10 Best Universal Remotes 2026 in the United States

The SofaBaton X2 is a versatile universal remote designed to control a wide range of home entertainment devices, supporting over 6,000 brands and multiple signal types (IR, Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi). It supports up to 50 devices, which is ample for most home setups. Its standout feature is the 2.4-inch touchscreen with a quick-access panel, making navigation and control intuitive, while the backlit touchscreen ensures usability in low-light settings. Setup involves using a dedicated app that helps customize button layouts and create one-touch activities, simplifying complex commands — though this may require some initial time to personalize.

The included SofaBaton Hub enhances signal reach, even when devices are hidden, and additional repeaters can extend control across rooms. Smart home integration is robust, especially with Home Assistant, Alexa, and Google Assistant compatibility, allowing you to link the remote with your smart home devices and automate multiple functions seamlessly. Battery life benefits from a Type-C charging dock, offering convenient recharging rather than relying on disposable batteries.

The touchscreen size might feel small for users who prefer larger buttons, and the remote’s features could be overwhelming for those seeking a simple plug-and-play solution without app customization. Additionally, the optional IR repeaters are sold separately, which adds to the cost if you have a large home. If you're looking for a powerful, customizable remote that doubles as a smart home controller and don’t mind spending a bit of time setting it up, the SofaBaton X2 is a strong choice.

The SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote stands out in the universal remote category due to its impressive compatibility, allowing you to control up to 60 devices, including TVs, set-top boxes, and more. Its extensive code library supports over 6,000 brands, making it a solid choice for diverse home setups. One of the standout features is the custom one-click activities, which simplify switching between functions like watching TV or listening to music with just a single button press.

The remote boasts a powerful hub that provides 360-degree control without needing to aim, which is great for convenience. Voice control integration with Alexa and Google Assistant adds a modern touch, allowing hands-free management of your entertainment. The backlit button design and 'raise to wake' feature make it user-friendly, especially in low-light conditions. Additionally, the 'Find my remote' function helps locate it easily when misplaced.

There are some drawbacks. While it supports many devices, its Wi-Fi control is limited to a few brands like Roku and Sonos, which may restrict its utility for some users. The need to pair Bluetooth devices via the original remote could be a hassle for those with multiple devices. Battery life is impressive at 45 days, but it may still require occasional charging, which some users might find inconvenient. The app's flexible API is a nice bonus for tech-savvy users looking to integrate it with other smart applications, though it may not be utilized by everyone. The remote itself has a comfortable grip, making it easy to use for extended periods, but its weight of 1.41 pounds could be a consideration for some.

This universal remote control by Acoyer is designed to simplify your entertainment experience, offering compatibility with a wide range of devices including TVs from popular brands like Samsung, LG, Vizio, and more. One of its standout features is the ability to control multiple devices, though it is limited to a maximum of three, which might suit many households but could be a drawback for users with more devices.

Setting up the remote is straightforward, following a step-by-step code input method. It may take a bit of patience, as users need to manually enter codes for their devices. However, the included user manual and code list are helpful resources for this process. Compatibility is generally broad, but it’s important to note that it does not work with Roku devices, which could be a dealbreaker for some.

In terms of design, it is lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle and store. The button layout is fairly standard, which should feel familiar to most users. However, some might find the button spacing less ergonomic, especially during extended use. Smart features are minimal, as the focus here is on basic control of various devices rather than advanced functionalities. Battery life will depend on usage, and the remote requires two AAA batteries, which are not included. Remember to avoid mixing old and new batteries for optimal performance.