Universal remotes are wonderful technological developments that are necessary for every home. They take the guesswork out of using ten different remotes for your TV and other electronic streaming devices. Universal remotes have come a long way, from being simple to being convenient. The best universal remotes have touch screens and over 100,000 different compatible device options. The best universal remotes even come with apps and programs that make setup easy to do so you can get to watching and enjoying your streaming devices much faster.
The market for universal remotes can be confusing and intimidating, so we are excited to share with you ten of the best universal remote brands out there for purchase. This way, you can be fully ready to equip yourself with a new convenient technological development that will change your watching experience for the better.
Comparison Table
​Universal Remote FAQ
We found and answered a few important frequently asked questions regarding what to look for in a universal remote, things to consider when purchasing one, what different types there are on the market, and the overall price range of our top ten list.
1. What Should I Look for in the Best Universal Remote?
2. Things to Consider When Purchasing a Universal Remote?
3. What Types of Universal Remotes are There?
4. Overall Price Range?
How We Reviewed
Image via Pixabay
Our team spent much time and effort researching and testing different models to bring you this unbiased best-of list featuring the ten best universal remotes available on the market for purchase today. We reviewed:
1
​Sony RMVLZ620
- Learning function for expanded AV equipment control
- It controls up to 8 AV components
- It has 12 one-touch system control functions (macros)
- It controls TV, VCR, DVD on-screen menu
Features
This best universal remote is perfect for those who are looking for something simple and minimalistic that will do just what you need it to and nothing more. It's great for those who favor minimalist designs and has been part of a reliable brand for years. This remote provides a straightforward way to pair up to eight devices using a host of pre-programmed codes while sporting an easy-to-understand design. It provides twelve one-touch macro buttons and a learning function for relaying command information from other remotes.
Pros
Cons
2
Logitech Harmony Elite
- Customized design to fit Logitech Harmony Elite Remote Control, But won't Charge in cradle
- Provides the maximum protection Made from the highest quality soft silicone material, lightweight and form-fitted case, never make your remote controller looks bulky.
- The remote can not be charged,as the design of the charging cradlepretty much precludes compatibility with anything
- Perfect designed with fashion trend of your remote controller cover, make it different and eye-catching.
- Available in a variety of bright and fun colors
Features
This best universal remote is a powerful force to be reckoned with. You can control up to 15 connected devices, and you can control music in one room and lights in another. It's compatible with Amazon's Alexa and has many automatic functions that will remember your preferred apps and take you to them when you press a one-touch command on the slick touch screen of this remote. It comes with a harmony hub and an app that makes switching devices on and off super easy.
Pros
Cons
3
GE 33709
- Controls Up To 4 Devices Including Tv, Blu-ray Player, Dvd, Dvr, Cable, Satellite, Streaming Media Players & Many More. Comprehensive Code Library Works With All Major Brands.
- Advanced Dvr Functionality.
- Ergonomic Design.
- Dot Button Sub-channel Access.
- Brushed Silver Finish.
Features
This affordable universal remote is available in many colors and can control up to four different audio and video components such as TVs, Blu-Ray players, and DVD players, among other devices. The expansive code library works with all major manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, Sharp, and many others. The battery power is stellar, and there are helpful features, such as master volume control, that allows the remote to control the volume on every connected device.
Pros
Cons
4
Logitech Harmony 700
![Logitech Harmony 700 Rechargeable Remote with Color Screen (Black) [Discontinued by Manufacturer]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PR8V4zIFL._SL160_.jpg)
- Rechargeable design keeps your remote charged and ready for up to a week - no batteries to buy or replace
- Brilliant color screen displays favorite-channel icons and commands for easy selection
- One-touch activity buttons automatically turn on all the right devices for instant access to TV, DVDs, music and more
- Replaces multiple remotes with universal control of up to 6 different components
- Supports virtually any home-entertainment component, including over 250,000 devices from over 5,000 brands
Features
This best universal remote features a comfortable ergonomic design and has 23 programmable channel icons to rapidly find your favorite channels. The buttons are back-lit for easy nighttime navigation, and the battery power is reliable. This remote works with more than 225,000 devices and more than 5,000 brands, and it's very easy to update new brands and devices onto the remote.
Pros
Cons
5
Philips SRP5018/27 8-in-1 Universal Remote Control
- Quick access buttons to Netflix, vudu.
- Supported devices: TV, DTV, cable, SAT, DVR, Blu-ray player, DVD, streaming device, sound bar, VCR, Audio system, home theater.
- Full control for sound bars.
- Quick setup.
- Backlit device buttons.
Features
This best universal remote features quick access buttons to Netflix and Hulu and is perfect for those who love online streaming. It also has back-light device buttons, so it delivers a perfect performance, both day and night. It may not have as many features as other remotes on our list, (especially the Logitech models) but the remote executes its smaller set of features like an expert, and you'll feel like an expert yourself with the easy setup process.
Pros
Cons
6
Logitech Harmony Companion
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
- Performs activities like Lower the blinds, dim the lights, fire-up the TV for movie night—all with a tap of the finger
- Use your Smartphone (with available app) or included Harmony Remote for one-touch control of your entertainment system and home automation devices such as Philips Hue lights or Nest Learning Thermostat
- Companion remote includes full featured home entertainment controls including dedicated home automation controls
- Included Harmony Hub lets you control devices hidden behind cabinet doors or walls, including game consoles such as PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360
Features
This robust best universal remote has three main components which are the harmony hub, the fully featured remote, and the smartphone app. The harmony hub sends commands from your remote or smartphone with a Logitech activated app and relays the information to the entertainment device or service you want to control. You can control entertainment devices and services through walls and TV cabinets from completely different rooms.
