The Best Universal Remote

Name: computer repairers
Brand: The Original PC Doctor
Rating: 4.8 (1226 reviews)

Your TV is a go-to area after a long day at work, giving you that perfect chance to unwind and catch up on your favourite Netflix or Hulu shows. One problem that many people face is a missing remote. Little under 50% of people report losing their remote once or more every week. And on a monthly basis, this figure goes up to 71%. While one study found that in 50% of cases, the remote is stuck in the sofa, there are times when it simply goes unfound.

When you lose your remote, it means you now need to get up and close to the TV to switch channels, turn it on, or adjust the volume. This may feel uncomfortable, which is why you might want to look at a universal remote that works on your TV. Many of the universal remotes on the market today give you the ability to control multiple devices with a single controller – such as your TV and the stereo you use. This essentially replaces the need to use multiple remotes in the living room, but not every universal remote is the same.

How Does A Universal Remote Work?

A universal remote is not only a replacement for a misplaced controller but also an item that can take up the place of multiple remotes that you use. These remotes use infrared technology in most cases, which is how it communicates with the devices in your area. You can also connect multiple devices to a single universal remote and easily switch between them using a single button on the remote itself.

There are several devices that you are able to connect to a universal remote. The specific device compatibility entirely relies on the specific remote that you decide to opt for. In many cases, you can use these remotes to control your TV, sound system, TV boxes that you use, and more. With newer universal remotes offering options like smart home integrations, things are also becoming much more convenient – as now you gain the ability to adjust the volume or skip to a different show using voice commands instead of physically interacting with a remote.

The Best Universal Remote To Buy

One thing that can be quite confusing is the massive variety of universal remotes that you can find on the market. While some of these remotes may look quite similar to each other, you do need to realise that they are not equal in terms of quality, compatibility, and smart functions. We’ve done some research and filtered through these remotes. With the list of top options below, you will have an easier time finding a universal remote that is suitable for your requirements.

GE 33709 Universal Remote

If you don’t need something fancy with voice commands and smart home integration, then the GE 33709 Universal Remote is a great option to consider. This is one of the more budget-friendly options that you will find on the market, and it provides compatibility with a diverse range of devices.

When you use the GE 33709, you can connect the remote control with the following devices:

Blu-ray players
TVs
DV players
Streaming players
Smart TVs
TV Boxes

You are also able to use this universal remote with devices from a diverse selection of brands, including:

Roku
Sony
TCL
Apple TV
Panasonic
Sharp
LG
Vizio

There is a manual that comes with the remote, which provides you with easy access to codes that you can use to sync the remote with your devices. The database of codes allows you to use remotes with a wider variety of TVs and other branded accessories.

There are different models available that you can consider, which can ensure the one you opt for perfectly suits your needs. This includes remotes that provide support for four, six, or eight devices per piece. Some of these models feature a backlit function, which can help to improve visibility at night. A single button allows you to switch the remote to control each of the different devices that you pair with it. Five different colour and design options also make it easier to find a remote that matches the interior decor in your living room.

SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote

SofaBaton U1

Something that really makes the SofaBaton U1 a great choice is the built-in OLED screen that comes with the remote. This screen gives you instant feedback on the device you are currently connected to. It also allows you to easily name each device that you connect to the remote, which can help to prevent confusion when you want to switch between them. The scroller wheel at the top of the remote ensures it is quick and easy to switch to a specific device that you want to control.

Another major benefit that you can expect from the SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote is the fact that it is able to support up to 15 devices at a time. This makes it superior to many other remotes, as the number of devices you can connect to them is usually significantly restricted. This is a fully equipped remote that can do everything from switching between channels to browsing through a list of Netflix shows.

The control syncs with your smartphone after you install the SofaBaton app on the phone. Once synced, you can easily use your smartphone in order to assist with the syncing process between your devices and the universal remote.

You can use the control with the following equipment and devices:

TVs
DVD machines
Blu-ray players
Projectors

In addition to the implementation of infrared technology, this remote control is also equipped with Bluetooth. This adds more diversity to the specific devices you can use it with. There is, however, no support for Wi-Fi offered by these remotes.

Logitech Harmony Elite Remote Control, Hub and App

Logitech Harmony Elite

If you want exceptional convenience and have a higher budget, then look at the Logitech Harmony Elite system. This is a package that comes with a universal remote control, as well as a mobile app that you can use to control things from your smartphone. There is also a hub included in the package, which connects to your local network in order to expand on the functions that the remote control offers.

The remote control offers support for devices that use either infrared or Bluetooth to communicate wirelessly. The control itself comes with a large LED display that helps you gain quick access to some of your most used features, such as turning off the alarms or switching on the television on a specific channel.

The hub also helps to provide integration with systems like Alexa, which can provide an automation process in your home. The Alexa integration also gives you the opportunity to control certain devices with your voice command. This reduces the need to pick up the remote control every time you want to switch between different channels or navigate to the next episode of the show you are watching.

There are several one-touch options available on the control as well. This includes options such as playing a movie, which will then turn everything on and start a movie that you want to watch. The hub that comes with the system provides remote access for easy control over your TV and other devices, even in cases where you are not at home.

Conclusion

Universal remotes are exceptionally useful in cases where you misplace the original one that came with your TV. They can also serve as a backup or spare solution. These remotes come in several different designs with varying functions. Keep in mind compatibility with your TV and the overall functions that each offers, as this can help you choose. Be sure to also start your search for a universal remote with the list of top options we looked at in this article.

References

Written by The Original PC Doctor on 5/12/2022.

Embark on a journey of connection and joy! Share this page with your loved ones on your favourite digital platform. Click one of the icons below and let the magic of sharing begin!