It always gets a little bit hectic when you have multiple devices to control in a single room. From TVs to air-conditioners and from DVD players to Blu-rays, they all need their separate remotes. However, Android aims to streamline the whole process by giving you some of the best universal remote apps for Android.
Even though I wasn’t able to find a bigger number of universal remote apps for Android that worked, those that are included worked perfectly fine. I’ve been using the sixth app on the list for a while now and it has worked flawlessly on my smartphones. A point to be noted here is that most of your appliances rely on infrared technology to be operated.
So, if your smartphone comes with an IR blaster, you’ll be able to easily control them. However, if your smartphone manufacturer skimped on including an IR blaster, you are, unfortunately, out of luck. You’ll still be able to control a few smart devices with your smartphone if they are connected to the same wireless network, but it wouldn’t be the same.
Note: The best universal remote apps for Android were tested on a Huawei Honor 8 smartphone. I borrowed the smartphone from a friend because my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge doesn’t come with an IR blaster. The apps performed perfectly fine and there were no problems faced during testing. I used a Gree air-conditioner and a Samsung TV to test the remotes.
Some smart TVs can be controlled via WiFi but it is recommended you do a little research before purchasing one of the universal remote apps for Android. For more in-depth information about your TV, air conditioner or DSLR camera, refer to their manuals.
#1 Smart IR Remote | #2 ASmart Remote IR | #3 Easy Universal TV Remote | #4 Unified Remote | #5 AnyMote Universal Remote +WiFi | #6 IR Universal TV Remote | #7 SURE Universal TV Remote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Downloads | |||||||
| Amazon Downloads | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ||
| Google Rating | 4.6 of 5   | 4 of 5  | 4.2 of 5 | 4.5 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 4.4 of 5 | 4.5 of 5 |
| Amazon Rating | 3.7 of 5   | 3.2 of 5 | |||||
| Overall Ratings | 4.7 of 5   | 4.4 of 5 | 4.3 of 5 | 4.1 of 5 | 4.7 of 5 | 4.5 of 5 | 4.2 of 5 |
| Features | | | | | | | |
| Help and Support | | --- | | | | | |
| Features | |||||||
| Good interface |  | |  | | | | |
| TV | | | | | --- | --- | --- |
| Other Appliances | | | | | --- | --- | --- |
| Custom Remotes | | | | | --- | --- | --- |
| Multiple Brands | | | | | --- | --- | --- |
| Control PC | | | | | --- | --- | --- |
| Help and Support | |||||||
| Introduction Video | | | | | | | |
| Active Developer | | | | | | | |
Smart IR Remote
This is the one remote to rule them all. Smart IR Remote combines a great interface with thousands of devices to control. The app dominates other universal remote apps for Android just because it supports a staggering 800,000 devices and the list is being expanded on a regular basis.
You will have a lot to offer once this sweet app is installed on your smartphone. Controlling TV, media player and even the old DVD player will not be a big problem once you install the number one app on the list. Like every great thing this app also has one big flaw…it is not compatible with Sony smartphones. This might be a deal breaker for many (don’t worry I have another app for you) but those who can run it, should get it.
Google Play:JOA:http://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/App1-S2.jpghttp://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/App1-s3.jpg
ASmart Remote IR
ASmart Remote IR trumps all when it comes to a clean and intuitive interface. The best part is that the devices are stored categorically and each big one has an icon. For example all the TVs will be under the big TV icon and the DVD players will be found in its respective section.
The app can control many devices including, TVs, air conditioners, DSLR cameras and projectors to name a few. The search by brand feature makes it easier to locate the device you need to operate. The only downside is that the app is not compatible with Sony devices.
Google Play:JOA:http://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/App3-s2.jpghttp://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/App3-s3.jpgEasy Universal TV Remote
Easy Universal TV Remote doesn’t look fancy but it is still one of the best universal remote apps for Android. This app can control almost every brand of TV there is. Setting it up is simple and the app performs really well. From old TVs to the latest Smart ones, all are supported by this nifty app.
The downside is the bare bones interface which leaves something to be desired. The app is getting updated fairly often with added compatibility and functions so even if your device is not supported, it might be in the near future.
Google Play:JOA:http://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/App4-S2.jpghttp://joyofandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/App4-S3.jpgUnified Remote
Unified Remote is unique in the universal remote apps for Android list. That is because it controls your PC and its applications remotely. That’s right, you can use this app to control your Windows-based PC while sitting on your couch. I discovered this great app when I made my little PC a streaming and media hub.
