The past two decades have seen unprecedented technological advancements, which have truly empowered humans. Due to the highly competitive environment, tech companies keep innovating to make things more convenient. With artificial intelligence, machine learning and various other modern technology, we can increasingly control more things around us using a smartphone, tablet or laptop. One such innovation, which has proven to be helpful is the universal remote.

With several appliances in every household — each with their remote controls — things can become quite tedious. A universal remote can easily control the devices like a TV, music system, lights, set-top boxes and other smart home devices.

Now while universal remotes by themselves were a pretty cool innovation, an even better one came along — smartphones — which has impacted our lifestyle overall. Smartphone apps have stormed the tech consumer ecosystem as there is an app for almost everything digitally possible, and sure enough, there’s an array of them to transform your device into a universal remote. 

In this article, let us look at seven of the best universal remote apps for iOS and Android users, listed in no particular order.

Harmony Control

Developer: Logitech Inc | Size: 58.2 MB (iOS); 13 MB (Android) | Price: Free

If you are looking for a universal remote app for your iOS or Android device, Harmony Control by Logitech is one of the best options available. Whether you want to close your blind, toggle your lights, start a movie or turn up the volume, this app helps you do everything with a single touch. However, to explore the full potential of the app, you’ll need to couple it with a Harmony Hub device.

Download Harmony Control here: iOS, Android

Also read: Why is your iPhone’s battery icon yellow?

Sure Universal Remote

Developer: Sure Universal Ltd | Size: 201.8 MB (iOS); 63 MB (Android) | Price: Free

This universal remote app combines IR on old devices and WiFi on new ones to deliver a seamless experience. It has built-in Alexa, which enables you to control all of your smart home devices via your voice. You can customise the app according to your liking by changing colours or icons and re-arranging the buttons. You can also transfer files via a shared network using this app.

Download Sure Universal Remote here: iOS, Android

TVMote

Developer: Jorge Miguel | Size: 93.6 MB (iOS); 6.7 MB (Android)  | Price: Free with in-app purchase

TVMote is a control app for smart TVs, set-top boxes, media centres. It supports several TV brands including LG, Panasonic, Samsung, among others, and devices like Kodi, Google Chromecast, Roku and Plex.

Download TVMote here: iOS, Android

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AnyMote

Developer: Color Tiger Ltd | Size: 101.4 MB (iOS); 14 MB (Android)  | Price: Free with in-app purchase

AnyMote is one of the most powerful remote control apps. The app allows customisations such as re-arranging buttons, changing colours, and more. The app has built-in voice control to manage devices like your TV, audio system, DVD, BluRay player, media player, AC, STBs and so on. It can also execute automated tasks as well via set commands. It also supports Apple Watch.

Download AnyMote here: iOS, Android

Apple TV Remote 

Developer: Apple Inc | Size: 14.2 MB (iOS) | Price: Free

Apple TV Remote is the best bet if you have a Apple TV and other iOS devices. It is compatible with the iPhone and iPad. This remote lets you control your Apple TV via control centre swipe up and tap. There is also a keyboard for you to type and search for content quickly.

Download Apple TV Remote here: iOS

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Android TV Remote

Developer: Google LLC | Size: 28.2 MB (iOS); 6.7 MB (Android) | Price: Free

A Google product, Android TV remote is also one of the best universal remote apps for operating Android-powered TVs that are connected to the same WiFi network as your smartphone. The app has both D-pad and touchpad controls along with voice search. It works with all Android TVs.

Download Android TV Remote here: iOS, Android

Amazon Fire TV Remote

Developer: AMZN Mobile LLC | Size: 138.6 MB (iOS); varies with device (Android) | Price: Free

To enhance your Firestick experience, Amazon offers the Fire TV remote app, which lets you control your media using touchpad and voice controls. It also has a keyboard to type text on your smartphone — saving you from the pain of using a virtual keyboard on TV. It displays all your Fire TV apps in a list format, which can be used to launch them quickly.

Download Amazon Fire TV Remote here: iOS, Android

Also read: How to reset Amazon Fire TV Stick?