A Single Universal Remote Can Rule Over All of Your Favorite Electronics
Universal remote controls range from basic offerings that can control your TV and cable box, all the way to highly sophisticated solutions with touchscreens, voice control, and top-tier industrial design. When shopping for a universal remote control, consider how many devices you're planning to connect and use with it.
If you're planning to use the remote on a TV, a cable box, a stereo system, and a gaming console, there's really no need to go for the most feature-rich offerings on the market. If you plan to use the remote in multiple rooms or for home automation devices such as smart lights and to control your thermostat, a high-end remote will make your life much easier. We'll help you choose the best universal remote control for your needs and price range.
1) Logitech Harmony 650 Universal Remote
$39.96
If you're looking for a cheap but capable remote, consider this one from Logitech. It can replace eight of your already existing remotes, and it's compatible with over 225,000 devices.
It comes with a convenient color display, and it has backlit buttons. The Harmony 650 is an excellent universal remote that's packed with features, but it's easy to use and won't break the bank.
More: The Best 4K TVs That Appeal to Even the Most Frugal Buyers
2) Logitech Harmony Elite Universal Remote
$299.99
The Logitech Harmony Elite is arguably the best universal remote control available on the market today - but it'll cost you around $300. It can control just about every electronic you own (it supports over 270,000 devices) in every room of your house or apartment, including TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and sound systems, among others.
The remote has Wi-Fi connectivity and a crisp color touchscreen, and there's also a free app that can turn your smartphone into a remote. It's even compatible with your Amazon Echo! Overall, this is an excellent choice for power users who have the budget to pick one up.
3) Sideclick Universal Remote Attachment
Sideclick
amazon.com
$26.44
This cute little remote attaches to the existing remote for your Roku streaming player or Amazon Fire TV. It comes with batteries, and it's easy to program to your TV, sound bar, or Blu-ray player, so you can adjust volume or change the channel. The remote still lets you use your streaming remote's voice search feature, too.
Read More: Which Streaming Device is Right for You?
4) Logitech Harmony Companion Universal Remote
$119.97
This remote is essentially the Harmony Elite, but without a touch-screen and at almost half the cost. It offers several options to control your smart home, has a downloadable app, and features a sleek design. It's powered by a watch battery that'll last around a year. Because it lacks a screen, it's harder to set up than other universal remotes and relies heavily on its app.
5) Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit Remote
Inteset
amazon.com
$26.95
This universal remote control by Inteset has a no-frills design and an easy setup because it's already pre-programmed for Apple TV, Xbox One, and Roku streaming devices. It has backlit keys and is the perfect option for frugal users who are sick of juggling multiple remotes.
6) Logitech Harmony Home Universal Remote
$119.97
The Logitech Harmony Home universal remote can control up to eight devices, including home automation products. Like most Logitech products, the Harmony Home remote is easy to set up. It comes with a connectivity hub, and it can turn your smartphone into a remote control, too, via a free app.
Best of all, it works with your Amazon Echo for voice control for turning on your TV or changing channels. The remote is available in black or white.
7) Logitech Harmony Smart Control Universal Remote
$62.99
Yet another solid offering by Logitech, the Harmony Smart Control can also team up with your smartphone via a dedicated app for iOS and Android. The gadget connects to up to eight devices, and it comes with support for over 270,000 devices, including cable boxes, video game consoles, Apple TV, Roku, and the Amazon Fire TV.
8) Sony RMVLZ620 Universal Remote Control
Sony
amazon.com
$28.35
This Sony universal remote is another highly rated, budget-friendly option with an easy setup. It can control up to eight devices, and it's compatible with all major brands of electronics. Unfortunately, it isn't backlit and doesn't come with the required two AA batteries. If you accidentally dropped your television's remote, rendering it useless, this option from Sony would make for a good replacement.
Put an end to remote control confusion and clutter!