What Are the Best LG Smart TV Remotes? (7 Picks for 2021)

In this article, I review the seven best LG Smart TV remotes [universal and replacements].

Life’s Good – If Your LG Remote Works

Did you know that consumer electronics king LG (Life’s Good) is also one of the top Smart TV manufacturers in the world?

Whether you like to watch Netflix and cable (like Fios or Xfinity) or stream media with players like Roku, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV—a good-quality remote designed to work with your LG Smart TV will make your entertainment experience better.

But if you’re here, you probably already know that.  Maybe you’re in the market for a new replacement remote, or maybe you’re in need of an upgrade?

Well, you are in luck.

In this post, I review the best of the best, so you can get back to streaming the final season of Game of Thrones in a flash.

So without further delay, here are your seven best LG Smart TV remotes controls for virtually any budget.

1 Under $300 Logitech Harmony Elite

The Logitech Harmony Elite is a remote that doesn’t just control your Smart TV, but several different devices in your house, allowing you to have full control in the palm of your hand. Not only will you be able to switch between your favorite viewing channels at the press of a button, but you will also be able to dim the lights of your house, lower your blinds, and even lock the doors, assuming that these devices are all compatible with your remote. The potential that this remote has for making your life easier than ever is endless.

Check Price at Amazon

Pros:

• Beautiful LCD color touchscreen with swipe and tap capabilities
• Compatibility with your smartphone, using the Harmony App
• Compatibility with over 270,000 entertainment and smart devices in your home

Cons:

• It’s expensive
• If you don’t have smart devices in your house, the remote loses some of its use.
• It needs WiFi to work

Compatibility:

Check Logitech’s Device Compatibility Database to make sure your LG Smart TV is supported.

Want more info? Read Full Harmony Elite Review

2 Under $250: Logitech Harmony Express

Editor’s Note: This remote has been discontinued by Logitech and is no longer available. Read more about Logitech sunsetting the Harmony line here.

If the Logitech Harmony Elite was interesting to you, but you want greater control over your devices with Alexa, then the Logitech Harmony Express may be a better option for you. This remote has many similar features to the previous remote, but it is noticeably less expensive. It is also able to control a number of smart devices around your house, meaning that you will still get good use out of it, although there are some features that were exclusive to the Harmony Elite, such as the touchscreen.

Check Price at Amazon

Pros:

• Compatibility with your smartphone, using the Harmony App
• Compatibility with 270,000 smart devices including LG Smart TVs
• Voice control and compatibility with Alexa built-in

Cons:

• It’s also expensive (although cheaper than the Harmony Elite)
• If you do not have smart devices in your house, it loses much of what makes it special
• It needs Wifi to work

Compatibility:

Check Logitech’s Device Compatibility Database to make sure your LG Smart TV is supported.

Want more info? Read Full Harmony Express Review

3 Under $200: Logitech Harmony Companion

While the Harmony Express was less expensive than the Harmony Elite, the price might still be off-putting to some people. If you are still interested in that type of remote that can control multiple smart devices and reduce the number of remotes you need in your house, but are looking to spend well under $200, then the Logitech Harmony Companion is what you should look at. This remote can control thousands of smart devices and is also compatible with your smartphone for on-the-go use. What makes it even better is that you do not have to break your budget to purchase this remote.

Check Price at Amazon

Pros:

• Compatibility with your smartphone, using the Harmony App
• Compatibility with 270,000 smart devices
• Same versatility for hundreds less than other remotes

Cons:

• If you don’t have smart devices in your house, then the remote is not as special
• It needs Wifi to work properly

Compatibility:

Check Logitech’s Device Compatibility Database to make sure your LG Smart TV is supported.

Want more info? Read Full Harmony Companion Review

4 Under $100: OEM LG Magic Remote Control

If you have no interest in a smart remote that can control hundreds of thousands of smart devices, then that is perfectly fine. In fact, you can easily save a few hundred dollars by purchasing a remote that is designed for LG Smart TVs. The OEM LG AN-MR18BA Magic Remote Control is a remote control that is compatible with around 66 different TVs, including LG Smart TVs, meaning that you can get the replacement remote that you need, without spending hundreds of dollars in the process.

