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The best universal remotes still come down to one thing: which remote makes your actual room easier to control.
One Remote to Rule Them All
This has been an especially interesting stretch for remote nerds. SofaBaton sent me the X2 to test, I still have real time with the X1S, Function101, Inteset, Flipper, and Harmony gear, and the cheaper clickers still remind me that “universal” can mean wildly different things.
When Logitech discontinued its famous Harmony line, it left a big hole for anyone who wanted one remote to control a serious entertainment room.
Fortune Business Insights tracks the broader shift toward smart, connected remotes. That is exactly what this post is about: premium hubs, app-based control, streaming-platform remotes, and simple button clickers all fighting for the same coffee table.
Key Takeaways
- SofaBaton X2 is the new premium pick for a room where one remote needs to control the whole entertainment stack.
- BroadLink RM4 Pro still makes sense when phone control, IR/RF support, and automation matter more than a physical remote.
- Alexa Voice Remote Pro, X1S, U3, Function101, Inteset, Flipper, Philips, Circle, and Harmony Elite each serve narrower use cases.
Best Universal Remotes Comparison Table
The following table compares the key features of the best universal remotes side by side for my top five picks.
| Best Overall | Best for Apple TV | Best for Fire TV | Value Hub | Budget LCD Universal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Image |
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| Model | SofaBaton X2 | Function101 | Alexa Voice Remote Pro | SofaBaton X1S | SofaBaton U3 |
| Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Best Fit | Best fitChoose X2 for a premium room with hidden gear and several devices. | Best fitChoose Function101 when Apple TV needs familiar buttons without touch gestures. | Best fitChoose Alexa Remote Pro when Fire TV already runs the room. | Best fitChoose X1S for hub-based control below the X2 price tier. | Best fitChoose U3 for rechargeable LCD control without a Wi-Fi hub. |
| Dedicated Hub | |||||
| Control Path | IR, Bluetooth, RF, and Wi-Fi | Bluetooth for Apple TV; IR for TV or audio | Bluetooth and IR for compatible Fire TV gear | IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi through its hub | IR, Bluetooth, and learnable 433/315 MHz RF |
| Rechargeable | |||||
| Display | Color touchscreen | No display | No display | Small OLED-style display | 2.4-inch LCD |
| Power | Rechargeable with charging dock | Two AAA batteries | Two AAA batteries | USB-C rechargeable | 1200mAh battery; USB-C |
| Voice Support | Alexa and Google Assistant | No Siri or voice button | Alexa voice control | Alexa and Google Assistant | Device-dependent Google voice |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
SofaBaton X2
Function101
Alexa Voice Remote Pro
SofaBaton X1S
SofaBaton U3
#1 – SofaBaton X2: Premium Hub
Best Fit
Choose X2 for a premium room with hidden gear and several devices.
Overview
SofaBaton sent me the X2 to test, and I am currently putting it through the paces.
The X2 jumps to the top of this best universal remotes update because it finally gives SofaBaton a more premium touchscreen-and-dock setup. Early testing has been encouraging, especially in a living room where a TV, streamer, soundbar, and smart-home gear all need to behave like one system.
The charging dock is not just a nice extra. It makes the remote feel like a permanent controller instead of another handheld device that disappears between couch cushions, and the touchscreen gives it a more polished feel than the X1S.
Pros
- Touchscreen feels premium
- Dock solves charging clutter
- Wide device support
- Promising early testing
- Backlit controls help in dark rooms
Cons
- Premium price
- Setup still takes patience
- Needs long-term testing
Video Review
Here is a SofaBaton X2 unboxing I filmed over on my TecTimmy channel.
#2 – Function101: Best for Apple TV
Best Fit
Choose Function101 when Apple TV needs familiar buttons without touch gestures.
Overview
I have tested the Function101 remote with Apple TV, and I love the idea behind it. It gives Apple TV users a traditional button layout instead of forcing everyone to love the Siri Remote’s touch-heavy feel.
