What is the best universal remote?

The best universal remote depends on how complicated your setup is, but for most home theaters today, these are the top picks:

Best overall: SofaBaton X1S

Best for: TV + soundbar/receiver + streaming box + game console setups

• Controls many devices through IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
• Supports “Activities” (one button can turn on the TV, receiver, and switch inputs)
• Closest modern replacement for the discontinued Logitech Harmony line
• Has a learning curve during setup

Pick this if: you want one remote to replace a pile of remotes.

Best premium option: SofaBaton X2

Best for: serious home theaters

• Touchscreen interface
• Hub-based control
• Better suited for complex rooms with projectors, receivers, smart-home gear, etc.

Pick this if: you miss the old Logitech Harmony Elite experience and want the closest high-end replacement.

Best simple/budget choice: SofaBaton U2

Best for: normal living rooms

• Easier than hub systems
• Good device compatibility
• Handles TV, cable/satellite box, soundbar, Blu-ray, and streaming devices

Best cheap “just make my TV work” option

GE 4-Device Universal Remote 48844

• Inexpensive
• Easy setup
• Good for basic TV + streaming + soundbar combinations

My recommendation:

• Most people: SofaBaton X1S
• Home theater enthusiasts: SofaBaton X2
• Simple TV setup: SofaBaton U2 or GE 4-Device
• Apple TV-heavy households: consider a remote designed around Apple TV controls rather than a full universal system

If you tell me your devices (TV brand, soundbar/receiver, cable box, Apple TV/Roku/Fire TV, game consoles), I can recommend the best match.

Since the discontinuation of the iconic Logitech Harmony line, the "best" universal remote depends heavily on whether you want an advanced smart home hub that controls everything with macro activities, or just a simple clicker to replace a lost TV and soundbar remote.

The top options on the market fall into distinct categories:

Add to listSofaBaton X1S (Best Smart/Advanced Remote)

• Overview: Currently the closest true successor to Logitech Harmony. It features an ergonomic design, a crisp OLED scroll-wheel screen, and a companion wireless hub that uses IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi to control up to 60 devices.
• Standout Feature: One-touch "Activities" (e.g., pressing "Watch Movie" turns on your TV, fires up the soundbar, and switches to the correct HDMI input).
• Best for: Complex home theaters with hidden components (using the included IR blasters inside cabinets).

Add to listPhilips 4-Device Backlit Universal Remote (Best Budget / Traditional Remote)

• Overview: A classic click-and-control infrared remote that doesn’t require a smartphone app or a Wi-Fi hub to set up.
• Standout Feature: Fully backlit keypad for movie nights and preprogrammed compatibility out-of-the-box for major brands like Samsung and Roku.
• Best for: People who want to ditch 2 to 4 basic remotes (TV, soundbar, streaming box, DVD player) without spending over $25.

Add to listRCA 3-Device Backlit Universal Remote (Best Ultra-Budget Option)

• Overview: A slim, simple, and inexpensive infrared remote that handles up to three devices.
• Standout Feature: Dedicated shortcut buttons for popular streaming services like Roku and Apple TV.
• Best for: A quick, painless replacement for a broken bedroom or guest room TV remote.

If you want to narrow this down, tell me:

• How many devices do you need to control?
• Do you need one-touch macros (like turning everything on with a single button)?
• Are any of your components hidden inside a media cabinet?

Since Logitech discontinued the legendary Harmony series, the "best" universal remote depends heavily on whether you want a high-end smart home hub setup or a simple, reliable clicker for standard gear.

The top choices broken down by category include:

SofaBaton X1S / X2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best Overall Smart/Hub-Based Remote)

• Details: This is the closest true successor to Logitech Harmony. It uses an inclusive wireless hub (supporting IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi) to control up to 60+ devices. It features a scroll wheel, an OLED/touch screen display, lift-to-wake capability, and macro support for one-touch activities (e.g., pressing "Watch Movie" turns on the TV, soundbar, and streaming box simultaneously). You can check listings like the SofaBaton X1S on Newegg.

