Remote for Smart Samsung TV

First Impression

I was using this other free remote app that suddenly became unusable. It started throwing full-screen video ads every time I pressed a button. So I went hunting for a replacement, fully expecting another letdown. I found Remote for Smart Samsung TV by BoostVision and my expectations were rock bottom. I figured it would either not connect, be packed with even worse ads, or ask for money after a week. I downloaded it on a Sunday evening, right in the middle of trying to find a movie. The setup was stupidly simple. I opened the app, it saw my TV on the Wi-Fi immediately, and I was controlling the volume within 30 seconds. I was shocked it worked at all, let alone that fast.

What It Does Well

For a free app, it nails the basics better than some paid stuff I’ve tried. The layout looks just like my real Samsung remote, so there was no learning curve. The absolute best part is the keyboard. Typing in my HBO Max password with my phone is a dream compared to that awful on-screen clicker. Last Thursday, my partner Alex was trying to search for a specific documentary on YouTube, and I just pulled out my phone, tapped the keyboard icon, and had it typed in before he even found the letter ‘A’ with the physical remote. He just stared at me. The connection over Wi-Fi has been solid for months. I use my iPhone 15 Pro to turn the TV off every single night from bed—it’s become a ritual. The ads are just a thin banner at the bottom; they don’t interrupt you or make noise, which is a huge relief.

Where It Falls Short

It’s not perfect, and you notice the corners they cut. There’s a tiny but noticeable lag sometimes, especially with the volume buttons. You press it, wait a half-beat, then hear the TV blip. It’s minor, but in a quiet room, it’s obvious. My main gripe is it’s pretty bad at waking the TV up from being completely off. If the TV’s been off for a few hours, the app often says it can’t find it. I have to either use the physical remote’s IR blaster to turn the TV on first, or walk over and press the power button on the TV itself. Kind of defeats the purpose of a remote sometimes. Also, you can’t dig into any of the deeper TV settings menus. This is strictly for play, pause, volume, and apps.

Is It Worth the Price?

It’s free, so for me, the value question is really about whether the trade-offs are worth dealing with. And they absolutely are. I haven’t spent a cent, and the ads are the most reasonable I’ve seen in a utility app. They don’t get in the way of actually using the remote. Compared to the frustration of losing the physical remote under a pile of laundry, or that other app that bombarded me, this is a no-brainer. It solves the exact problem I needed it for 95% of the time. For a free backup remote, you can’t ask for much more.

Developer & Support

I’ve never had to contact support, which is probably a good sign. I did check their update history on the App Store before I downloaded it, because I’m wary of abandoned apps. BoostVision seems to put out an update every couple of months, usually just saying “bug fixes and performance improvements.” That told me they’re at least keeping it running, which is more than I can say for the last one I used. There’s an email address in the app’s settings if you need help. Knowing they’re actively maintaining it makes me feel better about relying on it long-term.

Privacy & Safety

This was my biggest hesitation. Why is a remote app free? What are they getting? I checked the App Store privacy details before installing. It says it uses data for “Third-Party Advertising” and links to the developer’s policy. The app needs access to your local network to find the TV, which makes sense. It doesn’t ask for contacts, photos, or anything creepy. I figure the small banner ads are the “price” I pay. It feels like a straightforward trade: I get a useful remote, they get to show me some non-intrusive ads. I downloaded it straight from the official App Store, not some sketchy website, so that eased my mind too.