Check Price at Amazon

Pros:

• Works with around 66 different TVs, including several different versions of LG Smart TVs
• Controls both Netflix and Amazon through buttons, and has Voice Mate
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not compatible with as many models as other remotes
• Requires batteries to work
• Doesn’t have a recharging station for ease of use

Compatibility:

This remote is compatible with the following LG UHD 4K Smart TVs:

• OLED65W8PUA OLED77W8PUA OLED43W8PUA OLED49W8PUA OLED50W8PUA OLED55W8PUA
• OLED86W8PUA OLED65B8 OLED43B8 OLED49B8 OLED50B8 OLED55B8 OLED75B8 OLED77B8 OLED86B8 OLED65C8PUA OLED43C8PUA OLED49C8PUA OLED50C8PUA OLED55C8PUA OLED75C8PUA OLED77C8PUA OLED86C8PUA OLED65E8PUA OLED43E8PUA OLED49E8PUA OLED50E8PUA OLED55E8PUA OLED75E8PUA OLED77E8PUA OLED86E8PUA 55SK9000PUA 43SK9000PUA 49SK9000PUA 50SK9000PUA 75SK9000PUA 65SK9000PUA 77SK9000PUA 86SK9000PUA 55SK8000PUA 43SK8000PUA 49SK8000PUA 50SK8000PUA 65SK8000PUA 75SK8000PUA 77SK8000PUA 86SK8000PUA 55UK6300
• OLED75W8PUA 43UK6300 49UK6300 50UK6300 65UK6300 75UK6300 77UK6300 86UK6300 65SK9500PUA 75SK8070PUA 55UK7700AUB 65UK7700AUB 86UK6570AUA 75UK6570AUA 70UK6570AUA 65UK6500AUA 55UK6500AUA 50UK6500AUA 43UK6500AUA

5 Under $50: LG Factory Remote

Next on my list of the best LG Smart TV remotes is the LG Factory remote. Some people do not need the option to have a remote that works with over 50 TVs. When most people invest in a smart TV, then they usually intend to keep that TV for as long as possible. This means that you don’t really need to spend the money on a remote that works with several different TVs. Thankfully, there are remotes that you can choose from a factory remote that was designed to work just the remote that came with your TV.

Check Price at Amazon

Pros:

• Works with around 19 different LG Smart TVs
• Has buttons for both Netflix and Amazon, making it convenient to use
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Not nearly as advanced as other remotes on the market
• Some people complain that it doesn’t last as long as other, more expensive remotes
• Very standard remote, nothing special about its appearance

Compatibility:

• 43LJ5500 43LJ550M 43UJ6300
• 49LJ5500 49LJ550M 49UJ6300 49UJ6500
• 55LJ5500 55LJ550M 55UJ6300 55UJ6540
• 60UJ6050 60UJ6300 60UJ6540
• 65UJ6300 65UJ6540
• 70UJ6570
• 75UJ6470 75UJ657A

6 Under $20: LG Electronics AKB74475433

What’s even better than a remote that is relatively less expensive and controls a few different TVs, is a remote that is even less expensive and controls significantly more TVs. With this remote, you will be able to use this remote with around 70 different Smart TVs for a price of any other universal remote that you could find. This means that you will not be spending any significant money on a remote that you will have no use for, but instead, you will have a remote that you will be able to use for a long, long time.

Check Price at Amazon

Pros:

• Very inexpensive
• Works with around 71 different LG Smart TVs
• A sleek, slender appearance makes this remote stylish

Cons:

• Less expensive remotes usually mean cheap materials, which is something to be wary of
• Some people complain that this remote is not very sturdy
• Doesn’t have special buttons for Netflix and Amazon

Compatibility:

