A number of must-have multimedia devices in your living-room, or media-room, has surely grown with time, and now, you are cramped with a bunch of remotes that do the job but make too much of a mess. In other words, you need the best universal remote that will prevent mayhem and successfully replace your multiple remotes, with a single one that will offer a much better overall user experience.
Now, if you are not that tech-savvy, a few pieces of advice from this guide will surely save you some time and help you easily find the perfect fit. Therefore, continue carefully reading the following lines, get informed about the matter, and the best universal remote will soon be a part of your household.
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Last update on 2023-09-22 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How to choose the best universal remote
When talking about universal remotes, a few things make the biggest difference and they involve the following:
Number of controllable devices
The number of devices that you can simultaneously use with your universal remote is probably its most important aspect. You are buying the universal remote that you can control multiple devices with one remote. If you can’t do that, what is the point of buying such a device in the first place?
Compatibility
One of the cornerstones of not only universal remotes, but devices in general, is, of course, their compatibility. If you can’t use them with everything you have at your disposal, then you are definitely better off without them.
Best Universal Remotes
Logitech Harmony 950 Remote
An Amazing Universal Remote
Logitech Harmony 950 is a perfect universal remote for your multiple devices such as 4K TV, streaming box, DVD and Blu-ray players, as well as plenty of other devices that are essential for the full media entertainment. If you need the best universal remote control that will allow for easy setup and use with over 270.000 different devices that involve Apple TV, Roku, TiVo, etc., this device is a must-have for you.
In terms of compatibility, this device works with both Windows and Mac-based systems and can be used to control up to 15 devices. It is fitted with a top-notch 2.4” responsive color touchscreen that provides a volume and channel control, device selection, as well as numerous advanced options.
Logitech Harmony 950 comes with haptic feedback and motion-activated backlit buttons and, the package includes a charging station, too. It offers sleek and refined design, but unfortunately, in a contrast to its more expensive Harmony Elite “brother”, it is deprived of a highly practical hub that would surely add to its overall usability, and allow its use with devices “hidden” in cabinets, which may be essential for many.
All in all, Logitech Harmony 950 is a great device, with a few drawbacks that shouldn’t affect the majority of users. Therefore, unless you have, or plan to hide your equipment behind a closet door, this remote is a great deal and you will surely not be disappointed.
- Easy to use
- Intuitive software
- Simple setup
- Excellent touchscreen
- Great design
- It doesn’t work with devices that are placed in cabinets and other closed environments
- No Alexa and Google Assistant support
- Not the best battery life
Logitech Harmony Companion
Great Functionality in a Not-that-Fancy Outfit
A high-quality device doesn’t necessarily have to look good in order to work properly, and Logitech Harmony Companion is a great example of that.
This is a universal remote that supports voice command (it works with Alexa and Google Assistant), it is compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices, and lets you control up to eight devices, including lights, entertainment and media devices, locks, sensors, basically every smart device in your home.
Logitech Harmony Companion works in association with your smartphone (through the dedicated app) that has the same functions as the remote but allows for its full customization, as well. This remote also works with more than 270.000 different devices (Apple TV, Roku, Xbox 360, PS3, etc.) and allows you to control the devices hidden in closets, or cabinets, through its Harmony hub that easily controls and maneuvers with every device included in the setup, with the help of infrared and Bluetooth commands.
Logitech Harmony Companion has Wi-Fi support, along with WPA and WEP encryption, and offers an excellent battery life of almost a year, with the regular CR2032 batteries.
To make a long story short, if you are after the best universal TV remote, or the best universal remote for Roku, or any other streaming device, Logitech Harmony Companion is, without a doubt, one of the best devices you can stumble upon in your search.
- Simple setup
- It can work with devices placed in cabinets
- Excellent compatibility
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Good price
- Dirt-prone surface
- No backlight
SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote
A Great Value for the Money
SofaBaton U1 is an affordable and highly efficient universal remote that can works with more than 500.000 different devices, from more than 6.000 manufacturers. It is easy to set up and use, and it can cope with up to 15 multimedia devices at once.
Moreover, it is compatible with all sorts of systems, such as Roku, Apple TV, Xbox One X, TiVo, KodiKodi, and many others. However, since it doesn’t offer Wi-Fi support, it doesn’t work with systems like Roku stick, for example.
On the other hand, it comes with a very intuitive and easy to use app that allows simple pairing, without a need for entering codes, making the whole process a straightforward thing.
SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote is fitted with a small color OLED screen that will provide you with basic information, and it offers a decent 12-month warranty. More importantly, this remote supports macros. Therefore, you can assign multiple commands to a single button and have one of a kind user experience, as it would be expected from the device that strives to be among the best universal remotes on the market.
