best universal remote apps for android

15 Best Remote Control Apps for Android in 2024

In Remote Apps by Tim Brennan

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this article, I’ll review 15 of the best remote control apps for Android OS (both free and paid). I’ll base my review on features and stability. I will also include some picks for various devices like Sonos speakers and popular streaming media players.

Without further ado, here are the 15 best remote control apps for Android OS:

Click on any link in the list to jump down to my mini-review for that remote.

But you probably want to read my epic intro first…..

A Guide to the Best remote control Apps for Android OS

best remotes for android

Do you seem to “lose” your remote every other time you want to watch or listen to something? Well, I certainly do! In fact, one time I found it in the freezer. No joke!

However, there are plenty of remote apps available for your Android smartphone or tablet now. Since we seemingly always have our phones in hand this can be a great option as a backup for your existing remote.

Yet, the question arises which is the best overall remote app for Android. The answer is the Logitech Harmony hub.

My Pick

best universal remotes androidAlthough not cheap or free, the Harmony Hub with its companion app (links to Amazon) is the best remote control for your Android devices. You can use it to control your entertainment devices and favorite DVD player as well as your smart home and maybe even your air conditioners. It has routines to run multiple components with a single tap, and it supports Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. 

Next, let’s do a quick side-by-side comparison of my top 3 picks for best tv remote control apps for Android, followed by my full list of all 15 apps.


3 Best Remote Control Apps for Android

The table below provides a high-level comparison of my top remote control apps for Android devices: Logitech Harmony, Amazon Fire TV, and the Anymote app.

Top Pick
Logitech Harmony App
Amazon Fire TV
Anymote
Logitech Harmony Hub - Discontinued by Manufacturer
Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, 4K Ultra HD, includes Alexa Voice Remote
Compatibility
270,000 devices from 5,000 brands
For Fire TV users
Company claims 900,000 devices
Voice Control
Alexa, Google Voice, and Siri
Alexa
Alexa and Google Voice
Customization
Control Smart Home and Entertainment
Cost
$39.99
Price not available
Price not available
Free with Ads or $6.99
Top Pick
Logitech Harmony App
Logitech Harmony Hub - Discontinued by Manufacturer
Compatibility
270,000 devices from 5,000 brands
Voice Control
Alexa, Google Voice, and Siri
Customization
Control Smart Home and Entertainment
Cost
$39.99
Amazon Fire TV
Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, 4K Ultra HD, includes Alexa Voice Remote
Compatibility
For Fire TV users
Voice Control
Alexa
Customization
Control Smart Home and Entertainment
Cost
Price not available
Anymote
Compatibility
Company claims 900,000 devices
Voice Control
Alexa and Google Voice
Customization
Control Smart Home and Entertainment
Cost
Price not available
Free with Ads or $6.99

Last update on 02/14/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


#1 – Logitech Harmony

best universal remotes for android

One of the most popular posts that I’ve written in this blog is this post on the 21 best remote apps for both iOS and Android devices. A few of you had written in and asked me to write OS-specific app posts, of which this is one.

In my initial review, I picked the Logitech Harmony Hub as the winner of the best remote apps overall. Why? It is. The interface is very designed and it will let you control just about everything you own using your wi-fi network. It also has plenty of customizable features and options.

Logitech Harmony Hub allows you to control everything from all of your home theater equipment to house lighting, TV, speakers, gaming controls, etc. It also works well with Roku, Nvidia Shield, Apple TV, and other streaming devices. However, keep in mind that you have to pay for a Harmony Hub to use this app.

I use the same app with my Harmony Elite remote and my Samsung Smart TV, two LG TVs , my blu-ray player, a Roku device, my Chromecast devices, a couple of smart home appliances, an AV receiver, my cable set-top box, and to play games on my PS5. I love the ease of use.

Pros

  • Compatible with 750,000 devices from 5,000 brands
  • Works with Alexa and Google for voice control
  • Great interface
  • Customizable features

Cons

  • Setup takes a bit of doing
  • Not free of cost

Price

Check Price at Amazon [Harmony Hub]

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 6.0 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#2 – Amazon Fire TV

best universal remotes android

Today, many viewers use Amazon Fire TV to stream movies and shows using different streaming networks like Netflix and Amazon Prime. If you’re a Fire TV user, then the Amazon Fire TV remote may very well be perfect for you.

This app offers various features such as a virtual keyboard, voice control features, touchpad, as well as navigation arrows for simple and effective use.

I occasionally use it with my Fire TV Cube when I can’t find my existing remote. I also wrote about more of the best remote apps for Fire TV Stick and Cube if you are interested.

