# Best Universal Remotes Source: https://hometheatersetuphub.com/best/best-universal-remotes Updated: 2026-10-27 Publisher: Home Theater Setup Hub. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://hometheatersetuphub.com/how-we-research#our-score 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. ## Picks ### 1. SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) 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. Pros: - 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. Cons: - 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. Details: https://hometheatersetuphub.com/product/B0HF3S2R35 ### 2. SofaBaton U3 Universal Remote with Global Macro Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) 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. Pros: - 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 Cons: - 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 Details: https://hometheatersetuphub.com/product/B0H5BW4DXV ### 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 More Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) SofaBaton's backlit U2 all-in-one smart universal remote with a customized app for TVs, soundbars, Blu-ray players and projectors. Pros: - 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 Cons: - IR-based control needs line of sight to hidden components - No hub, so it cannot run advanced multi-device activities Details: https://hometheatersetuphub.com/product/B0DQSJN72G ### 4. SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote with APP, All in One Universal Remote Control to Replace All Your Remotes Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) SofaBaton's U2 all in one universal remote with app setup, designed to replace a stack of separate TV and AV remotes. Pros: - 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 Cons: - Check for backlit buttons if you plan to use it in the dark - Some device functions may need manual learning or mapping Details: https://hometheatersetuphub.com/product/B0D9NTS2LX ### 5. GE Rechargeable TV Remote Control, Universal Remote Control, Backlit Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) A 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. Pros: - 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 Cons: - 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 Details: https://hometheatersetuphub.com/product/B0D47X18RP ### 6. GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control, Samsung TV Remote Control Our score: 7.2/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) A 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. Pros: - 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 Cons: - 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 Details: https://hometheatersetuphub.com/product/B088XR1ZS5 ### 7. UltraPro Backlit OneTouch Universal Remote Control, Replacement TV Remote Our score: 6.6/10 (Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10) A 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. Pros: - 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 Cons: - 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 Details: https://hometheatersetuphub.com/product/B0CSF1NFJJ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.