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Rowmote vs Remote Buddy: catalog facts
Rowmote	Remote Buddy
Best for: Controlling a Mac connected to a TV or projector from an iPhone	Best for: Controlling a Mac media setup from the couch
Paid Rowmote Helper is free; the iOS apps cost $0.99 (Rowmote) or $4.99 (Rowmote Pro).	Paid Paid app with a downloadable trial and upgrade pricing for version 2.
macOS, iOS	macOS, iOS
Media-key control of more than forty Mac apps Pro version adds trackpad and keyboard All 4 strengths for Rowmote Media-key control of more than forty Mac apps Pro version adds trackpad and keyboard Wake on network and auto-pause on calls No line of sight needed	Works with a wide range of remotes and Apple devices Ready-made support for over 100 Mac apps All 3 strengths for Remote Buddy Works with a wide range of remotes and Apple devices Ready-made support for over 100 Mac apps Unified playback control for web videos in several browsers
Requires an iPhone or iPad and a Mac Trackpad and keyboard only in the Pro version	Paid after the trial macOS only on the controlled side All 3 limitations for Remote Buddy Paid after the trial macOS only on the controlled side Web video support depends on sites not changing their players
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Rowmote regularrateandrhythm.com/apps/rowmote Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Remote Buddy iospirit.com/products/remotebuddy apps.apple.com/us/app/remote-buddy-mobile-2/id1507969631 Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.