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Start with Best Remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO, then match the remote to your streamer, television, soundbar, receiver, and other compatible equipment.
Streaming Remote Picks
I researched these five current remotes to separate true multi-device controllers from platform-specific replacements.
Best Remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO covers remotes matched to the streaming device, television, audio equipment, and control protocol rather than to an app alone.
Nielsen’s Gauge report supplies the authority market context: streaming accounted for 47.5% of television viewing during the measured month.
Use the remote that fits the device running HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, or KRAGO.
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: SofaBaton X2 coordinates the broadest mix of compatible streaming, television, and audio equipment.
- Platform picks: Function101 favors Apple TV buttons, while Fire TV Cube is the hands-free Alexa choice.
- Lower-cost options: SofaBaton X1S keeps hub-based Activities, while SofaBaton U3 supplies budget multi-device control without a hub.
Product Comparison Table
This product comparison table compares the five picks in Best Remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO before the full reviews.
| Feature | Best Overall | Best Value Hub | Best for Apple TV | Best for Voice Control | Budget LCD Universal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | SofaBaton X2 | SofaBaton X1S | Function101 | Fire TV Cube | SofaBaton U3 |
| Product Image |
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| Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Best For | multi-device streaming systems | hub-based multi-device control for less | Apple TV viewers who prefer buttons | Alexa-first Fire TV streaming | budget multi-device control |
| Backlit Controls | |||||
| Control Path | Hub and handheld universal remote | Hub-based IR and Bluetooth | Apple TV Bluetooth and infrared | Alexa voice and Fire TV remote | IR, Bluetooth, and learnable RF |
| Dedicated Hub | |||||
| Power | Rechargeable dock | 1050mAh rechargeable | Two AAA batteries | AC powered | 1200mAh USB-C |
| Voice Support | |||||
| Display | 2.4-inch color touchscreen | 2-inch OLED | No screen | No screen | 2.4-inch LCD |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
#1 – SofaBaton X2: Best Overall
Best Fit
Choose SofaBaton X2 when your TV, streamer, soundbar, and receiver need one shared Activity.
Key Specifications
SofaBaton X2 leads best remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO because its hub can control compatible TVs, streaming devices, soundbars, receivers, projectors, and other gear. Its color touchscreen and Activities give you one place for device selection, playback, input changes, and volume.
The X2 supports compatible IR, Bluetooth, RF, and Wi-Fi equipment, and the charging dock keeps the remote ready. It is expensive and setup takes patience, but it is the strongest choice here when several devices must start in the right order and respond as one system.
Pros
- Hub can reach compatible gear in cabinets
- Activities can combine TV, streaming, and audio commands
- Backlit buttons and color touchscreen are easy to use
- Charging dock avoids disposable-battery swaps
- Smart-home integrations support compatible voice routines
Cons
- Setup takes more time than a platform remote
- Premium price is hard to justify for one streaming device
- Compatibility should be checked for every device
Touchscreen hub remote for a full home-theater setup.
#2 – SofaBaton X1S: Best Value Hub
Best Fit
Choose SofaBaton X1S when you want hub-based Activities without paying for the X2 touchscreen.
Key Specifications
SofaBaton X1S controls a compatible streamer, TV, soundbar, receiver, projector, or disc player through its hub. That multi-device coverage earns it a place in best remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO, while Activities can combine power, input, playback, and volume steps behind one button.
Choose the X1S when you want broad control for less than the X2 and do not need a touchscreen or charging dock. The app takes time to configure, but the OLED screen, backlit buttons, and Alexa or Google Assistant integration make everyday control straightforward once the Activities are set.
Pros
- Hub helps with compatible gear behind cabinet doors
- Activities reduce repeated input switching
- OLED display identifies devices and commands
- Backlit buttons help in low light
- Rechargeable battery avoids AA swaps
Cons
- No RF learning support
- Initial app setup takes patience
- Device compatibility varies by model
SofaBaton X1S offers similar core functionality to the X2, minus the touchscreen, at a lower price.
#3 – Function101: Best for Apple TV
Best Fit
Choose Function101 when Apple TV is your main streamer and touch gestures are not your thing.
Key Specifications
Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV gives Apple TV viewers a traditional directional pad instead of touch gestures. That focused design earns it a place in best remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO; Bluetooth handles Apple TV navigation, while infrared can cover supported TV power, input, mute, and volume commands.
This is a focused Apple TV replacement, not a controller for a large collection of equipment. Setup is simple and the physical layout is guest-friendly, but there is no Siri microphone. Keep Apple’s Siri Remote available if you rely on voice search or voice commands.
Pros
- Traditional buttons are easier for many Apple TV users
- Bluetooth avoids line-of-sight for Apple TV navigation
- TV power and volume can reduce remote swapping
- Simple setup without a hub
- AAA batteries are easy to replace
Cons
- No Siri voice control
- Not a multi-device universal remote
- Some TV and audio functions depend on setup
Function101 is offering my readers special savings on this remote. Click Function101 below for the deal, or shop at Amazon if you prefer.
#4 – Fire TV Cube: Best for Voice Control
Best Fit
Choose Fire TV Cube when hands-free Alexa control matters more than a universal handset.