Philips 4-Device or 6-Device Backlit Universal Remote (Best Budget / Traditional Remote)

• Details: If you don't care about smartphone apps, Wi-Fi integration, or complex macro hubs, this is the gold standard for basic setups. It is inexpensive (around $25), features full button backlighting for dark rooms, works out-of-the-box with major brands like Samsung and Roku, and lets you control basic volume/inputs across multiple standard infrared components . Available at retailers like Best Buy.

Control4 / RTI / URC (Best Professional Custom Install)

• Details: If budget is no object and you want a flawless, professionally integrated smart home ecosystem where a handheld touchscreen controls your audio, video, lighting, and shades, custom-programmed remotes from brands like Universal Remote Control (URC) installed by a pro are the ultimate luxury route.

To help narrow down the best fit, tell me:

• What devices do you need to control (TV, soundbar, streaming boxes, game consoles)?
• Do you prefer a traditional button clicker or a smart touchscreen remote with activities/macros?

If you mean a true universal remote for a home-theater setup, my top pick in 2026 is the SofaBaton X1S.

• SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub - $298.99 (newegg.com)

🏆 Best overall: SofaBaton X1S

It’s the closest current replacement for the discontinued Logitech Harmony line. It can control up to 60 devices, including TVs, receivers, soundbars, streaming boxes, Blu-ray players, and projectors, using IR, Bluetooth and some Wi-Fi control.

Why I recommend it:

• One-button Activities such as “Watch TV” that turn on the right equipment and select inputs.
• Controls up to 60 devices.
• Rechargeable remote with backlit controls.
• Hub means you don't need line-of-sight to every component.
• Broad compatibility: SofaBaton says its database covers 6,000+ brands and 500,000 devices.
• Setup is substantially easier than older SofaBaton models, according to testing.

Downside: It's expensive, and the app/setup is more complicated than a basic universal remote. Its smart-home capabilities are also relatively limited.

💰 Best value: SofaBaton U2

If you have a fairly conventional setup—say TV + cable box + soundbar + Roku/Apple TV—I'd actually consider the SofaBaton U2 instead. Independent testing named it the top pick among universal remotes, with support for up to 15 devices and reliable macros.

💵 Best cheap option

If you simply need one remote to replace 2–4 ordinary remotes, you don't need to spend $150–$200.

• GE 4-Device Universal TV Remote - $9.88 (Walmart)

The GE 4-device is around $10 and handles TVs, streaming players, cable/satellite boxes, Blu-ray/DVD players and soundbars. It's a much better choice if you don't need sophisticated activities or a hub.

My quick recommendation:

• Serious home theater / Harmony replacement: SofaBaton X1S
• Most people: SofaBaton U2
• Cheap and simple: GE 4-Device
• Projector + AVR + lots of equipment: I'd look at the higher-end SofaBaton X2 rather than the X1S. SofaBaton itself positions the X2 for more complex setups.

If you tell me what devices you want to control (TV brand, cable box, soundbar/receiver, Roku/Apple TV/Fire TV, etc.), I can tell you exactly which remote I'd buy for your setup.

The SofaBaton X1S Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is the best overall smart universal remote , while the SofaBaton U2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is the best budget choice for standard setups.

Top Universal Remotes

Top Recommendations by Category

Add to list Controls up to 60 devices using IR (infrared), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It includes a scroll wheel, a color screen, and one-touch activity buttons to turn on multiple devices at once. Check out details on Amazon.

Add to list Supports up to 15 devices and provides a clear OLED screen. It is a great middle-ground if you do not need a heavy-duty Wi-Fi hub. View the listing on Amazon.

Add to list Operates up to 4 basic entertainment devices like a TV and soundbar. It features a backlit keypad and requires no complex app setup. Buy it directly via Best Buy.

Add to list Manages up to 8 devices with dedicated activity shortcuts and an app-assisted setup. Find offers at Best Buy.

If you want, tell me:

• How many devices you need to control
• If you have components hidden inside a closed cabinet (requiring radio frequency or a hub)

I can help you pick the ideal remote for your specific gear.

