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10 Best Universal Remotes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub and App, All in One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customize Activities, Control Up to 60 IR/Bluetooth/WiFi Devices

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,135
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
316 reviews

Compatibility
Replacing multiple remotes, the SofaBaton has no trouble controlling various devices, with only occasional delays.
Programming Method
Setup was simple and intuitive, with all equipment configured in under 30 minutes.
Button Layout and Design
The remote lights up and has a simple layout, making it easy to use during movie nights.
Smart Features
The app is user-friendly and works just like the remote, useful when the remote needs charging.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,135
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
316 reviews

Compatibility
Replacing multiple remotes, the SofaBaton has no trouble controlling various devices, with only occasional delays.
Programming Method
Setup was simple and intuitive, with all equipment configured in under 30 minutes.
Button Layout and Design
The remote lights up and has a simple layout, making it easy to use during movie nights.
Smart Features
The app is user-friendly and works just like the remote, useful when the remote needs charging.
#2

Universal-TV-Remote-Control Compatible with Samsung/LG/Vizio/Hisense/Sony/Philips/Onn/Sharp/RCA/Element/Westinghouse/Sanyo/Emerson TV and More Brand Smart TVs

Rating
9.4
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
50699 reviews

Compatibility
Pairing is simple, and the remotes function just like the original, so there's no learning curve.
Programming Method
These remotes are so easy to use—just put in the batteries and they're ready to go.
Button Layout and Design
The remotes are simple to use, with buttons that respond precisely and without delay.

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.

Rating
9.4
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
50699 reviews

Compatibility
Pairing is simple, and the remotes function just like the original, so there's no learning curve.
Programming Method
These remotes are so easy to use—just put in the batteries and they're ready to go.
Button Layout and Design
The remotes are simple to use, with buttons that respond precisely and without delay.
#3

Logitech Harmony 665 Advanced Remote Control

Rating
8.8
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Programming Method

Most important from
1847 reviews

Compatibility
Using the remote with Nvidia Shield requires a FLIRC USB dongle, but once set up, it works great with direct line of sight.
Number of Devices
The Logitech Harmony 665 remote is fantastic for running all electronic equipment and can control up to 10 devices.
Programming Method
Setting up the remote was straightforward, though it required some back and forth to get all components working properly.
Button Layout and Design
The buttons are tactile and backlit, making it easy to use in the dark.
Smart Features
The remote makes it easy to switch between different devices with one button press, turning off unused devices and switching inputs automatically.

The Logitech Harmony 665 Advanced Remote Control offers a simple and lightweight option for controlling a single television. Its straightforward infrared connectivity makes it easy to use, but it lacks compatibility with multiple devices, which is a significant downside for those looking for a truly universal remote.

The absence of smart features and limited device support might make it less appealing to tech-savvy users or those with more complex home entertainment setups. Additionally, since it has been discontinued by the manufacturer, finding support or replacements might be challenging.

For someone seeking a basic, easy-to-use remote for their television, this could be a suitable choice if they can find it available.

Rating
8.8
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Programming Method

Most important from
1847 reviews

Compatibility
Using the remote with Nvidia Shield requires a FLIRC USB dongle, but once set up, it works great with direct line of sight.
Number of Devices
The Logitech Harmony 665 remote is fantastic for running all electronic equipment and can control up to 10 devices.
Programming Method
Setting up the remote was straightforward, though it required some back and forth to get all components working properly.
Button Layout and Design
The buttons are tactile and backlit, making it easy to use in the dark.
Smart Features
The remote makes it easy to switch between different devices with one button press, turning off unused devices and switching inputs automatically.

Buying Guide for the Best Universal Remotes

Choosing the right universal remote can greatly enhance your home entertainment experience by allowing you to control multiple devices with a single remote. The key to finding the best fit for you is to understand the different specifications and features available, and how they align with your needs. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting a universal remote.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to the range of devices that the universal remote can control. This is important because you want a remote that can operate all your devices, such as your TV, DVD player, sound system, and streaming devices. Universal remotes typically list the brands and types of devices they support. If you have a mix of older and newer devices, look for a remote with broad compatibility. For a simpler setup with fewer devices, a basic model might suffice.
Number of DevicesThis spec indicates how many devices the remote can control simultaneously. It's important because it determines the convenience and efficiency of your remote. Basic models might control 2-4 devices, which is suitable for a simple setup. More advanced models can handle 8-15 devices, ideal for a more complex home entertainment system. Choose a remote that can manage all your current devices, with a bit of room for future additions.
Ease of SetupEase of setup refers to how simple it is to program the remote to work with your devices. This is crucial because a complicated setup process can be frustrating. Some remotes use a code entry method, where you input specific codes for each device. Others offer a more user-friendly approach with automatic code search or smartphone app integration. If you're not tech-savvy, look for a remote with a straightforward setup process.
Button Layout and DesignThe button layout and design affect how easy and comfortable the remote is to use. This is important for ensuring a pleasant user experience. Some remotes have a traditional button layout, while others feature touchscreens or customizable buttons. Consider how you use your devices and choose a layout that feels intuitive. If you prefer tactile feedback, a remote with physical buttons might be best. For a more modern feel, a touchscreen remote could be appealing.
BacklightingBacklighting refers to whether the remote's buttons light up, making it easier to use in low-light conditions. This is important for convenience, especially if you often watch TV in the dark. Some remotes have fully backlit buttons, while others only light up certain keys. If you frequently use your remote in dim environments, a fully backlit model can be very helpful. If this is less of a concern, you might not need this feature.
Smart Home IntegrationSmart home integration means the remote can control smart home devices like lights, thermostats, and smart speakers. This is important if you have or plan to have a smart home setup. Some universal remotes are compatible with popular smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. If you want to consolidate control of your entertainment and smart home devices, look for a remote with this capability. If you don't use smart home devices, this feature might not be necessary.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the remote can operate before needing new batteries or a recharge. This is important for convenience and cost-effectiveness. Some remotes use standard AA or AAA batteries, while others have rechargeable batteries. If you prefer not to change batteries frequently, a remote with a long battery life or a rechargeable option might be best. Consider how often you use your remote and choose accordingly.

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