best universal remotes for xfinity x1

What Are the Best Universal Remotes for Xfinity and Xfinity X1?

In Logitech Harmony by Tim Brennan3 Comments

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

⚠️ Dear Readers: On April 10, 2021, Logitech announced they will cease manufacturing new Harmony remotes. However, they will continue to support the remotes "as long as customers use them." Remaining stock is limited, so if you want a Harmony remote, grab yours now.

If you are looking for the best universal remotes for Xfinity and Xfinity x1, look no further.  In this post, I review five great Xfinity remote replacements, including some great options from Logitech and Caavo.

If you’ve been looking for a way to control Xfinity and Xfinity X1 seamlessly as well as any other device that you may have, you probably want a universal remote. While you can try to use one of Comcast’s remotes, there are other options available that will work just as well with your Xfinity box.
best xfinity universal remotes

Yes, There are Better Options Than This!

What is the best universal remote to use with Xfinity and Xfinity X1? When it comes to universal remotes, Logitech’S Harmony Elite is the best remote to use with Xfinity, Xfinity X1, or any TV or streaming service. Why? It will control your Xfinity cable box as well as any other device in your media cabinet. The Elite lets you consolidate remotes for up to 15 devices, and you can create icons for up to 50 of your favorite channels using a colorful LCD touchscreen with haptic feedback.

You can see the Harmony Elite at Amazon here.

You might be wondering why you shouldn’t just go out and get a Harmony Elite now. Well, while the Elite is an amazing piece of technology, it is expensive and you also have other options. So, here is a list five great of universal remotes that are compatible with Xfinity and have their own reasons for being a good choice.

The Best Xfinity and Xfinity x1 Remotes

You should be able to decide what remote is best for you and your situation. Going through this list will hopefully give you a good idea of what you want out of a universal remote and what you are willing to compromise on.

For any of the recommended Xfinity remotes below, you can click the ‘See It At Amazon’ button to get the latest price and customer reviews at Amazon.

No. 5 – Logitech Harmony 665

My Rating (out of 100)
90%

best universal remotes for xfinity x1

The Harmony 665 is the perfect remote for anyone who is looking for the most basic universal remote out there. Its affordability is, for the most part, due to its simplicity. That is not to say that it lacks functionality, however.

This remote can replace more than a few of the remotes that you have at home with the ability to connect to up to five at once including, of course, an Xfinity box and Xfinity X1 DVR. This device definitely isn’t perfect, though. Click on the black bar below to see the Pros and Cons of why you may or may not want to get a 665.

SEE IT AT AMAZON

 

Erin Lawrence crushes it in her video review of the Harmony 665. I recently learned she is married. Darn it💔.

Pros

  • Affordable – The 665 is the most affordable remote on this list. Unlike most advanced universal remotes, this one is under $100.
  • Simple – No bells and whistles on this basic remote. You can control basically anything that you need to simply, without having to learn anything new.

No. 4 – Caavo Control Center

My Rating (out of 100)
95%

best xfinity universal remotes

The Caavo Control Center actually happens to be the only remote system on this list that is not produced by Logitech. While Logitech remotes have dominated the scene, this control center is a really solid option.

The Caavo is compatible with Xfinity and Xfinity X1. Not to mention how it is the best looking of the universal remotes. Before buying, though, let’s look at both the benefits and drawbacks of this system.

SEE IT AT AMAZON

 

TWiT Tech Podcast Network has a nice overview of the Caavo Control Center here. Thanks for the history lesson fellas.

Pros

  • Compatible – The Caavo can be voice-controlled to work with Google Home and Alexa speakers. It is able to control up to four devices at once, not including a soundbar.
  • Easy Set Up – Connectivity for this device is really simple. All you have to do is plug the device into the hub with an HDMI cord. The hub connects to the device and will remember it when using the controller.
  • Multi-Directional – The Caavo remote does not have to be pointed in the direction of the device, which definitely makes things simpler. This is possible because of the control center hub, which connects the device and the remote seamlessly. This may not work with some Xfinity boxes, however, due to the use of IR emissions. Make sure to check the compatibility with the Caavo before buying.
  • Elegant – This remote and hub are both beautiful to look at. They are sleek and modern looking, with not too many bulky buttons on the face of the remote.

No. 3 – Logitech Harmony Hub

My Rating (out of 100)
90%

best xfinity universal remotes

The Logitech Harmony hub is one of my favorite remotes for controlling Xfinity and X1. It also happens to be the only one to come without a remote. The hub can be bought on its own, where it can be used with an app on your phone.

You can use to set up routines like turning on your TV, Xfiniity cable, and Xfiniity DVR, plus a sound bar.  It would control your smart home stuff to so you could use it to dim your smart lights or bias lighting at the same time.

If also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control for basic commands. If you want more advanced voice control using Alexa, check out my review of the Harmony Express.

The Hub works great on a smartphone or tablet and is incredibly affordable for its functionality.

SEE IT AT AMAZON

Pros

  • Easy to Use – The Harmony app is straight-forward. As soon as each device has been connected, it is easy to go between them without any confusion. This is also a multi-directional device, as it is controlled from your phone.
  • Simple Set Up – The set up for this device is a breeze. Connect your phone, and each compatible device and service wirelessly.
  • Affordable – The Harmony is less than $100 and is basically usable straight out of the box. The low cost here reflects the lack of remote being sold with the hub, which you can always get separately later if you feel the need.
  • Compatible – The Harmony is compatible with any device that can work with a Google Home or Alexa. All smart home devices are going to be compatible with this model.

