iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad have a slew of App Store apps that boost their functionality. With remote-control apps, it’s even possible to use your iOS device to control TVs, stereos, set-top boxes, and more. Here are our picks for the 15 best remote-control apps for your iPhone or iPad to help you really take control of your media experience.
Best for Controlling Apple Music and iTunes: iTunes Remote
iTunes Remote is a free iPhone and iPad app that lets you access and control your media, including your iTunes library, Apple Music, or Apple TV apps, from anywhere in your home. Search Apple Music, iTunes, or Apple TV libraries and send your music to AirPlay speakers, or play music directly from a Mac or Windows PC. Create playlists, browse movies and TV shows, and use the Up Next feature to see what songs are coming up.
Control Apple Music, iTunes, and Apple TV apps.
Browse music, movies, TV shows, and more.
Easily search your iTunes library.
Stream music to all your speakers.
Access your iTunes library on a PC or a Mac.
Updated for macOS Catalina support.
May have trouble connecting to a Mac in sleep mode.
Download For:
Best for VLC Media Player: VLC Remote Lite
VLC Remote Lite is a free app that turns your iPhone or iPad into a VLC Media Player remote control. It’s full-featured, highly rated, and presents a clean, easy-to-navigate interface. Scan for VLC players automatically, and then enjoy full control, including stop, play, pause, volume, next track, previous track, and more.
Can handle multiple file formats.
Professional look and powerful feel.
Use with a Mac, PC, or Linux machine.
Available in 22 languages.
You’ll need to upgrade to the paid version to eliminate ads.
VLC Remote Lite is free to download and use, but consider upgrading to the $4.99 full version to eliminate ads and gain the ability to browse to open files remotely.
Interface looks like a real remote.
Supports voice search.
Keyboard makes text input easy.
Compatible with all Fire TV devices.
You’ll need to use the remote that comes with your Fire TV device for gameplay.
Best for Controlling an Apple TV: Official Apple TV Remote
The free Apple TV Remote app from Apple improves on the Siri Remote, bringing swipe and text support for managing your media. Control movie, TV, and music volume with your iPhone’s or iPad’s volume buttons, and easily navigate through songs, games, and other entertainment. Ask Siri to help you find something to watch, and sit back and control all aspects of your media experience. With a simple, intuitive interface, the Apple TV Remote app is easy enough for a child to use.
Works with second-, third-, and fourth-generation Apple TVs.
Easy to pair with your Apple TV.
View song lyrics with a swipe.
Can be used as a game controller.
To use Siri voice commands, you’ll need a fourth-generation Apple TV.
Best for Samsung TVs: myTifi Remote for Samsung TV
The myTifi Remote for Samsung TVs offers all the standard Samsung TV controls for models from 2010 to the present. Swipe to change channels and alter the volume, and configure buttons with channel icons to go directly to a channel with one tap. Set macros to perform quick tasks, such as setting the volume to a lower level during commercials, and use the Auto-Mute feature to mute sound when a call comes in on your device.
Supports all Samsung Smart TVs from 2010 to present.
Can be used in conjunction with set-top boxes like Xfinity.
Control TV from your wrist with the Apple Watch.
Auto-Zap feature scrolls through your favorite channels so you can find something to watch.
You’ll need to upgrade to premium to eliminate ads and unlock helpful features.
myTifi is free to download and use, but you’ll need to upgrade to its $2.99 premium version to eliminate ads, use the app on an Apple Watch, and switch on the TV.
Best Universal Remote App: SURE Universal Smart TV Remote
The free SURE Universal Smart TV Remote app is a popular universal TV remote control app that supports Smart TVs. With the help of a Broadlink Wi-Fi-to-IR converter, it will control traditional devices, as well. Stream content from your iPhone onto your TV, and control Roku, Chromecast, and Kodi devices. With Alexa support built-in, use voice commands to control your media.
Use with Smart TVs and older devices.
Alexa functionality is built-in.
Stream content to your Smart TV.
Use it to cast to other devices.
Doesn’t have support for all TVs, but the publisher says it’s always adding more.
Best for Controlling Your Roku: Roku Official Remote
The free Roku Official Remote app mimics most of a physical Roku remote’s functions, along with some added features and benefits. Control all your Roku devices, stream entertainment on-the-go, cast photos and videos from your phone to your TV, and add and launch channels. If you’re sensitive to noise or need a higher volume level, use headphones to adjust the volume to your comfort level without disturbing others in the room.
