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In this post, I’ll give you the low-down on the best universal remotes for Panasonic Smart TVs.
In a hurry? Here’s a summary of the best universal remotes for Panasonic Smart TVs along with my top replacement remote pick:
- #1 – My Top Pick: Sofabaton X1
- #2 – Runner-Up: Sofabaton U2
- #3 – Best Voice Control: Fire TV Cube
- #4 – Best for Apple TV: Function 101
- #5 – Best Hub and App: Broadlink
You can click on any of the links above to jump down to the specific remote you are looking for.
But first, let’s rap.
Panasonic Platinum
Whenever I think about Panasonic, I think about the early-80s TV commercial that was advertising a new boom box.
The commercial featured Earth Wind and Fire singing and rapping a jingle that would repeat over and over to a funky beat:
“Panasonic Plat-i-num.”
“It’s a Panasonic Plat-i-num.”
Pan-a-sonic Plati-num.
You get the idea. LOL. Catchy and brilliant. And that boombox would make any aspiring “breakdancer” proud. If I can find the video on YouTube I will embed it below. Hilarious!
These days I’m sure Panasonic’s advertising budget is more focused on marketing its popular line of flat-screen Smart TVs. According to this report from MarketWatch, it remains one of the top seven TV brands in the world. Their line of Smart, LED, and 4K TVs deliver a crisp, vibrant picture at a budget price.
However, the remote control that comes with the TV is—how do I say this delicately—LAME. And it is very limited to controlling just your TV and nothing else. If you are here you are probably already well aware, but just in case, it looks like this.
Well, don’t despair my friends. I’m here to get you a stellar list of universal remotes for Panasonic Smart TVs for just about any budget.
📚 Related: 5 Best Universal Remotes for Sharp TVs
#1 – My Top Pick: Sofabaton X1
As a proud owner of the SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote, I can confidently say that this device has greatly simplified my home entertainment system. With just one remote, I am able to control all of my electronic devices, including my TV, cable box, Apple TV, Fire TV Cube, Roku streambar, and more.
I have been testing this for a few months now and it has been a worthy replacement for my Logitech Harmony Elite remote. The touchpad and voice control features make navigating menus and performing actions on my devices an absolute breeze.
Plus, with a long battery life of up to 60 days, I don’t have to worry about constantly replacing batteries. Overall, I highly recommend the SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote to anyone looking for a versatile device to control their home entertainment system. It will control some smart home tech too.
Pros
Cons
Video Review
Video Credit: Tec Timmy
The X1 universal remote controls a wide range of devices with its hub. It supports up to 500,000 IR & Bluetooth devices, including Samsung Smart TVs, soundbars, gaming consoles, AV receivers, Blu-Ray players, Philips Hue lights, and Sonos speakers.
#2 – Runner-Up: Sofabaton U2
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of testing the Sofabaton U2 remote. While it might not be as feature-rich as the X1, it certainly is a commendable upgrade from the U1. The U2 presents a solid budget-friendly option for those looking for advanced functionality without breaking the bank.
This new iteration sports a dimmer OLED display, designed to conserve battery life, and the larger buttons offer a satisfying click upon press. It’s a one-stop solution for controlling my home entertainment devices such as TV, cable/satellite box, soundbar, and more, without the hassle of multiple remotes. The setup process might seem a bit technical, but the comfortable, smooth-edged design and intuitive usability make it worth the effort.
Pros
Cons
Video Review
Video Credit: Kpaceguy
The improved Sofabaton U2 remote features a better design, more responsive buttons, enhanced infrared performance, and easier battery replacement, making it a worthy upgrade from its U1 predecessor.
#3 – Best Voice Control: Fire TV Cube
I love using my Fire TV Cube to control my TV and streaming using my voice with Alexa.
This is a super convenient option for controlling your home entertainment system that borders on pure magic.
The device allows you to stream content from all popular streaming services like NetFlix, Disney+, HBOMax, Amazon Prime Video and many others. It alss compatible with a wide range of devices, including 4K Ultra HD TVs and soundbars. The sleek design of the Fire TV Cube and its accompanying Alexa voice remote make it a stylish addition to your home entertainment setup.
Pros
Cons
Video Review
Video Credit: Tech Spurt
- Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice using Alexa, even from across the room.
#4 – Best for Apple TV: Function 101
As a proud owner of the Function 101 remote for Apple TV, I can attest to its exceptional performance and user-friendliness. This sleek and minimalist remote was designed specifically for use with Apple TV, and it delivers on all fronts. With its simple button layout and ergonomic design, the Function 101 remote makes it easy to navigate through menus, control playback, and even adjust the volume. Plus, its sturdy aluminum construction gives it a premium look and feel.
Pros
Cons
Video Review
Video Credit: MacRumors
#5 – Best Hub & App: Broadlink RM4 Pro
The Broadlink RM4 Pro is a universal remote hub and app pair that lets you to control a wide range of devices, including your Panasonic TV, home theater equipment, smart devices, air conditioners, and more. There is no physical remote, instead you use your smartphone or voice commands. The Broadlink RM4 Pro’s plug and play hub and user-friendly app make it easy to use.
Pros
Cons
Broadlink RM4 Pro offers high compatibility with over 50,000 IR-controlled devices, but it doesn't support Bluetooth. It also features a newly updated Broadlink App for an enhanced user experience and scene creation.
Best Universal Remotes for Panasonic Smart TVs – What Do You Think?
So what do you think about my picks for the best universal remotes for Panasonic Smart TVs?
Are you looking to replace an existing remote? Or perhaps you want a better option for consolidating multiple remotes down to one?
Is smart home control an important consideration for you? How about voice control using Alexa or Google?
Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear from you.
In the meantime, enjoy this funk-a-delic throwback to the days of Panasonic Plat-i-num. LOL.
Related Links
If you enjoyed this post about the best remotes for Panasonic TVs, you might also like:
- 5 Best Remote Control Apps for Panasonic TVs
- GE Remote Codes for Panasonic TVs
- Sofabaton Vs Harmony
- Sofabaton X1 Vs U1
- 11 Best Universal Remotes
Tim Brennan is a technology blogger and hosts the @TecTimmy YouTube channel. He writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. A graduate of Northeastern University School of Journalism, he has written about technology for 30 years. Tim lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for a fun take on all things tech.