Looking for the best universal remote for your home theater? Look no further.
Universal remotes simplify things by consolidating the functions of various remotes into a single device. They offer superior ergonomics and intuitive buttons that are much better than the remote that came “in the box”.
Some even allow you to unify all your clickers and automate several tasks for your TV, soundbar, Roku streaming stick, and more, all at once.
A universal remote with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is an added advantage as it makes it possible to control smart home devices and removes issues that can occur if you’re not always in line-of-site with your devices.
Table of Contents
Top Universal Remotes
Below are some of the best universal remotes to help you improve your home theater experience.
1. Logitech Harmony Elite
Best Universal Remote For: Customization Options
- Maximize control with the Harmony remote — the most powerful and user-friendly option available,...
- Interactive full-color touchscreen: Effortlessly manage your entertainment and smart home devices with...
- One-touch Activities feature: Initiate tasks such as 'Watch a Movie' with a single touch to power on and...
Logitech’s Harmony Elite is the latest universal remote from the Harmony lineup. The remote combines the Harmony 950 touch-screen and the Harmony Hub, making it a notable upgrade from its predecessor.
Unlike other universal remotes, the Logitech Harmony goes beyond TV. You can use it to control your cable box, music from your kitchen, adjust the lights in your home as well as control other smart home devices.
The 2.5-inch full-color screen responds to the touch, almost similar to that of a smartphone or other mobile device. You get access to 50 channel presets and everyone in the house can control the universal remote through the Harmony app.
If you’ve used other Harmony remotes in the past, you’ll notice how the controls are well-aligned. The navigation keys are right under the screen, eliminating that inconvenient stretch on your thumb.
The Logitech Harmony Elite works with Amazon Alexa, so adjusting the volume and switching between channels is super-simple. You can control devices hidden behind walls or cabinets through the IR blaster built right into the Harmony Hub.
The setup process is relatively easy since the app walks you through everything step-by-step.
2. Logitech Harmony Companion
Best Universal Remote For: Voice Control
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Gone are the days when you needed a remote for each electronic device in your home. When it comes to the best universal remote controls, the Logitech Harmony Companion provides centralized control for almost all gadgets in your household.
This is an easy-to-use remote designed for home entertainment that works well with Alexa, allowing you to utilize voice control from the comfort of your couch.
The ability to use voice commands makes it easier to control more devices with this product.
One would expect the Harmony Companion to be bulky and heavy due to the multiple roles it serves. To the contrary, this universal remote seems impossibly thin and feels great in the hand.
The button placement is also good, with most commonly-used controls and navigation buttons centered right where your thumb rests. The strategically placed buttons make up for the lack of a backlight.
You also get a hub as a part of the package. This hub can blast IR signals across a room and pair to nearly any bluetooth device in need of universal remote options. The built-in software can also help you regulate kids’ screen time as you can operate it from different rooms within the same home.
This universal remote may be lighter than most of its competitors, but is heavy in functionality.
3. Fire TV Cube
Best Universal Remote For: Hands-Free Use
Amazon’s first Fire TV Cube was a three-in-one remote, but the Fire TV Cube proves to be the lineup’s flagship.
The Fire TV Cube is one of those devices that breathe life into your home entertainment system. Although the design is like the previous iterations, this one has a faster response time, a powerful processor, and Dolby Vision for those with TVs that support it.
It runs on an octa-core processor that is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The chipset provides a seamless experience when switching from one channel to another or navigating 4K streams on Netflix.
Universal remotes are often complicated to set up, but the Amazon Fire TV Cube has simple on-screen prompts, making the process a breeze.
The device performs all the work so you can enjoy the latest movies right away. The Amazon Fire TV Cube features eight microphones to respond to commands issued from any part of the room. These microphones can also be turned off for privacy protection.
The device is also (obviously) Alexa-enabled, so you can adjust the volume or change channels with ease. This is also a great way to control smart home devices around your house.
The Dolby Vision, HDR 10+, and H.265 video formats deliver movies with an enhanced punch. The skin tone display is spot on, and the Dolby Atmos allows for immersive sound if you’ve got the right home theater setup.
4. Philips Universal Remote
Best Universal Remote For: Value
- Multi-device control – Operate up to four audio and video devices such as TVs, Blu-ray/DVD players,...
