Quick answer
- SmartThings is official and free, controls your whole smart home and requires a Samsung account.
- If you only want a fast remote, a dedicated Samsung TV remote app opens straight to the controls and needs no account.
- Look for a touchpad, phone keyboard, app shortcuts, mirroring, no ads and a clear privacy policy.
The best SmartThings alternative for a Samsung TV is a dedicated remote app that connects directly over your home Wi-Fi, opens straight to the remote and needs no Samsung account. SmartThings remains a good choice if you manage other smart-home devices, but it is more than you need if all you want is to change the channel.
This guide compares SmartThings with the main alternatives fairly, so you can pick the one that fits how you use your TV.
What SmartThings does well
SmartThings is Samsung's own app for its TVs, appliances and many third-party smart-home devices. It is free, it is made by the company that makes your TV and it includes a SmartThings TV remote with the usual keys, plus TV settings and routines that can, for example, switch the TV on with other devices.
If you already use SmartThings for lights, plugs or a Samsung washing machine, keeping your TV in the same app makes sense.
Why people look for a SmartThings alternative
- A Samsung account is required. Some people simply do not want another account for a remote.
- It is a smart-home hub first. The TV remote sits inside a broader app, so reaching it can take a few more taps.
- Different focus. Users who mainly type searches or browse the web on the TV often want a touchpad, mouse pointer and full keyboard in front, not hidden in menus.
- Privacy preferences. A local-only app with no account appeals to people who want as little data as possible to leave the house.
None of these are flaws, just different priorities. That is why lighter apps exist.
What to look for in the best Samsung TV remote app for Android
- Touchpad for fast scrolling through rows of content.
- Mouse pointer for the TV web browser.
- Phone keyboard for searches and passwords.
- App shortcuts to launch TV apps in one tap.
- Screen mirroring and casting without extra hardware.
- No ads and no account – a remote should open instantly and stay out of the way.
- A clear privacy policy that says what, if anything, is collected.
SmartThings alternatives for your Samsung TV
Dedicated Samsung TV remote apps (example: Samsung TV Remote)
These apps do one job: control Samsung TVs. Samsung TV Remote is free, has no ads, no in-app purchases and no account, and it collects no data. It connects to the TV over your home Wi-Fi, adds a touchpad, mouse mode, phone keyboard and one-tap apps, and includes screen mirroring with sound and photo and video casting. It works with Samsung Smart TVs only: every feature on 2016 and newer models, the remote buttons on 2010 to 2015 Smart TVs (see the compatibility guide).
Universal remote apps with infrared
Some Android phones have an infrared (IR) blaster. Universal IR remote apps use it to control many TV brands, even without Wi-Fi. They do not need the TV to be on a network, but they usually offer only the classic buttons, with no keyboard, touchpad or mirroring. Most current phones no longer include an IR blaster, so check yours first.
A replacement physical remote
An original or compatible Samsung remote needs no phone at all. It is the most familiar option, but you pay for it, wait for delivery and still type letter by letter on the on-screen keyboard.
Comparison table
| Option | Account needed | Ads | Touchpad and keyboard | Mirroring | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SmartThings | Yes (Samsung account) | No | Basic | Varies by phone | Whole smart home in one app |
| Samsung TV Remote | No | No | Yes | Yes, with sound (1–3 s delay) | A fast, private TV remote |
| Universal IR remote apps | Varies by app | Varies by app | Usually no | No | Phones with an IR blaster, many brands |
| Replacement remote | No | No | No | No | People who prefer physical buttons |
Can you use a Samsung TV remote app without an account?
Yes. A Samsung TV remote app without an account talks to the TV directly on your home network. The only "registration" is the TV's own Allow prompt the first time you connect, which keeps strangers from controlling your TV. Nothing is stored in the cloud, and the app works as long as the phone and TV share the same Wi-Fi.
Which option should you choose?
- You run a smart home with Samsung devices: stay with SmartThings.
- You want the quickest remote with typing and no account: use a dedicated app like Samsung TV Remote. Setup takes a couple of minutes, see how to use your phone as a Samsung TV remote.
- Your phone has an IR blaster and you have several TV brands: try a universal IR app.
- You never want to use a phone for this: buy a replacement remote.
You can also combine them: SmartThings for routines and a dedicated app as the everyday remote.
Conclusion
SmartThings is a solid, official app, but it is built for the whole smart home and requires a Samsung account. If you want a SmartThings alternative that opens straight to a full remote, with a touchpad, keyboard and mirroring, and without ads or an account, a dedicated Samsung TV remote app is the simpler choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is SmartThings free?
Yes. The SmartThings app is free to download and use with Samsung TVs. It requires a Samsung account. Some third-party smart-home devices you connect to it may have their own costs, but controlling your Samsung TV does not.
Do I need a Samsung account to control my TV from my phone?
Only if you use SmartThings. Dedicated remote apps such as the Samsung TV Remote app connect to the TV directly over your home Wi-Fi and need no account. The TV only asks you to allow the phone the first time it connects.
Is Samsung Smart View still available?
Samsung retired the standalone Smart View app and moved TV control into SmartThings. On Samsung Galaxy phones, Smart View still exists as a screen-mirroring option in the quick settings panel, but it is no longer a separate remote app.
Are free remote apps safe?
Check three things before you install one: what permissions it asks for, whether it shows ads or requires an account, and what its privacy policy says. A remote app needs local network access, not your contacts or location history. Samsung TV Remote collects no data and keeps traffic on your home network.