What Is a Universal Remote?
A universal remote, which uses infrared to operate the gadgets in your media room, may replicate the signals provided by those devices, thus in essence it is merely a remote control that can operate many devices simultaneously.
Are you tired of using several remotes for various devices? The finest universe remote effectively removes the clutter of remote controls for the music system, TV, air conditioning, and much more from the table and enables all operations with a single device if you’re in a cheerful mood and want to watch a TV show while drinking coffee. Isn’t that a great option? Yes, it is for me.
Why Do You Need to Have a Universal Remote?
If you’re querying, why buy a universal remote? Then there’re two fundamental situations where having this device is ideal: In case you lost the original remote comes with the TV, sound system, Ac receiver, or anything. And in another case, you are looking for a single device to replace bundles of remotes. In both situations, the best universal remote is the best answer.
What Functions Can Be Done By Universal Remote?
With a universal remote, you can perform different functions, including a switch on the TV and enjoy your favorite seasons or movie, audio system, heating, and cooling system, and customize the different device settings with a press of a single button.
Moreover, these best universal remotes also play crucial home control, and voice search lets you enjoy multi-streaming services more readily.
Things To Consider In a Universal Remote:
Before buying a universal remote, some features should be considered to help you make a more straightforward deal. The following considerations need to look are:
1- Number Of Devices It Can Manage:
Generally, most of the devices can be controlled better. Universal remote with at least four clicks (4 in 1) will efficiently handle the Disc player, Soundbar, Streaming box, and TV.
2- Touch Screen:
Apart from traditional remote controls with soft rubber buttons, nowadays universal remotes have a touchscreen control panel. This latest feature lets you set the channels and customization with a single touch that will efficiently turn on the devices, different services, and settings with a one-touch. Touch panels proved to be more comfortable, but it’s unnecessary to have this; it’s up to you what makes you more easily.
3- Voice Control:
Another essential factor for the universal remote is voice control. In case there is no touch screen or quick-action button, ask the remote to do something. What does it mean? Most of the universal remotes have inbuilt Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant that can operate upon your command, therefore is no need to keep the remote control in hand all the time.
4- Compatibility:
Before going to buy the best universal remote control, make sure whether it works with your devices or not. Usually, most devices show compatibility with the many universal remotes, but cross-checking will not cost you extra costs.
5- Backlight:
If you don’t like a touchscreen remote control and prefer a universal remote with soft rubber key buttons, it should have a backlight. If you plan for a movie night, this feature helps you make different processes easy.
Best Universal Remote 2024:
Here is the list of the Best Universal Remotes that you can buy in 2024:
- Logitech Harmony 665 – A Good Budget Remote.
- Fire TV Cube – Best Universal Remote for Alexa.
- One For All Remote Control – Best Overall.
- GE 33709 – The Best Bare-bones Universal Remote Control.
- Logitech Harmony Elite – For Theater Enthusiasts.
- SofaBaton U1- The Best Affordable Universal Remote for Multiple Devices.
- Logitech Harmony Hub – Best Smarthome Integration Universal Remote.
- Inteset 4-in-1- Universal Backlit IR Learning Remote.
- Caavo Control Center – Best Universal Remote With Voice Control.
- Logitech Harmony Companion – The Best DIY Universal Remote Control.
1. Logitech Harmony 665 – A Good Budget Remote.
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 6.1 ounces
- Item Dimension: 8.82 x 2.36 x 1.22 inches
- Connection: Television
- Compatibility: More than ten devices
- Batteries: 2AA
- Number of Programmable Buttons: 23
- Backlit Display: Yes
- Smart Home Control: No
- Mobile App: No
- Voice Control: No
Starting your guide for the best universal remote with a budget-friendly control device for your Television. If you have a tight budget for this piece of innovation, then we will suggest the Logitech Harmony 665 Advanced Remote Control-915-000293. This great universal remote can do what you want. This device is not equipped with the most advanced features but is packed with enough specifications to help you operate the various devices easily.
It is the foundation of Logitech Harmony 650; that is, it can handle more than 10 devices, with 23 favorite programmable TV channels and buttons with backlit to make it more convenient. It supports all those devices with Infrared operation if you talk about its compatibility.
