Remote Sunrise makes Remote Control for TV. This page compares it with Samsung SmartThings for users who search for a direct Samsung TV remote app alternative.
Short Answer
Use Remote Control for TV if your main goal is fast Samsung TV control from iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, widgets, and Siri Shortcuts, especially if you also own non-Samsung TVs.
Use Samsung SmartThings if you want Samsung’s official app, Samsung account features, smart-home automation, out-of-room Samsung ecosystem control, or management of other SmartThings devices.
Last updated: May 7, 2026.
Feature Comparison
| Feature or Need | Remote Control for TV | Samsung SmartThings |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Dedicated TV remote app | Samsung smart-home and device ecosystem |
| Samsung TV remote keys | Yes, on supported Samsung Smart TVs | Yes, through Samsung’s official TV controls |
| iPhone and iPad | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch TV keypad | Yes, for saved TVs | Broader SmartThings watch support, not a dedicated TV keypad replacement |
| Mac TV remote | Yes | No Mac-first TV remote flow |
| Widgets and Siri Shortcuts | Yes, for supported saved-device actions | Best for SmartThings routines and scenes |
| Samsung app launching | Yes, where supported | Yes, where supported by Samsung |
| Custom Samsung app IDs | Yes | Not the main SmartThings workflow |
| Samsung account required | No account for Remote Control for TV | Yes for Samsung network-based smart services |
| Controls non-Samsung TVs | Yes, several supported platforms | Built for Samsung and SmartThings ecosystem devices |
| Best fit | Daily Apple-device TV remote | Official Samsung smart-home control |
Choose Remote Control for TV When
- You want a focused Samsung TV remote instead of a full smart-home dashboard.
- You use Apple Watch, Mac, widgets, or Siri Shortcuts for TV actions.
- You own Samsung TV plus LG, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Hisense, or Vizio devices.
- You want custom Samsung app launch IDs when a launcher app is missing.
- You do not want to sign into a Samsung account just to use this app.
Choose Samsung SmartThings When
- You want Samsung’s official app and support path.
- You use Samsung appliances, lights, sensors, or SmartThings automations.
- You want Samsung account and cloud-connected smart services.
- You want one Samsung ecosystem app for TV plus non-TV Samsung devices.
- You prefer the manufacturer’s app even if it is broader than TV control.
Limitations
| Remote Control for TV | Samsung SmartThings |
|---|---|
| Requires same trusted local network for normal TV remote control | Requires Samsung account for Samsung network-based smart services |
| Independent app, not affiliated with Samsung | Broader dashboard can be heavier for simple remote control |
| Feature support varies by Samsung model and firmware | Available TV controls vary by Samsung TV or projector |
Comparison Basis
- Remote Control for TV product documentation and App Store metadata, checked May 7, 2026.
- Samsung: connect a Samsung TV in SmartThings.
- Samsung: control your Samsung TV or projector with SmartThings.
FAQ
Can I use both apps?
Yes. Many users keep SmartThings for official Samsung ecosystem features and use Remote Control for TV as the daily remote.
Is Remote Control for TV affiliated with Samsung?
No. Remote Control for TV is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Samsung.