Tired of juggling multiple remotes to control your entertainment system? A universal remote is the ultimate solution to streamline your home technology. Whether it’s switching between your TV, streaming device, soundbar, or gaming console, the best universal remotes simplify your setup with seamless integration and intuitive controls.
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These modern marvels often come with customizable features, voice commands, and compatibility with smart home devices, making them perfect for today’s connected living spaces. Say goodbye to clutter and confusion, and hello to effortless control. In this guide, we’ll explore the best universal remotes on the market, catering to various budgets and needs, ensuring your entertainment experience is nothing short of exceptional.
Top Best Universal Remote Reviews
Let’s look at some of the best 5 and get into their details!
#1. OMAIC XRT136 Universal Remote Control.
The OMAIC XRT136 remote is tailor-made for Vizio TVs, ensuring seamless functionality. It’s compatible with a wide range of Vizio models, including the V-series, M-series, D-series, P-series, PX-series, and E-series, as well as LED, LCD, HD, 4K UHD, and HDR smart TVs—in short, most Vizio televisions.
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This universal remote requires no setup. Simply insert two AAA batteries, and it’s ready to use right out of the box—no programming necessary! Powered by Infrared technology, it delivers a strong signal that allows you to control your TV from up to 40 feet away with an impressive response time of just 0.2 seconds, effectively eliminating any noticeable delay.
The only drawback is the design of the buttons, which produce a noticeable “click” sound with each press. While this might bother noise-sensitive users, it’s a minor issue for most. If you don’t mind a bit of feedback from your remote, the OMAIC XRT136 is an excellent choice for Vizio TV owners.
#2. SofaBaton U2 Universal Smart Remote Control.
The SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote delivers impressive value, standing out as one of the best options in its price range—and even beyond. Often compared to the Logitech Harmony Elite, it offers a similar feature set at a fraction of the cost. While it’s not a one-to-one match with the Elite, it’s a compelling alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
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That said, users should be prepared for a learning curve and a few limitations. The SofaBaton U1 can control up to 15 devices simultaneously, including Bluetooth-enabled ones. Its compatibility spans over 5,000 devices from more than 6,000 brands, with regular database updates ensuring support for new devices.
The remote’s intuitive button layout and a moderately bright OLED screen make it easy to navigate and switch between devices. However, there are some downsides. The U1 doesn’t support Wi-Fi-based smart home devices like lights, nor can it group devices for multi-step tasks.
On the bright side, you can create custom activities and assign them to specific buttons—but you’ll need to program them yourself, which may be tricky for some users. Despite these limitations, the SofaBaton U1 remains a standout choice. Its ability to control both infrared and Bluetooth devices, coupled with its affordability and sleek design, makes it a top contender in the universal remote market.
#3. GE Backlit Universal Remote Control.
Sometimes, simplicity wins. If you’re not looking for an expensive, feature-packed, and hard-to-program universal remote, the GE Universal Remote Control might be perfect for you. This straightforward device is designed to control up to four devices, including TVs, cable boxes, sound systems, Roku players, and DVD or Blu-Ray players.
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However, it has limited compatibility with cable boxes and doesn’t support RF-based streaming devices like the Roku Streaming Stick or Fire TV Stick. What makes the GE Universal Remote stand out is its affordability and ease of use. Setting it up is a breeze—just follow the included manual and code list, and you’ll be ready in under ten minutes.
Its ergonomic design and backlit buttons add to the convenience, making navigation and setup effortless even in dim lighting. That said, this remote isn’t for everyone. If you’re after advanced features like touchscreen controls or programming through a mobile device or PC, this basic remote won’t meet your needs. But for those who appreciate simplicity and functionality without unnecessary complexity, the GE Universal Remote Control is an excellent, budget-friendly choice.
#4. Philips SRP2024A/27 Universal Remote Control.
The Philips SRP2024A/27 tackles a common issue with RF streaming devices like Roku and Fire Sticks, offering a simple and affordable alternative to pricey hub systems. Its clever design includes a compartment to store the streaming stick directly on the back of the remote, making it both convenient and accessible.
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Additional user-friendly features include a channel back button, a DVD open/close button, and always-accessible volume controls conveniently located on the side. This remote is an economical choice for controlling both RF and IR devices. However, it does come with limitations.
It supports only up to four devices at a time and lacks the ability to program complex multi-step actions into a single button. While its simplicity makes setup easy, particularly with device code direct entry, it sacrifices some modern conveniences like backlit buttons and pre-included batteries.
For those managing a small number of devices and seeking a straightforward solution, the Philips SRP2024A/27 is a solid pick. However, if you need to pair multiple devices or require advanced features, consider alternatives like the SofaBaton U2 for a more versatile option.
#5. Inteset INT-422 Backlit IR Learning Universal Remote.
Next up is the Inteset INT-422, marketed as the first universal remote specifically designed for streamers. To back up this claim, it comes equipped with four pre-programmed buttons for popular devices: an “A” button for Apple TV, a “B” button for Xbox One, a “C” button for Media Centre, and a “D” button for Roku.
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Beyond these, the remote also supports over 10,000 other devices, including Xbox 360, Fire TV, and Kodi. Unlike the previous remote, which combines both a touchscreen and physical buttons, the Inteset INT-422 focuses primarily on buttons. This might seem limiting at first, but it actually offers several advantages.
The remote features a smart button-matching system that allows you to replicate the button layout of an original device, like a Roku remote. Plus, you can program up to 32 commands onto a single button, making it highly customizable.
While it may look like a remote with so many buttons would be difficult to set up, that’s not the case here. The Inteset INT-422 comes with an online tool that simplifies the mapping of buttons and customization of the remote to suit your preferences. It also includes useful features like volume lock, channel lock, and ID lock, adding even more flexibility to its design.
Conclusion
A universal remote transforms your entertainment setup into a stress-free haven, letting you control multiple devices with ease. Whether you seek advanced features or a budget-friendly option, the best universal remote combines convenience, compatibility, and performance. Choose the right one to simplify your tech life, declutter your space, and enjoy a seamless, connected experience every time you press a button!