I’m overwhelmed by all the universal TV remote options and can’t tell which ones actually work well across different brands and streaming devices. I’ve tried two cheap remotes that kept losing pairing and missing key functions like volume or input switching. Can anyone recommend a reliable universal TV remote that’s easy to set up, works with multiple devices, and is worth the money?
Hi all,
I got fed up with playing “find the remote” every night. Samsung remote in the bedroom, LG remote in the living room, both vanish into the couch or end up in the kitchen for some reason.
My phone, on the other hand, is glued to me.
So I went down the rabbit hole of universal TV remote apps on iPhone, Android, and Mac, trying to see if I can stop buying replacement remotes and stop arguing with my wife over who lost which one this time.
Below is what I tried, what actually worked, and what annoyed me enough to delete instantly.
Part 1: iPhone TV remote apps I tested
I pulled four “popular” iOS remote apps from the App Store and used them on a Samsung and an LG TV:
• TVRem Universal TV Remote
• TV Remote – Universal Control
• Universal Remote TV Smart
• TV Remote – Universal
TVRem Universal TV Remote
(my current main remote on iPhone)
This one surprised me because I expected a catch somewhere. It works with a long list of brands: LG, Samsung, Sony, Android TV, Roku, and more. I did not see Vizio in there though.
Setup was simple. Same Wi‑Fi, pick TV, done. No weird pairing rituals.
Stuff I actually used:
• Touchpad for moving around apps
• Voice stuff (works through Google Assistant or Alexa on supported TVs)
• On‑screen keyboard
• Channel switching and basic playback
No paywalls popped up during normal use. No “watch an ad to press pause” type nonsense.
Pros
- Layout is simple, you do not have to think
- Connecting to the TV took me maybe a few seconds
- No subscriptions or “pro” tier that hides basic functions
- Works with most popular brands I checked
- Has all the standard buttons you expect from a normal remote
Cons
- No Vizio support, so if your main TV is Vizio, this one is out
Price
Free
Link
Verdict
If your TV brand is supported, this feels like a “set it and forget it” remote app. I use it daily now. It replaced my Samsung and LG remotes completely.
There is also a Reddit thread where people argue about universal remotes vs apps and share what they use:
https://www.reddit.com/r/DataRecoveryHelp/comments/1qqa2bh/best_universal_tv_remote/
Video:
Product page:
TV Remote – Universal Control
Different app, same idea. Works over Wi‑Fi with a bunch of brands. No issues finding my Samsung or LG.
On paper, it has what I want:
• Touchpad
• Voice control
• Channel launcher
• Keyboard
• Media casting
In practice, you bump into paywalls everywhere. I had to start a free trial to test the full feature set. Even then, the app threw offers at me all over the place, and I had a few crashes when opening the menu.
Pros
- The tools you need are there
- Wide support for brands and smart TV platforms
Cons
- Ads inside the app
- You start tapping icons and many of them take you to a pay screen
- The app crashed on me more than once
Price
From 4.99 and up
Link
Verdict
Usable, but I did not feel good about paying for something that kept shoving upsells in my face. If you are fine paying and do not mind the occasional crash, it works. I moved on.
Universal Remote TV Smart
This one technically supports a lot of TV brands. Functionally, it does what you would expect: keyboard, volume, navigation, channels.
The problem is the layout. The UI feels thrown together. Buttons are arranged in a way that did not match how my hand instinctively moves when using a remote. It did not feel natural and I kept mis‑tapping.
On top of that, the monetization feels aggressive.
Pros
- Wide brand support
Cons
- Awkward interface and layout
- No voice control
- Ads that force you into watching videos
- Many actions trigger a paywall, even ordinary things like opening YouTube. I hit OK, and boom, offer screen
Price
From 7.99 and up
Link
Verdict
Of all iPhone apps I tried, this was the weakest. Interface is unpleasant, paywalls are everywhere, and it does not feel worth paying for when there are better options.
TV Remote – Universal
This one turns your iPhone or iPad into a remote for LG, Samsung, Sony, Vizio, Android TV, and more.
Same Wi‑Fi rule, both TV and phone on the same network.
Feature set:
• App and channel switching
• Keyboard
• Rewind, pause, etc
It looks cleaner than the previous one, and the connection process was straightforward.
Pros
- Finds and connects to TVs quickly
- Clear and simple UI
- All basic controls in place
- Free trial so you can test before paying
Cons
- Ads in the free version, removable if you pay
- Many “extra” buttons redirect to upsell screens
Price
From 4.99 and up
Link
Verdict
I ran through the trial, everything mostly worked, although the main screen lagged a bit. My issue is simple: too much is locked behind payments. The core works, but you feel nudged toward paying every couple of taps.
Part 2: Android TV remote apps my wife and I tried
My wife is on Android, so I tested these on her phone too, again with the LG and Samsung TVs.
