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10 Best Universal Remotes 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote with Touchscreen, All in One Universal Remote Control with Powerful Hub, One-Touch Activities, Custom APP, Compatible with Alexa&Google Assistant&Home Assistant

Compatibility: TV, Streaming, DVD, Home Theater, Gaming
Number of Devices: 50
Ease of Setup: App customization; touchscreen learning curve
Button Layout and Design: 2.4-inch touchscreen, physical shortcut buttons
Backlighting: Backlight for dark room use
Smart Home Integration: Alexa, Google, Home Assistant
Battery Life: Rechargeable battery, Type-C charging dock

Chosen by 1181 this week

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

Compatibility: TV, Set Top Box, Stereo, DVD/Blu-ray
Number of Devices: 60
Programming Method: Supports over 6,000 brands
Button Layout and Design: Backlit buttons, 'raise to wake'
Smart Features: Voice control, 'Find my remote', app API
Battery Life: 45 days

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

Compatibility: DVD, Sound Bar, Blu-ray, TV, Set Top Box, Streaming Device, DVR/VCR/Audio
Number of Devices: 3
Programming Method: step-by-step code input
Button Layout and Design: lightweight, compact, standard layout
Smart Features: minimal
Battery Life: depends on usage, two AAA batteries

SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Upgrade Backlit Button,Improved Scroll, All in One Universal Remote Control with App Control, Custom Macros, Compatible with Smart TVs,Sound Bar and DVD

Compatibility: Infrared, Bluetooth, 15+ devices, no WiFi
Number of Devices: 15
Ease of Setup: Setup via app, customizable buttons
Button Layout and Design: User-friendly, ergonomic, lightweight design
Backlighting: Backlit
Smart Home Integration: No WiFi, limited integration
Battery Life: 2 AA batteries, reasonable duration

Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL, Sony, Vizio, Onn, Toshiba, Philips and More DVD, Blu ray Player, Soundbar Devices

Compatibility: DVD, Blu-ray, TV, Samsung, LG, Sony
Number of Devices: 1
Ease of Setup: Code list or automatic pairing
Button Layout and Design: Simple ergonomic design
Backlighting: None
Smart Home Integration: None
Battery Life: Depends on AAA batteries

GE Rechargeable TV Remote Control, Universal Remote Control, Backlit Buttons, Samsung TV Remote Control Replacement for Smart TVs, Apple TV, Sony, Roku Replacement Remote, LG TV, 4-Device, 80984

Compatibility: TV, Streaming Device, Blu-ray/DVD, soundbars
Number of Devices: 4
Programming Method: Preprogrammed, auto code search, direct entry
Button Layout and Design: Slim, stylish, backlit keypad, hotkeys
Smart Features: Rechargeable, LED indicator, master volume
Battery Life: Months on one charge

RCA Universal Rechargeable 3-Device Streaming Remote Control – for TV, Audio, Soundbar, Streaming Devices, Ultra-Slim, Rechargeable, Quick Access Keys

Compatibility: Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, DVD/Blu-ray
Number of Devices: 3
Ease of Setup: automatic and manual methods
Button Layout and Design: slim design, quick access Netflix, Disney+
Backlighting: none
Battery Life: 8 to 10 months
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote with Touchscreen, All in One Universal Remote Control with Powerful Hub, One-Touch Activities, Custom APP, Compatible with Alexa&Google Assistant&Home Assistant

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,181
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Ease of Setup

Most important from
36 reviews

Compatibility
The remote delivers outstanding IR performance with strong, reliable output and flawless Bluetooth control, even through walls.
Number of Devices
Switching between devices is fast and smooth, improving the overall user experience.
Ease of Setup
Setup through the app is intuitive and simpler than comparable high-end remotes, making device addition and activity creation straightforward.
Button Layout and Design
A bright, clear touchscreen combined with tactile physical buttons enhances daily use and speeds up navigation across devices.
Smart Home Integration
It integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, controlling entertainment and smart devices effortlessly.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, and the included Type-C charging dock eliminates frequent battery replacements.

The SofaBaton X2 universal remote is designed to handle a wide range of devices, supporting over 50 device types from more than 6,000 brands using various connection methods including Bluetooth, IR, RF, and Wi-Fi. This makes it a great fit if you want a single remote to control everything from your TV and streaming gadgets to soundbars and gaming consoles. Setting it up is made easier with a dedicated app that helps customize buttons and activities, though the touchscreen and app may take some time to get familiar with if you prefer simpler remotes.

Its standout feature is a bright 2.4-inch touchscreen combined with physical shortcut buttons, which offers intuitive navigation and quick access to common controls. The remote also includes a backlight for use in dark rooms and a Type-C charging dock, so you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries often. It uses a nonstandard rechargeable battery rather than common AA or AAA types, which might be a minor inconvenience if you prefer easy swaps. One major advantage is the deep smart home integration: it works smoothly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Home Assistant, allowing voice commands and automation across your entertainment and smart devices.

Weighing around 2 pounds, it is a bit heavier than average remotes but still manageable. The SofaBaton X2 is well suited for users looking for a modern, feature-rich universal remote with touchscreen and smart home capabilities, though it might be more complex than basic models and requires some initial setup time.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,181
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Ease of Setup

Most important from
36 reviews

Compatibility
The remote delivers outstanding IR performance with strong, reliable output and flawless Bluetooth control, even through walls.
Number of Devices
Switching between devices is fast and smooth, improving the overall user experience.
Ease of Setup
Setup through the app is intuitive and simpler than comparable high-end remotes, making device addition and activity creation straightforward.
Button Layout and Design
A bright, clear touchscreen combined with tactile physical buttons enhances daily use and speeds up navigation across devices.
Smart Home Integration
It integrates seamlessly with smart home systems, controlling entertainment and smart devices effortlessly.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, and the included Type-C charging dock eliminates frequent battery replacements.
#2

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
9.7
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
373 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
9.7
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
373 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.
#3

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
9.7
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
54482 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
9.7
Compatibility
Programming Method
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
54482 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.

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