The Best Universal Remotes For 2025

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These are some of the best universal remotes for 2025 in my opinion.

A universal remote control is one of those nifty little tools that makes the home theater and entertainment experience more convenient since they can allow for control across multiple smart TVs and sometimes devices depending on the model.

But since each one can vary with features, compatibility, and settings, there’s a level of subjectivity there with what’s important.

With that in mind, below are a list of the top picks of the year along with a guide detailing what to look for in a quality one.

 

 

Best Universal Remote For Samsung TVs – Loutoc Remote

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If you’re someone who has multiple Samsung TVs and either lost the remote or simply are considering an additional one, the Loutoc universal remote is a great choice in my opinion.

The first thing that’s helpful about this one is it’s level of compatibility.

Whether it’s an older 3D Samsung TV or a newer smart TV model from them, the Loutoc has extensive compatibility with a wide range of Samsung televisions.

But what makes it even better is how simple it is to get set up.

Rather than having to program it, it’s operational after using 2 triple A batteries (though bear in mind it doesn’t come with them)

Its functionality is also solid too since it has an operational range of up to 32 feet with great input responsiveness of .5 seconds between it and the TV.

In terms of the buttons they’re visible and aren’t hard to press — and include helpful ones like the guide, channel list, and 3 shortcut buttons.

 

Pros

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• Great compatibility with Samsung TVs
• Doesn’t need to be programmed
• Functional range up to 32 feet

 

Cons

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• Doesn’t include AAA batteries

Overall it’s a solid choice for Samsung TVs.

 

Check Availability Of Loutoc Universal Remote

 

 

 

Best Universal Remote For LG TVs – OMAIC Remote

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If there’s multiple LG TVs throughout your living room, media room, and home theater setup, then the OMAIC universal remote can be a helpful addition to have.

What’s great about it is its compatibility with the wide variety of LG TVs so you’re able to use one remote for all of them.

It’s also simple to use given it doesn’t need to be programmed and works after inserting triple A batteries (though those aren’t included)

What I also like is its functionality since it has an operational range of up to 40 with .2 seconds response time between it and the TV.

The remote even has 4 shortcut buttons along with ones like the home, quick access, or guide button for a more convenient experience.

 

Pros

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• Awesome compatibility with LG TVs
• Ease of use given it doesn’t need programming
• Functional range up to 40 feet

 

Cons

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• No inclusion of AAA batteries

To sum up it, it’s a solid choice for LG TVs.

 

Check Availability Of OMAIC Universal Remote

 

 

 

Best Universal Remote For Sony Smart TVs – Loutoc Voice Remote For Smart LED OLED Series TVs

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So for the person who has a few Sony TVs and is considering a universal remote, the Loutoc voice remote is a solid option.

One of the main aspects that I this is great is its wide range of compatibility with the various Sony Smart TVs.

But what’s also cool is its voice search capability.

After pairing it with the TV, this allows you to use your voice instead of having to physically press things.

That means you could tell it to change the volume or change the channel by saying it which is definitely convenient.

It also uses triple A batteries (though they don’t come with it)

There’s also 6 shortcut buttons on the unit which provides quick access to those popular apps which is helpful.

As for the remote itself, it’s energy saving, made of ABS material for durability, and is ergonomic in design to make it easier to hold.

 

Pros

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• Helpful compatibility with Sony Smart TVs
• Voice search capability
• 6 shortcut buttons
• Is ergonomic in design

 

Cons

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• Doesn’t come with AAA batteries

This is a remote that I feel is pretty awesome.

 

Check Availability Of Loutoc Voice Remote

 

 

 

The Best For Smartphone Compatibility – SofaBaton U2

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Now what about those of you out there that want a remote that can pass functionality to your smartphone to also control your devices?

Well the SofaBaton U2 is one that allows this.

That’s because it can work synergistically with your smartphone via app so even if you lose the remote, you’ll still be able to control your devices.

The included app allows you to add devices by entering their specific model and brand and has controls for the volume, menus, and so on.

But what’s even cooler is that you can customize the buttons, their order,  and even create a macro button so it does the same thing across multiple devices.

The remote itself supports over 6000 brands and 500,000 plus devices, and it’s a learning remote means you can also use your old remote to program the new one for compatibility.

The signal distance is also improved to 35 feet, double its predecessor — with multiple infrared transmitters for stronger connection.

There’s Bluetooth support also present.

As for the remote itself, it feels good in the hand and looks premium with a scroll wheel, OLED display that turns on when picked up, and even backlit larger buttons for better visibility.