However, this universal doesn’t show compatibility with smart home devices, gaming consoles, and a few streaming media players. But its low price tag and basic remote control functionality make it a worthy replacement.
Pros:
Support 23 favorite programmable TV channels.
Budget-oriented universal remote.
Easy to use.
Great control over 10 devices.
Cons:
Non-rechargeable battery.
Lack of most advanced features.
2. Fire TV Cube – Best Universal Remote for Alexa:
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 16.4 ounces
- Item Dimension: 38 mm x 142 mm x 16 mm
- Compatibility: 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision
- Batteries: 2AAA
- Backlit Display: Yes
- Smart Home Control: No
- Voice Control: Amazon Alexa
- Internal Storage: 16GB
- Technology: Infrared and Bluetooth
- Wifi Connectivity: Yes
- Ports: HDMI, power, micro-USB, wired infrared support
Introducing a very interesting and amazing universal remote. Fire TV Cube is a universal remote and art audio speaker and a media streamer.
Some fantastic specifications that make it the best wireless remote include: the Amazon Alexa vocal command, you can change the channel, song, and other related devices without using your hands. But it’s an optional feature. It comes with a remote control to proceed with various functions.
Fire TV Cube shows excellent compatibility with numerous apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, and many more. Apart from its bright sides, one dark side of this device is that it doesn’t support all the actions by Alexa; it still needs a remote for controlling the game console, cables of DVR, and so on.
Pros:
- Delivers great image quality.
- Excellent compatibility with most streaming devices.
- Great vocal command.
- Support the most famous apps.
Cons:
- High price tag.
- Not a true replacer.
- Bulky.
3. One For All Remote Control – Best Overall:
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 8.4 ounces
- Item Dimension: 1.89 x 0.91 x 8.62 inches:
- Compatibility: TV, sound system, DVD blu ray, DVB-T cable
- Batteries: 1 CR2
- Backlit Display: Yes
- Smart Home Control: No
- Voice Control: Amazon No
Another affordable option for the best universal remote is One For All Remote Control-BPSHS01650-URC7140. This worthy device is only available in the UK. Therefore good news for pupils to grab this universal remote control.
As it has buttons press them, and see the magic, all you need is to carefully follow the instructions in the manual to get the instructions for each device that is going to be controlled by the universal remote.
Go to the instructional manuals provided by the device’s manufacturer to efficiently help you operate different devices you are trying to use.
Pros:
Cheap universal remote control.
Sturdy built quality.
Cons:
Limited functionality.
Only support 4 devices.
Clumsy training mode.
4. GE – 33709 – The Best Bare-bones Universal Remote Control:
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Item Dimension: 1 x 2.24 x 7 inches
- Compatibility: Television, DVD player, Cable, Satellite, Sound Bar, Streaming media player
- Backlit Display: Yes
- Smart Home Control: No
- Voice Control: No
- Technology: Infrared
- Wifi Connectivity: No
If you are looking for the best universal remote control that can handle all the basic functions under the cheapest price tag, then GE Universal Remote Control-33709 best suits you. GE-33709 has a quick programming ratio and contains all the essential buttons required for operating a TV or any other media streaming device.
As told you above, this great piece of innovation provides the easiest way to handle a maximum of 4 devices through Pre-programmed codes. By looks, it resembles a classical design that contains a basic D-pad and other features that have excellent command over your devices.
If you are not a fan of touchscreen devices and computer or mobile apps are required for various functions, no need to worry if you have brought GE33709 to your home. It efficiently controls all the devices and has an infrared operation system.
Pros:
- Lowest price tag.
- Ideal for basic performance.
- Deal up to 4 devices.
Cons:
- Lack of any advanced features.
- Not durable functionality.
