7 Best Universal Remote Controls: One Remote To Rule Them All

How To Set up a Universal Remote?

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Best Universal Remote Controls for TVs in 2025

Instead of having a pile of remote controls, consider exploring some of our preferred universal remotes designed to streamline your lifestyle. Here’s a list you might find useful.

Say goodbye to the chaos of multiple remote controls. Check out these top-notch universal remotes that will simplify your daily life for the better.

BEST OVERALL

SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Control

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Best With Backlit Buttons

GE UltraPro Backlit Universal Remote Control

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Best for Easy Setup

Acoyer Universal TV Remote Control

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Best for LED Smart TVs

Arbxvnr Universal TV Remote Control

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Best With Master Volume Control

Philips Backlit Universal Remote Control

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Best for Large Rooms

GE Universal Remote Control

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Best for Roku Devices

Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Ed.)

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BEST OVERALL

SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Control

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Multiple pairing options

Macro commands

Learns commands from the old remote

35-foot extended IR range

Large buttons and customizable functions

But…

Steep learning curve

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve found that less can indeed be more – especially with the SofaBaton U2 universal remote. This sleek device is my secret weapon for managing up to 15 of my IR/Bluetooth devices, from my modern TV and soundbar to various streaming gadgets. It boasts an extensive database of over 6,000 brands and 500,000+ devices, ensuring it can handle almost any device in my setup.

Setting up the U2 is a breeze with the SofaBaton universal remote control app. With this app, I can easily add devices, customize button layouts, and even create macros! Imagine having just one button that turns on my TV, audio systems, and streaming devices all at once – talk about convenience!

The U2’s adaptability is second to none; it learns commands from your original remotes via IR, Bluetooth, and learning modes. Its large, backlit buttons make navigating during the night a breeze. With the SofaBaton U2, I can finally ditch all my other remotes and enjoy a clutter-free setup!

Best With Backlit Buttons

GE UltraPro Backlit Universal Remote Control

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Controls up to 4 devices

Backlit buttons with blue LEDs

Programmed for Samsung TVs

Controls audio and video devices

Works with Roku and Fire TV

But…

Backlight turns off when idle

The GE UltraPro Backlit Universal Remote Control stands out as one of the reliable solutions for managing a home theater system. This compact device can control up to four devices simultaneously, thanks to its infrared sensors, such as a TV, Blu-ray/DVD player, soundbar, cable box, and streaming devices like Roku or Fire TV. What makes it unique is its backlit buttons, which help avoid unintentional button presses during dark conditions. If you own a Samsung device, there’s no need for setup as the remote works seamlessly with it. Pairing it with other brands is also effortless and straightforward.

Best for Easy Setup

Acoyer Universal TV Remote Control

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Compatible with major brands

Easy to set up with all devices

Includes code list for all devices

Clean button layout

But…

Doesn’t support Roku and Fire TV devices

The Acoyer Universal TV Remote Control, while a bit pricier than the GE model, remains one of Amazon’s top-selling universal remotes due to its extensive device compatibility. Unlike other universal remotes, it can manage a broader variety of devices and brands, reducing the need for guesswork when considering compatibility with your specific devices. It’s compatible with DVD/Blu-ray players and media streamers, but doesn’t work with more particular devices such as Roku Sticks, Fire TV Sticks, or any “Fire TV” devices. The setup process is user-friendly, making it easy for even those without extensive tech knowledge to operate it.

Best for LED Smart TVs

Arbxvnr Universal TV Remote Control

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Lightweight and durable build

Dedicated “app” button

Less than a minute to set up

Works with major brands

But…

Supports only smart TVs

If you’ve misplaced your TV remote and find the brand-specific replacement too pricey, then the Arbxvnr Universal TV Remote could be an excellent alternative. It operates using infrared technology to command your smart TV directly; no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is required. The remote’s IR provides prompt feedback within a range of approximately 8 meters (unless obstructed by other objects). Since it’s designed solely for TVs, it won’t pair with devices like soundbars. Its button layout is user-friendly and features a dedicated ‘apps’ button that swiftly navigates you to your preferred apps. This remote ranks among the best universal remotes for smart TVs.

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Best With Master Volume Control

Philips Backlit Universal Remote Control

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Master volume control

Impressive remote code library

Very easy to set up

Manages up to 8 devices

90-day limited assurance policy

But…

Pricer than most

The Philips SRP9488C/27 Universal Remote serves as your single control hub for managing up to eight different devices. It boasts one of the top remote code databases available and is compatible with a multitude of the newest A/V devices from leading brands. With its Master Volume feature, you can effortlessly adjust the volume on all connected devices. If you’re struggling to find the correct code, its auto code search functionality will scan for the perfect match, making life easier! However, it does not support RF devices such as Roku Streaming Sticks or Fire TV Sticks. Instead, it excels in managing IR-based gadgets with ease. The setup process is simple due to an easy-to-follow online video guide.

