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With all the electronic devices in our homes today, we need the best universal remote to keep track of them all. But how are you supposed to pick the right one with so many options available?
That’s where we come in. We know it can be overwhelming just trying to figure out where to start. So we compiled this handy resource featuring the best of the best. You’ll soon discover how easy it is to take control of your electronic collection from a single remote.
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Among our reviews, we think Logitech’s Harmony 665 is the best overall. It’s loaded with handy features and sports a built-in digital display. It’s easy to program and can combine up to 10 remotes.
If you’re looking for a remote that’s user-friendly, the Logitech Harmony Companion makes a great addition to your gadgets. The initial setup is a bit time-consuming, but it’s worth it for the voice control feature and smart home compatibility.
Read on for a closer look at our favorite picks and many more. We ranked some truly impressive remotes that are sure to get your attention.
If you’re used to buying cheap dollar store remotes to get you through, be prepared to pay a bit more for this one. The Logitech Harmony isn’t your granddaddy’s universal remote. No, sir. This one has a color LED screen built right into it.
Setting this one up is a dream come true for anyone who hates programming. You can set it to remember up to 23 of your favorite channels for instant access. And if you have a bunch of remotes sitting around, you can combine up to 10 of them into the Harmony!
Talk about handy. We like that it lights up to make reading its buttons easier. But the main attraction is definitely the built-in display. From here, you can access your saved channels. Select them and jump directly to what you want to watch, when you want to watch it.
Do you have trouble with electronics in general? The Harmony has a built-in help guide that will always assist you with what to do next and how to do it. Even better, you aren’t forced to enter long strings of button combinations to get your devices programmed.
From Apple TV to Roku, Logitech’s Harmony is built to accept the latest of gadgets. On top of that, all the ‘old-school’ devices will work, too. TVs, your VCR, DVD/Blu-ray player, and a whole lot more.
The only downside for some users is that the Harmony requires an active internet connection before it can be initialized for the first time. Also, it should be noted that you won’t be able to control items that use Bluetooth technology as a means of connection.
If it is imperative that you have control over these devices, you’ll need to check out a different remote, like the Harmony Companion below.
Easily one of our favorite aspects of Logitech’s Harmony is its programmability. Being able to hold up to 10 remotes is a big plus, too. This user-friendly device is a breeze to use, making it the perfect choice for beginners.
Logitech takes the universal remote up a notch with the Harmony Companion. If you need to sync up devices with Bluetooth capabilities, this is the unit you want. It’s jam-packed with robust features that help you gain total control over your gadgetry.
If you’re even mildly tech-savvy, you’ll enjoy the many benefits of the Companion. You control the main bulk of its features via the Harmony App. This gives you freedom and flexibility to access and customize all of your connected devices.
To do this, a small hub unit is placed next to your television. From here, it connects to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so that you can easily sync up all of your devices. You then jump on the Harmony App from your smartphone to start customizing.
You can easily add different units from the app, from Bluetooth to voice-controlled devices. So if you have something that uses Alexa, for example, you can use voice commands for greater versatility.
And if you have a smart home, you can control many of your smart gadgets via the Harmony Hub. We really like the setup that Logitech went with here. It’s very user-friendly and rather enjoyable to use.
The remote feels really solid. It is soft to the touch and very comfortable to hold. The buttons all have great travel and feedback, too. You won’t find any built-in display on the Harmony Companion. But this isn’t a big deal.
Since you’ll be using your smartphone or tablet for adjusting the remote’s settings, you’ll have all the screens you need. If there were any drawbacks to the Companion, it would have to be its somewhat limited programmability.
It accepts a total of 8 devices. But having the ability to control video game systems and smart home tools is a huge advantage. Being able to remotely control your thermostat or locks on your doors is a nice addition.
A small lithium battery powers the Harmony Companion. These things are dirt-cheap and should last you a good while. Another minor issue we found with this remote is that there is no backlight feature. A remote locator option would have been nice, but alas, that’s a no-go, as well.
The Harmony Companion can be a bit of a bear to initialize the first time around. Since you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, your smartphone, and more, it can be overwhelming. Once that’s out of the way, though, the remote is a blast to use and very user-friendly.
