We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Universal Remotes 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

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
9.9
Chosen by1,159
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
232 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
9.9
Chosen by1,159
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
232 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
9.8
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
46690 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
9.8
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
46690 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 950 IR Tv Remote Control

Rating
9.6
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Ease of Setup

Most important from
1007 reviews

Compatibility
The remote supports a vast device library, including legacy equipment, allowing seamless integration of diverse home entertainment components.
Number of Devices
The Harmony 950 delivers excellent control over multiple devices, making complex setups simple with one-touch Activities that handle everything from powering on to input selection.
Ease of Setup
Programming the remote is straightforward with a helpful setup wizard, though advanced customization and copying settings from older remotes can be somewhat involved and occasionally imperfect.
Button Layout and Design
Ergonomically, the remote feels comfortable with all buttons placed below the touchscreen, improving usability without a steep learning curve for those familiar with previous models.
Backlighting
Motion-activated backlit buttons and a full-color touchscreen enhance usability even in low light, providing an intuitive, smartphone-like navigation experience.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts around three days, which is solid but requires regular docking since the charging station may not always be conveniently located near the viewing area.

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.

Rating
9.6
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Ease of Setup

Most important from
1007 reviews

Compatibility
The remote supports a vast device library, including legacy equipment, allowing seamless integration of diverse home entertainment components.
Number of Devices
The Harmony 950 delivers excellent control over multiple devices, making complex setups simple with one-touch Activities that handle everything from powering on to input selection.
Ease of Setup
Programming the remote is straightforward with a helpful setup wizard, though advanced customization and copying settings from older remotes can be somewhat involved and occasionally imperfect.
Button Layout and Design
Ergonomically, the remote feels comfortable with all buttons placed below the touchscreen, improving usability without a steep learning curve for those familiar with previous models.
Backlighting
Motion-activated backlit buttons and a full-color touchscreen enhance usability even in low light, providing an intuitive, smartphone-like navigation experience.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts around three days, which is solid but requires regular docking since the charging station may not always be conveniently located near the viewing area.

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.

FAQ