Universal TV Remote Control
This one was popular in the Play Store so I gave it a shot.
It supports a long list of brands: Sony, Samsung, LG, Philips, TCL, Hisense, Panasonic, and more. It also works both over Wi‑Fi and with IR if your phone has an IR blaster.
Feature list is nice:
• Trackpad navigation
• Voice search
• App control
• Keyboard
Everything I needed was there and accessible without paying.
Then the ads started.
Pros
- Works with many different TVs
- Supports both Wi‑Fi control and IR
- All essential stuff is free
Cons
- Ad volume is insane, some of them were tricky to close
- App crashed enough times that I had to reconnect to the TV repeatedly
Price
Free
Link
Verdict
On first launch I thought I found a winner. After a few sessions, the ads and crashes drove me away. My wife tolerated it longer than I did, but even she complained after a while.
Remote Control For All TV | AI
This one pushes the “AI” thing in the name, but in daily use it behaves like a normal remote app with extra paid features.
Free version:
• Basic directional controls
• Basic volume and playback
Problems I hit:
• Long TV detection time
• A steady stream of ads in the free tier
The paid version unlocks:
• Ad removal
• An AI assistant
• Keyboard with voice input
• Screen mirroring
Pros
- Works with multiple TV brands
- Basic controls are free
Cons
- Many ads in the free version
- Slow detection and connection to TV
- The things that make it nicer to use are locked behind payment
Price
From 4.99 and up
Link
Verdict
If you only need to change volume and switch channels and you do not care about ads, this is passable. For regular daily use, the slow connection plus paywalls for quality of life features made me stop using it.
Universal TV Remote Control (Unimote)
This one is similar to the previous app in its promise: Wi‑Fi remote for smart TVs, IR remote if your phone supports it.
It detected my TV faster than the AI one. Connecting was a bit flaky though. Sometimes it would connect on the first try, other times I needed a few attempts.
The main screen is simple, not confusing.
Then, again, ads.
Pros
- Simple navigation, not cluttered
- Supports IR and Wi‑Fi
Cons
- Constant full‑screen ad videos, hard to use during a show
- Many options hidden behind in‑app purchases
- The connection dropped from time to time
Price
From 5.99 and up
Link
Verdict
It works as a backup. If my main solution failed, I would use this to quickly turn something on or off. For a main remote, the ad situation and random disconnects were too much.
Universal TV Remote Control (another one)
Yes, same name as earlier, different developer.
This one supports LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL and others, and works over Wi‑Fi or IR.
Basic functions:
• Power
• Home/Menu
• Play, stop, back, forward
• A sort of “universal” control screen
Functionally, it covers what a normal remote does.
Pros
- All the expected remote features exist
- Free trial available to test
Cons
- Packed with ads
- Most features end up behind a paywall once you poke around
Price
From 3.99 and up
Link
Verdict
It works, but almost everything you touch feels monetized. If you hate ads, this will drive you nuts. My wife tried it and deleted it pretty fast.
Part 3: Controlling a TV from a Mac
This sounded strange at first, but I figured I am often on my MacBook on the couch anyway, so using it as a remote could make sense.
TVRem Universal TV Remote (Mac)
Same name as the iPhone app I liked. You grab it from the Mac App Store and it supports most big TV brands. I tested it with Samsung.
Connection was painless. The UI is clean, not overloaded.
What I ended up using:
• Touchpad on the Mac screen
• Built‑in keyboard to type into the TV
• App launcher for things like YouTube, Netflix etc
No subscriptions, no ads.
Pros
- Interface is easy to understand without a manual
- No popups, no “upgrade to premium” screens
- Works across many common TV brands
- Covers all the remote basics
Cons
- Same as the iPhone app, no Vizio support
Price
Free
Link
Verdict
If you sit with a MacBook open in front of your TV a lot, this makes sense. For me it turned into a nice extra, especially for longer text input like searching inside apps.
TV Remote, Universal Remote (Mac)
Another Mac App Store remote.
It connected to my TV quickly, and the interface did not look bad. The main problem was stability and paywalls.
A chunk of the useful stuff is behind payments. The app also froze or crashed a couple of times while I was testing.
Pros
- Looks ok visually
- Supports many TVs and gives you the basics
Cons
- A lot of features are paid
- App crashed for me more than once
Price
From 4.99 and up
Link
Verdict
Usable if you are set on a Mac remote and you are fine paying. I would not rely on it as my only solution because of the crashes.
Part 4: Physical TV remote vs phone or Mac app
Quick definitions
Physical remote
The plastic thing that ships with your TV or a replacement you buy.
Remote app
An app on your phone, tablet or computer that talks to your TV over Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth or IR.
