best remotes for sharp tvs

5 Best Universal Remotes for Sharp TVs in 2024

In Remotes: TV Brands by Tim Brennan

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this article, I will cover what I feel are the five best universal remotes for Sharp TVs this year. I’ll include a simple replacement remote and some pretty snazzy full-blown universal options.

The best remotes for Sharp TVs are:


Sharp TV Fun Fact

best universal remotes for sharp tvs

Want to know a fun fact about Sharp TVs? The company’s name was born from an invention by the founder and has nothing to do with TV picture quality being “sharp.” When Sharp was born, TVs weren’t even invented yet.

The company’s pointed name came from the Ever-Sharp mechanical pencil, invented in 1915 by founder Tokuji Hayakawa.

Do you want to know a not-so-fun fact about Sharp TVs? The remotes that come with even the new models of Sharp TVs are pretty lame. Why? Control is limited to your Sharp TV and maybe a few apps (depending on your model). This means that getting the OEM Sharp remote to control your soundbar, DVD player, streaming media, and the like is sadly not an option.

Well, never fear! I am here to help you find a better remote—and I don’t mean the one tucked inside your sofa cushions.

Let’s get to my recommendations on the best universal remotes for Sharp TVs!


Tim’s Top 3 Picks

The following table compares my top 3 picks on the best remotes for Sharp TVs side by side.

Top Pick
SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote Control with Hub & APP, Smart Remote with One-Touch Activities, Compatible with Alexa for Voice Control, Control up to 60 Entertainment IR/Bluetooth Devices
Universal Remote Control MX-450 Custom Programmable Remote Control with On-Screen Macro Editing.
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote with Smartphone APP, Long Range Infrared, All in One Universal Remote Control Compatible for Smart TVs/DVD/STB/Projector/Streaming Players/Blu-ray
Sofabaton X1
MX-450
Sofabaton U2
Number of Devices
60
18
15
Controls Sharp TV
Controls Home Theater Devices
Controls Streaming Players
Yes but limited support for Roku
Controls Smart Home Devices
Limited to Lutron URC Lighting
Battery Type
Lithium Ion Rechargeable
4 AA Batteries (Included)
2 AA Batteries (Included)
Top Pick
SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote Control with Hub & APP, Smart Remote with One-Touch Activities, Compatible with Alexa for Voice Control, Control up to 60 Entertainment IR/Bluetooth Devices
Sofabaton X1
Number of Devices
60
Controls Sharp TV
Controls Home Theater Devices
Controls Streaming Players
Controls Smart Home Devices
Battery Type
Lithium Ion Rechargeable
Universal Remote Control MX-450 Custom Programmable Remote Control with On-Screen Macro Editing.
MX-450
Number of Devices
18
Controls Sharp TV
Controls Home Theater Devices
Controls Streaming Players
Controls Smart Home Devices
Limited to Lutron URC Lighting
Battery Type
4 AA Batteries (Included)
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote with Smartphone APP, Long Range Infrared, All in One Universal Remote Control Compatible for Smart TVs/DVD/STB/Projector/Streaming Players/Blu-ray
Sofabaton U2
Number of Devices
15
Controls Sharp TV
Controls Home Theater Devices
Controls Streaming Players
Yes but limited support for Roku
Controls Smart Home Devices
Battery Type
2 AA Batteries (Included)

Last update on 04/11/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


#1: Premium Pick: Sofabaton X1

First on my list is one of the best universal remotes for Sharp TVs that money can buy. And it’s really hard not to fall in love with everything the Sofabaton X1 brings to the table.

This remote is perfect for your Sharp TV as well as TVs and equipment from more than 5,000 electronics manufacturers. This remote will never go obsolete as the company constantly updates the database with the latest equipment.

Right out of the box, this remote control is compatible with 500,000 different entertainment devices, including IR remote control technology and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control.

The ability to operate up to 60 different devices with this remote means you’ll be able to significantly streamline all of those remotes cluttering up your coffee table. Even more impressive is this remote’s impressive design, smart button layout, and impressive LCD screen. One-button macros and Alexa and Google voice control make controlling multiple devices at the same with this remote super easy.