- Best remote code library – Universal remote works with all major brands and supports thousands of the...
- Preprogrammed for Samsung and Roku – Universal remote’s TV and STR device buttons are preprogrammed...
The Philips SRP9243B might be the solution you’ve been searching for to complement your home entertainment setup.
It has an ergonomic design, which makes holding it comfortable. And, setting up the universal remote is a straightforward process.
Although the device has several buttons, you’re assured of a seamless experience when switching between platforms.
The controls are responsive to ensure you don’t have to double-tap each one when binging the latest season of the Crown. You can also adjust the volume with the master volume control.
The Philips SRP9243B has multi-device control, operating up to four different video and audio components. You can control your DVD players, TVs, cable box, Apple TV, satellite receivers, and Roku boxes right from your couch.
The physical remote is universally compatible, meaning it works with a vast range of TVs. It’s compatible with big brands like LG, Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, TCL, and more.
The universal remote has various finishes, including gold, rose, blue, graphite, and black, to complement your current devices.
5. Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Remote
Best Universal Remote For: Streaming
- Rugged, Commercial-Grade. Pre-programmed with Apple TV, XBox One & X, Media Center/Kodi and Roku device...
- Button Labels- These self-adhesive labels, as pictured, can be cut out and applied under the buttons that...
- Device Code Database- Complete worldwide database of device codes; Library Search Capability-You can...
The lightweight Inteset Remote is designed to work directly with popular streaming devices.
Everything in this remote feels premium, from the velvet coating on the back to the intuitive buttons. It has the capabilities of a high-end product but at a budget-friendly price.
Users can program 32 commands to a single button, something universal remotes in the same price category lack. For instance, you can turn off all of your devices, switch inputs, or change a channel all from one assigned button.
You can customize the physical remote using the included label stickers based on your needs. This means no second-guessing once you press a particular button.
The intuitive button mapping is responsive, making sure that you register what you intended, while the backlighting comes in handy when you’re using the remote at night. It also notifies you whether the remote is working or not.
The ergonomic design has an indent in the middle, which provides a manageable and comfortable grip. Better yet, the remote weighs only 5.6 ounces, making it easy to hold.
6. RCA 4 Device Remote
Best Universal Remote For: Design
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Finding the right remote to use at home can be a daunting task, especially if you have more than one electronic device. However, the RCA 4 Device Remote makes it easy for you by consolidating all of your needs into one device.
This universal remote is an ultra-slim remote designed for a simplified setup. The remote is factory assembled, making it a plug-and-play control.
The RCA 4 is among the lightest universal remote controls you’ll find, weighing just 0.31 pounds. This lightweight design also protects it from breaking if it hits the ground.
Like most universal remotes, the RCA 4 can control up to four devices. Whether it’s your satellite box, DVD, streaming devices, or an ordinary TV, this remote will consolidate control of multiple devices to one unit.
The universal remote has a unique ergonomic design. The partially lit keypad makes it easy to operate even in dark rooms. The keyboard is designed with three color shades, which will complement the décor of your space perfectly.
7. SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote
Best Universal Remote For: Connectivity
- 【U1 Universal Remote & Replaces 15 Other Remotes】Our unique remote control support 500,000+ devices...
- 【App One-Touch Set Up】SofaBaton customized smartphone APP, one-button settings, no need to enter...
- 【OLED Display & Motion-Activated Function】The bright color OLED screen directly displays the current...
Replacing up to 15 remotes with one device sounds unbelievable, but that’s what the SofaBaton U1 does.
When it comes to the best universal remotes, this one is versatile as it supports more than 500,000 devices from 6,000+ brands.
Better yet, it keeps updating as new products hit the market. It comes with a motion activate feature which automatically adjusts the brightness to save battery life.
The SofaBaton U1 has a macros mode that enables you to perform multiple actions by pressing one button. For instance, you can select a macro that sets the volume at a certain level or turn your stereo and TV on/off.
You can also set the start-up time to switch on the TV first, then the set-top box after five seconds.
This function eliminates the need to keep repeating the same tasks. Besides the quick setup, the programming process is straightforward.
