Tired of juggling six different remotes just to watch a movie? You’re not alone. Universal remotes are the ultimate solution for decluttering your living room and controlling your TV, soundbar, streaming box, and more with a single click. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best universal remotes for your needs? Whether you’re a tech newbie or a home theater pro, we’ve tested and ranked the top models of 2025. This guide will help you find the perfect match, from budget picks to voice-controlled smart remotes.
Three Best Universal Remotes
The Logitech Harmony Elite, SofaBaton U2, and GE 33709 are among the best universal remotes for most users. They balance ease of use, compatibility, and advanced features like voice control or touchscreens.
Why You Need a Universal Remote
Let’s face it—nobody wants to play “remote roulette” every time they turn on the TV. A universal remote cuts the chaos by merging control of your devices into one handy tool. Here’s why it’s worth the upgrade:
- Fewer Remotes, Less Stress: Control your TV, cable box, soundbar, and even smart lights with one device.
- Customizable Buttons: Program favorite channels, volume presets, or one-touch movie night scenes.
- Future-Proof Setup: Most universal remotes work with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit for voice commands.
For example, the Logitech Harmony Elite lets you create “activities” like “Watch Netflix,” which turns on your TV, switches inputs, and launches the app automatically. No more fumbling!
Top 5 Best Universal Remotes of 2025
1. Logitech Harmony Elite: Best for Tech Enthusiasts
Price: 250–300
Compatibility: 270,000+ devices, including smart home gadgets.
The Harmony Elite is the Rolls-Royce of universal remotes. Its touchscreen lets you swipe between devices, and the hub connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth—perfect for hiding devices in cabinets. Setup takes 15 minutes via the Harmony app, and you can tweak every button’s function.
Pros:
- Works with Alexa/Google Assistant.
- Rechargeable battery lasts a week.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Logitech discontinued Harmony in 2021 but still supports existing models.
Perfect For: High-end home theaters with smart lighting or multiple devices.
2. SofaBaton U2: Best Budget Pick
Price: 40–50
Compatibility: TVs, soundbars, streaming devices.
Don’t need voice control? The SofaBaton U2 is a steal. It has a simple LCD screen and physical buttons for easy navigation. You can program up to 15 devices and even control Roku or Fire Stick menus.
Pros:
- Easy setup with infrared learning.
- Ergonomic design.
Cons:
- No smart home integration.
- Batteries (2xAA) drain quickly.
Perfect For: Budget shoppers who want basic control without frills.
3. GE 33709: Best for Seniors
Price: 20–25
Compatibility: TVs, DVD players, sound systems.
Large buttons, clear labels, and no confusing menus make the GE 33709 ideal for seniors or kids. It’s pre-programmed for most brands (Samsung, LG, Sony) and can learn commands from your old remotes.
Pros:
- Durable, simple design.
- Under $25.
Cons:
- Only controls 4 devices.
Perfect For: Elderly users or secondary TVs in guest rooms.
4. Caavo Control Center: Best for Streaming Fans
Price: 150–200
Compatibility: Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation, and more.
Caavo isn’t just a remote—it’s a 4K HDMI switcher that auto-detects devices. The remote has a sleek trackpad and voice search. Uniquely, it shows all your apps on one screen, so you don’t have to switch inputs.
Pros:
- Unifies streaming apps.
- Supports up to 8 devices.
Cons:
- Requires a Caavo subscription for updates.
Perfect For: Cord-cutters with 3+ streaming boxes.
5. Sevenhugs Smart Remote X: Best for Smart Homes
Price: $300+
Compatibility: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Zigbee devices.
Point this futuristic remote at any device (like your lamp or thermostat), and it’ll control it instantly. The touchscreen adapts to whatever you’re aiming at, and it works with Alexa for voice commands.
Pros:
- Revolutionary “point-and-control” tech.
- Sleek, modern design.
Cons:
- Very pricey.
- Limited third-party app support.
Perfect For: Smart homes with Philips Hue, Nest, or Sonos systems.
Comparison Chart: Best Universal Remotes
| Model | Price | Key Features | Best For |
| Logitech Harmony Elite | $250+ | Touchscreen, smart home control | Tech enthusiasts |
| SofaBaton U2 | $40 | LCD screen, infrared learning | Budget buyers |
| GE 33709 | $20 | Large buttons, simple setup | Seniors/kids |
| Caavo Control Center | $150 | App unification, HDMI switching | Streaming-heavy setups |
| Sevenhugs Smart X | $300+ | Point-and-control, smart home integration | Luxury smart homes |
How to Choose the Best Universal Remote
Picking the right remote depends on your setup:
- Device Count: Need to control 3 devices or 10? Check the remote’s device limit.
- Smart Home Needs: Want voice control or lighting integration? Opt for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth models.
- Budget: Prices range from
- 20 to 400. The GE 33709 proves you don’t need to splurge.
Universal Remote Setup Tips
Even the best universal remotes can be tricky to program. Follow these steps:
- Gather Device Brands: Note your TV, soundbar, and streaming box brands (e.g., Sony, Roku).
- Use Code Lookup Tools: Sites like RemoteCodes.com list codes for older devices.
- Test Buttons Post-Setup: Ensure volume controls match your soundbar, not the TV.
For example, programming a Sony soundbar with a SofaBaton U2 might require code 3271 or auto-scanning.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Remote Won’t Sync? Replace batteries, check for obstructions, or reset the remote.
- Buttons Not Working? Re-enter device codes or use the “learning” mode.
- Laggy Response? Switch to Wi-Fi control (if supported) for faster signals.
For step-by-step fixes, visit our Insignia TV troubleshooting guide.
Final Thoughts
The best universal remotes turn your coffee table from a cluttered mess into a streamlined command center. Whether you splurge on a Logitech Harmony Elite or grab the budget-friendly GE 33709, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.
Pro Tip: If you own a Roku or Fire Stick, consider their branded remotes (like the Roku Voice Remote) for seamless app control.