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In this article, I’ll break down the five best universal remotes for PS5 streaming, including direct controls and clearly marked room-control options.
Score a PS5? Lucky.
Finally got your hands on a PS5? You’re one of the fortunate ones. It’s been a few years since the notorious PS5 shortage dominated headlines. Thankfully this year, the PS5 isn’t as elusive, and whispers of a new console are circulating.
Isn’t it amazing how time flies?
If you’re here, you likely snagged a PS5. I, a devoted bargain hunter, waited until the hype cooled. I remember a conversation with my friend Steve who dropped $1000 on his PS5. Despite the outrageous price, he claimed it was worth every dime, except for one caveat: streaming media.
The PS5 offers many streaming apps, but using the DualSense controller can be a chore. Steve often forgot which buttons performed which functions. When I suggested a universal remote, he seemed surprised, confessing, “I didn’t think they would work with PS5.”
Thus, a new blog post was born! Steve, this one’s for you.
Best PS5 Universal Remotes: Quick Comparison
The following table compares the best universal remotes for PS5 streaming side by side for my top picks.
| PS5 Native | LCD Universal | Premium Universal | Flagship Universal | App Hub | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Image |
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| Model | PlayStation Media Remote | SofaBaton U3 | SofaBaton X1S | SofaBaton X2 | BroadLink RM4 Pro |
| Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Best Fit | Best fitChoose this for direct PS5 streaming control with the simplest setup. | Best fitChoose this to consolidate compatible TV, audio, and streaming gear around PS5. | Best fitChoose this for hub-based activities across compatible home-theater devices. | Best fitChoose this for advanced room control around PS5, not guaranteed console control. | Best fitChoose this for app-first control of compatible IR and RF room devices. |
| Direct PS5 Pairing | |||||
| Control Path | Direct PS5 pairing | Compatible room gear | Hub-based activities | Hub-based room activities | App hub for room gear |
| Physical Remote | |||||
| Interface | Physical media buttons | 2.4-inch LCD + buttons | Display + scroll wheel | Color touchscreen + buttons | Phone app |
| Rechargeable | |||||
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
PlayStation Media Remote
SofaBaton U3
SofaBaton X1S
SofaBaton X2
BroadLink RM4 Pro
#1 – PS5 Certified: Media Remote
Best Fit
Choose this for direct PS5 streaming control with the simplest setup.
First and foremost, this is Sony’s official media remote for PS5. It does one thing and it does it well. That is, it controls PS5 media playback seamlessly and easily. Convenient buttons are provided to access two of the most popular streaming services out there: Netflix and Disney+. Plus, you get dedicated buttons for Spotify and YouTube as well.
This remote won’t control other devices in your media cabinet or let you consolidate multiple remotes to one. Check out some of my other picks here if this is important to you. If all you want to do is control streaming and apps on your PS5, the PlayStation Media Remote is a great choice.
PlayStation Media Remote Video Review
Pros
- Official PS5 media control
- Dedicated streaming shortcut buttons
- Simple console pairing
- Comfortable navigation and playback controls
- Compatible TV power and volume control
Cons
- No button backlighting
- Uses replaceable AA batteries
- Limited whole-room universal control
#2 – Best Universal Pick: SofaBaton U3
Best Fit
Choose this to consolidate compatible TV, audio, and streaming gear around PS5.
The SofaBaton U3 combines a useful 2.4-inch LCD with physical buttons, a rechargeable 1200mAh battery, and USB-C charging. It can control compatible IR and Bluetooth devices, learn compatible 433/315 MHz RF commands, and run macros for repeat home-theater routines.
For a PS5 room, treat the U3 as the remote for compatible TVs, soundbars, receivers, and streaming boxes around the console—not as a guaranteed replacement for the DualSense or Sony Media Remote. Verify the exact device profile before buying for console navigation.
