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In this article, I’ll review the seven best remotes for Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube you can get right now.
Love Your Firestick?
Do you love your Fire Stick?
I know, I know. I sound like a bad Internet commercial for virtual private network (VPN) software.
So, I won’t go there.
However, I do love my Fire TV Cube. And apparently, I am in good company. Amazon now says Fire TV reaches more than 250 million devices worldwide. Whoa.
I do NOT love the Amazon remote that ships with Fire TV Stick and Cube, though.
Why? Because it adds another remote to the others piling up on your coffee table.
The Alexa Voice Remote Pro is still very cool, though.
In this post, I’ll introduce you to some alternate remotes that you can use to control your Fire TV. Contrary to popular belief, you do have universal remote options.
Let’s go get ’em!
#1 – For Fire TV: Alexa Voice Remote Pro
Compatibility: Compatible with most Fire TV streaming media players, and smart TVs with Fire TV built-in. Not compatible with Fire TV 1st and 2nd Gen, Fire TV Stick 1st Gen, Element Fire TV Edition, Insignia HD/Insignia FHD, Hisense U6HF 4K ULED Fire TV Series, or Echo Show.
I still like Amazon’s Alexa Voice Remote Pro best if you want a Fire TV-first upgrade instead of a full universal remote. My full review is here, but the short version is that it adds customizable buttons, backlighting, and a remote finder while keeping the familiar Fire TV layout. The lightweight remote has two programmable buttons, which I set to launch Disney+ and Max, but they can also be assigned to Alexa commands.
The backlit buttons make it easy to use in the dark, and the remote finder feature is a patience saver when your remote falls inside your sofa cushions or you leave it in the freezer. However, the remote locator is limited to 30 feet and won’t control your entire home theater. Despite these minor drawbacks, I find the Voice Remote Pro a great upgrade for those who want more customization and ease of use with their Fire TV.
Pros
- Customizable buttons for personalized shortcuts.
- Backlit buttons for easy navigation in the dark.
- Remote finder feature for locating misplaced remotes.
- Comfortable, intuitive design.
- Compatible with a wide range of Fire TV devices.
Cons
- Not included with Fire TV hardware, requiring a standalone purchase.
- No recents button for easy multitasking.
- Remote locator limited to a 30-foot range.
Video Review
Video Credit: Triple M#2 – Premium Universal: SofaBaton X2
Compatibility: Controls Fire TV Stick and Cube setups through the SofaBaton hub, along with TVs, soundbars, receivers, projectors, and other IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF devices.
SofaBaton sent me their new 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 of the best remotes for Fire TV to control the streamer plus the rest of the living room.
The X2 now earns the #2 spot in this roundup because it feels like the stronger long-term pick for more advanced setups. It is overkill if you only need to replace a lost Fire TV remote, but for a Fire TV Stick or Cube room with a TV, soundbar, receiver, and smart-home gear, the X2 is the SofaBaton I would look at first.
Pros
- Touchscreen interface for devices, activities, and shortcuts.
- Hub-based IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF control.
- Charging dock keeps the remote ready between sessions.
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Home Assistant.
- Backlit buttons make it easier to use in the dark.
Cons
- More expensive than the X1S and U2.
- Setup still takes time if you have a lot of devices.
- No built-in microphone for direct voice commands.
SofaBaton X2 lets you command your entire home entertainment system with an intuitive touchscreen remote.
Video Review
Here is a SofaBaton X2 unboxing I filmed over on my TecTimmy channel.
#3 – Budget Universal: SofaBaton U2 Backlit
Compatibility: Check out the SofaBaton device compatibility database.
If you want a budget universal remote for Fire TV but do not need the X2’s hub, touchscreen, or smart-home integrations, the SofaBaton U2 Backlit is the cleaner value pick. It is still an app-programmed universal remote, but it is built for simpler rooms where you mainly want to consolidate a Fire TV, TV, soundbar, Blu-ray player, or receiver.
The current U2 Backlit model adds backlit buttons and lift-to-wake screen behavior, which fixes the biggest everyday complaint I had with earlier U-series remotes. It can replace up to fifteen remotes, supports IR and Bluetooth devices, and includes macro buttons for common routines like turning on the TV and switching to the right input.
The main limitation is that the U2 does not control RF or Wi-Fi gear and will not run Philips Hue, Sonos, or other smart-home devices. If that matters, step up to the X2. If you just want a less expensive universal remote for a Fire TV-centered setup, the U2 Backlit belongs in this slot.
Pros
- More affordable than the X2.
- Backlit buttons help in dark rooms.
- Can replace up to fifteen remotes.
- Infrared learning mode helps with unusual devices.
- Macro buttons can trigger multi-step routines.
Cons
- No RF or Wi-Fi device control.
- Cannot control smart-home devices like Philips Hue or Sonos.
- No Alexa or Google Assistant integration.
- Requires two AAA batteries.
SofaBaton U2 offers IR universal control, minus the hub and smart-home features.
Video Review
TECH Genius does a nice job breaking down the SofaBaton U2 Backlit remote and showing how the updated model works in practice.
Video Credit: TECH Genius#4 – Best Keyboard Add-On: iPazzport
Compatibility with Fire TV: Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen and 3rd Gen), Fire TV Stick 4k, Fire TV Stick 4k Max, Fire TV (3rd gen), Fire TV Cube (2021 model).
