TV remote control for Android: rating of the best apps for 2020

Smart TV technology, present on many televisions, combines media and the Internet. At the same time, the user makes the most of modern TV, watching not only television, but also movies on youtube, movie services, etc. The companies decided to use this symbiosis between TV and computer, equipping their equipment with it.

Now TV has ceased to be a simple means of viewing programs. It can be called a multimedia center. Smart TV technology allows you to link TV with computers and mobile devices. It expands the space for new applications that allow you to conveniently control your home theater. Therefore, the popularity of models with Smart is increasing.

There are applications that turn your smartphone into a remote control. Some are compatible with a wide range of models, some are specialized. They have their pros and cons. The article presents the advantages and disadvantages of these programs, selection criteria, tips and tricks.

Do you need such applications?

Why would a person download a mobile controller if he already has a TV remote. Such an application can replace the controller if it breaks or runs out of batteries. However, the list of advantages does not end with such advantages.

Some programs have only standard buttons, which are also on a regular controller. However, there are applications that extend the functionality of a conventional remote control. Android hotel library with video can be played on the TV screen, it is possible to transfer the picture to your device. The remote control may have additional buttons that are not available on a conventional controller, which improve convenience.

With the advent of Smart TV technology, many controllers have become inconvenient to operate on the Internet. The Android dashboard makes TV easy to use. Some apps have their own touchpad. The user can use the panel in the phone to control applications on the Internet of the TV, like a mouse on a computer.

Popular companies are releasing their own Android remotes with a remote control function. They will definitely fit the model of the same manufacturer.

Basic principles of work

To make the most of the TV remote control application, you need to pay attention to the selection mistakes. For a phone, the main attribute of TV control is the IR port. It is present in many models of LG and Samsung gadgets. Its main purpose is to control the TV remotely. If there is no infrared port, then, unfortunately, downloading or buying the application does not make sense. It can be seen in the additional settings of the gadget or on the Internet by reading the data about the model. Some authors write about the support of certain models.

What to look for when synchronizing a program? TV and smartphone must be connected to the same home network (via Wi-Fi or LAN cable). Some are capable of connecting via Bluetooth.

Next, you need to install the remote in accordance with the choice in Google Play or Apple Story. Some mobile controllers are not available in the Apple store.

Top most popular controllers

The user needs to find a universal remote that will fit the TV. There are several unofficial apps that replace the regular controller for most TV models. However, it is not a fact that such an application will work. Fortunately, most of them are free. Therefore, you do not need to think about what budget applications are with the best characteristics.

TV remote

The controller is a universal remote control for many TVs LG, Samsung, Sony. The phone must have an infrared port. It was downloaded by many users, has an average rating of 4.4 points out of 5.

The universal TV remote is connected via Wi-Fi to the TV. Moreover, it has a wide range of communication. You can switch TV channels not only for yourself, but also for your neighbors. In fact, although the application has a high rating, it is not suitable for all TVs. It also lacks a Russian language version.

• Convenient interface of an ordinary controller;
• Synchronization with many TV models;
• Updates are released that improve the application. Sometimes bugs can appear, but they are quickly fixed;
• Fast sync;
• Free download;
• Light weight of the application, which does not interfere with the android.

• Advertisements often appear. People drop a lot of points because of this;
• Not sure what exactly will fit. If an unofficial developer for a given TV model says that the application is suitable for most TVs, then this is not a quality guarantee. If the TV has its own free controller from the official developer, then it is better to take a closer look at it;
• Small functionality that does not greatly expand the capabilities of the remote control.

Galaxy Universal Remote

Is paid Its average price is 220 rubles. This controller can control a TV, set-top box (for example, Tricolor TV and Rostelecom), receiver, sound system, amplifier, DVD and Blu-ray player, media player, air conditioner, projector, DSLR camera, Xbox or PlayStation. Higher generation game consoles do not lend themselves to controllers, but versions are constantly being updated.

Despite the name, the remote control is also suitable for regular HTC models (M9 / M8 / M7 / HTC One Max and many others), Xiaomi (5 / 5s / 5s Plus / Mi 4 / 4c / Mi Max / Redmi Note 4/3/2 / Redmi 3/3 Pro / 3s / 3s Prime), LG (G5 / G4 / G3 / G2 / G Flex2 / V20 / V10). Of course, the remote works with Samsung Galaxy models too. All these smartphone models have an infrared port.

The control panel is made by an unofficial developer (Moletag company). An inexpensive application can be downloaded from the play market, while having an IrDA port on the phone. The developer provides in advance the phone models on which this program will work, so the user will not waste money.

If he did not find his smartphone in the list, then the Galaxy remote works with an OS version on Android higher than 4.0. He tries to synchronize on his own using the selection of settings for similar devices.

What can a controller do? It is suitable for almost all brands of TVs, and it can be adjusted to the devices that are connected to them. The remote controller can control additional devices (amplifiers, set-top boxes). There is a connection of the air conditioner to the device, you can change the cooling and heat modes, there is a button to increase the air flow.

From the reviews, you can understand the main advantage of the Galaxy remote. It is customizable, you can choose your own buttons, their size, color. Additionally, they are assigned their own command. The user does not need to press the same buttons all the time. They can be assigned to one. For example, actions: turning on the TV, turning on the set-top box, switching to channel 9 and adjusting the volume can be accommodated on one button, which is independently assigned its own design.

The advanced settings don't stop there. This is where you control usability and design. Create clear and simple controls yourself, removing the standard developer settings.You can also call a widget on your phone so that you do not have to enter the application several times.