Where remote apps felt better for me
- Harder to lose
I misplace physical remotes constantly. I misplace my phone too sometimes, but not in the same way. The phone stays near me, in my pocket or on the table. That alone solved half the “where is the remote” arguments at home.
- Text input stops being painful
Typing Wi‑Fi passwords or searching for a show using arrow keys on a normal remote is unpleasant. Apps that have a full keyboard speed this up a lot. With TVRem on iPhone and Mac, entering search terms felt like normal typing.
- Cost
Replacement remotes are not cheap if you keep losing them.
From what I saw on Amazon:
• Samsung TV replacement remotes for 2019–2025 models sit around 15 to 20 dollars
• LG TV remotes ranged from about 13 to 35 dollars
If an app is free, or even a one‑time 5 dollar purchase, over time that saves money if you tend to lose remotes or need several for different rooms.
- One remote for multiple devices
With phone apps, I control both Samsung and LG from the same screen. If you also have a Roku, Fire TV or other smart device, some universal apps handle those too. No basket of remotes on the table.
- Interface
A lot of dedicated remotes, especially older ones, have random buttons that do nothing on modern setups. Phone apps usually only show what you need, and you get touchpad style navigation which feels closer to using a laptop trackpad.
Limitations I ran into with remote apps
• Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth dependency
If your TV or router is flaky, the app experience is flaky too. Some TVs need to be woken with the physical power button before the app sees them.
• Phone dependency
Your battery dies or your kid walks off with your phone and your remote goes with it. I still keep one physical remote nearby for this reason.
• Inconsistent feature support
Some TVs support only basic controls over apps. For example, power and volume might work, but advanced features or app launching might not be available.
What I ended up using
After bouncing between a lot of these, here is where I landed.
On iPhone
• Main choice: TVRem Universal TV Remote
Works, is free, no ads, and covers everything I need. I use the touchpad and keyboard a lot. The only real gap is the lack of Vizio support, which does not affect me but might affect you.
• Runner up: TV Remote – Universal
If you are willing to pay and do not mind the upsells, it works fine. I liked parts of it during the trial, but for my use the free alternative was enough.
On Android
My wife prefers:
• Universal TV Remote Control (the ad-heavy one from Codematics)
Feature set is good, IR support is handy. I personally hate how aggressive the ads feel, she tolerates it. She refused to pay for any of the other apps, so this stayed on her phone as her backup.
On Mac
• TVRem Universal TV Remote
Same story as on iPhone. It feels simple, connects quickly, and has no surprise payments. I mainly use it when I am sitting with my laptop open and do not feel like picking up the phone.
If you are tired of juggling different TV remotes and you own an iPhone or a Mac, TVRem is the one I would tell a friend to try first:
If you are on Android, expect to fight ads unless you pay. The feature sets are often fine, the monetization and stability are what separate the tolerable ones from the trash.
Hope this helps you avoid wasting time on the worst apps and gives you a clearer starting point.
1 Like
Short version. If your cheap universals keep dropping pairing, stop chasing “one remote to rule everything” and pick based on how you use your TV.
I’ll focus on physical remotes here since @mikeappsreviewer already covered app stuff in detail.
- If you want the most reliable “works with almost everything”
Logitech Harmony is dead as a product line, but Harmony remotes still work and are still great.
Best bets:
• Harmony Companion
• Harmony Elite
Pros:
• Controls TVs, soundbars, AVRs, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, older cable boxes.
• Uses activities. Example: “Watch TV” turns on TV, AVR, sets inputs.
• Pairing does not randomly drop once set up.
• Database for thousands of devices, including older gear.
Cons:
• Discontinued, so you need used or old stock on eBay / local listings.
• Setup takes time. Expect 30–60 min the first night.
• Price. Even used, not cheap.
If you are sick of pairing issues more than anything, Harmony is still the most “set it once and forget it” option I have seen.
- If you only need TV + maybe a soundbar
For modern HDMI‑CEC setups, a super expensive universal is often overkill.
Check these:
• One For All URC‑7935 (Streamer Remote)
• One For All URC‑7125 or 7145
Why these:
• They store codes in the remote. No cloud pairing that randomly breaks.
• One remote can do TV power and volume, plus Roku / Fire TV / Apple TV basic controls.
• Batteries last a long time because no fancy screen or Bluetooth.
What to watch for:
• Make sure your exact streamer is in their compatibility list.
• If HDMI‑CEC is on, often your TV remote will control the streamer anyway, so a simple universal becomes enough.
- If you want cheap but less junky than what you tried
Skip the 10 dollar random Amazon brands with names full of consonants.
Look for:
• GE Universal Remote (backlit models, 4‑ or 8‑device versions)
• Philips Universal Remote (from Jasco, not totally unknown brands)
Pros:
• Use code programming, they do not “lose pairing” unless you pull batteries for a long time.