Combine all of that with killer 60-day rechargeable battery life, and it’s not hard to see why this tops my list of the five best universal remotes for Sharp TVs.

sofabaton x1 remote

My Sofabaton X1 Remote

Pros

  • True universal capabilities for up to 60 devices.
  • Long-lasting lithium-ion battery is easily recharged.
  • Always updated with new features and new devices to be controlled.
  • One of the most comfortable universal remote designs on the market.

Cons

  • Initial setup will take a little bit of time using your smartphone and the Sofabaton app.
  • Somewhat on the more expensive side of things.

Video Review

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Video Credit: Tec Timmy

Editor's Choice
SofaBaton X1 – 10% Discount Applied at Checkout!
$189.99 $169.99

Sofabaton X1 will let you control up to 60 devices from top brands. It features backlit buttons, one-click actions for multiple devices, a long-lasting rechargeable battery, and a cool LCD screen. This is the best universal remote out there right now.

Buy at Amazon
03/05/2024 12:00 pm GMT

#2 – Advanced Multi-Function Remote: MX-450

If you are looking for a great multi-functional universal and are ok with shelling out a bit of extra dough to hire a tech to program it, you may find the MX-450 remote a perfect choice. Those that own this remote typically love it.

Very similar to the Harmony One in design, you will appreciate the fact that you can control up to 18 different devices with this remote at once.

The ergonomic form factor is very comfortable to hold, and while some say that this remote is a little bit on the longer side of things, the buttons can still be reached easily enough with one hand.

Preprogrammed with (just about) every manufacturer code under the sun today, getting your Sharp TV model up and running with this universal remote control is a sure bet.

The full-color screen at the top of the remote is clear and makes navigation easy, and the responsive buttons on either side of the screen make getting this remote do exactly what you want a breeze.

Pros

  • Very well-made and intelligently laid out.
  • Can control up to 18 different devices at once.
  • Can be totally customized with “profiles” to control more devices if necessary.
  • Comes preprogrammed with most every electronic manufacturer code built-in.

Cons

  • Somewhat steep learning curve (may require an integrator to fully map your devices).
  • All programming happens on the remote, there’s no companion app or software.

Video Review

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Video Credit: Innovative Concepts AV

Universal Remote Control MX-450 Custom Programmable Remote Control with On-Screen Macro Editing.
$249.95 $229.00
  • Can use Narrow Band width RF or IR to control all devices.
  • Has a color screen for easy viewing.
Check Price
03/02/2024 12:00 pm GMT

#3 – General Purpose: Sofabaton U2

As an owner of both the Sofabaton X1 and having tested both the U1 and U2 models, I can confidently recommend the Sofabaton U2 as a superior choice over the U1. The U2 remote control surpasses its predecessor with its enhanced features and performance.

One of the standout features of the U2 is its enhanced infrared range and improved off-axis functionality, ensuring reliable control of your devices even from a greater distance and different angles. The larger buttons and refined design provide a satisfying click and improved ergonomics, making it comfortable to hold and use.

The U2 also introduces an upgraded battery cover design, making battery replacement easier than the u1.

With the U2, you can create custom macros to run multiple commands with a single button press. The companion application simplifies the setup process, and the motion-activated “on/off” capabilities help conserve battery life, ensuring long-lasting performance.

📚 Related: Sofabaton Vs. Harmony

Pros

  • Enhanced infrared range and improved off-axis functionality.
  • Larger buttons and refined design for improved ergonomics.
  • Upgraded battery cover design for easy battery replacement.
  • Streamlined interface with coherent button grouping.
  • Custom macro functionality for convenience.
  • Motion-activated “on/off” capabilities for extended battery life.

Cons

  • Not as flashy as some other universal remotes.
  • No Wi-fi device or smart home control (unlike the X1).
  • No voice control support using Alexa, Google or Siri (unlike the X1).

Video Review

Video Credit: Kpaceguy

Best Budget Universal
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote
$59.99

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.

