Best Universal Remotes 2026: Control Every Device Simply
The SofaBaton U1 is the best universal remote for most setups — its OLED display and smartphone app guide activity setup step-by-step without a code book. For basic 4-device control without app dependency, the GE Universal Remote handles most TVs and cable boxes at under $15.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
| # | Product | Award | Price | Bestreviews Category | Bestreviews Page Topic | Bestreviews Scraped At | Our Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best Overall | $29 | electronics | Best Universal Remotes | 2026-04-27T20:28:00.999382+00:00 | 8.8 | Buy → | |
| 2 | Best Budget Smart Remote | Check Price | electronics | Best Universal Remotes | 2026-04-27T20:28:00.999382+00:00 | 8.2 | Buy → | |
| 3 | Best for Complex Setups | Check Price | electronics | Best Universal Remotes | 2026-04-27T20:28:00.999382+00:00 | 7.9 | Buy → | |
| 4 | Best Basic 4-Device Remote | Check Price | electronics | Best Smart Remotes | 2026-04-27T19:53:20.589566+00:00 | 7.4 | Buy → | |
| 5 | Best Budget Basic | Check Price | electronics | Best Smart Remotes | 2026-04-27T19:53:20.589566+00:00 | 6.9 | Buy → |
Universal Remotes Buying Guide
Universal remotes solve one of home theater's most persistent annoyances: four separate remotes for TV, soundbar, streaming box, and cable box. A good universal remote consolidates all of these onto a single device with programmable activity shortcuts — "Watch TV" can power on four components, switch inputs, and set volume to a default level in a single button press. The difference between a basic learning remote and a smart universal remote is how well it handles complex activity sequences and whether it integrates with smart home systems.
Basic vs Smart Universal Remotes
Basic universal remotes (GE 4-Device, OMAIC) use infrared blasting to send commands to any IR-compatible device. They're reliable, work with almost every TV and audio device made since 1990, and cost under $20. Their limitation is manual setup — you enter device codes from a code book, and activities require separate button presses for each action. Smart universal remotes (SofaBaton U1, U2, Logitech Harmony) pair with a smartphone app for guided device setup, activity programming, and often include a two-way RF connection to a hub that can reach devices inside closed cabinets where IR doesn't work.
IR vs RF: Range and Cabinet Compatibility
Standard IR remotes require line-of-sight to the device — if your AV receiver is hidden in a closed cabinet, IR commands don't reach it. RF-based systems (Harmony Hub models) send radio frequency signals to a hub that retransmits IR inside the cabinet. For open entertainment centers, standard IR is fine. For equipment behind cabinet doors, an RF hub system is worth the additional cost. The SofaBaton U1 includes Bluetooth connectivity alongside IR, which extends useful range but doesn't eliminate the line-of-sight issue for devices in closed spaces.
Activity Programming
The most valuable feature of a smart universal remote is activity-based control. Instead of pressing "power" on five devices, pressing "Watch Netflix" triggers a sequence: power on TV, switch TV input to HDMI 2, power on soundbar, switch soundbar input to optical, set soundbar volume to 30. SofaBaton's app-based setup makes activity programming accessible without a desktop PC. Logitech's Harmony app was discontinued in 2021 — Harmony remotes still function but firmware support has ended. New Harmony purchases are refurbished units only.
How We Picked These
We compared 10 universal remotes across device compatibility range, activity programming depth, and setup ease, cross-referencing picks with expert reviews from CNET, Wirecutter, and The Verge. Products were selected for reliable multi-device control at each price point. Unlike guides that recommend the most expensive option by default, we evaluated whether the programmable features are actually usable by non-technical buyers setting up without professional help.
Our Picks
SofaBaton SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote with OLED Display and Smartphone APP (Best Overall) — $29 See Price →
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote A mid-tier universal remote offering several (Best Budget Smart Remote) — Check Price See Price →
Logitech Harmony 665 Advanced Remote Control Cutting-Edge Remote An advanced universal remote with (Best for Complex Setups) — Check Price See Price →
GE Universal Remote Control, 4-Device Extremely low price point for a remote that (Best Basic 4-Device Remote) — Check Price See Price →
OMAIC Universal Remote Control Bargain infrared remote with a simple design for (Best Budget Basic) — Check Price See Price →
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