Pros
- 2.4-inch LCD with physical buttons
- Rechargeable battery with USB-C charging
- IR, Bluetooth, and learnable RF support
- Macros simplify repeat room routines
- Current LCD-equipped SofaBaton model
Cons
- Not certified for direct PS5 control
- No Wi-Fi hub for hidden equipment
- Compatibility varies by exact device profile
#3 – Premium Choice: SofaBaton X1S
Best Fit
Choose this for hub-based activities across compatible home-theater devices.
The Sofabaton X1S is a premium universal remote with advanced features and controls. With the ability to control up to 60 components, including compatible TVs, Blu-ray players, and other room gear around your PS5, the X1S provides ultimate convenience and consolidation of your entertainment system.
This remote offers a customizable layout and responsive buttons for easy navigation and control. Its built-in IR transmitter ensures seamless compatibility with a wide range of devices, and the included charging dock keeps the remote powered and ready for use. The Sofabaton X1S also features a built-in microphone button for voice control and supports HDMI-CEC settings for simplified operation. Its intuitive interface and dedicated shortcut buttons make it a top choice for controlling compatible media devices around your PS5.
Pros
- Hub reaches compatible hidden equipment
- Activities simplify multi-device routines
- Rechargeable remote avoids disposable batteries
- Alexa and Google support
- Supports large home-theater setups
Cons
- Higher price than button-only remotes
- Initial setup takes patience
- Direct PS5 control needs verification
My Sofabaton X1 Remote, Hub, App, & IR Extenders
#4 – Flagship Room-Control Pick: SofaBaton X2
Best Fit
Choose this for advanced room control around PS5, not guaranteed console control.
SofaBaton sent me the X2 remote to test, and I am currently putting it through its paces. So far, I am encouraged by what I am seeing. It feels like SofaBaton took the best parts of the X1S and pushed them in the right direction, especially if you want one remote to control the compatible gear around your PS5.
The X2 is the current flagship pick here for an advanced PS5 room with a TV, soundbar, receiver, and smart-home gear. Its hub, touchscreen, activities, charging dock, and IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF support make it the broadest room-control option in this list. Do not assume that means guaranteed direct PS5 navigation: confirm the exact console profile in SofaBaton’s database before buying, and keep the Sony Media Remote or DualSense for dependable console-first control.
Pros
- Touchscreen for devices, activities, and shortcuts
- Hub-based IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF control
- Charging dock keeps the remote ready
- Backlit buttons help in dark rooms
- Alexa, Google Assistant, and Home Assistant support
Cons
- Most expensive remote in this list
- Setup takes time in complex rooms
- Direct PS5 control requires profile verification
#5 – Best Remote App: BroadLink RM4 Pro
Best Fit
Choose this for app-first control of compatible IR and RF room devices.
Regarding the best universal remotes for PS5, the Broadlink RM4 Pro is a top contender. This device offers a comprehensive solution for controlling a variety of home appliances, including compatible TV and entertainment devices around your PS5.
While there is no physical remote per se, the Broadlink RM4 Pro provides a remote control app that lets you control compatible IR and RF room devices from your smartphone. With its user-friendly interface and compatibility with various platforms, the app offers an intuitive way to manage compatible media gear around your PS5. The Broadlink RM4 Pro features extensive compatibility with different devices and components. It allows you to control an impressive range of components and supports voice control integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for added convenience.
Pros
- Controls many compatible IR and RF devices
- Customizable phone app
- Simple hub connection process
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
- Useful for app-first room routines
Cons
- No physical handheld remote
- IR control requires line of sight
- No direct PS5 Bluetooth control
Best Universal Remotes for PS5 Verdict
The best universal remotes for PS5 depend on whether you want direct console media control or one remote for the compatible gear around it.
- Choose PlayStation Media Remote for the simplest direct PS5 streaming controls.
- Choose SofaBaton U3 to consolidate compatible TV, audio, and streaming devices with an LCD remote.
- Choose SofaBaton X2 for flagship hub and touchscreen control of compatible gear around PS5.
The X1S still makes sense for hub-based rooms, while BroadLink remains the app-first option. None of the indirect choices should be treated as a game-controller replacement.
For more room-wide options, see my guide to the best universal remotes.
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