5. Logitech Harmony Elite – For Theater Enthusiasts:
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 5.8 ounces
- Item Dimension: 7.6 x 2.1 x 1.1 inches
- Compatibility: 270,000 devices
- Backlit Display: Yes
- Favorite Channels: 50
- Smart Home Control: Yes
- App-friendly: Yes
- Voice Control: Amazon Alexa, Home integration
- Device Control: 15
- Technology: Infrared, Bluetooth, and Wifi
- Wifi Connectivity: No
- Touch screen: Yes
- Motion Sensor, Backlit buttons, vibrations feedback
- Charging dock
Next on the list is Logitech’s most advanced and top-rated universal remote control named Harmony Elite-915-000256. This best universal remote can control a maximum of 15 devices at a time very easily. Moreover, it has a dual operating system with buttons and a color touch screen that can help you select your 50 favorite channels.
The most exciting specs are that you can customize the buttons for specific programs like Watch a Movie, Play Sound Station, and similar this. That has a significant advantage: this permits setting all the devices to the right settings automatically.
It has a home smart control feature that supports different smart devices at your home, so in case if you lose the real remote of these devices, no need to worry Harmony Elite app is there to perform all vital functions; all you need is to install it in your smartphone and start controlling your devices.
Pros:
- It is most top-rated universal remote.
- Touch screen for easy operation.
- Great customization option.
- App is friendly.
- Rechargeable device via charging dock.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Inconsistent app connection.
- Often fail to control lightning properly.
6. SofaBaton U1 – The Best Affordable Universal Remote for Multiple Devices:
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 10.2 ounces
- Item Dimension: 7.7 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches
- Compatibility: 350,000 plus devices from 6000 plus brands
- Backlit Display: Yes
- 3-way Connection: IR Matching Mode, Traditional IR Learning Mode, Bluetooth Mode
- App-friendly: Yes
- Device Control: 15
- Technology: Infrared and Bluetooth
- Battery: 2AA
- Maximum controlling Range: 20 meters
If you want a universal remote control under an affordable budget that can support a wide range of devices easily, then SofaBaton U1 best fits the guide with no more exceptions. If you own many devices and need a single controlling device, you should go for this best universal remote.
SofaBation U1 can support devices with both Infrared and Bluetooth. How many devices can be easily controlled by this universal remote? The answer is 15 different devices at once.
Moreover, the SofaBaton U1 app shows excellent compatibility with iOS and Android smartphones, install and explore what’s hidden inside. Its motion activation can automatically set this remote control brightness and therefore save the battery life. So, no need to charge it after a few intervals.
Pros:
- Affordable universal remote control.
- Control a large number of devices at a time.
- Almost compatible with all devices.
- Easy to program.
Cons:
- Weak infrared signaling.
- Bluetooth connectivity is lost and needs reconnection.
7. Logitech Harmony Hub – Best Smarthome Integration Universal Remote:
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Item Dimension: 6.3 x 5.8 x 3.2 inches
- Compatibility: up to 270,000 devices
- Support: Home theater Devices
- Smart Home Control: Yes
- The touch screen on a Smartphone
- Backlit Display: Yes (Smartphone)
- App-friendly: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes (Alexa and Google Assistant)
- Device Control: 8
- Technology: Infrared, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
- Battery: 2AA (1 Lithium Polymer battery)
- Smartphone compatibility: Android and iOS
Now introduce something unique. What if we ask you not to go for the universal remote control? With Logitech Harmony Hub, you can control all your devices via smartphone. Just buy this cute baby, and you are ready to control up to 8 devices at a time.
Likewise, Logitech Harmony Hub has excellent compatibility with up to 270,000 theater devices along with smart home control. Harmony Hub works with devices connected via infrared, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.
Unlike other universal remotes, this great remote also supports Microsoft and Sony gaming consoles and controls all the devices by your smartphone. Harmony Hub is taking the technology to the next level, and we welcome you in the future.
Pros:
- Get smart home control.
- Great compatibility range.
- Harmony app of on-the-control control.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- No actual universal remote control.
- Bit tricky to setup.
8. Inteset 4-in-1 – Universal Backlit IR Learning Remote:
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Item Dimension: 7 x 1.5 x 1 inches
- Compatibility: up to 100,000 devices
- Support: Home theater Devices and Streaming Players
- Smart Home Control: No
- Touch screen: No
- Backlit Display: Yes
- App-friendly: No
- Volume Lock
- Voice Control: No
- Device Control: 4
- Technology: Infrared
- Maximum Control Range: 30 feet
- Battery: 2AA
If you want a simple and affordable remote control, as you have a tight budget not to spend hundreds of dollars on extra fancy universal remote controls, we recommend you Inteset 4-in-1-INT-422. The best universal remote control shows compatibility for up to 100,000 devices, and it can efficiently handle 4 devices, either Television or Soundbox, at once.