It’s nice having voice control available to make life easier. Once you’ve tried it out, it’s hard to go back to the old manual way of doing things. And since the Companion is compatible with over a quarter of a million devices, you should have no trouble getting them synced up and under control.
The Harmony Elite is the Rolls-Royce of remotes. It’s loaded with the fanciest of features, but comes at quite the hefty price, too. If money is no object and you need a remote that will do it all, the Elite is right up your alley.
It operates just like the Harmony Companion. The biggest difference is the large, built-in touchscreen display. This is a thing of beauty and works like a charm. From here, you can instantly access your favorite channels that you have programmed into the remote. You can also control all of your home’s smart gadgets with the push of a button.
Or, if you want even more convenience, you can use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa and control everything via voice commands. Now, you’ll be able to tell your lights to turn on or off, lock your doors, adjust the thermostat, and a whole lot more.
You can even take the remote with you when you leave the house. If you forgot to lock your doors or want to turn some lights on, the Elite lets you do it. You can program up to 15 different devices for complete control of your home. Versatility like this is unparalleled. Until now.
Everything is easily accessed through the touchscreen display or your favorite smart device. The Harmony App is a slick and intuitive way to control all of your connected hardware. A single tap on the screen takes care of everything else.
Want to watch TV? Simply tap ‘Watch TV’ on the built-in display or app. Anything connected to the TV that’s required for watching will instantly kick on. No messing with cable boxes or sound systems. It’s all taken care of for you.
The included mini IR-blasters help to connect the Harmony Elite to devices that are out of view. So if you have a Blu-ray player or video game console that’s behind a cabinet door, the IR-blaster will help the remote ‘see’ it.
Another nice addition is the charging station. Just set the remote in the included cradle to keep it charged up and ready for use. When you pick up the Elite, the backlighting feature automatically turns on. This is because it’s equipped with motion-activated sensors that detect when your hand is near.
There’s certainly a lot to like about Logitech’s most innovative remote. You’ll have more control than you ever dreamed possible, now made easier than ever.
The initial setup can be somewhat trying. There’s a lot involved before you’re totally up and running. But Logitech provides plenty of help to get you through it. Once completed, the Elite is easy and enjoyable to use.
The built-in touchscreen makes all the difference. It’s a huge advantage to have this right at your fingertips. The complexity of what you can access and customize is staggering. This kind of convenience was once only dreamed of, and now it can be yours.
Sony’s RMVLZ620 is quite the departure compared to the entries we just looked at. But for many, this is a welcomed change. Not everyone needs all the bells and whistles offered by ‘smart remotes’.
Nor does everyone want to spend a sizable sum of money on them. Although there’s no fancy touchscreen or voice command capabilities, Sony’s offering does have plenty of buttons to work with. And it has the ability to learn functions that may have been unique to your other remotes.
You can program it to control up to 8 devices, from Blu-ray players to amplifiers. It’s nice to see programmable macro buttons, as well. These allow you to customize easy, one-touch functions. Now you can eliminate all those pesky steps that some devices require to activate.
Many universal remotes struggle when it comes to displaying and controlling menus and settings. If you lost your TV remote, for example, you’d often be confined to accessing the menu using the set’s onboard buttons. Anyone who has had to do this knows what a hassle it is to navigate using volume and channel buttons.
The RMVLZ620 has no problem pulling the menu right up. Its directional pad makes it a cinch to scroll through options and settings. This is also true for media players. Heck, it’ll even pull up a VCR’s menu options.
Holding the remote, it feels solid and well-made. The buttons all have a nice feel to them. They’re just rubber, but they don’t feel cheap. The weight is right, and it’s well-balanced, too. A lot of people complain about smart remotes’ unbalanced design.
Since there’s no digital display, you’re basically getting a rectangular hunk of plastic. There is some slight roundedness on the back, but weight is evenly distributed. It’s easy to hold and operate, with less accidental drops.
To complete the RMVLZ620, it has a handy backlight feature for greater visibility. The price has gone down considerably in recent years, thanks largely to bigger and better remotes hitting the market. If high-tech gizmos aren’t your thing, you’ll absolutely love what Sony brings to the table.
Other native Sony products sync up like a charm. But you’ll have to use the old programming routine for third-party brands. If you have an obscure device that you just can’t seem to find a code for, fear not. That’s where the learning feature comes in.