Pros

  • Easy navigation and simple to use
  • Comes with a virtual keyboard
  • Voice recognition feature
  • Free of Cost

Cons

  • Not compatible with other streaming products
  • May get hung up sometimes

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 5.0 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#3 – AnyMote

best universal remotes android

As I mentioned in the intro, unlike many, AnyMote is a solid TV remote app. The company claims the remote supports over 900,000 devices. These include virtually any devices that leverage an IR blaster. This means that most of your home theater devices are more than likely supported. The design is nice and intuitive, and there are buttons for Netflix, Hulu. It’s a tad expensive at $6.99 and it hasn’t seen an update since early 2018 as of the time of this writing. However, it does still work with phones with an IR blaster.

Pros

  • Intuitive design
  • Dedicated buttons for Netflix and Hulu
  • Can customize remote by re-arranging buttons

Cons

  • Not compatible with Huawei, Vizio, or Sony phones
  • For LG phones/tablets by LG, only compatible with the G3 & G4
  • It’s not free

💰 Price – Free / $6.99

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 4.03 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#4 – Sonos S1/S2 Controller

sonos s1 controller

Have you got Sonos products at home? Well then, this Sonos remote app is definitely one the best out there! You can listen to songs, audiobooks, from various streaming devices using this remote. Additionally, you can also control the volume of your TV and other settings using this controller.

This app comes with a set of instructions that can make it easy for you to navigate through it. It also comes with a lot of custom settings like voice control and speech enhancement to make your experience a better one.

Pros

  • Comes with proper instructions
  • Voice control for some commands
  • Free of cost
  • Personalization and customization features

Cons

  • Customers complain about frequent updates
  • May get slow sometimes

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Varies with device. Read this for more information.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#5 – Android TV Remote Control

best remotes for android

Android TV Remote control is the best app for those looking for a simple yet efficient smart ir remote for their Android phone.

Unlike plenty of other remote apps, this app provides you with proper functioning, along with a set of basic remote functions such as a virtual keyboard for easy typing. You can also connect it simply with the help of Bluetooth or WiFi.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Comes with a virtual keyboard
  • Voice control
  • Compatible with Android TV and Chromecast too

Cons

  • Not customizable
  • Not compatible with many devices
  • Updates are slow to install

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 4.0 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play

📚 Related: 5 Best Remote Apps for Emerson TVs


#6 – Google Home

best universal remotes for sonos

When it comes to controlling a lot of Google-compatible products from your house, Google Home is the best remote for your Android phone. From your Chromecast to your lights and speakers, Google Home can help you to control almost everything from your phone!

📚 Related: Best Smart Tvs With Google Assistant Built-in

You can do plenty of operations on your Google Home app like dimming lights, streaming one type of media on all Google devices, and many more operations. Thus, it is definitely one of the best remotes for Android phones.

Pros

  • Compatible with various Google-compatible products
  • Offers various features
  • Free of cost
  • Allows customization in WiFi settings, home lighting, etc.

Cons

  • Works only with Google-compatible products
  • Complicated set-up and use
  • Complicated app interface

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 6.0 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#7 – Best for Kodi: Yatse

best remotes android

Not like the 80s board name of a similar name, next on my list of the best remote controls for Android is Yatse!

Yatse is an advanced remote for serious streamers that are into the Kodi standard. In short, it integrates nicely with Kodi, Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, and your local device.

The app is free but a premium version is also available.

Yatse helps in controlling streaming media player devices such as Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, etc. Additionally, this app has other great features too such as voice commands, multiple colors, and themes, many more.

Pros

  • Kodi media integration
  • Compatible with various streaming devices
  • Offers themes and colors
  • Lots of great reviews over at Google Play

Cons

  • Updates frequently introduce bugs

💰 Price In-app products: $0.99 – $6.49 per item.

 Compatibility:

Varies with Device.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#8 – Unified Remote

best remotes for android

If you want a remote controller app for your computer then Unified remote is definitely the best option out there.

Unified remote is compatible with Mac, Windows, as well as Linux. All you have to do is set it up and you can control various functions.This is a super popular remote that lets you control your computer from your favorite mobile devices.

Pros

  • Works with almost all types of operating systems
  • Easy setup and use
  • Allows more security by allowing you to set passwords and verification
  • Has many themes

Cons

  • Limited options in free version
  • Minor bugs due to frequent updates

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Varies with Device.

App Download

Download from: Unified Remote


#9 – Sure remote control

best remotes for android

You’re going to love this app, I’m sure of it. See what I did there? If you have an LG TV or Sony TV, then Sure remote control is a good option for a remote app. Additionally, this application also works well with other TV brands, Chromecast, or Roku TV. All you need to do is connect your TV and phone with the same WiFi and it’s all done!

It consists of easily-accessible buttons and thus, makes it extremely easy to use and navigate.

Am I “sure?” Yes.

By the way, if you want to see some additional options for Sony TVs, check out this post I wrote on the best universal remote apps for Sony TVs.

Pros

  • Compatible with various TV brands
  • Comes with simple and user-friendly features and interface
  • Free to use

Cons

  • Plenty of ads
  • Mixed reviews
  • May not detect the TV

💰 Price In-app products: $0.99 – $4.99 per item

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 5.0 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#10 – Roku App

best remotes for android

Just like the Amazon Fire TV app, the Roku TV app is for those having Roku as their streaming device. However, unlike Amazon TV remote, this remote has various other special features.

