The Best Apps to Control Your TV Remote on Your Cell Phone

In today’s digital age, the smartphone has become a universal tool for managing various aspects of our lives, including controlling our televisions.

With the right app, your smartphone can replace traditional TV remotes, offering more functionality and convenience. Here’s a rundown of the best apps to control your TV remote on your cell phone.

1. Peel Smart Remote

Platform: Android, iOS

Best for: Universal TV control with a user-friendly interface

Peel Smart Remote is a comprehensive app that transforms your smartphone into a universal TV remote. It supports a wide range of TV brands and models, as well as other devices like set-top boxes, streaming devices, and home entertainment systems.

The app also offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits.

Pros:

• Easy setup and use
• Supports multiple devices
• Personalized TV guide

Cons:

• Contains ads in the free version

2. Sure Universal Remote

Platform: Android, iOS

Best for: Versatile home control

Sure Universal Remote is another excellent app that allows you to control your TV and other smart devices in your home.

It supports a wide variety of devices, including air conditioners, media players, and smart home gadgets. The app uses both infrared (IR) and Wi-Fi to connect to devices, making it highly versatile.

Pros:

• Supports IR and Wi-Fi devices
• User-friendly interface
• Extensive device compatibility

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a subscription

3. Roku

Platform: Android, iOS

Best for: Controlling Roku devices

The Roku app is specifically designed for Roku streaming devices and smart TVs.

It provides a full remote control experience, including voice search, private listening with headphones, and easy access to your favorite channels and streaming services.

The app also allows you to cast photos and videos from your phone to your TV.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Roku devices
• Voice search functionality
• Private listening feature

Cons:

• Limited to Roku devices

4. Google Home

Platform: Android, iOS

Best for: Controlling Chromecast and other Google devices

Google Home is the go-to app for managing Google’s ecosystem of smart devices, including Chromecast.

It allows you to control your TV by casting content from various streaming services directly from your smartphone.

The app also integrates with other Google smart home devices, offering a centralized control hub.

Pros:

• Integration with Google services
• Easy content casting
• Centralized control for Google devices

Cons:

• Limited to Google-compatible devices

5. Amazon Fire TV

Platform: Android, iOS

Best for: Controlling Amazon Fire TV devices

The Amazon Fire TV app offers a robust solution for controlling Amazon Fire TV devices.

It includes features like voice search, a virtual keyboard, and easy access to your favorite apps and games.

The app also supports Alexa voice commands, enhancing the overall user experience.

Pros:

• Voice search with Alexa integration
• Virtual keyboard
• Seamless access to Fire TV content

Cons:

• Limited to Amazon Fire TV devices

6. SmartThings

Platform: Android, iOS

Best for: Controlling Samsung TVs and smart home devices

SmartThings by Samsung is an all-in-one app for managing Samsung smart TVs and other smart home devices.

It offers a user-friendly interface, voice control, and integration with other smart home systems. The app allows you to control not just your TV but also a wide range of Samsung smart appliances.

Pros:

• Comprehensive control for Samsung devices
• Voice control capabilities
• Integration with smart home systems

Cons:

• Best suited for Samsung devices

Conclusion

The best apps to control your TV remote on your cell phone offer a combination of ease-of-use, broad compatibility, and additional features that enhance the viewing experience.

Whether you use Peel Smart Remote, Sure Universal Remote, Roku, Google Home, Amazon Fire TV, or SmartThings, each app provides unique benefits that cater to different needs and preferences.

Choose the app that best fits your devices and enjoy the convenience of controlling your TV right from your smartphone.