best lg tv remotes

7 Best Remotes for LG TVs in 2026

In Remotes: TV Brands by Tim Brennan

Views: 776
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As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here are the best remotes for LG TVs worth buying right now: universal hubs that actually pair, OEM Magic replacements, and budget backups I’ve put to the test.

Life’s Good – If Your Remote Works

best remotes for LG TVs

Did you know LG (Life’s Good) is one of the biggest Smart TV makers in the world? Their OLED panels and Signature TVs are everywhere, and so are their flaky stock remotes.

If yours is dropping voice commands, lagging on the magic pointer, or fighting you on input switches, you are in the right place.

I have reviewed nearly two hundred universal remotes on this site and personally tested every Sofabaton model on the market. The list below covers the best remotes for LG TVs across price and complexity, from premium hubs to budget OEM backups.

For broader market context, see the universal remote controls market analysis from Polaris Market Research.

Key Takeaways

  • Pick a universal first. A Sofabaton X2 or X1S replaces every previous remote control in the room and survives a Magic Remote retirement.
  • Match the remote to the household, not the spec sheet. A simple remote with ergonomic design beats a powerful one nobody else can run.
  • Confirm Magic Remote model-year compatibility. Most return headaches come from skipping the tv’s model number check.

Best Remotes for LG TVs: Comparison Table

Here’s how the top picks for the best remotes for LG TVs compare side by side.

A Smarter Touchscreen Hub
SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Touchscreen, Powerful Hub, One-Touch Activities, Custom APP, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/RF/WiFi Devices, Works with Alexa&Google Assistant&Home Assistant
For Home Theater Tweakers
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub, Improved Scroll, Smart Remote All in One with Customize One Touch Activities, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/WiFi Devices
Simple Universal Value
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with Backlight), All-in-One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customized APP for TV/Soundbar/DVD/Blu-ray/Projector and More, Macro Buttons & Extended Infrared Range
Big Buttons, Low Friction
Flipper Big Button Universal TV Remote for Seniors, Dementia - Works Both TV Only or TV & Cable (STB) Set Up - Favorites, IR Devices Spectrum, Xfinity, Samsung, Vizio, LG [Does not Work Streaming]
Native LG Experience
OEM LG AN-MR18BA Magic Remote Control with Netflix and Amazon Buttons Voice Mate for All 2018 4K UHD Smart LG Televisions OLED65W8PUA OLED77W8PUA OLED43W8PUA OLED49W8PUA OLED50W8PUA OLED55W8PUA
Sofabaton X2
Sofabaton X1S
Sofabaton U2
Flipper Big Button
LG Magic Remote
Controls Home Theater Devices
Limited
Limited
Controls Smart Home Devices
Limited
Voice Assistants
Alexa, Google, Home Assistant
Alexa, Google
LG voice (model-dependent)
Display Type
2.4-inch HD touchscreen
Color LCD with scroll wheel
Small OLED
None
Pointer UI on TV
Devices Supported
Up to 50
Up to 60
Up to 15
TV plus one source
LG TV only
Battery
Rechargeable plus dock
Rechargeable
Two AA
Two AA
Two AA
Backlit Buttons
Limited
Model-dependent
Streaming Services
Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Shield
Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Shield
Limited
TV plus box
LG webOS apps
Best For
Whole-home control
Premium without touchscreen
Older LG TVs and bedrooms
Accessibility-first homes
LG-only households
Price
$359.99
$179.99
$66.49
$39.95
$23.99
A Smarter Touchscreen Hub
SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Touchscreen, Powerful Hub, One-Touch Activities, Custom APP, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/RF/WiFi Devices, Works with Alexa&Google Assistant&Home Assistant
Sofabaton X2
Controls Home Theater Devices
Controls Smart Home Devices
Voice Assistants
Alexa, Google, Home Assistant
Display Type
2.4-inch HD touchscreen
Devices Supported
Up to 50
Battery
Rechargeable plus dock
Backlit Buttons
Streaming Services
Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Shield
Best For
Whole-home control
Price
$359.99
For Home Theater Tweakers
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub, Improved Scroll, Smart Remote All in One with Customize One Touch Activities, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/WiFi Devices
Sofabaton X1S
Controls Home Theater Devices
Controls Smart Home Devices
Limited
Voice Assistants
Alexa, Google
Display Type
Color LCD with scroll wheel
Devices Supported
Up to 60
Battery
Rechargeable
Backlit Buttons
Streaming Services
Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Shield
Best For
Premium without touchscreen
Price
$179.99
Simple Universal Value
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with Backlight), All-in-One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customized APP for TV/Soundbar/DVD/Blu-ray/Projector and More, Macro Buttons & Extended Infrared Range
Sofabaton U2
Controls Home Theater Devices
Controls Smart Home Devices
Voice Assistants
Display Type
Small OLED
Devices Supported
Up to 15
Battery
Two AA
Backlit Buttons
Limited
Streaming Services
Limited
Best For
Older LG TVs and bedrooms
Price
$66.49
Big Buttons, Low Friction
Flipper Big Button Universal TV Remote for Seniors, Dementia - Works Both TV Only or TV & Cable (STB) Set Up - Favorites, IR Devices Spectrum, Xfinity, Samsung, Vizio, LG [Does not Work Streaming]
Flipper Big Button
Controls Home Theater Devices
Limited
Controls Smart Home Devices
Voice Assistants
Display Type
None
Devices Supported
TV plus one source
Battery
Two AA
Backlit Buttons
Streaming Services
TV plus box
Best For
Accessibility-first homes
Price
$39.95
Native LG Experience
OEM LG AN-MR18BA Magic Remote Control with Netflix and Amazon Buttons Voice Mate for All 2018 4K UHD Smart LG Televisions OLED65W8PUA OLED77W8PUA OLED43W8PUA OLED49W8PUA OLED50W8PUA OLED55W8PUA
LG Magic Remote
Controls Home Theater Devices
Limited
Controls Smart Home Devices
Voice Assistants
LG voice (model-dependent)
Display Type
Pointer UI on TV
Devices Supported
LG TV only
Battery
Two AA
Backlit Buttons
Model-dependent
Streaming Services
LG webOS apps
Best For
LG-only households
Price
$23.99