No 2. – Logitech Harmony Companion

My Rating (out of 100)
90%

best universal remotes for xfinity x1

Next on my list of the best remotes that work with Xfinity and Xfinity X1 is the Logitech Harmony Companion The Companion is a nice addition to the Harmony hub. This remote is basic and works really well to bring the functionality of the Harmony hub out of your phone and into your hand.

It works well and is easy to use, but it definitely isn’t perfect. There are a few things you might want to consider before getting the Companion.

SEE IT AT AMAZON

Modern Classic

Pros

  • Easy to Use – This remote is designed to make each action clear. While it may take a moment to get everything set up, controlling your devices should be very easy to do afterward.
  • Sleek Design – This remote definitely isn’t unappealing. It’s a beautiful remote with everything that you could need. The Harmony Companion has just enough buttons for the necessary functions without looking too bulky or taking up too much space.

No. 1 – Logitech Harmony Elite

My Rating (out of 100)
90%

best xfinity universal remotes

The Harmony Elite is exactly as it top-notch as it sounds. This remote is anything that you would ever need in a remote for every device in your home. The Elite features a full-color touchscreen, backlit keys, and voice control with Alexa and Google.

If all the pluses sound too good to be true, that’s because they might be, unfortunately. While the Elite is everything that you could want in a universal remote, it is also the most expensive remote that you could ever buy.

SEE IT AT AMAZON

JQ from TeQreation has my favorite video review of the Harmony Elite. The special effects at the beginning of the video are just plain dope!

Pros

  • Mass Compatibility – The Harmony Elite can connect to almost every smart device you can think of. To check to see if your devices are compatible, you can use this search portal on Logitech’s website. This remote and hub are also compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa systems, giving you even more functionality to your home.
  • Multi-Device Connectivity – One of the most amazing things about the Harmony Elite is its ability to be used with so many devices at once. This remote can connect to and control up to 15 devices at a time. If you really do want to never use another controller again, this is the one to get.
  • One-Touch Activities – Like most universal remotes, combinations can be created for specific actions. This device, however, elevates those combinations into one-touch actions that can be very simply made on the LED touchscreen. They can also be created on your phone using the app.
  • Easy to Use – The Harmony Elite’s touch screen makes it the most advanced remote that is the easiest to use. There are a few less obvious reasons for why this remote is so easy to use. The motion sense backlit keys are one, which doesn’t hurt when in a dimly lit environment. The Elite also has voice control built right into it. Logitech decided to work with Alexa to bring voice control directly to the remote. Immediately after set up, this remote is ready to be quickly set up and used!

Final Thoughts

If you are using  Xfinity or Xfinity X1 DVR, many universal remotes are going to be able to work with these devices. However, some are going to work better for you than others depending on how much you want to automate. The trick is to look at the whole picture of each option to see what is most important to you when it comes to a universal remote.

Are you more interested in simplicity and affordability? Is controlling your smart home devices a necessary factor for you? Do you need your remote to be sleek and nice to look at?

These are all factors to consider before investing in one of the best universal remotes for Xfinity or Xfinity X1. Before you make your decision, think hard about why you want this system and what it could do for you.

Best Universal Remotes for Xfinity and Xfinity X1: What Do You Think?

So, what do you think about my picks for the best universal remotes for Xfinity and Xfinitiy X1?

Do you agree that the best of the bunch is the Logitech Harmony Elite?  I realize the price is a bit of a stretch but I own the Elite and I love it.

In fact, it is probably one of my favorite smart devices.

So are you considering purchasing any of the universal remotes here?  You really can’t go wrong with anything by Logitech or Caavo.

For the most part, people who own these remotes love them.

Please leave a quick comment below and let me know your plans. I look forward to hearing from you.

Related Links

If you enjoyed this article about the best universal remotes for Xfinity and Xfinity X1, you may also like some of our other posts:

Harmony Elite Review 2019: 10 Reasons This Remote Rocks

Which Logitech Harmony Remote Should You Buy?

5 Best Remotes for HBO, AT&T, Fubo, Vudo, Philo & Crackle

Logitech Harmony Comparison Chart: Epic 2019 Guide/Infographic

What is the Best Verizon Fios Remote Replacement?

5 Best Universal Remotes for Panasonic Smart TVs

About the Author

best universal remotes for NetflixTim Brennan, Technical Writer & Blogger

Tim Brennan [a.k.a. "Tec Timmy"] is a senior technical writer with over 25 years of experience writing for companies and organizations in and around Greater Boston, including GE and MIT. In addition to actively writing about universal remotes, Tim is also a regular contributor over at oneSmartcrib.com, a smart home blog. Tim holds a BA in Journalism from Northeastern University. Brennan is a father to two sons, a Star Wars nut, and loves a good taco🌮. There is a strong chance he is developing a crush on Amazon Alexa. You can learn more about Tim here.

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Comments

  1. Can the Harmony Elite remote control the X1 cable guide voice search? The same way as pressing the blue microphone on the X1 remote?

  3. Author

    Hi Ross, Sorry for my delay. No it cannot; however, you can achieve much of the same functionality through integration with Alexa and Google Home.

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