Top 10 Alternatives to TiVo App for iPad and iPhone

Wouldn’t you love to be able to reduce the number of remote control devices in your family room? Now you can. Your TiVo can be controlled by an app, you can download it for your iPad or iPhone. You certainly can choose to download the official TiVo app, or you can choose a second party app. Most people can’t live without their smartphone for communicating, so why not put it to use in a new, creative way? Here are ten of the top alternatives to the TiVo app for the iPad and iPhone.

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1. TiVo ToGo

This fun to say app is free at the iTunes store, here for Com Hem customers to be able to use with their TiVo device. You can access your favorite packages, and even finish watching a show on your mobile device that you started to watch on your TiVo. There’s also a rental service you can use that ties in and allows you to watch on your TiVo ToGo app for up to 48 hours later. The familiar TiVo search feature is included, as is the ability to set recordings and manage series settings. Then of course, when you are at home and your phone is connected to the wireless network, it becomes your remote control, where you can change the channel, fast forward, or toggle to live TV.

2. AOL TV

This free app published by one of the first and longest lasting Internet providers gives you access to your TiVo without using the regular remote. It’s available at the Apple iTunes Store at here. It scores highly with users for its ease of use and usefulness. You can search the guides from a number of sources including Hulu, iTunes, and Netflix; schedule recordings on your TiVo; and do some research on your favorite actor or learn more about the real life event that inspired the story by accessing Wikipedia and IMDb. You can even access your Netflix account and add more movies to your queue.

3. iTV

As you might surmise by the title, this is specifically designed for the Apple iOS. It is available for free at here. According to Apple, this app is their top download in the TV guide section. It lets you see what is available on several streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and iTunes, plus you can learn more about the actors or the shows on IMDb and Wikipedia. For US and Canada users, you can access a local TV listings guide, too. So, pretty much no matter what TV source service you have through your TiVo, you’ll be able to access it.

4. Peanut Plus Remote & Keyboard for TiVo DVR

This is the premium version of another app, we’ll look at in a moment. It’s available for a fee from the iTunes store at here. It works on both the iPad and iPhone, and it comes with tech support should you need any help. Since this is the paid version, you won’t see any ads. You can access your favorites by swiping left. If you rotate your device, you’ll be able to pull up a full keyboard, which will make entering information much easier. It can either connect through the Apple Bonjour connection service or by setting up a manual connection. Peanut is not able to do any TV controls, however, like volume. You also will need to have a TiVo series 3 or later version.

5. Peanut Remote & Keyboard for TiVo DVR

This is the free version of the Peanut app. It’s available at the iTunes store at here. Since it is free, it does come with ads, but users have rated them as not bothersome. It looks a lot like the actual TiVo remote, plus like the paid version, if you rotate the device, you can access a keyboard for easier entry of searches. Like the paid version, it can connect using Bonjour or manually by setting the port number. It does not control the TV either. Make sure you enable your TiVo to use Network Remotes so it will be readily able to use the Apple device and the app.

6. iWavit TiVo

This free app, when paired with the iWavit device, will let your Apple portable device become a TiVo remote for the Premiere model. You can download it at here. You will want to launch the app first, then attach the iWavit device. After that, it works much like a TiVo remote with large, easy to see buttons. You can even make it look 3D by swiping from left to right. It’s a brightly lit screen, so even if you have the lights off for a true cinema experience, you’ll be able to see the app. There is an optional IR attachment for the iWavit that lets you use the IR feature from up to 300 feet away. It can also be programmed to handle all of your home theater devices.

7. TVGuide.co.uk TV Guide

British TV fans with TiVos can download an app for their systems, too. It’s a free app at here. You can view up to seven days at once, set remote recordings on your TiVo, and share on your favorite social media site, all from the same app. It works for Freesat, Freeview, Sky, and Virgin Media systems. You can customize the listings to roll vertically or horizontally, your choice. If you find a show on your Sky or Virgin Media TV listings, you can press a button to allow that show to start recording right away. Some shows have the iTunes logo beside them, so you can click to download that show right away.

8. TiMote

This app is not free, but you get a lot of power for your money. It’s available at here. It works over the WiFi network on your TiVo series 3 or later box to turn your iPhone or iPod Touch into a remote. TiMote receives rave reviews for how fast and responsive it is, plus how easy it is to use. Unlike some others where you have to program the IP address of your TiVo into the device, you can use this to automatically find and start using your Tivo. The keyboard option for inputting your search criteria is also available on this app. You can set up a favorites list and view what you are watching on the mobile device.

9. DVR Remote

While this app is not free, it is certainly one of the lowest cost apps you can find, and it is much less expensive than a second remote would be. You can download it at here. It works on the TiVo series 3 or Premiere models. DVR Remote can show you what is playing on your phone as well as control your TiVo. A quick swipe accesses a keyboard for easier searching. It works over wifi and it automatically can detect your TiVo so set up is a breeze. Just make sure you tell your TiVo to accept Network Remote Controls. You can set up a favorites list to easily access your favorite channels.

10. Logitech Link

Logitech is one of the world’s top portable entry device manufacturers, making mice, keyboards, and remotes. Now they offer a free app at the iTunes store, here, that gets high marks for how easy it is to use. You will need to have a Harmony Link unit, but with that, your iPad or iPhone becomes a multi-function remote. You can view the programming guide, tap the Watch Now button to watch the show, or program your TiVo. It can also take you to a movie or start a music stream for you. The Harmony Link will include an IR option so you can operate all of your home entertainment boxes without having to keep the entertainment unit doors open.