You can teach each function to the remote so that it perfectly mimics said device’s functionality. This is an invaluable tool to have at the ready. Essentially, you’ll never need another remote.
One For All’s URC-7140 operates much in the same way as Sony’s RMVLZ620. It’s equipped with a smart learning mode that can copy the same functions as all of your other remotes. You can program a total of 4 devices, from smart TVs to Blu-ray players.
Thanks to a convenient way of cycling through programming codes old and new, it’s much easier to find the right one for your device. Macros are at the ready, too, allowing you to have quick and easy access to your favorite devices.
The SimpleSet feature is great at learning codes to ensure you have the best chance of hitting on the right one. You can, of course, always revert back to manually entering a string of numbers for programming.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-program remote that handles most of the hard work for you, One For All has you covered. Sure, it’s limited. But if you only have a handful of devices to control, the price makes it more than worthy.
The SimpleSet feature works wonders here. If you hate fighting with inputting codes, you’ll love this remote. Its layout lends to finding buttons much more easily. The remote as a whole has a really nice feel to it, further adding to its ease of use.
Let’s face it, most universal remotes can be quite intimidating. Could you imagine gifting a Logitech Harmony Elite to your grandparents? Now granted, there are some pretty tech-savvy folks who would have little to no trouble with it. But by and large, it’s going to confuse, confound, discombobulate.
They need something that will simply turn on the TV and change the channel (volume always at max). Doro has the perfect solution to anyone who gets overwhelmed with complex technology. Seven buttons are all you have to deal with, making the HandleEasy one of the most user-friendly remotes on the planet.
Doro uses a special learning sequence to avoid having to input endless strings of numbers. The process is easy enough. Just press which button you need to copy and aim it at the HandleEasy remote. As long as it is power, channel, or volume, the HandleEasy should be able to learn it. A mute button would have been nice to see, though. Maybe next time.
There are some occasions where the HandleEasy remote simply can’t learn a certain device. When it works, it works wonderfully. When it doesn’t, you have a glossy paperweight. Thankfully, it’s not painfully expensive. It’s easy for elders to maintain, too, as it runs on 3 AA batteries.
The learning process couldn’t be easier. A couple of button presses on the original remote, and HandleEasy should do the trick. Once programmed, operation is straightforward and effective.
You’ve likely seen these remotes everywhere, from grocers to dollar stores. They are inexpensive and work well enough. They come packed with a huge fold-out code guide for programming, although some are preset into the remote. If you get stuck, there’s even an online tutorial to walk you through the process.
As basic as they are, the GE 33709 does a commendable job of handling your electronic controlling needs. You’re limited to only 4 devices, but for the price you’re paying, who’s going to complain?
The build-quality is surprisingly sound, with a slim, comfortable design and shape. The rubber buttons can feel a little squishy at times, but they work. If you’re on a tight budget, this minor gripe is worth it.
Two AAA batteries power the remote, making it easy to maintain. The button layout is easy to remember and works well for the compact form factor.
With its scan mode, massive code guide, and online tutorial, GE makes it as easy as it possibly can be to program. Once that’s out of the way, operating the 33709 is very straightforward and a breeze to learn.
RCA enters the fray with a worthy remote. This 4-device unit boasts a compact shell and adequately-sized buttons. We like the layout used here, as it’s easy to learn and remember. The price is affordable, too, making this a great solution for lost remote blues.
The style found on the RCRN04GBE isn’t anything you haven’t already seen. It’s tried-and-true and works quite well. In terms of usability, you could flip a coin between this one and GE’s 33709.
The buttons are a bit more spread out here, and you get a few other functions, like picture-in-picture and backlight support. But other than that, they both offer about the same amount of features. Each one controls equally as well as the other.
And they both make a great backup or secondary remote thanks to their low prices. You’ll need a couple of AAA batteries to get this baby going. After that, programming is like most others of similar style.
To help with this, the RCRN04GBE is equipped with an auto-search mode. This finds the best and most accurate code for your device without you having to enter in a string of numbers. It works well and helps cut down on more work for you.
Programming the RCRN04GBE is made easier thanks to its auto-search mode. This has the remote do most of the work in finding the correct code for your device. A backlight helps to read the button layout in the dark.
Amazon’s Fire TV Cube is a universal remote and a whole lot more. As its name implies, it works to stream your Fire TV. But it also acts as an Amazon Echo, letting you use voice commands to make controlling media easier.