The Bluetooth version is the better current pick for this roundup. It is narrow, yes, but that is not a problem if the room’s daily pain point is Apple TV navigation.
In a list of the best universal remotes, Function101 is not the broadest recommendation. It is the practical specialty pick for Apple TV people who want channel-style control and fewer accidental swipes.
Pros
- Real Apple TV buttons
- Bluetooth model is current
- Easy for guests
- Traditional directional pad
- Bluetooth works without Apple TV line of sight
Cons
- Apple TV focused
- No Siri button
- Not a full hub
Function101 is offering my readers special savings on this remote. Click Function101 below for the deal, or shop at Amazon if you prefer.
#3 – Alexa Voice Remote Pro: Fire TV Upgrade
Best Fit
Choose Alexa Remote Pro when Fire TV already runs the room.
Overview
The Alexa Voice Remote Pro replaces the old streaming-box slot because this post needs to stay focused on remotes. If Fire TV is the platform you actually use every day, this is the cleaner upgrade than buying a whole streaming box just to get better control.
I like the backlit buttons, programmable shortcuts, and remote finder feature. It still will not consolidate a serious home theater like the X2 or X1S, but it makes Fire TV rooms easier to live with.
That is the whole point of the best universal remotes conversation: the right answer is not always the biggest system. Sometimes the right answer is the one remote that fixes the platform your family actually opens every night.
Pros
- Backlit buttons help
- Remote finder is useful
- Programmable buttons save taps
- Excellent Fire TV fit
- Alexa voice control stays close at hand
Cons
- Fire TV only
- No full-room hub
- AAA batteries remain
#4 – SofaBaton X1S: Mid-Level Hub
Best Fit
Choose X1S for hub-based control below the X2 price tier.
Overview
As an owner of the SofaBaton X1S, I still respect what this remote tries to do. It can manage a complicated entertainment stack and supports a huge device database, which is exactly why it became my go-to before the X2 showed up.
That said, recent user ratings make it harder to keep as the lead recommendation. It trims the price and skips the nicer X2 touchscreen, but the setup process still rewards patience, and the wheel/display interface is not as premium.
For the best universal remotes list, that makes the X1S a mid-level hub pick now. It is still useful, but I would rather lead with the X2 if someone is buying into the SofaBaton ecosystem today.
Pros
- Costs less than X2
- Broad device support
- USB-C rechargeable
- My prior daily driver
- Activity shortcuts simplify repeated viewing routines
Cons
- Recent ratings worry me
- No X2 touchscreen
- Setup takes patience
#5 – Budget LCD Universal: SofaBaton U3
Best Fit
Choose U3 for rechargeable LCD control without a Wi-Fi hub.
Overview
The SofaBaton U3 is a strong current pick among the best universal remotes for readers who want one handheld controller for compatible living-room equipment without adding a hub. It supports compatible IR and Bluetooth devices, learns compatible 433/315 MHz RF commands, and can maintain up to three compatible Bluetooth connections at the same time.
The U3 works especially well for a TV, soundbar, streamer, and other equipment that can be controlled directly. One-touch macros can handle routine actions such as powering on the TV, switching inputs, and adjusting volume. Its 2.4-inch LCD, rechargeable 1200mAh battery, and USB-C charging make it a practical current button remote.
This is not the universal answer for every room. The U3 does not offer Wi-Fi hub control, hidden IR equipment needs the optional R1 repeater, and its Air Mouse and Google voice features work only with compatible Bluetooth devices. Choose it for simple button-first control, not for a smart-home-heavy installation.
Pros
- Combines compatible IR, Bluetooth/BLE, and RF learning.
- Keeps up to three compatible Bluetooth devices connected at once.
- Rechargeable battery and USB-C replace disposable batteries.
- Macros reduce repeat TV-and-audio steps.
- The 2.4-inch LCD keeps devices easy to identify
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or full smart-home hub control.