I really like how it mimics the physical Roku remote, making this an easy transition over to the app for users of the service. I also like having the giant buttons for Netflix, Apple TV, and Roku Channel right there on the home screen. Pretty neat.

You don’t have to set up as this app automatically scans the device. Additionally, features like voice recognition, phone keyboard input, and volume controls are also available.

Pros

  • Extremely easy setup
  • Easy navigation using Swipe-pad or D-pad
  • Easily pairs with multiple devices
  • Free of cost

Cons

  • Only works with Roku TV
  • Premium features are not free of cost
  • Glitch and ad problems

💰 Price In-app products: $0.99 – $4.99 per item

 Compatibility:

Varies with Device. Learn more here.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#11 – Mi Remote

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Next up on my list of the best remote control apps for android is this Mi remote. Now don’t be mistaken. Mi Remote works quite well even if you don’t have a Mi phone. You can use this app for controlling various devices ranging from your TV to your AC! In fact, this app also supports almost all the top brands.

You might even say it’s a good remote for “me.” Now, I know you saw what I did there. OK, I’ll stop…..

It comes with some basic buttons that are easy for navigation. Additionally, the interface is quite neat which makes it easy to use as well.

Pros

  • Compatible with various household devices
  • Easy to use and navigate
  • Free to use

Cons

  • Does not come with any additional features
  • May not be compatible with some Android phone
  • Minor bugs and glitches

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 5.0 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#12 – ASmart Remote IR

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Coming in at number 13 on my list of the best remote control apps for Android is this beauty. ASmart Remote IR is a good app for overall control. It is mostly compatible with Samsung and HTC phones.

This app can be used for sending signals and controls to various devices, from your TV to cameras, projectors, streaming devices, and your AC too. It comes with customized remotes with easy to navigate buttons.

Pros

  • Cool interface that adjusts depending on device
  • Great for controlling different devices
  • Easy to set up and use
  • User-friendly interface
  • Free of Cost

Cons

  • May not be compatible with a number of phones
  • Constant Ads and minor bugs

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 5.0 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#13 – ZaZa Remote

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💰 Price – Free

Another great app to use for remote control is ZaZa remote. This remote is compatible with plenty of devices like air conditioning, fans, projector, TV, etc.

It also includes a database of about 300,000 appliances from 8,000 brands. You may be able to find your appliance on the list.

Pros

  • Free to use
  • Clean looking
  • Compatible with various devices
  • Free of cost
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Constant ads

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 4.4 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#14 – CetusPlay

<span style='background-color:none;'>best universal remote apps</span><span style='background-color:none;'> </span>for android

If you have an Amazon Fire TV or Android TV, CetusPlay is again a great option.

The virtual remotes of the above-mentioned streaming devices may not have all the functionalities and features. In this case, CetusPlay can come to use with various advanced features like screenshot feature, different navigation modes, and cleaning cache options.

Pros

  • Compatible with different devices
  • Advanced features
  • Allows you to clean cache memory

Cons

  • May get slow
  • Plenty of ads

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Requires Android 4.0 and up.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


#15 – Yonomi

<span style='background-color:none;'>best universal remote apps</span><span style='background-color:none;'> </span>for android

Last but not least of the best remote control apps for Android is the bright app from Yonomi. The main focus of the Yonomi app is on smart home automation.

Namely, the app lets you create routines from some major brands of smart devices. These include Amazon Echo, Google Home, Sonos, Nest, ecobee, Honeywell, Philips Hue, LIFX bulbs, Logitech Harmony, Lutron, Wink, Schlage, August, TP-Link, Insteon, Belkin, Wemo, and others. A few customers complained that device support is not broad enough for the app to be useful or I would have scored this higher on my list.

You can set up routines based on various triggers like the time of the day or your GPS location.

Pros

  • Bright cheerful app interface
  • Automates your smart home
  • Triggers to turn lights on/off at a certain time of day
  • GPS feature will unlock smart locks when you arrive home

Cons

  • Limited support for home theater
  • Very limited support for non-mainstream vendors

💰 Price – Free

 Compatibility:

Varies with device. You can learn more here.

App Download

Download for Android: Google Play


Final Thoughts

So, this brings us to the end of my list of the 15 best remote control apps for Android!

As you can see, to find the best remote control app, you need to know the device you’re going to use it on. For example, if it is Fire TV, simply go for the Fire TV remote or CetusPlay!

If you want to control all of the items in your home theater plus other smart devices with Android, the Harmony Hub really is a great option.

I hope this article helped you find the most ideal Android remote app for you.

So what do you think of my list of the best apps that let Android control your TV, set-top box, and other devices? Please leave me a comment below and let me know.

📚 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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