Best for Large Rooms

GE Universal Remote Control

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Manages up to 4 devices

Infrared-based connectivity

Supports a wide range of devices

Preprogrammed for Samsung TV

Built-in auto-code search feature

But…

Doesn’t support RF-based Roku and Fire TV

In a spacious room where you’ve arranged your home cinema setup, consider using the versatile GE Universal Remote Control to operate all your devices at a range of 10 meters. This hassle-free device can manage up to four gadgets, such as TVs, Blu-ray/DVD players, soundbars, cable boxes, and additional appliances. With an extensive universal remote codes database, it’s highly unlikely that there won’t be a device it doesn’t support. Similar to the previous GR universal remote, this one functions as a universal Samsung TV remote without the need for pairing. To top it off, it boasts an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable grip—an extra touch of convenience for an enhanced user experience. And since GE took the effort to make it feel good in your hand, you can trust that it’s a reliable choice.

Best for Roku Devices

Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Ed.)

PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

Why We Love

Compatible with all Roku devices

Backlit buttons for nighttime

50% more battery than its predecessor

Quick access to live TV

Built-in voice command feature

Personalized shortcuts

But…

Expensive

If you’ve constructed a comprehensive Roku entertainment setup, then the enhanced Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Generation) could significantly simplify your experience. Compared to its predecessor, this remote boasts a 50% longer battery life, allowing it to run for approximately three months on a single charge. This versatile remote manages your Roku TV, Roku players, and Roku systems. In low light conditions, the backlit buttons illuminate, enabling you to effortlessly pause, play, and adjust volume without fumbling around to find each button. If ever you misplace this remote, simply say, “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” and it will guide you to its location. Known as one of the top universal remotes in the United States, this could be an essential addition to your Roku ecosystem.

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Setting up a universal remote is a very simple process that should take less than a minute.

1. First, make sure you have the code list that would’ve been provided with the remote control, and mark the ones that correspond to your brand of device.
2. Make sure that the device that you want to control is turned on.
3. Press and hold the SETUP button until the lights blink on the remote. Note that some remotes might not have this button; instead, you might need to press multiple buttons to activate it. So, read the instructions about the specific button(s).
4. Now, enter the code for the brand of device from the manual, point it towards the device, and see if it responds.
5. If it responds, then you’re good to go! But if it didn’t work, you can try an alternative code from the manual.

Instead of struggling with the manual’s coding instructions, consider utilizing the automatic code search function (if available) for a smoother experience. Note that this feature may differ among brands, so refer to your manual for specific details.

Another option available is the Interactive Reinforcement Learning (IRL) approach, which can be quite time-consuming and laborious, so it’s recommended to try other methods first before resorting to this one.

1. Place your original remote and universal remote head-to-head.
2. Press the learning mode button on your universal remote or whatever is for your remote brand.
3. Press a button on your original remote, then the same one on the universal.
4. Repeat for other buttons you want to teach.

After completing your tasks, go ahead and check the remote to make sure it functions correctly. If it doesn’t, simply carry out the process again until everything is properly synchronized.

How We Chose the Best Universal Remote Controls

Our team of in-house experts, who have extensively evaluated numerous remote controls for a variety of products, selected these universal remotes. Throughout the testing process, they scrutinized more than a dozen remote control models to determine the ideal choice for most users. They assessed factors such as setup ease, compatibility, construction quality, and much more. Furthermore, they took into account the feedback from other users online to gain insights into their experiences with these remotes. Ultimately, after thorough testing and research, they compiled this list of preferred universal remote controls.

Can I use a universal remote on any TV?

When using a multi-brand remote control, make sure to verify its compatibility with your particular TV brand models before use.

Is there a real universal remote app?

Yes, there are several universal remote apps that you can find on the App Store and Google Play.

Are universal remotes IR?

Yes, most of the modern universal remotes use IR to connect to devices.

Which remote works for all TVs?

These universal remotes, such as the SofaBaton U2 and the GE UltraPro Backlit, are compatible with many well-known and frequently encountered TV brand models.

How do I know if a remote is universal?

Just by scanning the product’s description, you can determine whether it works with a variety of devices (universally compatible) or not.