It was hard to control a mouse on the saggy couch and I was too lazy to go near the TV to change a movie. Unified Remote made all of that a thing of the past. Basically it connects your PC and smartphone over a server connection and allows you to control many apps on the PC.
Google Play:Amazon:JOA:AnyMote Universal Remote +WiFi
If you’re in the market for a modular remote control, then AnyMote Universal Remote is one of the best options available. It is the only universal smart remote control you would need for all of your home appliances as well as TVs. The app allows you to control a ton of different brands including Samsung, Panasonic and sharp.
You’ll also be able to control your Xbox with ease. One of the best things about this particular remote is its customization. You can easily stack up to three remotes on a single screen so you don’t have to fiddle around in menus just to control a different device. I find it highly convenient that a single screen is able to control my TV as well as the Blu-ray player.
Google Play:JOA:IR Universal TV Remote
While it may seem that only a few people have installed this app, this is a new updated version of a previously very popular app of the same name. The developers have heard feedback and they did their new app with a much easier to handle design and Android guidelines.
Just as the name suggests, IR Universal Remote allows you to control multiple devices straight from your Android device. From air-conditioners to lights and from DVD players to TVs, this is a fully functioning remote that is completely free. One of the best things about this app is that it doesn’t come with any ads or in-app purchases.
Google Play:JOA:SURE Universal TV Remote
If you are only aiming to use an Android remote for TVs only, this is the best app in the list. While it is certainly not on the level of the first two apps, it does offer a large variety of compatible TVs. The app works perfectly fine with standard TVs as well as smart ones.
The interface is well-designed and very easy to understand. Configuring your devices with this remote is also kept very simplistic. I tested this app on multiple TVs, both old and new and it worked perfectly fine. If you are interested in controlling your TV more, take a look at our best TV remote apps for Android list as well.
Google Play:Amazon:JOA:
Conclusion
These are the best universal remote apps for Android available. I hope that you will be able to find the right one to have fun controlling all of your devices. Kindly check the compatibility before going on with the purchases. With so many appliances and smartphones, it is hard to give compatibility notes in one single article. Now be a puppet master and tease your friends by constantly changing channels or turning the heat up.
Andrew O'Brian on
Does anyone know if these universal tv remote apps only work with new flat screens that use Bluetooth or WiFi? I have an older tv but its not a smart or flat screen tv. Please email me if you have any answers or know of a good app that works with older tvs. Thanks.
Dani on
Andrew O’Brian
If you have a IR Blaster on your phone (Note 3, S5 comes with one), you will be able to control old TVs too. What phone are you using mate?
Dani on
I really love these “top apps” articles guys, really helps a android newbie choose from the best possible. Thank you and keep it going. 😛
Dani on
Cheers 🙂
knowitall on
Crap. Does every website just post crap they never tried? getting pretty sick of ‘5 best’ 10 best’ bullshit.
Dani on
We have tested around 15 apps, rejected few of them and come up with the final list of bes ones. I’m honest. All the screenshots are taken from our mobile.
LollieMock on
I wouldn’t worry about that comment Dani as look at their name “knowitall” so basically they are to simply start crap, but you responding actually confirmed you test the apps. I thank you as your site helped me too.
Jim on
Do any of these apps control Wi-Fi products, like Roku or Amazon FireStick?
Thanks!
Dani on
No sorry Jim. None of the apps control these devices. I’ll inform you if they do but will need to install them all 🙂 Alternativly you can try em and I’ll add the information for others 😛
MattMan on
Why would you need these to control Roku or the FireStick? Just install the Roku app or the Amazon FireTV Remote app. Each respectively pairs with the device on the same wireless network. If you have more than one, it will display all of the devices for you to choose from. Sure, its another app, but it’s dedicated to that device. I know the Roku app even allows you to add channels and such.
Billa on
Mattman I agree. But some people want one app do to everything (I know its odd lol).
Aelyn on
“One app to control them all.”
Tye on
MattMan, I could think of a reason someone would need a universal remote for the FireStick. Let’s say the FireStick is not connected to a network and you would like to connect it to one, but you do not have the remote control. Sometimes, IR is very handy.
Tye on
Sorry, I guess the FireStick remote is bluetooth…either way though, you can’t connect the FireStick to a network using a remote that needs the network.
Philip Rainey on
Roku has there own app for phones works great
Judy on
Hi Philip,
Thanks for the suggestion and glad that it works for you.
Debbie on
Hi everyone, SURE Universal is a FREE app for Android phones that have IR blasters, that can control practically everything, including many of the WiFi appliances that were mentioned above such as Roku as well as older IR appliances.
