Amazing tech innovations make our lives more convenient. And, what’s more, convenient than using your smartphone as a universal remote? All you need is an app, and either a Wi-Fi connection or an IR-enabled device.
However, the market is over-saturated, so it can be challenging to choose which app to use. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of universal TV remote apps for Android,
What is the best universal remote control app for Android devices?
Using an Android device as a universal remote controller is very convenient, especially if you are forgetful or often in a hurry. A good smartphone remote control app should allow you to control smart devices through your phone and offer other useful features as well.
However, not all apps do that – there is a lot of fakes out there. To mitigate this issue, we’ve decided to compare and review the best remote apps for Android.
AnyMote Universal Remote App
AnyMote is a handy remote app that is suitable for devices that use IR blasters. It works by utilizing the phones’ IR blasters and sending back remote InfraRed commands.
The company’s ever-expanding list currently supports a staggering 900,000 types of devices. It is very versatile and has a lot of fantastic customization options, such as changing colors, positions, icons, etc. Bear in mind, though, that it only works with IR-enabled devices .
When it comes to features, users can expect customization, voice commands, and air gestures.
Likes:
✔ A lot of devices
✔ Has a free option
✔ Great customization
Dislikes:
✘ Only compatible with IR-enabled devices
✘ Air gestures are limited to Samsung Galaxy S4
SURE Universal Remote App
SURE is an excellent feature-packed app that works on all IR and Wi-Fi-enabled devices. It has just over 200,000 downloads on Play Store. What makes SURE Universal great is that you can use it to control a wide variety of smart devices in your home.
However, users that don’t have IR-enabled devices will have to use a converter that is sold separately . Plus, you can also share photos from your Android device to your TV set.
Besides classic remote features, users can expect voice control, media player, photo and video streaming, Amazon Alexa integration.
Likes:
✔ Has a free version
✔ Large device database
Dislikes:
✘ Non-IR device owners will have to use the converter
✘ Ads
Amazon Fire TV App
Amazon Fire TV is a great app that works on all sorts of smartphone devices. Users can only control Fire TV-enabled electronics, though. It falls under the category of simpler applications in comparison to some other apps on the list, though.
Regardless, it’s a great addition to your collection if you like apps that are simple and straightforward – especially if you’re an avid Amazon fan.
Some of the features include voice search, a keyboard, quick access.
Likes:
✔ It’s free
✔ Works on both Apple and Android devices
✔ The interface is user-friendly
Dislikes:
✘ Requires a multicast-enabled router
✘ Only works on Fire TV-enabled devices
✘ Voice search is not available in all countries
TeamViewer Remote Control App
TeamViewer is a great universal remote app that enables the user to control multiple devices, such as a smart TV, phone, computer, or tablet. It offers some of the best security and allows file-transfers.
You can use it to access devices, servers, or computers remotely. It is also handy for working from home. Their drag-and-drop feature that is a favorite among users. It currently has over 200 million users.
Here’s what you get: remote control, cross-platform access, in-built VPN software, Android, and iOS integration.
Likes:
✔ It’s free
✔ Great additional features
Dislikes:
✘ Subscription plans are expensive
✘ It doesn’t support large file-sharing
Auto Forward App
Auto Forward is genuinely jam-packed with features. It’s especially great for parents who can expect additional tracking and monitoring options. One great thing about this app is that it doesn’t require a computer – you only need a mobile device.
Another significant aspect is the fact that it is very versatile. It can be used for basic remote control functions, but it can also be used for parental control, GPS tracking, and monitoring. It is an all-around winner that’s great for tech-savvy individuals.
These are some of the key features: GPS location tracking without them knowing, call logs, remote phone locking, remote picture taking.
Likes:
✔ Additional security features
✔ Great customer support
✔ Great price for value
Dislikes:
✘ It doesn’t have a free version
✘ Requires rooting for retrieving emails and incoming texts
Google Home App
The Google Home app is a specialized tool that is only suitable for Google Home, Nest, and Chromecast users. It is a simple and straightforward app that is suitable for both advanced and beginner level users.
Overall, it is a well-designed app that enables users to control smart devices around the house with style and ease. It also comes with a handy Discovery tab that allows you to install the latest updates, or receive notifications about your favorite Netflix show. You can find it on Google Play, and its key features include the Feed tab, configuration settings, notifications, Wi-Fi pause option for managing children’s online time.
Likes:
✔ It’s free
✔ Includes some parental controls
Dislikes:
✘ Limited features
✘ Only works on Google Home, Google Nest, and Chromecast devices
Android TV Remote Control
Android TV Remote Control app turns your phone into a classic remote controller. Although it’s not jam-packed with features like some of the other apps from the list, it’s useful for replacing your actual remote when needed.
You can control multimedia, switch between d-pad and touchpad modes, and play video games remotely on all your favorite devices. Moreover, you can conveniently control your devices by utilizing voice commands. It offers voice controls, a keyboard, remote controls.
Likes:
✔ It’s free
✔ It’s easy-to-use
Dislikes:
✘ Requires a Bluetooth connection
✘ No additional features
Twinone Universal TV Remote App
Twinone’s Universal TV Remote app is a well-rounded option that’s completely free. It’s very easy-to-use, making it perfect for individuals that are not that familiar with tech. It comes with a limited set of features, but it’s more than enough to control your TV, cable box, or satellite.
If your device isn’t on the list, you can find support for some models. It comes in a free version with ads, but you can also opt for a premium subscription. It only works with IR-enabled devices . This IR remote offers a smart TV remote feature, color customization, button customization.
Likes:
✔ It’s free of charge
✔ Accessibility
Dislikes:
✘ Advertisements
✘ Only works on IR-enabled devices
Yatse: Kodi Remote Control and Cast
The Yatse app is one of the most popular options for Kodi and Plex users. It can be found on Google Play Store, and you can use it for free or make in-app purchases instead. It is very easy to configure, and it offers voice commands in seven different languages.
You can also synchronize your media across different devices and access your libraries offline. Moreover, you can choose from a wide variety of cool themes to customize your interface.
Key features include custom settings, integration with BubbleUPnP, offline media, voice commands.
Likes:
✔ Compatible with different devices and platforms
✔ The free version has no adds
Dislikes:
✘ It doesn’t support transcoding
✘ Advanced functions require a subscription
Peel Smart Remote App
Lastly, we have the Peel Smart Remote app. Back then, when infrared devices were a thing, users considered Peel to be the best IR blaster app for Android. It allows users to control their electronics and appliances remotely.
You can control Roku, air conditioners, smart TVs, etc. Not only that, but you can also use voice commands! It only works on IR-enabled devices , though.
Features include a personalized TV guide, AC & heater automation, voice controls.
Likes:
✔ It has a free version
✔ It’s a great universal remote
Dislikes:
✘ Only works with devices that use an IR blaster
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