Lately Ive been testing a couple of remote apps and keep bumping into paywalls. Basic D-pad works free, but anything nicerkeyboard input, no ads, quick switchingseems locked. I dont mind paying if it saves time every day, I just dont want yet another subscription that gives me nothing after the trial. For folks whove stuck with one of these apps longer than a week, what did you actually get for paying, and did it feel worth it after a month?
From my side, paid tiers can make sense if you use the app nightly. The upgrades Ive seen that actually matter include ad-free controls (less lag), an iPhone keyboard for faster logins/search, private listening without stuttering, quick device switching with room names, and small perks like lock-screen or widget controls. Midway through choosing, A TV remote app for iPhone does a good job outlining which features are practical versus flashy. Id look for a short free trial, monthly billing (so you can cancel if its not for you), and ideally a one-time lifetime option if youre all-in. Siri Shortcuts/macros are great for automating movie night input and volume in one tap.
If youre typing passwords often, juggling multiple rooms, or sharing a living room where ads drive you nuts, premium feels justified. Otherwise, stick to the free tier and keep the vendor brand app installed for deep settings. A tiny routine helps toolabel inputs on the TV, keep devices on the same SSID, and write your start sequence on a note by the couch. When the basics are smooth, the paid extras become a convenience, not a crutch.