• Work with most major TV brands.
• Good as a spare in bedroom or kitchen.
Cons:
• No fancy macros or activities.
• Some streaming apps have no direct keys, you use arrows and OK.
- If you use a lot of streaming boxes
For mixed setups, I split control rather than force one remote to do everything.
Example setup that tends to work well:
• TV remote for TV power and volume.
• Roku Voice Remote Pro or Fire TV remote for streaming.
Reason:
• Those remotes are designed for those boxes, faster updates, less weirdness.
• Most of them can learn TV power and volume, so you still end up with only one in your hand most of the time.
- Why your cheap universals keep losing pairing
Common causes:
• Bluetooth based remotes that go into deep sleep to save battery.
• No on‑device memory, so every glitch wipes your config.
• Poor firmware that drops the connection when devices reboot or Wi‑Fi changes.
If you want stability, look for:
• Infrared based with stored codes, or
• A brand that has been around for years (Logitech Harmony, One For All, GE, Philips by Jasco).
- Concrete picks by use case
You want: one physical remote for TV + AVR + streamer, stable
• Try to find a used Harmony Companion.
You want: simple, reliable, low cost, no advanced gear
• One For All URC‑7125 or GE backlit universal.
You want: streaming focused and do not mind 2 remotes in the house
• Use the official Roku / Fire TV / Apple TV remote plus your TV remote.
I do disagree a bit with leaning too hard on phone and Mac apps like @mikeappsreviewer. They are fine backups and great for typing, but if your network or TV firmware is flaky, you go right back to “remote does not respond” headaches. For daily use, a solid infraed or Harmony type remote tends to be less annoying.
You’re not crazy, the cheap “universal” remotes are hot garbage most of the time. If they’re constantly losing pairing, that usually means: Bluetooth‑only, no real on‑board memory, and bargain‑bin firmware.
Since @mikeappsreviewer covered phone/Mac apps and @hoshikuzu hit the Harmony / One For All angle, I’ll come at it from “what actually survives a normal living room without drama.”
1. If you want 1 remote for TV + streamer + soundbar, and you’re done messing around
Look for a used Logitech Harmony Companion or Harmony Elite:
- They store all device codes in the hub, so they don’t “forget” things when batteries die
- Handle TV, AVR/soundbar, and stuff like Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, cable boxes
- You hit “Watch Netflix” and it powers everything and sets inputs
Yes, they’re discontinued. No, that doesn’t matter day to day. They still work, and honestly they’re still better than 90% of “new” universals. The only annoying part is initial setup on PC/phone, but you do it once.
2. If your setup is simple: TV + maybe a soundbar + 1 streamer
Your best bet is often not a mega-universal, it’s a streaming remote that can control TV power & volume:
- Roku Voice Remote Pro
- Fire TV remote (the newer ones)
- Apple TV Siri Remote (new USB‑C one)
These can usually learn TV power/volume or use HDMI‑CEC. Result: you mostly live on the streaming remote, and the TV remote is your backup. Way less pairing drama.
I know that slightly disagrees w/ both @mikeappsreviewer (who leans on apps) and @hoshikuzu (who’s more “Harmony forever”), but in practice, the official box remotes are way more “spouse‑approved.”
3. If you just want a solid, cheap, not trash universal
Skip the no‑name Amazon brands. Look at:
- GE Backlit Universal Remote (4‑ or 8‑device)
- One For All URC‑7125 / 7145
Why these don’t keep losing stuff like your other remotes:
- They use IR code lists stored on the remote, not flaky Bluetooth pairing
- You enter a code for your TV/AVR and that’s it
- Even if you pull the batteries, they usually retain the code
You won’t get fancy activities, but you will get a remote that still works 6 months from now.
4. Stuff to check before you buy anything
This is the part people skip, then blame the remote:
- List your devices: brand + exact model for TV, soundbar/AVR, streamer
- Decide if you actually need activities, or just power/volume/input
- Decide if you can live with 2 remotes if it means rock‑solid reliability
If your main pain is pairing dropping and missing basic buttons, you’re better off with an old‑school IR remote with code storage than another “smart” remote that tries to be clever over Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi.
5. TL;DR recommendations based on what you said
-
Cheap remotes keep losing pairing and missing keys
→ Avoid Bluetooth‑only universals and no‑name brands. -
Want one remote for multiple brands & streaming boxes
→ Try to find a used Harmony Companion first.
→ If that’s too much trouble, go One For All URC‑7125/7145 plus your main streamer’s own remote. -
If your life is mostly Netflix / Prime / YouTube on one box
→ Use that box’s official remote for everything and let it control TV power & volume. It’s boring, but it actually works.
If you post your exact TV + soundbar + streamer models, people here can usually say “this combo: buy X, ignore Y” pretty specifically.