As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
In the post, I am pleased to share my picks for the seven best remotes for Apple TV you can get right now.
Following are my top recommendations for Apple TV remotes (Siri and Universal):
- #1 – Most On-Point: Apple Siri Remote
- #2 – Most Versatile: Sofabaton X1
- #3 – Premium Pick: Logitech Harmony
- #4 – App and Hub: Broadlink RM4 Pro
- #5 – Budget Sofabaton: Sofabaton U1
- #6 – Gaming Controller: SteelSeries Nimbus+
- #7 – Best Siri Remote Add-On: Sideclick
You can click on any link in the list above to jump down to see the specs, pros, and cons of that remote. Or continue on to see a side-by-side comparison of my top three picks for controlling your Apple devices.
Best ATV Remotes: My Top 3 Picks
The following table compares my top three picks of the best remotes for Apple TV side by side. Pricing is updated dynamically via integration with Amazon’s API.
Last update on 02/06/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1 – Most On-Point: Apple Siri Remote
MacRumors hailed the remote as a HUGE Upgrade over at YouTube when it was released last year.
And Forbes magazine and others have said the Apple TV remote goes from very bad to the very best.
This is good news for Apple TV since market research firm Statistica predicts the streaming platform will grow from 38.7 million users today to 47.7 million by 2026.
The elegant streamlined remote not only looks cool and feels good in the hand, but it has just the right mix of buttons with perfect placement for navigating your Apple TV. Sorry about that Amazon Fire TV remote. Oh, and if you feel like giving your fingers a rest, you can just ask Siri to do it. Hands down, this is the best Apple TV remote replacement. It won’t control your other entertainment or smart home devices, though. It also won’t work with the original Apple TV.
📚 Related: How to Watch Football on Apple TV
Specs
Pros
Cons
#2 – Most Versatile: Sofabaton X1
I’ve been blogging about universal remotes for the better part of three years, but I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited about a remote than I am with the new Sofabaton X1. First, this little remote has the potential to be even better than Harmony which certainly had its flaws.
Second, compatibility with over 500,000 devices AND learning capability means it is practically guaranteed to work with all of your stuff. This includes your smart TV, ATV, other streaming devices, game console, audio setup, and more.
Third, the company just seems to get it: they were quick to fix bugs found in the initial release version, they proactively reach out to new customers with a checklist of things to set yourself up for success, and they are serious about tech support.
Kpaceguy gives the updated X1 remote a major thumbs up in his early YouTube review.
While I haven’t had the chance to fully test this yet myself, the latest reviews are encouraging. Honestly, I think this is going to be an over better experience and the best way you can control your Apple TV right now.
Here’s my X1 new in the box. I plan to unbox it this week over on my YouTube channel.
Pro Tip: Make sure you update the firmware before doing anything else after you buy this remote.Specs
Pros
Cons
#3 – Premium Pick: Logitech Harmony Elite
My Harmony Elite
Next on my list of the best remotes for Apple TV is the Logitech Harmony Elite.
I have the Harmony Elite and have been using it for years. However, adding new routines and devices has always been a bit of a hassle with the Harmony software, so I haven’t really added my new devices to it over the past year or so. The ease of setup with the Sofabaton X1 remote has got me thinking this is going to unseat my Elite.
Still, this is a stellar and highly sophisticated remote that deserves its own place on my list. Like the X1, Logitech devices database numbers in the hundreds of thousands, it will let you control up to 15 home theater devices and potentially an unlimited number of smart devices via Wi-Fi.
Here’s a heads up though, with the dwindling inventory of Harmony remotes, the prices for Harmony remotes have literally gone through the roof. Still, if you want the Elite and can afford it, snatch one up fast! Elite remains the best option for controlling your media center.
📚Related: 11 Best Logitech Harmony Alternatives
Specs
Pros
Cons
#4 – App and Hub: Broadlink RM4 Pro
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant to control of your IR appliances by just saying “Alexa turn on the TV” or “Alexa volume down on TV.” This is one of the best universal remote apps you can get today. The hub also features temperature and humidity detection so that you can integrate and automate your home heating and cooling systems. This is something that wasn’t available on the Harmony Hub.
Specs
Pros
Cons
#5 – Budget Sofabaton: Sofabaton U1
With U1, you’ll have just one remote for your TV, DVD/Blu-ray player, soundbar, and streaming media players like Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and many others. The bright color OLED screen directly displays the current status and is convenient for switching different devices.
Here’s an unboxing and an intro to the U1 app from OSReviews. Nice job with the demo man.
With one macro button push, you can automate multiple commands such as “Watch Netflix” can be set to turn on the TV and soundbar, switch to Apple TV, and open Netflix.
The U1 is limited to control of IR and Bluetooth devices, so if you want to add Wi-fi device control check out the X1.
Specs
Pros
Cons
#6 – Best for Gamers: SteelSeries Nimbus+
“Plus,” with four free months of Apple Arcade and compatibility with thousands of titles, you’ll have plenty of games to keep you busy Official Apple-licensed Wireless Connectivity ensures compatibility with all Apple products.
Here’s a nice review of the Nimbus+ from AppleInsider:
Specs
Pros
Cons
#7 – Best Siri Remote Add-On: Sideclick Universal Attachment
Here’s a look at the Sideclick Universal Attachment for Apple TV from EndofLineTech. Nice job with the video, dude 😊.
You can use it to control the basic functions of your TV, receiver, sound bar, Blu-Ray, and Apple TV all-in-one convenient device. The Sideclick is super easy to program; however, you must have your original device remote to program the Sideclick Remote’s eight buttons to your most-used devices. If you decide to change your streaming device, you can use the same Sideclick Remote and just get the adapter for that device. The company also makes attachments for Fire TV, Roku, NVIDIA Shield, and Chromecast.
Specs
Pros
Cons
FAQs
What is the best remote control for Apple TV?
The best remote control for Apple TV is hands now the latest generation of the Apple Siri remote that ships with the ATV console. The main drawback to this remote is that it is not a universal remote—meaning you can only control Apple TV with it. If you want a universal remote that can control Apple TV and your other devices for major brands and not-so-major ones, check out the Sofabaton X1.
Will the new Apple TV remote work with any Apple TV?
The new Apple TV remote is backward compatible with all Apple TVs that run Apple tvOS.
Do the Sofabaton remotes work with Apple TV?
Yes, both the X1 and U1 remotes from Sofabaton work with Apple TV. Additionally, the company says that it can control up to 15 devices, including your TV, cable box, Blu-ray player, DVD, DVR, satellite, audio, sound bars, and streaming media players like Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV.
Best Remotes for Apple TV: Your Turn
I hope you found my round-up of the best remotes for Apple TV helpful. Please leave me a comment below and let me know.
While Apple has made great strides in improving the Siri remote, it still doesn’t solve the same dilemma caused by all of these streaming devices in my view. That is, the addition of one more remote being added to the collection on your coffee table.
While new prospects from innovative companies like Sofabaton and Broadlink aren’t perfect yet, I am super encouraged by their latest offerings.
My new Sofabaton X1 remote just arrived in the box from Amazon. I will be blogging about that more here and also creating some videos over on my YouTube channel. Please consider bookmarking this site and subscribing to my YouTube channel if you are interested in learning more about universal remotes!
Featured Photo by Omar Rodriguez on Unsplash
