Best Universal Remotes
Updated How we research
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub
SofaBaton X1S universal remote with a hub and app, covering 500,000+ devices over IR and Bluetooth with one-touch Activities, macros and Alexa or Google voice start.
SofaBaton U3 Universal Remote with Global Macro
The newer model above the SofaBaton U2. The U3 controls IR, Bluetooth and RF devices without a hub, replaces up to 30 remotes and adds a Global Macro button, a voice button and an air mouse mode.
A home theater quickly accumulates remotes, one for the TV, another for the receiver, more for each source, and a universal remote replaces the pile with a single controller. The best ones let you start a movie night with one button, powering on and switching every device to the right input so you never fumble through a stack of clickers again. This guide compares universal remotes for home theater setups, from simple button-based models to programmable hubs that control gear hidden in a cabinet. We look at device compatibility, activity-based control, and ease of setup, helping you pick a remote that tames a complex system and makes it simple enough for anyone in the house to use.
The short version
We compared 7 picks. Our scores range from 6.6 to 8.4 out of 10.
- Best overall:SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.4/10.
- Also great value:SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with Backlight), All-in-One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customized APP for TV/Soundbar/DVD/Blu-ray/Projector and More. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.0/10.
- Solid build:SofaBaton U3 Universal Remote with Global Macro. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote with APP, All in One Universal Remote Control to Replace All Your Remotes. Features score of 7/10, overall 7.8/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
- 1.SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub8.4/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 2.SofaBaton U3 Universal Remote with Global Macro8.4/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 3.SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with Backlight), All-in-One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customized APP for TV/Soundbar/DVD/Blu-ray/Projector and More8.0/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 4.SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote with APP, All in One Universal Remote Control to Replace All Your Remotes7.8/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 5.GE Rechargeable TV Remote Control, Universal Remote Control, Backlit7.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 6.GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control, Samsung TV Remote Control7.2/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 7.UltraPro Backlit OneTouch Universal Remote Control, Replacement TV Remote6.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
#1SofaBaton X1S universal remote with a hub and app, covering 500,000+ devices over IR and Bluetooth with one-touch Activities, macros and Alexa or Google voice start.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + One-touch Activities such as Watch TV power on the TV and soundbar and switch inputs in one press.
- + The hub gives 360 degree coverage up to 40 feet and includes two wired IR transmitters for gear inside cabinets.
- + Cloud code database sets up devices from the app, with button remapping, macros and a Beep Remote Tracker.
- - Setup and programming happen in the SofaBaton app, which takes more effort than a plain replacement remote.
- - The remote has no microphone, and voice commands through Alexa or Google only start Activities, not single devices.
#2The newer model above the SofaBaton U2. The U3 controls IR, Bluetooth and RF devices without a hub, replaces up to 30 remotes and adds a Global Macro button, a voice button and an air mouse mode.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Supports 6,000+ brands and over 500,000 devices across IR, Bluetooth and RF
- + The Global Macro button brings up a list of custom macros with icons, in place of activity modes
- + Stays connected to multiple Bluetooth devices at once and has a stated 40-foot infrared range
- - Covers IR, Bluetooth and RF devices: Wi-Fi control is listed for the hub-based X1S, not for this remote
- - Costs well above the older U2 it replaces here, which moves this slot into a higher price band
#3SofaBaton's backlit U2 all-in-one smart universal remote with a customized app for TVs, soundbars, Blu-ray players and projectors.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Backlight makes buttons readable in a dark home theater
- + App setup is easier than typing device codes one by one
- + Handles projectors and soundbars alongside the TV
- - IR-based control needs line of sight to hidden components
- - No hub, so it cannot run advanced multi-device activities
#4SofaBaton's U2 all in one universal remote with app setup, designed to replace a stack of separate TV and AV remotes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Consolidates several remotes into one for a cleaner coffee table
- + App makes adding and editing devices straightforward
- + Good value compared with hub-based universal remotes