Buy at Amazon Full Review
03/04/2024 12:00 pm GMT

#4 – Infrared-Only: Inteset 4-in-1

Not quite as feature-rich as others here, the Inteset 4-in-1 remote is an inexpensive universal remote that will let you control up to four devices.

Though this remote was specifically designed for infrared device control, this includes Sharp TVs (and hundreds of others), most streaming media players, DVD players, Blu-ray players, A/V receivers, and more.

Control of IR devices via radio frequency (RF) signals is where this remote control shines. However, you are limited to controlling up to four devices, and it won’t control Bluetooth devices or your smart home.

The button layout is simple, the remote control is ergonomically designed to feel good in the hand, and the keys are easy to reach and press with one hand.

Pros

  • Solid budget universal remote for control of up to four devices.
  • Can control pretty much anything with IR and radiofrequency technology.
  • Uses the legendary Logitech 270,000 device database (regularly updated even today).

Cons

  • Does not work with Roku stick.
  • Design is a little bit dated.
  • Will only control RF-based devices – not Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
  • Requires four AAA batteries (not rechargeable).

Video Review

Video Credit: Take a Bath Productions

Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit IR Remote
$26.95
  • Solid budget remote has been a fan favorite for years. It won't control your smart home, but it will control up to four home theater devices.
  • Pre-programmed for Apple TV, Xbox One, Media Center, and Roku device codes, which are easily changed. Full LED Backlighting-All buttons.
Check Price
03/11/2024 08:30 am GMT

#5 – Simple Budget Choice: Gvirtue Remote

Rounding out my list of best universal remotes for Sharp TVs is this inexpensive model from Gvirtue.

Anyone on the market for a remote that will work with their Sharp TV out of the box will appreciate this OEM-inspired option from Gvirtue. Gvirtue claims this remote will work with 99% of all Sharp televisions. On top of that, you’ll find it is almost effortless to add control capabilities for your media players and other remote control devices, too.

The button layout on this remote control will be familiar, as it is almost a carbon copy of the standard remote control that ships with most Sharp televisions.

The top section is dedicated to media control capabilities, and the middle is where you’ll find your number pad and volume/channel control. The bottom third of the remote is where your universal controls and dedicated media/hotkey/macro buttons are going to live.

This makes using your remote super straightforward without a lot of practice. Important buttons are highlighted in different colors for easy control, too.

The whole thing “just works” straight out of the gate is a big part of why this universal remote is so attractive to owners of Sharp TVs. Those looking for one of the five best universal remotes for Sharp TVs will want to ensure this one gets some consideration.

Pros

  • Inexpensive.
  • Specifically designed to work with Sharp TVs.
  • Can operate 99% of Sharp televisions right away.
  • Powered by two AAA batteries.
  • Dedicated hotkeys and macro buttons for media players and apps like Netflix, for example.

Cons

  • Not super easy to program for non-Sharp devices.
  • Some questions about build quality and durability.

Gvirtue Universal Remote Control Compatible Replacement for Sharp AQUOS Smart TV/ HDTV/ 3D/ LCD/ LED, GB004WJSA GA935WJSA GB004WJSA GJ221-C GB118WJSA
$12.99
  • Gvirtue universal remote control compatible replacement for Sharp AQUOS Smart TV/ HDTV/ 3D/ LCD/ LED. Applicable various Sharp brand models: LC70LE657U LC70LE745 LC70LE745U LC70LE757U LC70LE845U...
  • Work right out box without any programming for 99% Sharp TV. For another 1% Sharp TV, the remote can be setup simply and easily with instruction.
Check Price
03/04/2024 01:00 pm GMT

Best Universal Remotes for Sharp TVs: Sound Off

So what do you think about my list of the best universal remotes for Sharp TVs?

Are you looking for an all-in-one remote to control more than just your TV? If so, I can’t say I blame you.

Having to switch back and forth between your cable remote, streaming player remote, soundbar remote, and others is just PAINFUL.

And wouldn’t it be cool if a single remote could control your smart home devices and entertainment equipment?

I would love to hear what you think. Please leave a comment below and let me know. Until next time, stay Sharp :)!

📚 Related: 5 Best Remote Apps for Sharp TVs


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim Brennan

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.


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