Overall, everything comes together to make for a very impressive offering.

 

Pros

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• Looks premium with an OLED display, scroll wheel and backlit buttons
• Included app allows your current smartphone to act as a universal remote
• App buttons can be customized
• Compatible with over 500,000 devices & 6000 brands
• Learning remote so it can be taught functions from other remote
• Great signal distance of 35 feet

 

Cons

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• No compatibility with WiFi devices

Like I said before, if having the ability for your smartphone to also be a universal remote is important, then this one is certainly worth checking out.

 

Check SofaBaton U2 Availability

 

 

 

The Best For Streaming – Inteset 4-in-1

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What happens when streaming is a major focus for you, and you need a remote that would satisfy that need?

Well getting the Insteset 4 in 1 would be your best bet.

Why is that though?

Well the first thing that makes this a worthy choice for those of you interested in streaming is its impressive compatibility with devices that do exactly that.

Be it an Xbox One, a Roku player, or even an Apple TV, it works with a variety of devices.

What’s really crazy about this one though is the fact that even if there is a device that it’s not initially compatible with, it has the ability to look up the code for that device through the device code database and then learn it; seriously, how cool is that?

Another interesting thing about this remote is a rarely included but highly helpful feature called macro programming.

Now the way it works is it remembers a string of commands that can be executed later with the press of a button.

For example let’s say you turned the channel to 45, turned the volume to 20, turned closed captioning on, and switched it to movie mode.

That would be called a macro command. So if you were to then save that entire process, you could do that later just by pressing a button.

It can remember up to 15 actions in a single sequence, so it really adds a new level of convenience to your media consumption. It also has volume and channel locks, so just in case you accidentally press one of those, it won’t change.

The remote itself is ergonomic, and allows for easy use for small or large hands.

To top it all off, the buttons are illuminated so no need to worry about fumbling to see it in the dark.

 

Pros

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• Macro controls allow you to tag your own sequence of actions to a single button press
• This learning remote can learn to be compatible with devices that it might not initially be
• Compatible with through the use of the device code database
• Ergonomic feel allows it to rest naturally in the hand

 

Cons

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• Doesn’t come with double A batteries

In summary, if you want a remote with a lot of customizability, then this is a great one.

 

Inteset INT-422 4-in-1

 

 

 

The Best For Smart Home Compatibility – SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub & App

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For those of you out there with smart homes, the SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub & App makes the perfect addition for a number of reasons, the first being convenience.

If your smart device has a remote, then this will definitely work with it as well; with all it requiring on your behalf is a simple pairing between the two.

With it being able to control up to 60 devices at once, and total compatibility over 500,000, it’s has impressive capability.

The best part about it is that list of over 500,000 supported devices isn’t just based around the typical things like TVs and receivers, but the broader spectrum of smart devices that control things like lighting, heat, and even doors.

So in theory, you could set the temperature in the room, dim the lights, close the blinds, and turn your TV on all with the same remote.

Plus, with full smart assistant compatibility, this amps up the amount of control you have over everything, leading to an experience like no other.

In addition to this, if shoddy remote signals are something that annoys you, then you’ll be happy to know that it doesn’t need a clear line of sight to work.

In fact, it can still work with devices that are behind cabinets and even walls, making your life that much easier.

 

Pros

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• Support for over 500,000 devices
• Doesn’t need a clear line of sight with a device to function
• Remote has a display
• Works with your smartphone, allowing it to act as the universal remote if you chose to do that
• Looks good

 

Cons

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• Setup process

No doubt about it, if you have a smart home, then this is one that’ll work great.

 

SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub & App

 

 

 

The Most Simple To Use – GE 34457 4-Device

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So what about those of you who like the idea of a universal remote, but want the most basic thing possible without any the extras?

Well if that’s the case then this is a good one to go with. Now admittedly, there’s not really a lot to talk about with this one since like the title suggested, it’s simple.

However that’s also something to admire about the GE 34457 because simply put, it just works. There’s no quirky menus or fancy processes you have to go through.

Simply pair it, and you’re good to go. It also supports 4 devices at a time, and is compatible with most devices.

I didn’t mind using this one because again, even though there’s not a lot to it, it pulls off the simple but elegant approach quite nicely.

Even when it comes to looks, its brushed exterior makes it look premium which is a nice touch.

Honestly, there’s not a lot to complain about since it does what it says.

 

Pros

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• Support for thousands of different video & audio devices
• Very easy to setup and use
• Master volume control allows for sound adjustment across multiple components
• Brushed exterior finish looks good

 

Cons

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• Doesn’t come with triple A batteries.
• No support for radio frequency devices

Just to reiterate, if you’re looking for something super simple that works with your stuff, then this is a great choice.

