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 Review (2026)

Who this remote fits

This U2 model is aimed at someone who wants to replace several separate remotes, for a TV, a soundbar, a Blu-ray or DVD player and even a projector, with one backlit, app configured universal remote, without paying extra for a hub based system. The backlight is a straightforward but genuinely useful feature for a home theater, where the room is often dark during use and reading small button labels on a standard remote is difficult. Setting it up through SofaBaton's app instead of manually entering a long list of device codes saves time compared with older style universal remotes. The site ranks it fourth among seven universal remotes it compares, positioning it as a solid, no frills mid tier option.

What app setup and IR plus Bluetooth control mean

Rather than looking up and typing in a code for every brand and model, the SofaBaton app walks through pairing and device selection, which is generally faster and less error prone than the traditional code entry method older universal remotes rely on. The remote controls devices over infrared, the same technology as most original remotes, so it needs a clear line of sight to each component's sensor to work reliably. SofaBaton's U2 line also supports Bluetooth low energy for compatible smart TVs and soundbars, adding a second control path beyond plain infrared for devices that support it. It is built to handle a mix of common home theater gear, including TVs, soundbars, DVD or Blu-ray players and projectors, from one remote.

Living with it day to day

Because setup runs through the app, adding or adjusting a device tends to be quicker than digging through a printed code list, and the backlight makes late night use genuinely more comfortable than a standard unlit remote. The main daily limitation is that infrared control needs a direct line of sight, so any component tucked behind a closed cabinet door, or positioned where the remote cannot see it, will not respond reliably no matter how well the app setup went. For an open shelf style media console where every device is visible, this is rarely an issue, but it is worth checking your own furniture layout before counting on full line of sight control.

How it compares with the SofaBaton X1S and its own siblings

The SofaBaton X1S adds a physical hub that can relay commands to devices even when they are hidden behind doors or around a corner, and supports controlling up to 60 IR, Bluetooth or WiFi devices, which explains its higher score on the site and makes it the better choice for a fully enclosed media cabinet. Within SofaBaton's own U2 family, the scroll wheel version adds a dedicated wheel and small OLED screen for faster channel and volume browsing at a slightly higher price point and score, while this plain backlit U2 keeps things simpler and a little more affordable without that extra hardware.

Verdict and who should pick something else

For a media setup where every component sits in the open with a clear line of sight to the remote, and where a hub feels like unnecessary added cost, this backlit SofaBaton U2 is a practical, easy to configure universal remote for TVs, soundbars, Blu-ray players and projectors alike. Anyone with gear hidden behind cabinet doors, in a closet or around a corner from the seating area should spend more on the SofaBaton X1S and its included hub instead, since plain infrared control simply cannot reach hidden devices reliably. Buyers who want faster channel and volume browsing through a scroll wheel can also step up to the scroll wheel U2 model within the same product family.

Frequently asked questions