As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I picked these best universal remotes for Hulu + Live TV to match the streaming device and home-theater gear you actually use.
What Are the Best Universal Remotes for Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu, Hulu Hulu. It’s fun to say.
Do you know what’s not so fun?
Trying to navigate around Hulu + Live TV with that dog of a remote that came with your Smart TV.
Or worse, maybe you are fiddling with that crazy one that the cable company gave you.
Don’t despair. I’m here to rescue you from the usability abyss with five great universal remotes you can use for Hulu +Live TV.
But what are the best universal remotes for Hulu + Live TV?
Well, that depends on the type of streaming device you are using, really. Here, I’ll cover some all the biggest ones, including:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Roku
- Google Chromecast
For most other streamers and devices, my first pick should do the job nicely.
Huuuulu! Let’s dive in.
Best Universal Remotes for Hulu + Live TV Compared
Here is how the five Hulu remote picks compare before the full reviews.
| Editor's Choice | For Apple TV | Budget LCD Universal | For Roku | For Chromecast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Image |
|
|
|
|
|
| Model | SofaBaton X2 | Function101 Button Remote | SofaBaton U3 | Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) | Sideclick for Chromecast |
| Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Best Fit | Best fitChoose the X2 when Hulu shares a room with a TV, receiver, soundbar, and streamer. | Best fitChoose Function101 when Apple TV runs Hulu and you want familiar physical buttons. | Best fitChoose the U3 for button-based Fire TV navigation plus compatible TV and audio control. | Best fitChoose Roku Voice Remote Pro when Roku already runs your Hulu setup. | Best fitChoose Sideclick when Chromecast runs Hulu and its small remote needs extra TV controls. |
| Backlit Controls | |||||
| Control Path | IR, Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi hub | Bluetooth and infrared | IR, Bluetooth, learnable RF | Roku platform | IR learning attachment |
| Dedicated Hub | |||||
| Power | 1200mAh USB-C and dock | Two AAA batteries | 1200mAh USB-C | USB-C rechargeable | Two AAA batteries |
| Voice Support | |||||
| Display | 2.4-inch color touchscreen | No display | 2.4-inch LCD | No display | No display |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
SofaBaton X2
Function101 Button Remote
SofaBaton U3
Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition)
Sideclick for Chromecast
#1 – SofaBaton X2: Editor's Choice
Best Fit
Choose the X2 when Hulu shares a room with a TV, receiver, soundbar, and streamer.
I have tested the SofaBaton X2 alongside the X1S and U3, and it is my new Editor’s Choice for Hulu rooms with more than one box to control. It does not control Hulu as a service; it controls the compatible TV or streamer running Hulu, then brings the receiver, soundbar, and other supported gear into the same Activity.
The hub is the important part. One Activity can power the system, select the right inputs, and map the physical buttons and touchscreen to the devices you use for Hulu. Alexa and Google Assistant can start or stop named Activities through an external speaker, but the X2 has no microphone for direct Hulu voice search.
Video Review
Pros
- One Activity can coordinate the whole Hulu room
- Hub reaches compatible gear inside a cabinet
- Color touchscreen makes devices and Activities easy to find
- Backlit physical buttons work well in dark rooms
- Charging dock keeps the premium remote ready
Cons
- High price for a simple streaming setup
- Initial programming takes time
- No built-in microphone for Hulu voice search
SofaBaton X2 lets you command your entire home entertainment system with an intuitive touchscreen remote.
#2 – Function101: For Apple TV
Best Fit
Choose Function101 when Apple TV runs Hulu and you want familiar physical buttons.
Even though I love my Sofabaton X1S universal remote for its versatility, when it comes to controlling my Apple TV, the Function101 hard button remote truly shines. As someone who owns both remotes, I can confidently say that the Function101 Remote is my go-to choice for Apple TV navigation.
It offers a more traditional and user-friendly design, making the Apple TV interface easier to interact with and providing a seamless viewing experience.
Pros
- Perfectly compatible with Apple TV out of the box
- Familiar, user-friendly design
- Responsive button layout
- Easy setup process
Cons
- Limited to Apple TV control
- Lacks advanced customization
- No backlit buttons
Function101 is offering my readers special savings on this remote. Click Function101 below for the deal, or shop at Amazon if you prefer.
#3 – SofaBaton U3: Versatile Fire TV Pick
Best Fit
Choose the U3 for button-based Fire TV navigation plus compatible TV and audio control.
The discontinued S2 was a snap-on attachment for an Alexa Voice Remote. The SofaBaton U3 is a standalone universal remote, so this is a different and more capable approach: it can navigate a supported Fire TV over Bluetooth while also controlling compatible TVs, soundbars, receivers, and other gear through IR or learnable RF.
The 2.4-inch LCD, backlit buttons, USB-C charging, macros, and custom short- or long-press commands make the U3 much more useful than an add-on. Its voice button does not work with Fire TV/Alexa, though, so I would keep the original Fire TV remote nearby when Hulu voice search matters.