 

GE 34457 4-Device

 

 

 

The Best High End Model – SofaBaton X2

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For higher end options, the SofaBaton X2 is an awesome fit.

First of all, this thing has actually has a display.

The 2.4 inch high definition color touchscreen allows you to go through menus and see everything you’re doing right on the remote.

So if you had set a specific command for the remote to follow at a later time, you could use the display to find it.

Or use the quick access panel to quickly reach your custom macro inputs or a digital keypad.

If that wasn’t cool enough, this thing sports full smart home compatibility.

That means smart devices across WiFi, Bluetooth, IR, RF are compatible with it.

In fact, this has the ability to control up to 50 of them at any given time or even; at the same time.

That’s right; if you actually wanted to, you could technically program it to turn on or off every device with one button (each connected device is shown on the screen by the way)

But lets say you actually lose the remote, what then?

Well the included app allows your smartphone to act as a stand in universal remote, with all the same settings and tweaks that you had before if saved via cloud.

This really takes customizability to the next level.

Even if the remote doesn’t have a direct line of site with something, it’ll still work due to the included IR hub for 360 degree signal plus its ability to connect to your internet if the device is using that.

There isn’t even a need to worry about batteries, since this remote is completely rechargeable.

Aesthetically, it’s a looker, with a silver finish that really adds that premium feel.

It really is amazing all around in my opinion.

 

Pros

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• Full color touch display
• Smart home and assistant compatible
• Compatible with over 500,000 devices
• Supports 50 connected devices at once
• Included app for smart phone use
• Included Hub for 360 degree signal
• Rechargeable so no need to worry about batteries

 

Cons

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• Can’t really think of any

As a high end remote, it’s very feature rich and helpful.

 

Check SofaBaton X2 Availability

 

 

 

What Is A Universal Remote?

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Okay so you may or may not have heard of them before, but what exactly is a universal remote?

Well besides the powerful sounding name, a universal remote is one that is capable of being programmed to control nearly every device that you currently own — be it Blu-ray players, televisions, you name it.

It’s one of those additions, especially when you’re planning a new home theater or upgrading your current entertainment setup, that can really improve the overall experience in general because of convenience.

I mean that’s especially important if your home theater setup is tech integrated since the additional components and remotes could become inconvenient with keeping track of.

Now of course not all remotes are made equal, with some having more compatibility and features than others.

So I thought I’d take the liberty of not only letting you know about the different types, but also what you may want to look for when deciding to go with one depending on your priorities.

But first..

 

Why Choose To Go With One?

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While we’ve already technically covered why getting one can be a good idea, let me know if this scenario sounds familiar to you at all.

You’re watching TV when you then decide “hey you know what, I think I’m going to watch a Blu-ray.

So you walk over to your entertainment area and…. wait….. where’s the remote?  You see every remote there except for the one you actually need.

This then leads to a 20 minute journey around the house and under couch cushions just to find the darn thing… (fun right?)

Wouldn’t it just be easier to have one remote for everything?

Well luckily, that is what these aim to do. If you’re tired of shuffling through 1000 different remotes, then getting one of these would allow you to do control all your devices without ever having to worry about losing/breaking a specific one.

Another reason you may want one is that you have a TV, but the original remote control you had broke.

So instead of getting the same one again, it might make more sense to get one remote that will be good for everything for years to come.

You also save money by not having to continuously buy extra remotes, so that’s something to consider as well.

 

How Do Universal Remotes Work?

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So how in the world is it possible for one remote to do all of this though? Believe it or not, it’s actually nowhere near as complex as you would initially think. It’s made possible through the use of what is known as infrared light.

Infrared light (often abbreviated to IR) is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and is invisible to the human eye; though it can be viewed through the use of special equipment.

Within a lot of electronics devices is a small IR receiver whose job is to take in this light, then transform it into a command for that device to follow.

You can almost think of it as Morse code; where one party (the remote) sends an encoded message to the other (the device) which then decodes the message and decides what to do.

From there, the different messages sent previously can be saved and accessed at a later time.

In other words, each one has a programmable memory that is capable of remembering each device after being paired with it. This is in the form of a code.

Of course this is a simplified explanation but you can read more on it here if you’re curious about the technicality of it all.

https://www.ebay.com/gds/How-Do-Universal-Remote-Controls-Work-/10000000177630561/g.html

 

What Are The Different Types Of Universal Remotes?