Pros
Cons
7
RCA RCR503BZ 3-Device Palm-Sized Universal Remote
- Controls Up To 3 Devices, Replaces and Consolidates Most Major Remote Brands, Simplifies Device Setup With Automatic, Manual & Direct Code Search Methods
- Palm-sized design makes the remote easy and comfortable to hold
- Easy-to-use keys with multi-colored keypad, 2 AAA batteries sold separately
- Keys for TV, DVD or VCR, and satellite receiver, cable box, or digital TV converter
Features
This small hand-held best universal remote is perfect for those who want something small and convenient. You can control up to three devices, and adding new remotes is easy. You can use either automatic, manual, or direct code search methods to find your remotes and get them into this universal one. It may lack features some of the other remotes on our list boast, but it has complete simplicity and ease of use going for it.
Pros
Cons
8
GE 24991 3-Device Universal Remote Control
- MULTI DEVICE CONTROL - Operate up to 3 different Audio and video components such as TVs Blu-ray/DVD players cable/satellite receivers Roku boxes and other streaming media players Sound bars and more
- BEST REMOTE CODE LIBRARY – This universal remote works with all major brands and Supports thousands of the latest audio/video equipment
- Does not work with Roku streaming stick fire TV stick or other RF streaming devices
- SIMPLE SETUP – This remote comes pre-programmed for Roku and Samsung TVs and includes an easy to follow online setup video providing trouble-free setup auto Scan technology and a master volume control allowing you to control the volume no matter what device you are operating
- TRUSTED BRAND – GE is the leading brand in universal remote controls and is backed by free U S -Based technical support Call The experts at 800-654-8483 with any questions or issues about your purchase
Features
This incredibly sturdy best universal remote has an impressive feature set for the asking price. With this GE 24991, you can control up to three different services or devices such as TVs, Blu-Ray players, DVD players, VCRs, and many other options. It has a comprehensive code library that works with all the major brands and supports not only the latest brands and products, but also the legacy brands and devices so you know you won't miss out.
Pros
Cons
9
Inteset INT-422 4-in-1
- Pre-programmed with Apple TV, XBox One, Media Center/Kodi and Roku device codes (excluding Roku Stick) which are easily changed. Full LED Backlighting-All buttons.
- Macro Programming-This allows the programming of a string of commands (up to 15) within a mode or mode independent.
- Volume Lock-The user can lock the volume in all modes; Channel Lock-The user can lock access to the channel changing capability in one mode such as the cable box; ID Lock- After a valid code has been set that code can be locked.
- Expanded Device Code Database. Be sure to use the INT422-3 Lookup for device codes. Complete worldwide database of device codes. Learning Capability-Used to program any device that is not in the database. Go to: www.universalremotes.net.
- Button Labels- These self-adhesive labels, as pictured, can be cut out and applied under the buttons that you program for your device functions; Key Punch Through-Allows the user to configure the same key function in one mode into any or all other modes; Warranty: One Year Replacement for Defects.
Features
At the top of this best universal remote, you will find four pre-programmed buttons. There is an A for Apple TV, a B for Xbox One, a C for Media Center, and a D button for Roku. It also supports 10,000 additional devices including Xbox 360, Fire TV, and Kodi. Though it has an intimidating amount of buttons at first glance, they are all completely customizable as you can program up to 32 commands into a single button. The setup process is easy thanks to an online tool that lets you map out buttons and set up your remote any way you desire.
Pros
Cons
10
Logitech Harmony 650
- Pre-programmed with Apple TV, XBox One, Media Center/Kodi and Roku device codes (excluding Roku Stick) which are easily changed. Full LED Backlighting-All buttons.
- Macro Programming-This allows the programming of a string of commands (up to 15) within a mode or mode independent.
- Volume Lock-The user can lock the volume in all modes; Channel Lock-The user can lock access to the channel changing capability in one mode such as the cable box; ID Lock- After a valid code has been set that code can be locked.
- Expanded Device Code Database. Be sure to use the INT422-3 Lookup for device codes. Complete worldwide database of device codes. Learning Capability-Used to program any device that is not in the database. Go to: www.universalremotes.net.
- Button Labels- These self-adhesive labels, as pictured, can be cut out and applied under the buttons that you program for your device functions; Key Punch Through-Allows the user to configure the same key function in one mode into any or all other modes; Warranty: One Year Replacement for Defects.
Features
This best universal remote combines up to eight remotes into one. It features a color command touch screen that has favorite channel icons that let you jump to the channels you love most with one tap. It is equipped with one-click activity buttons you can program with commands such as "watch DVD" or "listen to music", and it works with over 5,000 electronics brands with an online database of 225,000 devices. Although it looks complicated initially, setup is a snap.
Pros
Cons
The Verdict
We hope our top ten list of the best universal remotes has given you a few substantial options for your next best remote control. Pick out your favorite from our list and follow its Amazon link to purchase it for yourself or find out more information. What are you waiting for?
