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10 Best Universal Remotes 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Touchscreen, Powerful Hub, One-Touch Activities, Custom APP, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/RF/WiFi Devices, Works with Alexa&Google Assistant&Home Assistant

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,353
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Ease of Setup

Most important from
161 reviews

Compatibility
The remote supports a wide range of devices, with the ability to 'train' the hub for unsupported IR signals, ensuring near-universal compatibility.
Number of Devices
The remote handles multiple device types—including TV, streaming gadgets, and smart home devices—without issues.
Ease of Setup
Setup through the dedicated app is more intuitive and easier than comparable remotes, allowing for straightforward device addition and activity creation.
Button Layout and Design
Switching between devices is fast and the button layout is clear and logical, enhancing overall usability.
Smart Home Integration
Home Assistant integration allows for seamless smart home automation triggered directly from the remote.

The SofaBaton X2 is a versatile universal remote designed to control a wide range of home entertainment devices, supporting over 6,000 brands and multiple signal types (IR, Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi). It supports up to 50 devices, which is ample for most home setups. Its standout feature is the 2.4-inch touchscreen with a quick-access panel, making navigation and control intuitive, while the backlit touchscreen ensures usability in low-light settings. Setup involves using a dedicated app that helps customize button layouts and create one-touch activities, simplifying complex commands — though this may require some initial time to personalize.

The included SofaBaton Hub enhances signal reach, even when devices are hidden, and additional repeaters can extend control across rooms. Smart home integration is robust, especially with Home Assistant, Alexa, and Google Assistant compatibility, allowing you to link the remote with your smart home devices and automate multiple functions seamlessly. Battery life benefits from a Type-C charging dock, offering convenient recharging rather than relying on disposable batteries.

The touchscreen size might feel small for users who prefer larger buttons, and the remote’s features could be overwhelming for those seeking a simple plug-and-play solution without app customization. Additionally, the optional IR repeaters are sold separately, which adds to the cost if you have a large home. If you're looking for a powerful, customizable remote that doubles as a smart home controller and don’t mind spending a bit of time setting it up, the SofaBaton X2 is a strong choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,353
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Ease of Setup

Most important from
161 reviews

Compatibility
The remote supports a wide range of devices, with the ability to 'train' the hub for unsupported IR signals, ensuring near-universal compatibility.
Number of Devices
The remote handles multiple device types—including TV, streaming gadgets, and smart home devices—without issues.
Ease of Setup
Setup through the dedicated app is more intuitive and easier than comparable remotes, allowing for straightforward device addition and activity creation.
Button Layout and Design
Switching between devices is fast and the button layout is clear and logical, enhancing overall usability.
Smart Home Integration
Home Assistant integration allows for seamless smart home automation triggered directly from the remote.
#2

SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote with Touch Screen, Hub and App, All in One Universal Remote Control with with Charging Dock and Customize Activities, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/WiFi/RF Devices

Rating
9.1
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Ease of Setup

Most important from
148 reviews

Compatibility
Using the hub unlocks 360-degree control and the ability to operate devices hidden in cabinets or other rooms via IR blaster cables and repeaters.
Number of Devices
The remote supports controlling up to 60 devices across IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF, covering a wide range of brands and gadgets.
Ease of Setup
Setting up multiple devices is straightforward thanks to the intuitive app that guides you through adding and customizing controls.
Button Layout and Design
The remote feels ultra-premium with a metal body and quality buttons that make it a pleasure to use.
Smart Home Integration
Smart home integration allows combining entertainment control with automation, like dimming lights and closing blinds as part of an activity.
Battery Life
The included charging dock keeps the remote powered without the hassle of frequent battery changes, despite already excellent battery life.

The SofaBaton X2 is a versatile universal remote designed to replace multiple remotes by supporting up to 60 devices across IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF technologies. It works with over 6,000 brands and regularly updates its cloud database, ensuring wide compatibility with TVs, streaming players, soundbars, and smart home devices. Setup is made easier by its app, which allows customization of buttons and macros to fit your preferences. The touchscreen offers quick access to common controls without endless scrolling, and the ergonomic button layout with backlit keys and raise-to-wake functionality means you can use it comfortably even in the dark. Its rechargeable battery and included charging dock help avoid constant battery changes.

Smart home integration is a standout feature, with built-in support for Home Assistant, MQTT, Alexa, and Google Assistant, allowing voice control and linking your entertainment setup with other smart devices. The X2 also offers impressive IR coverage with its hub and extra blasters, enabling control through walls and from other rooms.

There is a limit of 60 devices, which might be restrictive for very large setups. Additionally, some advanced automation features require familiarity with smart home platforms. The remote is slightly bulkier due to its touchscreen and hub but balances that with ease of use. For those looking to consolidate remotes and enjoy smart home voice commands with customizable controls, the SofaBaton X2 is a strong choice.

Rating
9.1
Compatibility
Number of Devices
Ease of Setup

Most important from
148 reviews

Compatibility
Using the hub unlocks 360-degree control and the ability to operate devices hidden in cabinets or other rooms via IR blaster cables and repeaters.
Number of Devices
The remote supports controlling up to 60 devices across IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF, covering a wide range of brands and gadgets.
Ease of Setup
Setting up multiple devices is straightforward thanks to the intuitive app that guides you through adding and customizing controls.
Button Layout and Design
The remote feels ultra-premium with a metal body and quality buttons that make it a pleasure to use.
Smart Home Integration
Smart home integration allows combining entertainment control with automation, like dimming lights and closing blinds as part of an activity.
Battery Life
The included charging dock keeps the remote powered without the hassle of frequent battery changes, despite already excellent battery life.
#3

Replacement for Samsung TV Remote, for All 2019-2026 Samsung Remote Control for Smart TV with Voice Control. 2-Year Warranty.

Rating
8.5
Ease of Setup
Compatibility
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
8646 reviews

Ease of Setup
Setup is straightforward and pairing the remote happens within minutes, making it very user-friendly even for those who prefer simplicity.
Compatibility
The remote unlocks features on Samsung TVs that users didn’t realize were available, enhancing the overall TV experience.
Button Layout and Design
The remote's size is quite small, which makes it easy to misplace, but it fits well in hand and works reliably.

This replacement remote is designed specifically for Samsung smart TVs from 2019 to 2026, making it a reliable choice if you need to replace your original voice remote. It supports voice control for compatible TVs and works with up to five devices via Bluetooth, covering most home setups with multiple gadgets. Setup is straightforward: just insert two AAA batteries and pair the remote using the clear on-screen instructions. The remote has 15 buttons, which keeps things simple without overwhelming you with options. Although it does not feature backlighting, it is made from durable materials, promising long-lasting use and ease of handling for all ages.

The remote also supports basic smart home compatibility, which is convenient if you use other connected devices. Battery life is typical for AAA batteries, and since it requires two, you might need to replace them more often than remotes that use larger batteries. The 2-year warranty offers good peace of mind. One limitation is the maximum working range of just 3 feet, which is shorter than many remotes and could reduce convenience if you sit far from your TV.

This remote is well suited for Samsung smart TV owners looking for a dependable and simple replacement with voice control features but may not meet needs if backlighting or longer range is important.

Rating
8.5
Ease of Setup
Compatibility
Button Layout and Design

Most important from
8646 reviews

Ease of Setup
Setup is straightforward and pairing the remote happens within minutes, making it very user-friendly even for those who prefer simplicity.
Compatibility
The remote unlocks features on Samsung TVs that users didn’t realize were available, enhancing the overall TV experience.
Button Layout and Design
The remote's size is quite small, which makes it easy to misplace, but it fits well in hand and works reliably.

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.

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