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In the blog post, I’ll give you my picks for the best universal remote apps for iPhone that you can get right now. To not keep you in suspense, they are:
Tired of juggling multiple remote controls? You might consider downloading one of the best universal remote apps for iPhone instead. If you have an iPhone, you have several options.
With one of the best universal remote apps for iPhone, you can control your TV, set-top box, streaming players, and even your air conditioner from your phone.
But with so many apps on the App Store, how do you know which ones are worth your time and money?
To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of the best of the best, all of which I have personally tested. I’ve included a mix of free, ad-supported, and paid apps with impressive features to help you control your home theater and some smart home gear.
To make finding the right app easy, I’ll order them according to my overall rating when this post was published.
Let’s start with a comparison table of my top three picks.
Best Universal Remote Apps for iPhone: Top 3
The following table illustrates my top three picks for the best universal remote apps for iPhone.
Editor's Choice
Best Remote & App
Budget IR Blaster
App Name
Broadlink RM4 Mini
Sofabaton U2
BestCon
Compatible Devices
TV, AC, Set-top box, Fans, Cameras
TV, cable TV / satellite set top boxes, media players, Blu-ray/DVD players, soundbars, receivers, and gaming systems
TV, Set-top box, AC, Projectors, Home automation devices
Last update on 10/09/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1 – Editor’s Choice: BroadLink
My Score
95%
💰 Price: Paid
The BroadLink RM4 Mini is my Editor’s Choice for out of the best universal remote apps for iPhone due to its high compatibility and functionality. While it isn’t free like some apps here, this IR app and hub-based product can control over 50,000 devices like TVs, STBs, air conditioners, fans, video recorders, and DVDs.
It constantly updates its cloud-based device library to ensure compatibility with the latest devices. The intuitive universal remote app is an outstanding backup for your home theater devices.
Pros
Broad compatibility with IR devices
Constant cloud updates
Controls both home theater and smart home devices
Intuitive BroadLink App user interface
Cons
Not free
Supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, not 5 GHz
Temperature and humidity sensor must be purchased separately
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10/09/2024 12:18 am GMT
#2 – Remote & App: Sofabaton U2
My Score
100%
💰 Price: Paid
While the Sofabaton U2 features both a physical remote and one of the best universal remote apps for iPhone, I’ve been testing it out for a few weeks now and am genuinely impressed by both. The U2 is a universal remote at its core, but it also boasts a powerful companion app that offers additional functionality.
This IR-based product effectively replaces over 15 remotes and supports over 500,000 devices from over 6000 brands. The well-designed app makes it easy to navigate your favorite streaming services and control them like the physical universal remote.
Pros
Broad device compatibility with over 500,000 devices
Highly customizable app and remote
Dual convenience of a physical remote and robust app
User-friendly OLED display and scroll wheel on the remote
Cons
Complex and time-consuming setup
Limited to controlling 15 devices
No smart home control (upgrade to the X1 remote available)
【SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Control】SofaBaton remote controls are designed to work with various devices including TVs, soundbars, streaming devices, and more. Replace 15+ Infrared and Bletooth remotes. This universal compatibility saves users the hassle of juggling multiple remote controls
【Sofabaton APP Easy Configuration】Sofabaton U2 universal remote offer smart functionality that includes "Reassign the Button" and "Macro Button", Organize and Re-order buttons. One click to add devices by enter the brand and model. These features enhance the user experience and convenience of using the remote control
【Powerful Signal than U1 Remote】Based on the feedback we received regarding the Sofabaton remote control U1, we have upgraded to the U2 remote control. The product now has multiple built-in infrared receivers to expand the infrared signal and resolve the issue of infrared distance. The U2 remote control has doubled the infrared signal distance compared to the U1. No more worrying about signal disconnection.
Last update on 10/09/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want to see even more universal remote options, check out this YouTube video over on my channel.
#3 – Budget IR Blaster: BestCon
My Score
90%
💰 Price: Paid
I literally just bought the Bestcon RM4C Mini Universal IR Blaster to test out for this roundup on the best universal remote apps for iPhone and see how it compares to Broadlink Mini. I’m encouraged that this well-rated budget remote could be a viable app for controlling home theater equipment and smart devices.
With support for over 50,000 IR-controlled devices, including TVs, STBs, air conditioners, and more, I can’t wait to start testing this puppy. Integrating with Alexa and Google Home for voice control adds another convenience layer.
However, I did come across a customer complaint about the limited range, which I’ll keep in mind during further testing.
Pros
Wide compatibility with 50,000+ IR controlled devices
Large IR database constantly updated on the cloud
Voice control integration with Alexa and Google Home
Customizable scenes and timers for automation
Easy sharing with family members for a smarter lifestyle
Cons
At least one user reported limited range for controlling devices
Lack of support for certain specific devices
Some connectivity issues with certain phone models
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10/09/2024 12:21 am GMT
#4 – For Roku: Roku Official
My Score
90%
💰 Price: Free (Requires Roku device)
In preparation for this review, I tested the Roku Official app with my Roku Streambar, and I have found it to be a must-have as a backup remote for Roku streamers. The app provides convenient control over Roku devices with a user-friendly remote, allowing seamless navigation and access to a wide range of entertainment options.
With features like voice search, private listening, and the ability to stream free movies and live TV, the Roku Official app enhances the streaming experience. Additionally, users can effortlessly cast media files from their phone to the TV and easily add and launch channels on Roku devices.
Pros
Convenient control of Roku devices
Voice search for quick entertainment discovery
Private listening with headphones
Free streaming of movies and live TV
Easy media casting from your phone
Cons
Limited availability and features based on country
I have tested the Apple TV Remote Control on my iPhone and iPad, and it offers a seamless way to control my Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV. The Apple TV Remote is conveniently accessible through Control Center, allowing easy navigation and control. If you are interested in seeing more options, check out this blog post I wrote on the Best Remote Apps for Apple TV.
Pro Tip: Ensure you have the latest software updates for optimal performance.
Pros
Quick and easy setup in the ios Control Center.
Seamless control with a simple tap on your Apple TV or smart TV.
Integrated volume control with compatible speakers.
Wide compatibility with Apple TV models and AirPlay-compatible smart TVs.
Cons
All devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Potential need for technical troubleshooting; contacting Apple Support may be required.
Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
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