Last update on 05/11/2026 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


#1 – Sofabaton X2: Editor’s Choice

At a Glance

  • Display: 2.4-inch HD touchscreen with quick-access keypad
  • Voice: Alexa, Google Assistant, Home Assistant
  • Devices: Up to 50 across IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF
  • Power: Rechargeable battery with charging dock

The Sofabaton X2 tops my list of the best remotes for LG TVs for a reason. Sofabaton sent me one to test as part of our partnership, and it earns its spot through seamless control of a real range of smart features. One-Touch Activities fire reliably, the touchscreen puts favorite TV shows and macros one tap away, and whole-home IR coverage reaches an LG TV in a cabinet.

For an LG OLED setup with a streamer, soundbar, set-top box, or blu-ray player, the X2 consolidates everything into one device with seamless control. Sofabaton’s database covers most major brands you would actually own, so pairing each device is closer to selecting a product specifications entry than typing in codes. Voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, and Home Assistant turn “Movie Night” into a single tap that powers the TV, switches the input, dims the lights, and starts streaming.

Pros

  • Touchscreen with quick-access macros and favorites
  • One-Touch Activities orchestrate the full home theater
  • Built-in IR plus two blasters for whole-home reach
  • Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Home Assistant

Cons

  • Premium price reflects the feature set
  • Initial setup takes about 30 minutes to dial in
Editor's Choice
SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote
$341.99

SofaBaton X2 lets you command your entire home entertainment system with an intuitive touchscreen remote.

Buy from Amazon
05/11/2026 03:29 am GMT

#2 – Sofabaton X1S: Premium Pick

At a Glance

  • Display: Color LCD with scroll wheel
  • Voice: Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Devices: Up to 60 across IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF
  • Power: Rechargeable

The X1S is the remote I tested for months before the X2 launched, and it remains a serious contender among the best remotes for LG TVs for shoppers focused on key features without a touchscreen. The LCD, scroll wheel, and 60-device cap deliver instant compatibility with most living-room stacks, and the activity flows hold up after the first setup pass.

For LG Smart TV owners who want premium control with ergonomic design, the X1S hits the sweet spot. Backlit buttons, Alexa and Google Assistant integration, and IR plus Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF coverage make it a strong fit for mixed-device living rooms with media players, soundbars, and streaming hardware.

Pros

  • 60-device support, the highest in the class
  • LCD plus scroll wheel makes activity selection fast
  • Backlit buttons for low-light viewing
  • Alexa and Google Assistant voice control

Cons

  • OLED display is smaller than the X2’s touchscreen
  • App-based setup has a learning curve
Battle Tested
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote
$179.99

SofaBaton X1S offers similar core functionality to the X2, minus the touchscreen, at a lower price.