An additional feature many of our customers like is that you can stream photos and videos directly from your phone to your TV.
(Disclaimer – I work at Tekoia, the company that created this app).
Billa or Dani, it would be great if you would download the app and write a review.
Thanks
Billa on
Hi Debbie,
Glad you put that disclaimer in your comment, I would have deleted it otherwise. I will download the app and will try to write a review soon. Thank you for your time.
cw on
“SURE Universal is a FREE”
Gave it a try and I have to say it’s the worst app I’ve ever installed on a phone. Insufferable ads.
If it controls any TVs at all it’s only three models.
Judy on
Hi There,
How unfortunate to hear about your experience with the app and I agree, ads can be annoying, but is that why you dislike the app?
Debbie on
Hi again, I just noticed the comment regarding the ads. I find it strange that you would make a comment like this as our ad area is a space at the top of the screen, and it is really not intrusive. We will be enabling customizable buttons in this section very shortly for paid subscribers.
Still looking forward to a member of the Joy of Android team to review our app. We just had a great review by Recombu: https://recombu.com/digital/article/best-universal-remote-apps-android
Judy on
Hi Debbie,
Welcome back and thanks you for sharing about enabling customizable buttons for paid subscribers. I have relayed your message to the team about the app review. Thanks for commenting. =-)
Arun Kumar on
Tried it to my asus zenefone 5. It doesn’t support.
Is there any other app support for Asus ?
Billa on
Hey Arun, Does the Zenfone 5 come with an IR Blaster? I don’t think that phone has one.
John Deer on
Your overview says that the Smart Ir Remote can’t control a PC, but that is wrong. Get a cheap remote from dx.com, for instance this one:
http://www.dx.com/p/driver-free-universal-usb-ir-media-remote-controller-for-pc-2-aaa-14380#.VceYTqbucfo
The remote in the link will work with the profile Chinavasion CVSB-983 in the database, under Game/Media controller I think. I pause/play movies with this one, and power off the PC. Haven’t really heard of people using their remote to anything else on the pc.
Judy on
Hi John,
I am sure that you are talking about the very first app in the article, but I don´t see what you are mentioning in your comment.
Marvin on
did you actually try any of them … none of them work on my new Motorola droid
Judy on
Hi Marvin,
All of the apps were tested and the best universal remote apps for Android all require compatible devices, both the sender and receiver. Your smartphone will need to have an IR blaster installed for the remote to work. Maybe your phone doesn´t have one?
Bob Clark on
I need an ap for a Galaxy that can learn from the component or device, rather than inputting codes. Do you have a recomm-
endation?
Roger on
Hi there, Do any of you have experience in using external infrared emitters like IRED and Jakcom that use the headphone plug?
Judy on
Hi Roger,
No, I don´t but if you tell what it is you are trying to do, I can help you find the answer. =-)
Leif Neland on
Is there an app to control multiple devices om the same “remote”?
I switch Channels om the set top box and volumen on the sourrond amp, and other stuff on the TV. I’d like to have all buttons on the same screen,
One button to turn on and off would be nice, but I guess there is a risk of one device turning on and another turning off if one device misses an on/off command.
Judy on
Hi Leif,
Not that I am aware of and I haven´t read about an app that does that, but if I come across one, I will definitely let you know. Thanks for commenting. =-)
Manu on
Do you know, my telephone is Sumsung A3 (2016) and has not infrared port (IR Bluster), so what you advice me, what kind of Universal Remote Control Program do you advice me to install in my phone? Thanks for advance!
Judy on
Hi Manu,
You can try the following app. Hope you like it and thanks for commenting. =-)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tekoia.sure.activities
black on
hey! i have dany tv device attached to lcd which i am using i want to download a remote for i tried peel smart remote from my galaxy s4 and sure remote control both not searching it can someone tell me which other device i should select to use my android as remote for my TV?
Judy on
Hi There,
Can you please tell me more about what kind of TV you have such as what brand it is, how old it is, Etc. The more details the better. Thanks for commenting. =-)
Saundra Moore on
I understand that my Pixel XL can’t work a remote app because it doesn’t have the IR function, BUT … I do have the Amazon Fire stick app which works fine with my TV it will even turn the TV on. WTH ? I don’t get it ? Any thoughts ?
megan on
Hi, Saundra. The Amazon Fire stick doesn’t work the same way as a universal remote app. The Fire stick and similar products, like Chromecast, work by establishing an online connection between the mobile device and streaming device via your wifi rather than by using an infrared connection.