How many entertainment devices do you have in your home that require a remote, an app, or some sort of command device? How many of those remotes do you have lying around the house, and how many of them confuse you or remain unused? If the answer is too many, you may want to invest in a universal remote for your living room.
There are many universal remotes on the market. Looking through them all can get confusing, especially with many sub-par products available and the fact that many people have never used one before. If you are just looking for a new model, you might be comfortable with a more recent version of what you already have (although you should see what is new). Otherwise, you need to start from scratch. If you are one of those people or just want to follow the market, we are here to help.
Here is some information on universal remotes, as well as our recommendations on what are some of the best options for users in 2023:
Before diving too deeply into our specific picks, first, let us look at what you want from a universal remote, especially if you have not used one before:
Device Compatibility: If your universal remote cannot work with the devices you have in your home, what is the point? You certainly should not pick a device based on whether it will work with your universal remote, although some devices might be old enough that no remote will work with them. In that case, you should discount them from your decision anyway. Try to check whether your devices will work with the remote, although this likely will not be an issue.
Number of Devices It Can Handle (Connections): If you have six devices you want to control with your universal remote, but your remote can only connect and operate up to four devices, that will be a problem. We recommend checking how many (add a couple for future purchases) and comparing them to how many each universal remote listed below can handle. Note that some entertainment sets might count as more than one device.
Method of Control: Is the universal remote-based around a touch screen? Or are there only standard buttons on the remote? Is it a hybrid of the two, as happens with most of the best models? Whatever the case, you should be comfortable with it. Although they might be harder for some to use, touch screens are more versatile but might not be intuitive. Buttons should be clear and not easy to press in error.
Ease-of-Use: If you cannot understand how the universal remote operates, that is not a good sign for the universal remote. While there are instruction manuals and a learning curve for any new device, it should be as intuitive to use as possible.
Voice Control: While not by any means universal to universal remotes, voice controls have come onto the scene. They are becoming more popular as programs are getting better at recognizing commands. Working even among a series of background noises is important, as is having all the commands needed to run a system easily. If voice controls are not easy, no one will want to use them.
Design, Lighting, and Other Features: While functionality is king, there are other things to consider about universal remotes. You may appreciate backlighting so you can have an excellent home-theater experience without hitting the wrong buttons half the time. A well-designed remote may come down to personal taste, but remember that this device will be a mainstay in your living room. Finally, there may be other unique features that may influence your purchase.
So, out of the dozens if not hundreds of models available, which universal remotes are the best? As opposed to a general top five or similar, we decided to pick out five "best in class" options so that all needs and households are considered. Why would you want the fifth-best all-around choice anyhow? Therefore, without further wait, our picks:
If you want to pick a remote out quickly or want one you know will not fail you, you want to choose the Logitech Harmony Companion. It has all of the features found in a universal remote that you can expect at a reasonable price for what you are getting. The Logitech Harmony line is perhaps the best known when it comes to universal remotes, and for a good reason. The Harmony Companion is one of the more modest options in the line, but that is still saying something.
The universal remote uses the Harmony Hub for setup, which allows it to connect to all devices, whether they are Bluetooth, IR, or WiFi, ensuring compatibility. The remote looks somewhat standard, but it has six smart home buttons that allow for plenty of functionality. It is also good to note that practically every button on the remote is reprogrammable, although the process can be a tough and lengthy one.
Overall, we find the Harmony Companion the perfect middle of the road between the advanced Harmony remotes and the more modestly priced options found elsewhere. We also found the remote to be easy to use, and it will fit nicely in most hands. As of this writing, the cost of the Harmony Companion is about $150.
You should consider the Logitech Harmony Companion if:
Do you want the best of the best, with the functionality you never even knew you needed? Do you want a remote on the cutting edge that should last you for some time to come? If so, you want the Logitech Harmony Elite, our pick for the best high-end universal remote.
Even looking at it, you get the idea of how impressive it is, and some would say it is even overkill. We do not care, and if you want the best, you will not either. Completely customizable and featuring the best in tech for the time, the Logitech Harmony Elite should only be in your consideration if you know precisely what you want and have a smart home that would require this remote.
Features include the ability to control up to 15 devices, a responsive color touch screen that allows you to easily select channels, a sleek and easy-to-use design and interface (though it is heavier than many comparable universal remotes), and a setup that should not take long at all. Furthermore, if a device out there will interact with a universal remote, it is likely to work with the Logitech Harmony Elite. The Harmony Elite is also compatible with Alexa, Google Nest, and a series of similar systems. You can even control smartlights and the Ecobee Smart Thermostat.
This all comes with a price tag. As of publishing, the Logitech Harmony Elite will set you back about $350-$400. For this, you get the remote and the smart hub, complete with instructions on how to get everything set up.
You should consider the Logitech Harmony Elite if:
Sometimes you do not need the best or most advanced device, just one that will have basic functionality and get the job done. However, you also still want some measure of quality in your universal remote, or else why get a universal remote over your regular device remotes and apps anyway?
If you need more than a basic remote but less than all the bells and whistles described elsewhere (perhaps for a basic setup), then we think the Logitech Harmony 665 is the best choice for you. At a low price of about $70, nearly any household that already has an entertainment system can afford it, and it can still connect to 10 compatible devices. It allows you to remember up to 23 channels and has a display that can help you. The display is not a touchscreen, but it is a step forward for a remote of this price point.
The main weakness of this model is that it can only connect to infrared devices. If you want to work with WiFi or Bluetooth and control a wider swath of smart home devices, you will want to pick another universal remote.
You should consider the Logitech Harmony 665 if:
We understand that the Logitech Harmony line of universal remotes is the main line to recommend for universal remotes. Still, we also wanted to direct your attention towards the Caavo Control Center, which represents an excellent alternative. It consists of a box that you can connect to your devices and the remote.