Buy from Amazon
05/10/2026 09:29 pm GMT

Video Review

Here’s the X1S in action across a real living-room setup.

Video Credit: iVax


#3 – Sofabaton U2: Budget Universal

At a Glance

  • Display: Small OLED with backlit buttons
  • Voice: None
  • Devices: Up to 15
  • Power: Two AA batteries

I have owned the U2 since it launched and run it in a bedroom setup with an older LG TV and a single streamer. The latest backlit version fixed the U1’s biggest weakness and the redesigned battery cover finally stays put.

The U2 supports up to fifteen devices, intuitive ways to change channels, and a simple point-and-press flow that everyone in the house can use. It will not run a smart home, but it covers power, volume, and input switching without drama. For older LG TVs or for anyone who wants to retire a previous remote control without learning new software, the U2 lands among the best remotes for LG TVs in the budget tier.

Pros

  • Fifteen-device capacity covers most real living rooms
  • Backlit buttons on the latest version
  • Improved battery cover and ergonomics over the U1
  • Sofabaton’s full device database

Cons

  • No voice assistant support
  • No smart home control
  • Two AA batteries with no rechargeable option
Best Budget Universal
SofaBaton U2
$66.49

The SofaBaton U2 adds a backlight, better IR, and a better design over the U1.

Buy from Amazon Read my full review
05/11/2026 12:30 am GMT

Video Review

Here’s a real-world demo of the U2’s setup flow and button feel.

Video Credit: SOFABATON


#4 – Flipper Big Button: Best for Accessibility

At a Glance

  • Display: None
  • Voice: None
  • Devices: TV plus one source
  • Power: Two AA batteries

The Flipper is not trying to compete with the Sofabatons, and that is the point. Among third-party alternatives in this category, it is the one I keep recommending for older relatives. Oversized buttons, only the controls people actually use, and a layout nobody finds intimidating. Pair it with an LG TV in a single-source setup and the remote works the way the original LG clicker should have.

Among the best remotes for LG TVs for accessibility-first homes, the Flipper earns its spot through pure usability.

Pros

  • Oversized buttons designed for clarity
  • Minimal feature set means minimal confusion
  • Long battery life on AA setup
  • Excellent for elderly or accessibility-focused homes

Cons

  • Will not replace a multi-device universal
  • No voice or smart home features
Best for Seniors
Flipper Big Button Remote
$39.95

The Flipper Remote simplifies TV and cable control with large buttons—perfect for seniors.

Buy from Amazon Read my full review
05/11/2026 12:32 am GMT

#5 – LG Magic Remote: Best OEM Option

At a Glance

  • Display: Pointer UI rendered on TV
  • Voice: LG voice (model-dependent)
  • Devices: LG TV only
  • Power: Two AA batteries

If you want the original LG experience, genuine Magic Remotes remain the right answer. They pair natively with compatible LG OLED and LG Signature panels, support voice commands through LG’s own assistant, and give you the cleanest navigation through LG Channels and the webOS app menu on a new LG TV.

The catch is model compatibility, which varies year by year. Always check the right LG TV pairing — your specific model and Magic Remote variant must match. A 2024 Magic Remote pairs cleanly with 2024-2026 LG OLED TVs but will not work on a 2018 set. If your setup is LG-only and the user experience of the original webOS interface matters more than universal flexibility, this remains one of the best remotes for LG in the OEM tier.

Pros

  • Native LG webOS integration
  • Pointer-based navigation, faster than D-pad on smart menus
  • LG voice commands and webOS shortcuts
  • OEM build quality

Cons

  • Model-year compatibility varies, confirm before buying
  • Will not control non-LG devices
  • Discontinued for older LG TVs
OEM Voice Remote
LG Magic Remote
$23.99

The official LG AN-MR18BA remote adds voice control and app buttons to 2018 Smart TVs.

Check Price
05/11/2026 12:33 am GMT

#6 – LG Factory Remote: Basic OEM Backup

At a Glance

  • Display: None
  • Voice: None
  • Devices: Single LG TV
  • Power: Two AA batteries

The LG Factory Remote is the no-frills option for a guest room, secondary TV, or simple emergency replacement. It restores the basic TV control your previous remote control provided — power, volume, channel, and input — with no additional feature you do not need.

Among the best remotes for LG TVs for emergency duty, this one is the best replacement when all you need is exactly what the original provided.

Pros

  • Plug-and-play with most LG models
  • Inexpensive backup option
  • Familiar layout to LG owners

Cons

  • No voice or smart home control
  • Limited to single-TV scenarios
  • No advanced features
OEM Budget Remote
LG Full Function
$9.99

This official LG AGF76631064 remote provides full-function control for LG TVs.