While its universal remote capabilities are somewhat limited, it’s nice having everything at the ready in one small unit. The microphone works really well here. We had no trouble voicing our commands; it’s responsive and there’s barely any delay.
The Cube is equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB. Plus, it can access digital content via Amazon’s Cloud service. It comes ready with 16GB of storage, and has a high rate of compatibility across many brands.
While it’s a bit on the pricey side for a universal remote, it’s the convenient features you’re paying for. Having robust voice control makes operation as easy as can be. Setup is pretty straightforward, and the concept works surprisingly well.
Caavo takes universal remotes in a completely different direction. By paying a monthly service fee, the remote opens up access to voice control and content search. Without it, the remote is basically useless.
In action, the voice commands make operation a breeze. They work well given the platform. Caavo is compatible with all the major devices and media providers. It’s good for YouTube, Roku, Apple TV, and more.
The concept is unique, sure. But it’s somewhat alarming to think this is where remotes are headed. Would you ever have dreamed of paying to use your remote control? Paying to search for content? For the most tech-hungry people out there, this might be a good fit.
If you don’t want to pay every month, Caavo has a one-time fee that gives you service for life (or until this turns out to be a bust and they go belly-up). So, why is it included? Well, surprisingly, it’s selling well and it rates pretty high.
It is easy to use and works as advertised. Setting it up with your devices is a piece of cake and the voice controls are a nice change of pace. Let’s just hope this technology becomes standard in all future TVs and streaming devices so we don’t have to pay an extra fee going forward.
While there are some limitations, compatibility is high. Caavo works well and the voice controls are great in execution. The required service fee is certainly a new one, but if you want total control, the Caavo is right up your alley.
Universal remotes are useful for a couple of simple reasons. They remove clutter from your living room. Take a look at the table in front of your TV. Chances are high that you will notice at least three remote controllers. All of them gather dust, and all of them require batteries. This is why universal remotes are a good declutterer – you only need one.
The second reason why universal remotes are useful is comfort. You can sit and relax while controlling all of your electronic devices with a single remote.
Basically, universal remotes save space, money, and provide you with much-needed comfort and convenience.
Universal remotes look the same as the rest of your remotes, but with a big difference. They can control most, if not all, of your devices.
Replacing a broken TV remote can become a pricy task. Especially if the TV manufacturer has stopped producing them. The only thing you can do is to try finding a used remote that may not work properly, or you could get a universal remote.
But, universal remotes aren’t simple devices like they used to be many years ago. Nowadays, not all universal remote controllers are created equal. Fortunately, our top ten list will help you find the one that could solve your problems.
There are a couple of features that not all of the universal remotes on the market have. But, we consider them important. So, if you are searching for a new universal remote, then look for a model with some of the following features.
Learning universal remotes have the ability to “learn” the signal of another remote controller. They provide you with plenty of flexibility, but with one caveat – you have to “teach” them.
The process is not the same for all of the models, but it boils down to this:
While the process can be considered tedious, the learning function is too useful to be overlooked. If you want a universal remote that will allow you to control the largest amount of different devices, then go for a universal remote with learning capabilities.
Only the most advanced universal remotes come with a smartphone app that gives you more accessibility and comfort.
Those types of universal remotes come with a hub that can be connected to your Wi-Fi or an entertainment system. This allows you to use your smartphone or a tablet to control your devices.
You can find this function only in the best models of universal remotes. But, if you enjoy controlling everything via your smartphone, then you might enjoy using a universal remote that can connect to an app.
While setting up a universal remote isn’t hard, you should start things off by reading the instructions.
Some of the units instruct you to enter a code that matches the device you want to sync, but how do you find the code? You can find the code inside your old remote controller. Open the battery compartment, remove the batteries, and you will see the code written down.
If you don’t have the old remote controller or the code isn’t visible, then you can find the code on one of the code websites online. Simply choose your device, and you will receive the code.
On the other hand, if you want to avoid the process of finding the code, then you can opt in for a universal remote that does it automatically. The only thing you have to do is press one or two buttons, and your universal remote will find the right code.
Bear in mind that not all of the universal remotes have the option of having the code. So, make sure to read our top 10 list to find a model that suits your needs.