Google Home is the best pick for most people managing TV remotes, SmartThings is best for Samsung TV owners, and OnSwitch is only useful if your “TV remote” problem includes lighting scenes. Google’s own TV remote setup supports using a phone as a virtual remote for Google TV and Android TV devices [source: Google]. That makes it the safest first choice if you use Chromecast, Google TV, or Android TV. SmartThings wins if your living room is built around Samsung gear.
TLDR: Use Google Home if you want a simple phone remote for Google TV, Chromecast, and voice control. Use SmartThings if you own a Samsung TV, because it gives you richer TV controls and better device grouping. Use OnSwitch if you care about lighting scenes during movies, not full TV control. For example, in a home with 1 Samsung TV, 2 smart bulbs, and 1 Chromecast, SmartThings handles the TV best, while Google Home is faster for casting and quick volume changes.
Quick Comparison
- Best overall: Google Home
- Best for Samsung TVs: SmartThings
- Best for mood lighting: OnSwitch
- Best for mixed smart homes: Google Home or SmartThings
- Worst choice for direct TV control: OnSwitch
Google Home: Best for Most TV Setups
Google Home is the easiest app to recommend because it fits many living rooms. If you have Chromecast with Google TV, an Android TV, or a Google TV set, your phone can act like a remote. You can use it for playback, volume, app launching, and voice commands.
The best part is speed. Open the app, pick the device, and control the screen. It does not feel fancy, but it works. That matters when the real remote has vanished into the sofa again.
Google Home also shines if you use voice control. Saying “Hey Google, pause the TV” or “play YouTube on the living room TV” feels natural. It is great for families too, because many people already have the app installed.
Honestly, it feels like Google Home is less about replacing every button and more about cutting down the number of remotes on the coffee table. That is fine. Most people only need power, volume, play, pause, and app shortcuts.
SmartThings: Best if You Own a Samsung TV
SmartThings is the strongest option for Samsung TV users. It can act as a phone remote, manage connected devices, and create routines. If your TV, soundbar, lights, and appliances are Samsung or SmartThings compatible, this app starts to feel like a real control center.
Samsung supports TV control through SmartThings on compatible models [source: Samsung]. You can turn the TV on or off, change inputs, adjust volume, and control playback. Some models also support extra features, which can make the app feel closer to the original remote.
The catch is setup. Pairing a TV can take a few tries. It drives me crazy that a simple “add device” step can turn into five minutes of checking Wi-Fi, permissions, and account settings. Once it works, though, it is solid.
SmartThings is also better than Google Home for room-based routines. For example, you can create a Movie Night scene that dims lights, turns on the TV, and adjusts a soundbar. That is where it feels more complete.
OnSwitch: Great for Atmosphere, Not a True TV Remote
OnSwitch is different. It is not a full TV remote app in the same way Google Home and SmartThings are. It is better known for smart lighting effects, especially with systems like Philips Hue and LIFX. OnSwitch focuses on scenes, colors, and preset moods.
That makes it useful for people who want the room to match what they are watching. Horror movie? Use darker red lighting. Sports night? Set bright colors around the TV. Kids watching cartoons? Pick playful effects. It adds fun, but it does not replace the missing TV remote.
If your main problem is changing channels, switching HDMI inputs, or typing a search term on your TV, OnSwitch is the wrong tool. Expect to waste time if you install it thinking it will control every TV in the house.
Which App Should You Choose?
- Choose Google Home if you use Chromecast, Google TV, Android TV, Nest speakers, or Google Assistant.
- Choose SmartThings if your main TV is Samsung and you want deeper control.
- Choose OnSwitch if you want better lighting during movies, games, or parties.
For many homes, the best answer is not one app. It is two. Use Google Home or SmartThings for actual TV control, then use OnSwitch for lighting effects. That combo keeps things simple and still makes the room feel polished.
Best Use Cases
For a Chromecast household: Google Home is the clear winner. You can cast, control playback, and use voice commands without much fuss.
For a Samsung living room: SmartThings makes more sense. It handles the TV and other Samsung devices in one place.
For a movie fan: OnSwitch adds personality. It will not change the channel, but it can make a basic movie night feel more fun.
Final Verdict
Google Home is the best all-around app for managing TV remotes because it is simple, familiar, and works well with Google TV devices. SmartThings is better for Samsung TV owners who want stronger device control and routines. OnSwitch is not a direct rival, but it is a nice extra for lighting scenes.
If you want one practical choice, start with Google Home. If your TV says Samsung on the front, try SmartThings first. If your remote problem is really a boring room problem, add OnSwitch and enjoy the glow.