Search with your voice in English and Spanish.
Use headphones for a “private listening” experience.
Add channels to your Roku device.
Cast your photos and videos to the TV for group watching.
You’ll need to be logged into the same wireless network as your Roku device.
Best for Xfinity Customers: Xfinity TV Remote
If you have Xfinity TV service, this free app turns your iPhone or iPad into a fully functioning remote. Easily change channels; browse the Xfinity On-Demand library; search for shows, movies, and channels; and set your Listings view to your favorite channels. Xfinity X1 customers get a few more perks, including voice remote and the ability to use the app’s directional pad for on-screen navigation.
Choose an on-demand show and launch it on your TV.
Completely free.
Access and launch DVR recordings.
Some features are exclusive to Xfinity X1 customers.
Best Remote for Kodi: Official Kodi Remote
If you use Kodi, the popular open-source media center, the Official Kodi Remote is a must-have, with all the remote-control functionality you’ll need. Control volume, browse the library, see what’s currently playing, switch to live TV, start recording, and much more. According to the developer, this app supports Kodi/XBMC version Eden (11) or higher.
Support for multiple languages.
Straightforward and simple to use.
See what’s currently playing.
Won’t work with older Kodi versions.
Best Mac Remote Control: Rowmote
Rowmote gives Mac users remote control over audio, video, and presentation programs on their computers. When you’re on the same wireless network, use Rowmote to access your Dock, switch between programs, pause music or video if you get an incoming call, and even put your Mac to sleep or wake it up.
Control Mac apps over a wireless network.
Put your Mac in sleep mode and wake it up.
Supports wireless multitouch.
Easily switch between apps.
You’ll need to upgrade to Rowmote Pro for wireless mouse and keyboard functionality.
Some features work only with newer macOS versions.
Rowmote is 99 cents to download and use, but you’ll need the $3.99 Rowmote Pro to access additional features.
You’ll need to download a free program called Rowmote Helper on your Mac for Rowmote to work.
Best for Android TV: Google’s Android TV App
If you’re a multi-platform family with an Android TV setup as well as iPhones, Google’s official free Android TV app for iOS will turn your iPhone or iPad into a full-featured remote control for your Android TV. Navigate content, play games, use voice search, and connect multiple remotes for multiplayer gaming.
Control an Android TV via touchpad or d-pad.
Use keyboard feature to enter text on the TV.
Users report voice search glitches.
Best Computer Remote: Unified Remote
Unified Remote is a highly rated app that gives users remote control of their Windows PC, Mac, or Linux computer, allowing them to control their favorite programs as well as the mouse and keyboard. The free app comes with 18 remotes for basic input and programs like Spotify, Windows Media Center, File Manager, YouTube, and more. Upgrade to the $4.99 full version to unlock a slew of additional remotes, including Task Manager, QuickTime, PowerPoint, Netflix, macOS, and many more.
Easy to set up and integrate.
Works for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
Works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.
You’ll need to upgrade to the full version for more remotes and advanced features.
Best for Samsung Smart TVs: SamRemote
If you have a Samsung Smart TV, SamRemote is a solid app that turns your iPhone into a full-featured remote control for Samsung Smart TVs. While there’s not a lot of bells and whistles, Samsung Smart TV owners will like having a spare remote on their phones.
Solid remote control app for Samsung TVs.
Supports TV versions from 2010 to present.
You’ll see a lot of ads if you don’t upgrade to the paid version.
The app is free to download and use, but you’ll need a $6.99 paid upgrade for an ad-free experience.
Best for LG Smart TVs: LGeeRemote
If you need to replace your LG Smart TV remote, or just want a backup, the free LGeeRemote app is a good option. The app will work if your TV is an LG Smart TV or if it has “Web OS” technology, and the TV must be on your Wi-Fi network.
Interface looks just like a remote.
Easy to set up and use.
Compatible with many LG TVs.
There’s a number pad on the remote.
Has ads unless you pay to upgrade.
Best for a MAG Set-Top Box: MAGic Remote
The free MAGic remote app is for MAG set-top box models ranging from 245 to 275. If you have one of these gadgets for streaming IPTV content, control it with taps and swipes right from your iPhone and iPad.
Easy to download and connect.
Nice-looking interface.
No on-off power button.
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
