Remote Sunrise makes Remote Control for TV. This page compares it with LG ThinQ for people who want to control an LG Smart TV or LG webOS TV from iPhone.
Short Answer
Use Remote Control for TV if you want a focused LG TV remote with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, widgets, Siri Shortcuts, touchpad navigation, app launching, text input, and input switching where your TV supports those actions.
Use LG ThinQ if you want LG’s official app, LG account features, appliance management, content sharing flows, and LG’s documented setup path.
Last updated: May 7, 2026.
Feature Comparison
| Feature or Need | Remote Control for TV | LG ThinQ |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Dedicated TV remote app | LG appliance, TV, and smart-home ecosystem |
| LG TV remote keys | Yes, on supported LG TVs | Yes, through LG’s official app |
| iPhone and iPad | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch TV keypad | Yes, for saved TVs | Broader LG ecosystem support, not a focused keypad replacement |
| Mac TV remote | Yes | No Mac-first TV remote flow |
| webOS touchpad navigation | Yes, where supported | Yes, through LG’s documented remote features |
| App launching | Yes, where supported | Yes, where supported by LG |
| Text input | Yes, on supported LG TVs | Varies by TV and app flow |
| Input switching | Yes, on supported LG TVs | Yes, where supported by LG |
| Controls non-LG TVs | Yes, several supported platforms | Best for LG ecosystem devices |
| Best fit | Daily Apple-device TV remote | Official LG ecosystem and appliances |
Choose Remote Control for TV When
- You want LG TV control without a full appliance dashboard.
- You use Apple Watch, Mac, widgets, or Siri Shortcuts for TV actions.
- You own LG TV plus other TV brands.
- You want the same TV remote app across several rooms and platforms.
- You do not need LG appliance management inside the same app.
Choose LG ThinQ When
- You want LG’s official app and support path.
- You use LG appliances or LG smart-home features.
- You want LG account and content sharing flows.
- You prefer manufacturer-specific setup.
- You need features that LG exposes only through ThinQ or the Magic Remote.
Limitations
| Remote Control for TV | LG ThinQ |
|---|---|
| Requires same trusted local network for normal TV control | Requires LG account flows for many LG ecosystem features |
| Independent app, not affiliated with LG | Broader app can be heavier for quick TV controls |
| Feature support varies by LG model, webOS version, and firmware | Feature availability varies by LG TV and app version |
Comparison Basis
- Remote Control for TV product documentation and App Store metadata, checked May 7, 2026.
- LG: the LG TV Plus remote app is now ThinQ.
- LG: set up the LG ThinQ app on your LG Smart TV.
FAQ
Can I use both apps?
Yes. Use LG ThinQ for official LG ecosystem features and Remote Control for TV for day-to-day Apple-device remote control.
Is Remote Control for TV affiliated with LG?
No. Remote Control for TV is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by LG.