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When you’re looking to buy a universal remote, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the different types that exist along, with which one would suit your needs best.

 

Pre-Programmed Remotes

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Like the name suggests, pre programmed remotes are ones that are designed to work with a specific number of products along with types.

Unbeknownst to most, each company has their own codes that they use for a majority of their products.

So for example if you have a DVD player from years back, and then you buy a new one from the same manufacturer, then they’ll still use the same universal code for their remote.

This means that some pre programmed remotes may only support specific products from Sony and Toshiba for example, while another may only support Panasonic and Samsung.

How do you know what the code is though? Well with this specific type of remote, it’ll tell you which things it supports along with their corresponding number in the packaging.

So after you learn what it is, it’ll require you to input that number so that the remote then knows what device you have and will be able to control it from there.

But the thing is, these are usually limited since they can only support a certain number of devices at any given time. I say usually because there are those out there that support many, but it’ll of course depend on the one you go with.

A cool little feature that some of these have is auto programming; which is where it’ll literally run through every code it has until it figures out the one that works with it.

 

Learning Remotes

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These remotes are even cooler because they’re capable of learning and executing specific commands that you set.

They’re extremely flexible, and something that a lot of people prefer because of their vast customizability to their needs.

So for example, you could have one button for a Roku, while another input could control your receiver.

Or even have one button that shuts down everything at the same time. It really is shocking how helpful they can be once you start to use one.

 

Even More Types!

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– Touchscreen

Some remotes even have touchscreens that can also interact with a smartphone

– Voice Controlled

Even crazier than touchscreen is the fact that some can be entirely voice controlled and are compatible with voice assistants.

 

What Type Should You Go For?

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So both are pretty similar, but there are instances where one may be better suited for you than the other.

 

Why You Would Want To Go With A Pre-Programmed Remote?

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If you’re someone that has a large amount of older devices, than going with a pre programmed remote might be the best course of action. Why?

Well since your older devices likely use the same exact program codes as the newer versions, it means they should be compatible with it; and while a learning remote would technically work with it, it’d kind of be overkill if you’re only looking to use for a few things.

But keep in mind that these are limited since they only support a few at a time.

However if you didn’t plan on pairing it with a lot of things, then that won’t matter anyway.

 

Why You Would Want To Go With A Learning Remote?

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On the other hand, if you have a large number of devices or even a home theater, then a learning variant might be the better choice.

These can be paired with many things, and are extremely customizable.

What’s really crazy though, is that some of these are even compatible with smart lights and heating systems.

Could you imagine controlling your entire house with just a remote? Now that would be awesome.

But keep in mind that in order for it to work, you have to have the original remote that you’re replacing so that it can first learn what does what.

You’ll only need to do this once unless you change a command, so that’s the good thing.

 

What Else Should You Look For In A Universal Remote?

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– Ease Of Use

Obviously getting something that you need a degree to figure how to use is pointless, so same principal here. You’ll want to go with one that looks easy enough to use, so you won’t have to fiddle with it forever.

 

– One With Lots Of Features

Okay so this one definitely errs on the optional side, but the point still remains. You’ll likely want a remote with as many features as possible since that should future proof you for a long time.

So even when you get a new gadget, you won’t have to worry whether it gets supported or not.

 

– One That’s Physically Reliable

In addition to getting a remote that has useful features and doesn’t have a learning curve when it comes to use, you’ll also want to go with one that’s built sturdy as well.

If you’re going to invest time and energy when looking for good a remote, then neglecting to keep in mind getting one that’s physically built well would be a huge mistake.

Build quality is important because it’s something that’s supposed to last you a very long time, and if a few months in it’s already falling apart, chances are you won’t be happy.

The buttons should have a satisfying tactile feel without being too loose, and the remote shouldn’t creak when you use it. That’s a tell tale sign that it’s built to last so if it doesn’t, then you’re good

 

What Is The Best Universal Remote?

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So what is the best universal remote though?

Well that’s a bit of a complicated question since there is no objective, one size fits all best remote. The best remote is going to be one that manages to fit all of your specific needs.

So for example if you only need to control around 4 or 5 devices, you aren’t going to need a voice activated, Bluetooth enabled powerhouse built for thousands of devices all connected at the same time.

It’s really going to come down to what your particular needs are, then you can go from there.

Anyways that’s just a little idea of what a universal remote is and why you would want to go with one.

But that’s it for now. I really hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the best universal remotes for 2025 and learned something that could be useful.

If you happen to have any questions in regards to setting them up, or anything like that, feel free to reach out.

Until next time, make it easy, keep it simple.