awful: Every 2 clicks there’s an add
  13. [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
  14. [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!
  15. [R67] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 1/5 · US Tricked in to purchasing pro version: The app does not work, it does not fond the Roku at all and I was tricked in to purchase the pro version. I would request a refund if purchased.
  16. [R61] 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
  17. [R75] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 3/5 · US Can’t turn the TV on in-app if it’s off.: I’m just a little frustrated that the tv has to already be on to use this app. That’s my only problem is finding the remote. I connected it to my phone days ago before the child lost the remote, but now it’s disconnected and won’t show up on the app when the tv isn’t already on. I can’t turn it on with the app or lost remote and that’s the whole reason I g
  18. [R90] TV Remote & Universal Control™ 1/5 · US Doesn’t work well: I couldn’t get half the features to work. Won’t turn on the TV. The voice navigation doesn’t work. Totally not worth the money!

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