Buy from Amazon
05/11/2026 12:34 am GMT

#7 – Gvirtue Universal: Bargain Backup

At a Glance

  • Display: None
  • Voice: None
  • Devices: Single LG TV plus basic source
  • Power: Two AAA batteries

Among third-party alternatives, the Gvirtue is the cheapest LG universal pick I keep recommending. It will not impress a home theater enthusiast, but it covers the basics for under fifteen dollars and pairs without setup software.

If your LG OLED is in the bedroom and you mostly need to change channels, swap inputs for a streamer or set-top box, and bump the volume, the Gvirtue covers the ground. Confirm Amazon stock before checkout — this category cycles inventory faster than the premium tier, and the best remotes for LG TVs in the bargain bracket do not stay on the product page for long.

Pros

  • Lowest entry price in the lineup
  • Works out of the box on most LG models
  • Familiar layout for older LG owners
  • No app or setup software required

Cons

  • No voice or smart home features
  • Stock availability cycles, confirm before buying
  • No backlit buttons
Gvirtue Universal Remote for LG
$4.49

The Gvirtue AKB75095307 is a no-setup remote for nearly all LG TVs, with app buttons.

Buy from Amazon
05/11/2026 04:29 am GMT

FAQs

Here are the questions readers send me most about the best remotes for LG TVs.

1. Can a single remote replace both my LG Magic Remote and my soundbar clicker?

Yes. A premium universal remote consolidates an LG Magic Remote, a soundbar controller, a streamer remote, and any other IR or Bluetooth devices into one clicker. The Sofabaton X2 supports fifty devices simultaneously and leads the category for whole-room consolidation; the X1S handles sixty.

2. Do the best remotes for LG TVs work well with LG OLED TVs?

Yes. The remotes featured here for OLED owners are universal models that handle multiple devices reliably across IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi protocols. Sofabaton’s X2 and X1S lead the category for full home-theater integration. Magic Remote remains the cleanest OEM option but will not reach external streamers, soundbars, or media players.

3. Are LG Magic Remotes compatible with all LG Smart TV models?

No. Magic Remote compatibility is model-year specific. A Magic Remote pairs cleanly with newer LG Smart TVs but will not work on an older OLED. Before buying any of the remotes from LG’s OEM lineup, confirm the TV’s model year and verify the Magic Remote variant against LG’s compatibility chart.

4. Do voice commands matter more than button layout on a universal remote?

Button layout matters more long-term. Voice commands help with search and quick app launches, but most daily actions reduce to repeatable physical controls. Out of the models we tested, models with backlit buttons and intuitive layouts deliver more daily satisfaction than voice-first designs that demand precise wake-word phrasing.

5. What is the difference between the Sofabaton X2 and X1S for an LG setup?

The X2 adds a touchscreen, charging dock, Home Assistant integration, and fifty-device support. The X1S handles sixty devices through an LCD-and-scroll-wheel interface and skips the dock. For LG OLED owners running streamers and soundbars, the best remotes for LG TVs balance device count against display type. Both remain top-tier picks.


Save This Guide for Later

I made a Pinterest pin so this list is easy to come back to. If you are on Pinterest, give it a save and the picks are one click away the next time you are shopping for an LG remote.

best remotes for LG TVs pinterest pin


Best Remotes for LG TVs: Verdict

The right remote can replace every clicker in the room and survive whatever LG cooks up next. Pick one of the best remotes for LG TVs that matches the household, not just the spec sheet.

  • Choose Sofabaton X2 if you want the touchscreen, charging dock, and full home-theater orchestration.
  • Choose Sofabaton X1S if you want flagship control depth at a lower price point.
  • Choose LG Magic Remote if your setup is LG-only and OEM polish matters more than universal flexibility.

Older LG TVs deserve a second look at the Sofabaton U2 before settling for a basic factory remote, and households with elderly users or accessibility needs should put the Flipper at the top of their list.

For a deeper look at the Sofabaton remotes, check out my Sofabaton X2 vs X1S breakdown.

👤 About the Author

Tim Brennan is a tech blogger and the YouTuber @TecTimmy. He blogs about smart homes at oneSmartcrib.com, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews.com, and AI tools at Writeinteractive. Tim holds a B.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and has written about technology for 35 years. He is a Star Wars nut and lives on the ocean in Massachusetts.

Tim Brennan
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Views: 776