- - Check for backlit buttons if you plan to use it in the dark
- - Some device functions may need manual learning or mapping
#5A rechargeable four-device universal remote from GE with a fully backlit keypad and app hotkeys for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and YouTube. It charges by USB-C, so no batteries to replace.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Built-in rechargeable battery with an 18 inch USB-C to USB-A cable included and a charge indicator light
- + Operates up to four devices, with preprogrammed TV and STR buttons for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes
- + Fully backlit keypad, slim profile and a master volume feature across devices
- - Not for radio frequency devices like Roku Streaming Sticks and Amazon Fire TV Sticks
- - Setup is by code search or code entry with no app or macros, so it cannot start a whole system with one press
#6A budget four-device universal remote from GE with blue LED backlighting. It comes preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and sets up for other brands by automatic code search or direct code entry.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Replaces up to four remotes: TV, Blu-ray or DVD player, cable or satellite receiver, soundbar or streaming player
- + Fully backlit buttons with blue LEDs for dark rooms, in a brushed graphite finish
- + Master volume control adjusts the audio no matter which device is being used
- - Not for radio frequency devices such as Roku Streaming Sticks and Amazon Fire TV Sticks
- - No app, macros or activities, a big step down in features from the SofaBaton remotes in this guide
#7A low-cost backlit remote with one-touch device buttons for Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio and Roku TVs, plus one extra device. Hotkeys open Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu and YouTube.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + No code entry for five popular TV brands: press the device button that matches the TV
- + The AUX button can be programmed for one more device, such as a soundbar or Blu-ray player
- + Fully backlit, with free U.S.-based technical support and online programming videos
- - Controls a TV plus only one other device, so it cannot replace a full stack of remotes
- - TV brands outside the five preset ones are not covered by the one-touch device buttons
Before you buy: trade-offs we flagged
No pick is perfect. These are the main compromises we noted for the top products in this guide, so you can check they will not matter for you.
- Setup and programming happen in the SofaBaton app, which takes more effort than a plain replacement remote. (SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub)
- Covers IR, Bluetooth and RF devices: Wi-Fi control is listed for the hub-based X1S, not for this remote (SofaBaton U3 Universal Remote with Global Macro)
- IR-based control needs line of sight to hidden components (SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with...)
- Check for backlit buttons if you plan to use it in the dark (SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote with APP, All...)
- Not for radio frequency devices like Roku Streaming Sticks and Amazon Fire TV Sticks (GE Rechargeable TV Remote Control, Universal...)
- Not for radio frequency devices such as Roku Streaming Sticks and Amazon Fire TV Sticks (GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control,...)
Frequently asked questions
›What is the best choice among universal remotes?
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub is our top overall pick. SofaBaton X1S universal remote with a hub and app, covering 500,000+ devices over IR and Bluetooth with one-touch Activities, macros and Alexa or Google voice start. It earns our score of 8.4/10, based on fit for the job, features, build and value.
›What is a good budget option?
SofaBaton U3 Universal Remote with Global Macro is the strongest low-cost pick in this guide. The newer model above the SofaBaton U2. The U3 controls IR, Bluetooth and RF devices without a hub, replaces up to 30 remotes and adds a Global Macro button, a voice button and an air mouse mode.
›How much should I expect to spend?
Picks in this guide span See on Amazon price bands (roughly: $ = under $30, $$ = $30 to $100, $$$ = over $100). We never display exact prices because they change constantly, so the buttons above always show Amazon's current price.
›How were these products chosen?
We shortlist products that fit the job this guide solves and compare their published specifications, such as size, capacity, materials and what is included. Each pick gets an editorial score out of 10 for fit, features, build and value, and we write the pros and cons from those details. Our score is not an Amazon customer rating. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never affects the ranking.
Home Theater Setup Hub independently selects every product; we may earn a commission from links above.
More questions readers ask
Do universal remotes work with all devices?
Most control TVs, receivers and streaming boxes, but check compatibility lists for your specific models, especially devices that use Bluetooth or proprietary controls.
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