In other words, SofaBaton U1 is an affordable and highly functional universal remote that will never fail you.
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Intuitive app
- Macro buttons
- Simple setup
- Very good customer service
- No Wi-Fi support
- It doesn’t support Roku stick and PS4
- No backlight
- Not the strongest IR sensor
GE 37038 Backlit Universal Remote
A Super-Cheap, but Highly Capable Universal Remote
GE 37038 universal remote is a device designed for all those not too demanding users that are looking for decent functionality and good overall quality, at a reasonable price.
To begin with, this remote doesn’t offer anything spectacular and is mostly deprived of the more advanced features, such as macros, Wi-Fi support, and similar. However, it offers ease of use and reliable performance.
GE 37038 supports up to six different devices, including Blu-Ray and DVD players, 4K TVs, streaming players, etc. and comes pre-programmed for Samsung TVs, as well as fitted with a handy backlight that will help you perform every operation with ease, even in the dark.
Unfortunately, this remote doesn’t support sticks, like Roku and Fire TV, and it does support only the basic functions, which may be insufficient for some, but let’s get real. For something that cost slightly above 10 bucks, this device is a super-deal.
For that reason, if you need an affordable replacement remote for your Samsung device, or want a cheap option that will allow you to control multiple devices with one remote, GE 37038 will be more than a good option for you and definitely the best universal remote for the price.
- Cheap
- Simple setup
- Clean design
- Easy to use
- No Roku and Fire TV stick support
- No voice command support
Caavo Control Center Smart Remote
Excellence that Requires a Bit of Refinement
If buying a standard universal remote isn’t your thing and you are seeking something extra that will give you a completely different perspective of the matter, Caavo Control Center Smart Remote is the device for you.
This is highly capable remote, with great voice control that allows you to search for the content on multiple platforms, like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and others, simultaneously, and it can work with a variety of devices that include Roku, Xfinity, Nvidia Shield, Apple TV, and many others.
Caavo Control Center Smart Remote is easy to set up and use and comes with great compatibility that involves even the SONOS support and ability to work with Google Voice and Amazon Alexa.
Unfortunately, this device also suffers from a few drawbacks, such as the ability to control only up to four devices and no Dolby Vision support, but more importantly, its fee, which is necessary, if you want to use its search capabilities.
To jump to the conclusion, this device is very interesting and fun to use but still demands a few gentle touches that would really make it one of the best universal remotes out there.
- SONOS compatible
- Excellent compatibility
- Easy setup
- Simple to use
- Excellent voice control
- Necessary fee, if you want to use voice and search control
- It can be used to control only up to four devices
- No Dolby Vision support
Inteset Universal Backlit Remote
An Excellent Universal Remote for the Price
Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit IR Learning Remote offers simple design and ease of use, followed by good ergonomics and a more than affordable price.
This remote provides solid compatibility and it is pre-programmed for Xbox One, Kodi, Roku, and Apple TV, but it also supports many other devices like, for example, Nvidia Shield.
Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit IR Learning Remote can be used to control up to four devices, it is fitted with backlight (unfortunately, it cannot be switched off) and it supports macro programming that allows you to add a string of up to 15 commands, to a single button. Moreover, it is easy to set up, it offers pretty reliable performance and overall delivers great value for the money.
In other words, you can be sure that by purchasing the Inteset 4-in-1, you will get yourself one of the best universal remotes, available on the market.
- Affordable
- Very good value for the money
- It supports macro programming
- Easy setup
- It doesn’t work with Fire TV
- It can control only up to four devices
- Not the best customer service
RCA RCRN04GBE Universal Remote
A Basic, but Very Functional Universal Remote
RCA RCRN04GBE universal remote is a budget-friendly device that provides basic functions that won’t impress anyone but will finish the job.
With this remote, you can control up to four devices, including streaming boxes, TVs, DVD and Blu-ray players, and many more. The device itself has a simple design, it is ergonomic and it is easy to use. Also, it is fitted with backlighting (which unfortunately isn’t of the best quality) and outstanding durability.
RCA RCRN04GBE allows for easy pairing with devices, thanks to its auto code search that will quickly provide you the required code, it offers very reliable performance and altogether presents one of the cheaper options out there.
Therefore, if you want a basic universal remote that will do the job and won’t cost you a fortune; RCA RCRN04GBE is an ideal option for you.
- Cheap
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic
- Poor backlighting
- It can control only up to four devices
- Surface prone to dirt
Summary
Ready to ditch those 15 remotes you have to switch between and have one remote to rule them all? You’re in the right place, now all you have to do is pick and go shopping! Have fun!