If you mean a true universal remote for a whole home-theater setup, my pick in 2026 is the SofaBaton X1S.

SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub

$179.99

🏆 Best overall: SofaBaton X1S

It’s the closest current replacement for the discontinued Logitech Harmony line. It can control up to 60 devices using IR, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and its Activities let you do things like Watch TV or Watch Apple TV with one button.

Why I recommend it:

• Controls TV + soundbar/receiver + Apple TV/Roku/Fire TV + Blu-ray, etc.
• One-touch activities/macros
• Rechargeable remote
• Backlit controls
• Hub lets you control equipment that isn't directly in front of you
• Alexa/Google Assistant support
• Currently around $180–$200 depending on retailer.

If you want something cheaper

One For All Essential 8-Device Universal Remote

$34.99

One For All Smart Control PRO 6

$47.99

onn Universal 6-Device Remote

$16.42

• Best inexpensive traditional remote: One For All Essential 8 — about $30 and handles up to 8 devices.
• Best simple TV/streaming option: onn 6-Device — about $16.
• Best if you want a more sophisticated non-hub remote: One For All Smart Control Pro 6.

For a serious home theater

There is also the newer SofaBaton X2, which is aimed at more complicated setups such as a projector + AV receiver + streaming box. Current 2026 reviews generally put the X2 above the X1S for premium/complex systems, while the X1S is the better value for most living rooms.

My bottom line:
X1S for most people → X2 for a high-end/complex theater → One For All/onn if you just need an inexpensive replacement remote.

If you tell me what devices you want it to control (TV brand, soundbar/receiver, Roku/Apple TV/Fire TV, cable box, etc.), I can tell you which remote I'd buy for your exact setup.

Since Logitech discontinued its legendary Harmony line , the universal remote landscape has evolved. There isn't a single "one-size-fits-all" option anymore, but rather a few standout choices depending on whether you want a simple clicker or a powerful smart-home hub.

The top universal remotes are categorized by how they fit different setups:

• Best Overall for Power Users: SofaBaton X1S Go to product viewer dialog for this item. / X2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • Why it's great: This is the closest true successor to the Logitech Harmony ecosystem. It uses an infrared/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi hub to control up to 60 devices, features a scroll wheel or touchscreen interface, backlit buttons, and supports "one-touch activities" (e.g., pressing one button turns on your TV, soundbar, and streaming box simultaneously).
  • Price: ~$180 - $360 (depending on model/accessories)
• Best Value Without a Hub: SofaBaton U2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • Why it's great: If you don't need a bulky base station or smart home integrations and just want to control up to 15 entertainment devices in a single room via IR/Bluetooth, the U2 is an affordable workhorse . It includes an OLED screen and programmable macros, though initial setup requires a smartphone app.
  • Price: ~$80
• Best Smart-Home & Matter Integrations: SwitchBot Universal Remote Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • Why it's great: Highly innovative for modern smart homes. It connects to TVs, AC units, lights, and media players, and can support Matter via a SwitchBot Hub, letting you trigger multi-ecosystem smart home automations directly from your remote.
  • Price: ~$60
• Best Budget / Basic IR Option: GE 4-Device Universal Remote Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
  • Why it's great: If you just want to ditch two or three plastic remotes for your basic TV, cable box, and soundbar without dealing with Wi-Fi apps or pairing codes, this is a reliable, ultra-cheap classic.
  • Price: ~$10 - $15

To help you narrow this down, tell me:

• What specific devices do you need to control (TV, soundbar, streaming box, smart lights, gaming consoles)?
• Do you prefer a traditional button layout or a touchscreen/smart hub experience?

If you mean one remote to control a TV + streaming box + soundbar/AV receiver + other home-theater gear, my pick in 2026 is the SofaBaton X1S.

SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub

$179.99

🏆 Best overall: SofaBaton X1S

• Controls up to 60 devices
• Works over IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
• Rechargeable remote
• Activity/macros let you do things like “Watch TV” → turn on TV + receiver + Apple TV and select the correct input
• Alexa and Google Assistant support
• Around $180 currently in the U.S.