Key Specifications
Fire TV Cube combines a Fire TV streamer with hands-free Alexa and an included button remote. It is the voice-first choice in best remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO because Alexa can search, launch compatible content, adjust playback, and control supported TV or audio functions.
The Cube is a streaming device with voice control, not a full universal handheld for every component. Pick it when Alexa matters more than advanced multi-device Activities. App support, HDMI-CEC behavior, and equipment compatibility still determine which commands work without the original TV or audio remote.
Pros
- Hands-free Alexa can find and start compatible content
- Built-in Fire TV avoids an extra streaming stick
- Included Alexa Voice Remote supports conventional navigation
- Wi-Fi 6E support suits compatible networks
- Works naturally with Alexa smart-home routines
Cons
- Best only if you use Fire TV
- Does not replace every device remote
- Voice results depend on app and content support
Hands-free 4K Fire TV box with Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet.
#5 – SofaBaton U3: Best Budget Universal
Best Fit
Choose SofaBaton U3 when you need a lower-cost remote for compatible TV and audio gear.
Key Specifications
SofaBaton U3 is the budget universal choice in best remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO, with support for multiple compatible TVs, streaming devices, soundbars, receivers, projectors, and other IR, Bluetooth, or learnable RF equipment. Its 2.4-inch LCD keeps device selections visible instead of limiting control to one component.
The U3 adds USB-C charging, macros, backlit controls, and support for up to three compatible Bluetooth connections. It has no Wi-Fi hub, so hidden IR equipment may need the optional R1 repeater, and voice functions depend on the connected device rather than replacing a platform’s original voice assistant.
Pros
- LCD screen keeps device selections visible
- USB-C rechargeable battery
- IR, supported Bluetooth, and learnable RF cover varied gear
- Macros combine common commands
- Costs less than hub-based picks
Cons
- No hub for equipment hidden in cabinets
- Compatibility remains device-specific
- Platform voice search may require the original remote
Rechargeable LCD universal remote, no hub required.
How to Choose Best Remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO
Start with the device that runs the app, then decide whether the television, soundbar, receiver, or hidden equipment also needs control.
What I Look For When I Buy
Here is what I would check first before choosing between the Best Remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO options.
- ✓Match the streaming device. Apple TV, Fire TV, and other streaming platforms use different control paths, so platform compatibility comes first.
- ✓Choose direct control or a hub. Use a hub when compatible equipment is hidden or several devices need coordinated Activities; use a direct remote for simpler setups.
- ✓Separate voice from navigation. A remote can navigate an app while its voice search remains tied to the platform’s original voice remote or built-in assistant.
- ✓Check the exact equipment. Confirm IR, Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi, HDMI-CEC, and smart-home compatibility before buying.
FAQs
Here are the practical questions to answer before choosing a streaming-service remote.
1. What are the best remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO?
SofaBaton X2 is the strongest overall choice when a television, streamer, soundbar, receiver, projector, and other compatible equipment need coordinated control. SofaBaton X1S offers similar hub-based Activities for less money, while Function101 and Fire TV Cube make more sense when Apple TV buttons or hands-free Fire TV voice control matter most today overall.
2. Can one remote control every streaming service?
A remote controls the streaming device that runs each app, not the service itself. Compatibility depends on the television, streamer, receiver, soundbar, projector, and the protocols they support. Confirm IR, Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi, HDMI-CEC, and voice-assistant support for every component before assuming one remote can perform every command needed in daily use.
3. Is Fire TV Cube better than a universal remote?
Fire TV Cube is better when hands-free Alexa search, playback, and supported equipment control are the priority. A universal remote is better when several compatible devices need coordinated power, input, volume, and navigation commands. Choose the Cube for an Alexa-first setup; choose a hub remote when broader multi-device Activities matter more overall.
4. Does Function101 replace the Apple TV Siri Remote?
Function101 replaces Apple TV navigation with a traditional directional pad and physical playback buttons, and it can handle supported television power, input, mute, and volume commands through infrared. It does not include Siri voice control, so keep Apple’s Siri Remote available if voice search or spoken commands are part of how you normally watch.
5. Is Crackle still an active streaming service?
Crackle’s US service is no longer active, so it should not determine a new remote purchase. Choose around the active platform and hardware you use now, including HBO Max, DIRECTV, Fubo, Fandango at Home, Philo, Apple TV, or Fire TV, then verify compatibility with every television and audio component before buying anything new today.
Our Verdict
Best remotes for HBO, DirecTV, FUBU, VUDU, FILO, and KRAGO make sense only when they match the streaming device and every compatible TV or audio component you expect them to control.
- Choose SofaBaton X2 if you need coordinated control across several compatible devices.
- Choose SofaBaton X1S if you want hub-based Activities without paying for the X2 touchscreen.
- Choose Fire TV Cube if hands-free Alexa control is more important than advanced universal-remote Activities.
SofaBaton X2 is the best overall multi-device recommendation. SofaBaton X1S is the better value hub, Function101 is the focused Apple TV pick, Fire TV Cube leads for voice control, and SofaBaton U3 is the budget universal choice.
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