Pros
- Controls compatible Fire TV and entertainment gear
- 2.4-inch LCD keeps devices easy to identify
- Backlit physical buttons suit nighttime viewing
- 1200mAh battery recharges over USB-C
- Macros can combine common Hulu room commands
Cons
- No Alexa voice support on Fire TV
- Hidden IR gear may need the optional R1 repeater
- Compatibility remains device-specific
Controls compatible TVs, streamers, and audio gear with an LCD interface.
#4 – Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition): For Roku
Best Fit
Choose Roku Voice Remote Pro when Roku already runs your Hulu setup.
Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition) is the current premium Roku remote I would choose for Hulu on a Roku TV or compatible Roku player. It adds touch-activated backlighting, hands-free and push-to-talk voice controls, TV power and volume buttons, and a lost-remote finder.
This edition charges over USB-C and Roku says it typically lasts about three months per charge. The Quick Launch button can open apps or settings, but unlike the first edition, this model has no headphone jack; use the Roku mobile app or compatible wireless-headphone feature for private listening.
Pros
- Touch-activated backlit buttons suit nighttime viewing
- Hands-free and push-to-talk Roku voice controls
- USB-C battery typically lasts about three months
- Lost-remote finder works by voice or Roku app
- Quick Launch button supports apps and useful settings
Cons
- No headphone jack on the second edition
- Some older Roku players are unsupported
- Private listening requires compatible hardware or Roku app
#5 – Sideclick: For Chromecast
Best Fit
Choose Sideclick when Chromecast runs Hulu and its small remote needs extra TV controls.
When it comes to controlling Chromecast, the newly re-imagined Chromecast remote really can’t be beaten. However, the Side-Click Remote Add-on for Google Chromecast makes it even more of a powerhouse, serving as the perfect companion for this already impressive remote by adding dedicated buttons for power, volume, channel control, and even a handy mute button.
So, if you lost your Chromecast remote, I recommend picking up the official
?Google Chromecast Remote.
The Slide-Click add-on takes the Chromecast experience to new heights, enhancing its functionality and making it an indispensable part of my streaming setup.
Pros
- Secure attachment for Chromecast remote
- Additional storage for other devices
- Simplifies the entertainment setup
- Easy to install and remove
- Durable construction
Cons
- Limited to Chromecast streaming devices
- Adds some bulk to the remote
- May not work with early Chromecast remote designs
Sideclick adds essential buttons to your Chromecast remote to control your entire setup.
How to Choose the Best Universal Remotes for Hulu + Live TV
Start with the device that actually runs Hulu, then decide whether you also need to control a TV, soundbar, receiver, or hidden gear.
What I Look For When I Buy
Here is what I would check first before choosing between the best universal remotes for Hulu + Live TV options.
- ✓Match the host device. Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, and Chromecast use different control paths, so compatibility comes before features.
- ✓Separate navigation from voice. A remote may navigate Hulu perfectly while still requiring the original platform remote for Siri or Alexa voice search.
- ✓Choose hub or line of sight. Use a hub for hidden components and Activities; direct IR remotes need a clear path unless you add a repeater.
- ✓Pay for the room you have. A premium universal remote earns its keep with several devices, while a platform remote is better for one streamer.
FAQs
Here are the practical questions readers ask before choosing a Hulu remote.
1. What is the best universal remote for Hulu + Live TV?
SofaBaton X2 is my Editor's Choice when Hulu is part of a full home theater because its hub and Activities can coordinate a compatible TV, streamer, receiver, and soundbar. For a single platform, Function101, Roku Voice Remote Pro, or Sideclick may be simpler and less expensive.
2. Can SofaBaton U3 control Hulu on Fire TV?
The U3 can navigate a supported Fire TV over Bluetooth and control other compatible room gear, but its voice feature does not work with Fire TV Alexa. Keep the original Alexa Voice Remote nearby if you use voice search, and verify your exact Fire TV model before buying.
3. Does SofaBaton X2 have voice search for Hulu?
No. The X2 has no built-in microphone. Alexa or Google Assistant can start and stop named X2 Activities through an external smart speaker, but direct Hulu voice search still depends on the streaming platform and its supported voice remote or app.
4. Should I buy a universal remote or a platform remote?
Choose a universal remote when Hulu shares the room with a receiver, soundbar, disc player, or several streamers. Choose a platform remote when one Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, or Chromecast does almost everything and you value native voice or private-listening features.
5. Will one Hulu remote work with every streaming device?
No. Hulu runs on many devices, but remote compatibility depends on the TV, streamer, control protocol, and exact model. Check IR, Bluetooth, RF, hub, voice, and line-of-sight requirements before buying instead of assuming that a universal label guarantees every function.
Cerebral Verdict: Best Universal Remotes for Hulu + Live TV
The best universal remotes for Hulu + Live TV start with the device running the app, then scale up only when the rest of the room needs control.
- Choose SofaBaton X2 if a full Hulu home theater.
- Choose SofaBaton U3 if compatible Fire TV rooms without a hub.
- Choose Roku Voice Remote Pro if Hulu on Roku.
For one streaming box, stay platform-specific. For a receiver, soundbar, hidden gear, and several sources, the X2 is the remote that turns the room into one usable system.
Please subscribe for a fun take on tech—tips, unboxings, reviews & more!