10 Best Universal Remotes 2025 in the United States

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.

The Logitech Harmony 950 is a versatile universal remote that supports over 270,000 devices, making it ideal for managing multiple gadgets like TVs, streaming devices, or game consoles. It features a full-color touchscreen that provides an intuitive, smartphone-like navigation experience. One-touch activities enable users to start complex setups, such as 'watch a movie,' with a single press, simplifying the use of multiple devices together.

The remote includes motion-activated backlit buttons for easy control even in the dark, and customizable buttons allow users to tailor the device to their preferences. It comes with a charging station, so users don’t need to frequently replace batteries, and the rechargeable design is both convenient and eco-friendly.

Since this model was released in 2016, it may not support some of the latest smart home devices or newer streaming gadgets as seamlessly as more recent options. The setup process can be somewhat involved for beginners, especially when programming many devices or macros. The touchscreen button layout may also require an adjustment period for those who prefer physical buttons. Despite these factors, the Harmony 950 offers strong battery life and remains a powerful, touchscreen-based remote that covers a wide range of devices and simplifies complex setups, making it a solid choice for home entertainment systems with many components.

The SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote consolidates control of up to 15 devices, making it ideal for users with multiple entertainment systems. It supports a wide array of devices, thanks to an extensive code database that includes over 6,000 brands and 500,000+ devices. However, it does not support WiFi devices, which might limit its usage for some smart home setups.

The backlit buttons are a nice touch, ensuring usability in low-light conditions. The inclusion of macro buttons is a significant advantage, allowing complex commands to be executed with a single press, which can streamline your routine significantly. Setup is straightforward with the SofaBaton app, which offers customization options like reassigning buttons and creating macros.

The remote's ergonomic design includes a scroll wheel and OLED display for easy navigation and larger buttons for better control. An extended signal range up to 35 feet ensures reliable connectivity from anywhere in your room. On the downside, the reliance on an app for some settings might not appeal to less tech-savvy users. The need for 2 AA batteries, although included, does add to long-term maintenance costs. The SofaBaton U2 is a robust choice for users looking to streamline control of various entertainment devices, provided they don't need support for WiFi devices.