The Best Utility Apps for Devices, Networks, and Remote Access

Switch to Android is the most immediately useful app in this group because it addresses a one-time problem with clear consequences: moving photos, videos, contacts, and calendar events from an iPhone to a new Android phone without a cable. Google also flags the iMessage setting, which matters because leaving it active can cause missed texts after the switch. The permission requests are unavoidable for a transfer tool, so privacy-conscious users should review them before starting. Compared with Merge, this has a broader payoff and a clearer use case, but it is not a daily productivity app. Best for iPhone owners moving to Android who need their core personal data transferred without a computer.

Device Utility does one job and explains it well: connect to nearby Maturix hardware over Bluetooth, check firmware, and install secure over-the-air updates with live progress. There is no cable or PC requirement, which cuts out the most annoying part of maintaining specialist equipment. The limitation is just as specific: this is useful only if you own a compatible Maturix device. Unlike Switch to Android, it will not help with general phone setup or personal data. Best for Maturix hardware owners who want firmware maintenance from an Android phone and do not want to keep a computer nearby.

Remote Utilities Viewer has the strongest productivity case in the entire list. It provides remote access to Windows, macOS, and Linux computers over the internet or LAN, with desktop viewing, mouse and keyboard control, file transfer, and power management. The listing also says there is zero network configuration and no advertising, which is unusually practical for a remote-access tool. The Android-only limitation matters, and remote control from a phone is still slower than sitting at the computer. Best for IT staff, freelancers, and small-business owners who occasionally need to reach a computer while away from a desk.

Network Utilities Ultimate is the more technical companion to Remote Utilities Viewer. Its toolkit covers Wi-Fi analysis, connected-device discovery, IP subnet calculations, HTTP inspection, host and server tests, open-port identification, DNS lookups, and connection troubleshooting. That breadth is useful, but the app is aimed at administrators, technicians, developers, students, and confident home users rather than someone who simply wants to improve Wi-Fi speed. It also cannot remotely control a computer, so it solves a different problem from the previous pick. Best for Android users who need several network diagnostics in one place and understand what the results mean.

Smart Utility - All in one app takes the opposite approach to Network Utilities Ultimate: instead of focusing on technical diagnostics, it bundles converters, calculators, health tools, quick utilities, and offline games. The modern interface and offline positioning should appeal to students, travelers, engineers, and anyone tired of installing a separate tool for every small calculation. The downside is focus. A large bundle can become cluttered, and the listing does not provide a price, app size, permission list, or user rating here. Best for Android users who need everyday conversions and calculators more often than specialist network analysis.

Universal Remote TV Control＊ is a practical iPhone remote for smart TVs, but its productivity value is limited compared with the diagnostic tools above. The App Store listing shows a 4.4 rating from 140 ratings, free installation with in-app purchases, and iPhone-only availability. That review count gives the score more weight than Merge's single rating, although compatibility still needs checking before paying for anything. It is a convenience tool, not a work utility, and the in-app purchase model is the main point to inspect. Best for iPhone households that need a backup smart-TV controller and want a more established rating history than the newer watch bridge.

Universal Remote・TV Control has the stronger rating record among the two broad TV remotes shown here: 4.5 from 86 App Store ratings. It lists support for Sony, LG, Toshiba, and Hisense, and is free to install with in-app purchases on iPhone. That named compatibility is more useful than a vague promise of universal control, though four brands still do not guarantee every model will work. Compared with the Samsung-specific app, this is the better starting point for mixed-brand households, but users should confirm the TV model before treating the purchase option as worthwhile. Best for iPhone users controlling a compatible Sony, LG, Toshiba, or Hisense TV.

Smart TV Remote for Samsung has a narrower target but adds SmartThings and Smart View casting to its remote-control pitch. Its App Store listing shows 4.5 from 117 ratings, free installation with in-app purchases, and iPad design support. The larger rating sample gives it a little more credibility than the broad remote above, but Samsung-only compatibility makes the decision simple: it is either relevant or it is not. Casting features may matter more than button control for some households, although the supplied listing does not spell out the paid tier or permission details. Best for Samsung households using an iPhone or iPad that want remote control plus casting tools.