• Replaces Remote Control models: AKB73975711 AKB73575722 AKB74475455.
• Compatible Smart TV Models: 32LB520B, 32LB5600, 32LB5600-UH, 32LB560B, 32LF500B, 32LF510B-UC, 32LF550B-UA, 32LF5600-UB, 32LX340H, 32LY340C, 32LY340C-UA, 39LB5600, 40LX340H, 42LB5600, 42LB5600-UH, 42LB5600-UZ, 42LF5500-UA, 42LF5600-UB, 42LX330C, 42LX530S, 42LY340C, 42LY340C-UA, 43LF5100-UA, 43LF5400-UB, 43LX310C, 43LX310C, 43UF6700-UC, 47LB5900, 47LB6000, 47LY340C, 47LY340C-UA, 49LB5550, 49LB5550-UY, 49LF5100-UA, 49LF5400-UB, 49LF5500-UA, 49LX310C, 49LX341C, 49LX540S, 49UF6700-UC
  50LB5900, 50LB6000, 50LF6000-UB, 55LB5550, 55LB5900, 55LB5900-UV, 55LB6000, 55LB6000-UH, 55LF5500-UA, 55LF6000-UB, 55LX341C, 55LX540S, 55LY340C, 55LY340C-UA, 55UF6700-UC, 60LB5200, 60LB5200-UA, 60LB5900, 60LB5900-UV, 60LB6000, 60LF6000-UB, 60LX341C, 60LX540S, 60UF6700-UC, 65LB5200, 65LB5200-UA, 65LX341C, 65LX540S, 65UF6700-UC

7 Under $10: Gvirtue 

Rounding out of our list of LG Smart TV universal remote controls is the Gvirtue remote. Sometimes, you might not have the money to spend a lot on a remote. Other times, you might not care to spend a lot of money on a remote for your LG Smart TV. Sometimes, all you need is a universal remote that works well with your Smart TV, without any fancy features or overpriced special designs. Thankfully, there are remotes that can do this for you, and they cost less than $10. This means that you can have a perfectly working remote for your Smart TV, without having to spend much in the process.

Check Price at Amazon

Pros:

• Super inexpensive
• Works with 21 different LG Smart TVs
• Has buttons for Netflix and Amazon for ease of use

Cons:

• Many people complain about the durability of the remote
• Some people say that the remote has some lag, which can be irritating at times
• Very standard remote could easily be confused with other remotes

Compatibility:

This remote is compatible with the following LG Smart TV models:

• 98UH9800 86UH9500 75UH8500 75UH6550 70UH6350 70UH6330 65UH9500 65UH8500 65UH7700 65UH7650 65UH7500 65UH6550 65UH615A 65UH615A 65UH6150 65UH6030 65UH5500 60UH8500 60UH7700 60UH7650 60UH7500 60UH6550 60UH615A 60UH6150 60UH6090 60UH6035 60UH6030
• 58UH6300 55UH8500 55UH7700 55UH7650 55UH7500 55UH6550 55UH615A 55UH6150 55UH6090 55UH6030 50UH6300 50UH5530 49UH7700 49UH7500 49UH6500 49UH610A 49UH6100 49UH6090 49UH6030 43UH7500 43UH6500 43UH610A 43UH6100 43UH6100 43UH6030 and More

Our Recommendation

When it comes to the best LG Smart TV remotes, your best option is the Logitech Harmony Elite. This remote can do everything from controlling your TV through Alexa to turning on the lights and activating devices even when you aren’t home. This is really one of the most versatile remotes that you can find. Plus, support for Logitech’s database of over 270,000 brands means it is likely already compatible with your LG Smart TV model and everything else you own.

📚 Related: 5 Best Universal Remotes for Toshiba TVs

Best LG Smart TV Remotes – What Do You Think?

We hope you enjoyed our best LG Smart TV remotes review.

What do you think about our picks for these remotes? Are you just looking to replace an existing remote or are you thinking about an upgrade?

Either way, I hope you will leave me a comment below and let me know. I would love to hear from you.

Also, if you found this helpful, would you mind sharing it using the social media buttons at the top of this page? Thanks for your support!

About the Author

Tim Brennan, Technical Writer & Blogger

Tim Brennan [a.k.a. "Tec Timmy"] is a senior technical writer with over 25 years of experience writing for companies and organizations in and around Greater Boston, including GE and MIT. In addition to actively writing about universal remotes, Tim is also a regular contributor over at oneSmartcrib.com, a smart home blog. Tim holds a BA in Journalism from Northeastern University. Brennan is a father to two sons, a Star Wars nut, and loves a good taco🌮. There is a strong chance he is developing a crush on Amazon Alexa. You can learn more about Tim here.