- IR devices need line of sight without the optional repeater.
- Google voice and Air Mouse depend on compatible Bluetooth gear.
#6 – BroadLink RM4 Pro: Best App Hub
Best Fit
Choose BroadLink when app automation matters more than a handheld remote.
Overview
The BroadLink RM4 Pro is still one of my favorite app-based ways to control legacy IR and RF devices, and it belongs in this best universal remotes list for app-first rooms. It is not a traditional handheld remote, but it absolutely fits if your real goal is controlling more gear from fewer places.
The app walks you through setup, and once it is working, you can build routines for TVs, set-top boxes, ceiling fans, audio gear, and even air conditioning units. Voice control through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa makes it feel much more modern than the price suggests.
I would not buy this for someone who wants tactile channel surfing. I would buy it for a smart-home tinkerer who wants a flexible hub without paying premium-remote money.
Pros
- Strong app control
- Handles IR and RF
- Works with voice assistants
- Great automation value
- Compact hardware stays out of sight
Cons
- No physical clicker
- Setup can sprawl
- Not for button people
#7 – Inteset 4-in-1: Streamer Buttons
Best Fit
Choose Inteset for backlit IR control across a few compatible devices.
Overview
The Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit IR Learning Remote is the unglamorous middle of this list, and I mean that as a compliment. It gives you physical controls, backlighting, and learning support without pretending to be a smart-home hub.
It can control up to four devices, including streaming boxes, gaming consoles, and cable or satellite receivers when the setup supports IR. That makes it useful for rooms where a simple remote pile needs to become one clicker.
This is not the sexy choice. It is the reliable utility pick that still earns a place among the best universal remotes because not every room needs an app or touchscreen.
Worth knowing before you buy: Inteset no longer sells this remote on its own, only bundled with its IReTV infrared receiver, which helps if your streamer has no infrared sensor and is redundant if it does.
Pros
- Backlit keys are practical
- Learning support helps
- Good streamer layout
- Simple midrange option
- Four-device support suits modest entertainment stacks
Cons
- IR-focused control
- No voice support
- Looks old-school
#8 – Flipper Big Button: Senior Friendly
Best Fit
Choose Flipper for simpler TV controls with large, clear buttons.
Overview
The Flipper Big Button Remote is the simple, user-friendly pick for seniors or anyone who wants fewer ways to get lost. It combines TV and cable or satellite controls, which can remove a lot of daily remote confusion.
The appeal is not advanced automation. The appeal is fewer buttons, favorite-channel control, and a layout that does not punish someone for pressing the wrong thing.
That makes Flipper one of the best universal remotes for a very specific reason. It solves the human problem first.
Pros
- Large buttons are clear
- Favorite channels help
- Simple daily operation
- Great senior option
- Lockable setup helps prevent accidental reprogramming
Cons
- Limited advanced control
- No smart-home features
- Not for streamers
#9 – Philips Universal Remote: Cheap Backup
Best Fit
Choose Philips for an inexpensive three-device backup in a simple room.
Overview
The Philips remote is the budget backup slot after dropping the GE pick. It is not here to impress home-theater people; it is here for a guest room, older TV, or simple setup where basic control is enough.
I would keep expectations realistic. Cheap universal remotes are not miracle workers, but they can still solve the missing-clicker problem without dragging the reader into a premium hub purchase.
That limited job is why Philips stays in this best universal remotes draft for now. It gives budget readers a backup option without pretending to compete with the premium hubs.
Pros
- Cheap backup option
- Simple button layout
- Useful for spare rooms
- Low setup ambition
- Three-device support covers a basic room
Cons
- Basic plastic feel
- Limited smart features
- Not a premium pick
#10 – Circle Remote 3: One to Watch
Best Fit
Choose Remote 3 for local, customizable control in an enthusiast setup.