It's the closest current equivalent to the old Logitech Harmony concept. Tom's Guide calls it the best universal remote option, while newer 2026 testing puts the less-expensive SofaBaton U2 ahead for people who don't need a hub.

💰 Best value: SofaBaton U2

If you just want a really good physical remote without a hub, I'd save the money and get the U2. It handles up to 15 devices and has programmable buttons/macros. Independent testing currently ranks it best overall, with the main drawback being that setup requires the companion app.

💵 Best cheap option

If you only need TV + cable/streaming + soundbar, there's no reason to spend $100+. A basic GE/Philips universal remote in the $15–30 range is plenty.

GE 4-Device Rechargeable Universal Remote

$17.42

Philips 4-Device Backlit Universal Remote

$24.99

Inteset 4-in-1 Backlit Universal Remote

$28.95

My recommendation: If you tell me what devices you have (e.g. Samsung TV + Apple TV + Sonos + Denon receiver), I can tell you which universal remote will work best with your exact setup—because Bluetooth/Wi-Fi compatibility matters a lot.

If you mean a true universal remote for a home-theater setup, my pick in 2026 is the SofaBaton X1S for most people.

SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote

$165.99

My picks

The X1S supports IR, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, can control up to 60 devices, and uses activities so one button can, for example, turn on your TV, switch inputs, and configure your sound system. Independent testing has also rated it as the strongest modern successor to Logitech Harmony.

SofaBaton X1S

$165.99

One For All Essential 8-Device

$29.99

onn. 6-Device Universal Remote

$16.42

One caveat: if you have a projector + AV receiver + multiple sources, I'd spend more for the SofaBaton X2. Current 2026 comparisons favor the X2 for complicated home-theater and smart-home setups, while the X1S is the better fit for a normal living room.

If you tell me what devices you want to control (TV, Apple TV/Roku, cable box, soundbar/receiver, etc.), I can tell you exactly which remote I'd buy.

The best universal remotes vary depending on how complex your home entertainment setup is, your preference for app-based configuration, and your overall budget . Since Logitech officially discontinued its legendary Harmony line, brands like SofaBaton and One For All have stepped up to fill the void with highly capable alternatives.

The top options currently available on the market excel in different categories:

Top Universal Remotes

• This is the absolute ultimate premium pick for power users managing an extensive home theater system.

• It utilizes an advanced central hub that communicates via IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RF protocols to manage up to 60 distinct devices seamlessly.

• Highlights include a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, custom macro-actions (like single-tap "Movie Night" lighting and input setups), and solid smart home integration.

• This is widely considered the best overall choice for most average households.

• It cuts out the complicated external hub setup while still managing up to 15 entertainment devices over direct IR and Bluetooth connections.

• It features a built-in OLED display screen, premium tactile clicky buttons, and a convenient wheel scroll configuration mapped through a fast smartphone app.

• This is the most practical choice if you want traditional button control paired with voice commands.

• It manages up to 6 devices at once and includes full keyboard backlighting alongside a convenient motion-activated proximity sensor.

• It maps seamless smart activities and works wonderfully with both Google Voice and Fire TV platforms.

• This is the clear budget selection if you only need to run a highly simplified 4-device configuration.
• It lacks extensive macro capabilities or fancy companion smartphone apps, but it offers backlighting, traditional ergonomic styling, and effortless manual programming for an extremely low cost.

Core Comparison

Expert Perspective on Setup Complexity

Community feedback highlights that while elite smart hubs solve the "coffee table clutter" problem, they require an upfront time investment:

However, multi-device ecosystem configurations can occasionally hit software roadblocks, particularly regarding precise power settings and custom macro timers. If you choose an advanced app-configured model like the SofaBaton series, it is best to set aside 20–30 minutes to properly program your device inputs and sequences.

To help pick the ideal remote, could you share a few details?

• How many total devices (TV, soundbar, streaming box, gaming console) are you trying to control?
• Do any of your components live inside a closed cabinet or console?
• Do you prefer traditional physical number buttons or a touchscreen interface?