Users get three modes of connection: Bluetooth, IR matching, and traditional IR matching. The IR connection is the most popular because you only select the brand name.
Scrolling between various devices is easy with the wheel scroll design, so there’s no need to toggle between devices. The OLED screen notifies you which device is currently in use.
8. GE Backlit Universal Remote
- Multi-device control – Operate up to eight different audio and video devices such as TVs, Blu-ray/DVD...
- Best remote code library – Universal remote works with all major brands and supports thousands of the...
- Simple setup – Add two AA batteries (not included) and enjoy easy automatic code search and direct code...
If you want to watch TV, you can forget fumbling with tons of remotes and complicated technology with this GE Universal remote.
The ease of use, an impressive set of features, and a stylish design make this remote among our top picks for universal remotes. Since it’s a multi-device control, you can operate up to eight audio and video components for immersive watching times.
While this remote comes pre-programmed for Roku boxes and Samsung TVs, you can also use it on other major TV brands or even use it for Apple TV. It comes with fully backlit buttons to enhance visibility in dim-lit rooms and has a brushed silver finishing.
A user-friendly design is an added advantage. It has a straightforward navigation bar with a master volume mode that lets you adjust the volume regardless of the platform you use. The remote connects to your devices using radio frequency technology for ultra-fast response.
The GE universal remote includes advanced DVR functions, Blu-Ray/DVD player control, and a dot button for quick sub-channel access for added convenience. It makes it easy to watch TV.
9. MYHGRC Universal Remote
- [UNIVERSAL TV REMOTE & REPLACE OVER 16 BRANDS REMOTE] High-grade Universal TV Remote Control replacement...
- [SETTING STEPS] Universal TV Remote Pre-programmed band: Directly using for LG, SONY , SAMSUNG,...
- [PERFECT TO USE & PERFECT REPLACEMENT] The Universal TV Remote Control will work well after you setup...
The MYHGRC Universal Remote Control device is a perfect replacement for your damaged or lost remote.
It’s easy to set up since it’s pre-programmed for Samsung, LG, Sharp TV, Panasonic, Philips, and Sony devices. For other brands, you need to point the remote at the TV, press and hold the corresponding brand’s button until the LED flashes 3 times, and the setting is done.
The ergonomic and lightweight design makes the remote easy to hold and use. With special instructions at the back of the remote, you can easily set it up and use it with more than 16 TV brands.
As for the remote’s construction, it’s built to last with high-quality ABS material. In fact, the MYHGRC Universal Remote can withstand falls, harsh environments, and rough handling.
The layout of the buttons on the remote is simple, making it easy to navigate the settings, change channels, and select movies to watch on your TV. Besides, the MYHGRC Universal Remote delivers a stable performance thanks to its advanced features and infrared technology.
10. Flipper Big Button TV Remote
Best Universal Remote For: Easy Use
- ✅ BEST SELLING BIG BUTTON REMOTE - The Flipper Remote is designed Senior Friendly with large...
- ✅ COMBINE multiple remotes into ONE - The only remote you’ll need for both your TV and Cable,...
- ✅ FAVORITES - CUSTOMIZE YOUR CONTENT - You can easily program up to 25 of your favorite channels so you...
If you are looking for the best universal remotes, the Flipper Remote is a worthy pick for your family, especially for anyone who may find it difficult to control many technical devices.
It provides a straight-forward approach to access TV channels with ease, thanks to its large buttons. The three key functions are noticeable and well-defined and provide an optimal user experience.
With other remotes, users press the wrong buttons and accidentally reset the devices. With the Flipper Remote, you can use the lock settings to secure the programming code to avoid accidental re-programs.
You can also hide the number buttons, leaving only the volume and next or previous controls. You can set your favorite shows without having to swipe through thousands of channels. Users can set up to 25-30 channels, but it depends on your box.
The Flipper Remote enhances your loved one’s independence, enabling you to concentrate on other tasks.
Summary
If you are currently using more than one remote to get your TV up and running, we hope this article has shed some light on the fact there is an easier way.
Having the right set up to ensure the sound is just right, you have the right projector, and now the right remote control settings, makes all the difference.
Now go get the popcorn ready, tell Alexa to turn down the lights, and enjoy the show.