Overview
Circle Remote 3, formerly tied to the Yio Remote story, is the enthusiast pick I still want in the article. It speaks to the part of the audience that misses Harmony and wants a modern, customizable controller for a serious smart home.
I would not make it the default buying recommendation because availability, price, and support are different questions than an Amazon-ready remote. But it keeps the article current and gives advanced readers something real to watch.
That matters because the best universal remotes category is not dead. It is just smaller, nerdier, and more specialized than it used to be.
Pros
- Modern enthusiast concept
- Customizable control story
- Keeps category current
- Harmony crowd will care
- Subscription-free local operation protects privacy
Cons
- Not the easy buy
- Availability can vary
- Less mainstream support
#11 – Logitech Harmony Elite: Legacy Pick
Best Fit
Choose Harmony Elite only if you knowingly accept discontinued hardware.
Overview
I have owned the Harmony Elite for years, and I still understand why people miss it. The touchscreen, activity control, hub, and huge device database made it feel like the king of universal remotes for a long time.
But Logitech discontinued the Harmony line, and that changes the recommendation. Limited quantities still exist, often at premium prices, but I would not tell a normal reader to start there today.
So Harmony Elite moves to the end as the Legacy Pick. It is still part of the story, but the current buying advice belongs above it.
Pros
- Legendary activity control
- Huge device database
- Excellent touchscreen remote
- Still useful if owned
- Charging cradle gives the remote a permanent home
Cons
- Discontinued product line
- Often overpriced now
- Not my first buy
FAQs
These are common questions about the best universal remotes.
1. What are the best universal remotes for most homes?
Most homes should start with a hub-based remote if the TV, streamer, soundbar, and receiver all need coordinated control. A simpler infrared remote makes more sense for a bedroom, guest room, or senior-friendly setup. The room matters more than the spec sheet, especially when several people share the same remote every day in family rooms.
2. Should I replace every streaming remote?
Replacing every streaming remote is unnecessary when one platform already controls the room well. The best universal remotes help most when several devices require separate power, volume, input, and playback controls. If one Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV remote already solves the daily problem, keep the simpler setup instead for now without adding friction.
3. Are hub remotes still worth buying?
Hub remotes are still worth buying for rooms with mixed gear, hidden components, or smart-home routines. The best universal remotes in this class reduce input switching, power sequencing, and receiver confusion. They are overkill for one TV and one streamer, but valuable when the entertainment cabinet has several separate boxes or shared family rooms too.
4. Do cheaper remotes work with smart TVs?
Cheaper remotes can work with smart TVs when basic power, volume, channel, and input control are enough. The best universal remotes for budget rooms usually skip advanced app navigation, voice control, and activity automation. Check compatibility before buying, because model support matters more than a broad marketing claim on listings across every room at home.
5. Which remote is easiest for seniors?
The easiest remote for seniors usually has fewer buttons, clear labels, favorite-channel support, and limited ways to get lost in menus. The best universal remotes for this use case are rarely the most advanced models. A simple Flipper-style remote can beat a premium touchscreen when clarity and repeatable daily use matter without constant troubleshooting later.
Best Universal Remotes: Verdict
The best universal remotes choice depends on whether you need whole-room control or a simpler replacement clicker. I would keep the decision anchored to the room, not the spec list.
- Choose SofaBaton X2 if you want the premium hub remote with the touchscreen, dock, and broadest whole-room control story.
- Choose BroadLink RM4 Pro or SofaBaton X1S if you want lower-cost hub control and can live with setup quirks.
- Choose Alexa Voice Remote Pro, SofaBaton U3, Function101, Inteset, or Flipper if the room needs a narrower fix.
The Harmony Elite still matters historically, but I would not make a discontinued remote the lead recommendation now. If you are specifically replacing an old Logitech setup, my Logitech Harmony alternatives guide is the better next stop.
If you are shopping by TV brand instead of by remote type, start with my guides to the best LG smart TV remotes, best Philips smart TV remotes, and best universal remotes for Sharp TVs.
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