Furthermore, Insesets are designed to have pre-programmed buttons for various devices like Apple TV, Kodi, Media Center, Roku, and Xbox One. If you have any of them, you will not require any settings you are already set to go.
Other features present in the Inteset universal remote are Volume and Channel lock, macro buttons, custom button labels, Key punch-through, Backlit display, and an immense inbuilt A/V device database. All collectively compel us to put the crown of best universal remote on Inteset.
Pros:
- Budget-oriented universal remote.
- Pre-programming is a great feature.
- Inbuilt A/V device database.
Cons:
- No touch screen option.
- Lack of smart home control feature.
- Less number of device controls at once.
9. Caavo Control Center – Best Universal Remote With Voice Control:
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Item Dimension: 5.9 x 10.35 x 1.37 inches
- Compatibility: Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, streaming media player, game console, AVR, and much more
- Support: 4K UHD, HDR, and Dolby Atmos
- Smart Home Control: Yes
- Touch screen: No
- Backlit Display: No
- App-friendly: Yes (only iOS)
- Voice Control: Amazon Alexa and Google Home (require subscription)
- Device Control: 4
- Technology: Infrared and Bluetooth
- Maximum Control Range: 30 feet
- Battery: Alkaline (1 CR2 battery)
Instead of programming a remote to control different devices, isn’t best to plug everything into the control center? Introducing the Caavo Control Center Smart Remote makes it the best universal remote. A lot of hidden features that make you.
Let’s start; it can handle 4 devices on a single go, it has a uniform interface that you can search through on any linked device and how many streaming services are connected. Other features that make it distinct from the others include smart home control via IFTTT, inbuilt-voice search, and sync of Netflix on Roku, and Apple TV.
Sonos’ compatibility permits you to see what is playing, pause, skip, and view Sonos playlists directly from the TV. Furthermore, it has both Alexa and Google Home vocal commands, but for this, you need to pay some money for a subscription. But this feature allowed you to control all 4 connected devices to be controlled via voice.
Pros:
- Great device compatibility range.
- Support universal voice search feature.
- All devices are controlled with one interface.
Cons:
- Don’t have Android support.
- Limited device control at once.
- Subscription increases the overall price of the device.
10. Logitech Harmony Companion – The Best DIY Universal Remote Control:
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 3.9 ounces
- Item Dimension: 10 x 5.4 x 3.5 inches
- Compatibility: iOS/Android, Mac/PC
- Favorite programs: 50
- Support: Television and Streaming players
- Smart Home Control: Yes
- Touch screen: No
- Backlit Display: Yes
- App-friendly: Yes (only iOS)
- Voice Control: Amazon Alexa and Google Home
- Device Control: 8
- Technology: Infrared, Wifi, and Bluetooth
- Maximum Control Range: 30 feet
- Battery: 1 Lithium Metal battery
Another version from Logitech with a great array of specifications is named Harmony Companion. What makes the actual difference between Harmony Elite and Harmony Companion? The main distinction is Harmony Companion has no touchscreen option.
Harmony companion comes along with the Harmony hub, which allows you to clear up all A/V components; it supports 8 devices at one time having infrared, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity options.
Moreover, with Alexa and Google Home vocal assistant, you can control different devices like turn-off lights, locks, thermostats, and motor-driven curtains. Via a voice. Its mechanical buttons reduce the chances of the wrong press.
If you forget the place where you put the universal remote, you can control your devices if you have installed the
Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- Easily smart Home control.
- Durable built quality.
Cons:
- No touch screen option.
- No help button.
- No separate fast forward/skip buttons.
Final Verdicts:
If you’re searching for a decent and affordable universal remote, or the greatest one. We made an effort to list every universal remote control, starting with the highest-rated, priciest models with the highest performance and ending with the most basic, low-cost models. You can thus choose what you’re looking for. Our task is complete if you locate your favorite on our list. Enjoy your shopping!