If you are wedded to the existing Alexa Voice remote, check out this add-on keyboard from iPazzport. The keyboard and additional buttons iPazzport provides might make you not miss having a “true” universal remote control.
I use this add-on gadget when I need to type anything on the screen using my Fire TV Cube. This is especially helpful when searching for your favorite shows or YouTube content.
To learn more about this remote, check out the user manual here.
Pros
- Simple add-on extends functionality of Alexa remote.
- Works right out of the box with the Fire TV devices above.
- Qwerty style keyboard makes searching your favorite content easier.
Cons
- Doesn’t work with all Fire TV apps.
- Backlighting is a bit dim.
- Programming the universal remote features is challenging.
#5 – Best Mid-Tier SofaBaton: X1S
Compatibility: Controls Fire TV Stick and Cube setups through the SofaBaton hub, along with TVs, soundbars, receivers, projectors, and other IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF devices.
The SofaBaton X1S moves to #5, but that should not read like a knock against it. Before upgrading to the X2, the X1S was my go-to remote, and it remains one of the best remotes for Fire TV owners who want more control without jumping all the way into the newest model.
It is still a good fit if you want app-based setup, activity-style control, and a cleaner coffee table without spending at the very top of the category. A single Watch Fire TV command can power on the TV, wake the soundbar or receiver, switch inputs, and put the streamer in charge. The X2 is the better pick now, but the X1S still makes sense if you find it at a good price or simply do not need the latest SofaBaton hardware.
Pros
- Controls up to 60 IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF devices.
- One-touch activities work well for Fire TV rooms.
- Backlit buttons and scroll wheel improve night use.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Cons
- No touchscreen or charging dock like the X2.
- Initial setup can still take time.
- Still costs more than simple replacement remotes.
SofaBaton X1S offers similar core functionality to the X2, minus the touchscreen, at a lower price.
Video Review
Here is a video I recently published on my TecTimmy YouTube channel showing my SofaBaton X1S setup process.
Video Credit: TecTimmy#6 – Simple Replacement: Alexa Remote
Compatibility: Fire TV streaming media players, Amazon Fire TV smart TVs, and smart TVs with Fire TV built-in. Not compatible with Amazon Fire TV (1st and 2nd Gen), Fire TV Stick (1st Gen), or Amazon Fire TV Edition smart TVs..
Coming in next on my list of the best remotes for Fire TV Stick and Cube is the latest-generation Alexa Voice Remote. While I don’t love it because it won’t replace your other remotes, it will let you control your Fire TV device with your voice using Alexa. Oh, and it’s cheap.
It also has some basic controls that include power, volume, and mute buttons that you can use to control your TV. You can also use it to control your soundbar and AV receiver. Did I mention it’s cheap?
Pros
- Press a button on the remote to issue Alexa commands.
- Great Voice search capabilities.
- Vastly improved design over previous generations of this remote.
- Dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu.
Cons
- Can’t control other equipment.
- The Home button and Prime button are redundant.
- Compatible with Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen and later), Fire TV Stick 4K (1st Gen and later), Fire TV Stick 4K Max (1st Gen and later), Fire TV Cube (1st Gen and later), Fire TV (3rd Gen, Pendant Design), and Echo Show 15.
- Not compatible with Fire TV (1st and 2nd Gen), Fire TV Stick (1st Gen), or Fire TV Edition smart TVs.
Video Review
Juan Camacho does a nice job in this video review of the Fire TV Stick and the Alexa voice remote:
#7 – Best Add-on: Sideclick Remote
Compatibility: Compatible with Alexa Voice Remote and Alexa Voice Remote Pro.
The Sideclick universal remote add-on is the oddball pick here, but it solves a real Fire TV problem. Instead of replacing your Alexa remote, it clips onto it and adds eight programmable buttons for commands like TV power, volume, input switching, and soundbar control.
That makes the most sense if you already like the Alexa Voice Remote or Alexa Voice Remote Pro but hate juggling a second clicker for basic TV or audio controls. The tradeoff is bulk: your Fire TV remote gets wider, and you need the right Sideclick clip for the remote style you own.
Pros
- Adds eight programmable buttons to an Alexa remote.
- Good fix for TV power, volume, and input switching.
- Keeps the familiar Fire TV remote layout.
- Reduces the need for a second basic remote.
Cons
- Makes the remote wider.
- Requires the correct clip for your Fire TV remote model.
- Limited to eight additional buttons.
Best Remotes for Fire TV Stick and Cube: Verdict
Choosing among the best remotes for Fire TV Stick and Cube comes down to how much of the room you want one remote to control.
- Choose the Alexa Voice Remote Pro if you want the best Fire TV-specific replacement with backlighting, remote finder, and programmable buttons.
- Choose the SofaBaton X2 if your Fire TV is part of a larger home-theater setup. Choose the SofaBaton X1S if you want the mid-tier SofaBaton option that was my go-to before upgrading.
- Choose the SofaBaton U2 Backlit if you want a lower-cost universal remote for a simpler Fire TV room.
If you are comparing Fire TV options against broader home-theater remotes, my guide to the best universal remotes goes deeper on the category. If you have questions about Fire TV remotes, drop a comment below and I will do my best to reply as soon as I can.
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