In terms of use, we find the Caavo Control Center to be straightforward to use. While some will find some of the previously mentioned models easier, the truth is that after the initial setup, the control center allows for people to be less overwhelmed while still maintaining a large part of the functionality. The control center automatically recognizes most devices, allowing you to soon activate with voice commands or the remote. There is also an onscreen display that will make things easy, even for the easily confused. You can also use it at quite a long range.
Something of particular note with the Caavo Control Center is that after you pay for the device initially (about $60 as of the time of this writing), to get full functionality out of it, you will need to pay an ongoing subscription or pay a lifetime subscription fee of $160. It has some fun extra features and has excellent voice control compared to alternatives, making up for the low compatible device count.
You should consider the Caavo Control Center if you:
Given how much impressive technology is out there and innovation is on the market, we thought we'd devote a slot here to a different kind of universal remote, one focused on more specific tasks or looking at a new direction. We think the Fire TV Cube will do just that for you, and just because it is a cube does not mean it does not have much of the functionality of the other universal remotes on this list.
It does have functionality in that the cube allows for 4K streaming, and combined with an Amazon Echo, can likely handle most of your smart home needs. You will get a physical remote with basic controls, but it is not by any means the most advanced remote. Voice controls are where the focus lies, and if you like the idea of mostly using them, then the Fire TV Cube is for you.
What makes this one special is that it can connect to Alexa, streaming services, and other services more easily. While this feature isn't exclusive to the Fire TV Cube, it is a relatively inexpensive device at $85 as of this writing, and the multifunctionality is appreciated. The Fire TV Cube does update and comes out with new versions periodically, so make sure you have the latest version before clicking the order button.
You should consider the Fire TV Cube if:
These devices can be confusing if you are new to them or have only heard about them in catalogs, so we hope to clear up any misconceptions or misinformation by answering some of the most commonly asked questions we found online. We also hope to explain a bit about what makes them so useful.
Most of them do not work all that differently from regular remotes. Universal remotes simply have some additional programming and potential connections they can use to connect to all the available entertainment devices in your household (or at least connect to your TV). However, the exact method will vary. You might find it works by infrared, consumer electronics control, a wireless network, Bluetooth (though this is uncommon), or a radio frequency. You should be able to determine how it works via a quick search online or on the box.
When you set up the remote, you will likely need to connect it to all the appropriate devices, though some might focus more on a central box (a control center) and require connections from there. You might use HDMI or other types of cables to establish these connections.
Other than this, the specifics of setup and usage will vary from remote to remote. We recommend more specialized online resources or the instruction manual(s) that come with your universal remote.
A universal remote is not a magical device that can do everything (we reserve that for the smartphones of the future). A universal remote can only work with devices it is compatible with, and they were mostly designed with entertainment systems and related devices in mind. You might not be able to get your universal remote to work on your coffee maker or smart blinds. That said, if you get a new device, check if the compatibility is there!
Another limitation in many cases is gaming consoles. A universal remote can help you get onto the right settings to turn on your system, but you will need to use your gaming controller after that. There may be exceptions to this depending on apps and the remote involved, but it would hardly be more efficient anyway.
Note that there will be plenty of further developments, and universal remotes will likely become more common or at least more accomplished and specialized as time goes on. They will either be able to do more, or there will be a device that allows for universal remote functionality plus so much more.
And, of course, a universal remote has most of the limitations of other devices. You probably should not treat it (regardless of model) too harshly or dunk it in a bucket of water, given that they can cost as much as some cheaper television sets. Similarly, they require batteries or charging of some sort. Depending on how often you upgrade your entertainment center, you might find the remote becoming obsolete in some regards. This is unlikely to happen for some time if you select any of the remotes on the list above.
Convenience, for the most part. Why have four to eight remotes that you can barely keep track of or keep losing (not to mention the clutter) instead of one? For many, this alone is worth the price of getting a universal remote.
Additionally, universal remotes are likely to simply work better as remotes than the one that comes in the TV box (if television manufacturers are feeling generous enough to provide a half-decent remote). Connections will likely be better, and the ranges will probably be longer, allowing for more control no matter the setup in your living room (or elsewhere). Beyond that, they simply have a quality of impressiveness about them; they show you take your entertainment very seriously.
Depending on the remote, you also might understand your devices more. You might be surprised at what your TV alone can do when you do not have to struggle to get into every menu. Entertainment systems have gotten advanced, and a universal remote makes for a great key.
Yes and no. While it is true that many devices nowadays have a smartphone app that you can use to control many devices, we find that even the most efficient smartphone app setup cannot compete with a universal remote, at least one that is set up well. This is especially true with entertainment systems, requiring more buttons that can comfortably fit on a smartphone screen (hard to imagine, but true).
If you are doing something on your smartphone outside of controlling devices, you will need to interrupt your task to switch apps. This can be a significant inconvenience, or even at some times practically impossible. Also, if something happens to your smartphone, not only will you have trouble communicating, but you will also have a tough time controlling the devices around you.
Some universal remotes will work with your smartphone and potentially use both, making things easier. While this is generally not a requirement, you might appreciate the options. Nonetheless, the remote itself will be the meat of the package.
There is simply no best universal remote for everyone, as everyone has a different level of comfort with technology, the setup in their home, and general needs from their remote. Just remember that everything that says it is a universal remote might not be so, and instead might just be a cheap imitation and hard to use. You will ultimately get what you pay for.
We hope that the information listed here can help you make a better decision and that whatever your final choice, you enjoy your new remote and whatever it happens to control. We also encourage you to look more deeply into any of the products above to make sure they are a good fit.