The remote works wirelessly if the TV is also connected to a shared Wi-Fi network. If the user wants to buy a mobile controller, and after that it does not work, then the developer returns the money.

• Control of several devices that have the ability to remotely control (attachments, amplifiers);
• Individual interface customization and own design selection;
• Advanced functions;
• The developer provides a list of phones with infrared. The app syncs with your phone. If it does not fit, then the user is refunded. According to buyers, the app really fits many TVs (4.3 rating).

• Some users are not satisfied with it for the price (220 rubles);
• Unofficial mobile controller, may not fit all TVs
• The functions of some devices are limited, so you still have to use a regular remote control for them;
• Advertising.

LG TV Remote

The rating of high-quality and functional applications rightfully includes this remote control for LG Smart TVs. It is made by the official developer, and this remote control has two versions. If the TV was released in 2011, then you should use Remote 2011. LG TV Remote is suitable for those users who did not have a magic remote in the kit. It has advanced functionality.

For remote control, you need to connect the device and TV to the same network. After connecting, a code will appear on the screen, which must be entered into the phone. Each model has its own code.

On the first panel, you can see the online broadcast of the displayed picture on the TV. There are actions here: switching channels, adjusting the volume. The user can take a screenshot of the screen. If you want to capture the image of the transmission on the device, you just need to press one button. You can take beautiful sports, natural shots to preserve the quality of the picture.

With the additional panel below, you can dial the desired channel with numbers. The remote control works from a distance, so the user can change the channel from another room. The viewer will not have a question how to control it. The free controller provides convenient functionality.

At the bottom you can see 2 buttons. One is responsible for switching 3D mode, the second for connected devices. The user, by pressing the Smart button, goes to the TV menu.

The next panel is responsible for the touch pad. The principle of operation is as follows. The user controls the cursor with a finger, which reproduces the movement on the screen. In the lower left corner is the action button.

You can turn your phone into a joystick by pressing the top button. It is convenient to use in games that can be downloaded from the Smart TV game store. An overview of this joystick shows that it is easy to operate. It's like expanding your smartphone beyond the small screen.

By right, the program can be considered one of the most functional among applications in the play market. If a user has an LG TV and is thinking how to choose an android TV remote control, then this smartphone remote control should attract with its functionality compared to others.

• Wide functionality. Turning your phone into a joystick, touch pad. The software is convenient to use on the Internet for management;
• Fits perfectly with LG TV;
• The ability to take a screenshot;
• The developer provides TV models;
• Free software.

• Restrictions apply for TVs manufactured before 2011. You cannot use the touch pad and joystick;
• Some users do not like the delayed video playback.

Video & TV SideView: Remote

Video & TV SideView is provided for remote control of Sony TVs. In terms of functional characteristics, it is not inferior to the previous application, having a touch pad, a key type of switching channels.

• Wide functionality with a touch pad;
• Has its own library that saves your favorite video content.

• Advertising;
• Some TVs do not support advanced features;
• Not suitable for all TVs.

Panasonic TV Remote

The list of applications for TV remotes should be supplemented by the official program for Smart TV Panasonic. It is constantly being updated with new features.

In addition to the usual functions of the remote control, the phone can turn into a gamepad for games. It is worth noting the presence of the Russian language in the menu. However, the buttons are still labeled with English letters.

The description will make sure the Panasonic TV Remote is only suitable for Panasonic VIERA flat screen TVs. Sometimes the program loses signal, so you need to control the TV at close range.

• Russian language in the menu;
• The functionality is on par with many mobile controllers;
• The ability to stream music, videos and photos from your phone to TV.

• Few models for compatibility;
• Close control distance;
• Frequent loss of communication.

Mi Remote controller - for TV, STB, AC and more

Mi Remote controller can control TV, projectors, speakers, set-top boxes. It stores information about your favorite shows and programs. Therefore, each user has individual settings.

• Supported Appliances: TV, Air Conditioner, Set Top Box, DVD Player, Projector, A / V Receiver, Camera, etc.
• Supported brands: Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Haier, Videocon, Micromax, Onida, etc.

The free program is tuned to devices of not only the best manufacturers, but also lesser-known brands.

Mi Remote controller has a fairly high rating.

• Wide application to various types of devices that are remotely controlled;
• Interesting design. The application material looks like the real thing. Can easily replace a conventional remote control;
• Synchronizes with many brands.

• English language;
• Sometimes there are bugs, an update is needed;
• Sometimes you have to sync with TV again.

Android TV Remote Control

Universal remote control. The phone connection is the same as the above model. The main screen contains the volume and channel selection keys. Below you can see the call of quick functions (3D, channel number). If the network cannot be synchronized via Wi-Fi, then you must enter the IP address. You can check it either on the TV itself in the menu, settings or on the computer in the network settings. The app is free.

• Free app with additional features;
• Intuitive interface.

• Advertising;
• The design is poor;
• Few features.

The application is in English, but due to the small number of functions, all modes are understandable. It can be installed if the TV was released earlier but supports the Smart function.

Conclusion

The play market contains many interesting controllers that turn your smartphone into a multifunctional control panel. When choosing, it is worth choosing the best and most pleasant remote control designs, but mainly you need to be guided by functions. It is better to choose them with an additional joystick and Touch pad.

The user does not have a question which controller is better to buy. There are few paid programs, but you need to choose those for which money is returned in case of poor synchronization. The availability of options allows you to check the Remote TV on Android yourself, return the money if the application is paid, or simply delete it by installing a new one.