Key takeaways
- Infrared: Works with most televisions, soundbars, cable boxes, disc players, and older receivers. The remote or hub must have a line of sight, unless an external infrared emitter is used.
- Bluetooth: Common on streaming players and game consoles. Pairing is usually device-specific, and Bluetooth range does not guarantee that every function will be available.
- Wi-Fi or network control: Useful for compatible smart televisions, receivers, media servers, and home-automation platforms. It requires a functioning network and may stop working after a manufacturer changes its software or account requirements.
- Radio-frequency control: Some hubs and proprietary systems can operate without pointing at the television. Confirm whether the remote uses ordinary RF, a dedicated hub protocol, or an ecosystem-specific standard.
The best universal remote for most homes is the Sofabaton U2 for a simple TV-and-soundbar system, while the Sofabaton X1S is the stronger choice for several entertainment devices and smart-home control; households that prefer inexpensive, traditional buttons should consider the One For All Streamer Remote.
Our top picks
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Best universal remotes by situation
| Situation | Best fit | Why it makes sense | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV plus soundbar or streaming box | Sofabaton U2 | Controls up to six devices and combines infrared with Bluetooth for a relatively low-cost setup | No built-in smart-home hub or touchscreen |
| Several AV components and activity-style control | Sofabaton X1S | Hub-based control, app setup, macros, and support for a larger device collection | More configuration and greater dependence on the hub and app |
| Simple, inexpensive streaming setup | One For All Streamer Remote URC7935 | Dedicated streaming buttons, familiar layout, and broad infrared compatibility | Less suitable for complex Bluetooth or smart-home systems |
| Apple TV is the main source | A universal remote with Apple TV support, or the Apple TV Siri Remote alongside an IR remote | Preserves Apple TV navigation while letting one remote operate the television and audio system | Some universal remotes cannot reproduce every gesture or voice function |
| Smart lights, plugs, and scenes are part of the goal | Hub-based remote system such as Sofabaton X1S | Activities can combine AV commands with compatible smart-home actions | Compatibility depends on the specific platform, account, and network |
Head-to-head: U2, X1S, and One For All
Sofabaton U2: best for a conventional AV stack
The U2 is aimed at people who want one handheld remote for a television, soundbar, streaming player, Blu-ray player, and perhaps a cable box. It supports up to six devices and uses a combination of infrared and Bluetooth, which matters because many newer streaming players do not accept ordinary infrared commands.
Its device selector and scroll wheel make it more flexible than a basic learning remote, but they also add a step: you must select the correct device before sending some commands. The layout is practical for mixed systems, with transport controls, a directional pad, volume keys, and frequently used streaming buttons. It normally uses replaceable batteries, avoiding the eventual battery replacement problem found in sealed rechargeable remotes.
Choose the U2 when your equipment is controlled mainly from the sofa and you do not need lights or scenes. It is less attractive if family members want a single “Watch TV” button that automatically turns on several components and selects the correct inputs.
Sofabaton X1S: best for multi-device activities
The X1S uses a hub and a companion app rather than relying only on direct line-of-sight infrared. That arrangement allows the hub to sit near an equipment cabinet while the handheld remote communicates with it. It is useful when the television is wall-mounted, components are hidden behind doors, or an activity must issue several commands in sequence.
Typical activity logic might power on a television, switch an AV receiver to the correct input, wake a streaming device, and set the receiver volume controls to remain active. This is more convenient than pressing four separate power and input buttons, but the result depends on timing. Devices that wake slowly or ignore commands during startup may need pauses or repeated commands in the app.
The X1S can also connect with selected smart-home services and network-connected equipment. Check the exact integration before buying: “smart-home support” does not mean universal control of every Zigbee, Matter, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth product. A remote may control a supported platform through an account or hub without directly pairing with every individual bulb or plug.
One For All Streamer Remote URC7935: best for simplicity and low cost
The URC7935 is a traditional infrared remote designed around televisions and streaming devices. Its dedicated application buttons and familiar navigation make it easier for occasional users than a remote with a display, rotating selector, or multiple operating modes. It is often available in the lower general market price range, roughly $20–$35, while more advanced hub-based systems commonly cost about $100–$200 depending on the bundle and sale.
This type of remote is a good match for a bedroom television, a guest room, or a living-room setup where every component responds to infrared. It is not the right tool for a system built around Bluetooth-only devices, hidden equipment, voice functions, or smart-home scenes. Some buttons may also require programming before they behave like the original remote.
Compatibility matters more than the button count
Universal remotes use several control methods, and they are not interchangeable:
- Infrared: Works with most televisions, soundbars, cable boxes, disc players, and older receivers. The remote or hub must have a line of sight, unless an external infrared emitter is used.
- Bluetooth: Common on streaming players and game consoles. Pairing is usually device-specific, and Bluetooth range does not guarantee that every function will be available.
- Wi-Fi or network control: Useful for compatible smart televisions, receivers, media servers, and home-automation platforms. It requires a functioning network and may stop working after a manufacturer changes its software or account requirements.
- Radio-frequency control: Some hubs and proprietary systems can operate without pointing at the television. Confirm whether the remote uses ordinary RF, a dedicated hub protocol, or an ecosystem-specific standard.
Before purchasing, write down the exact model numbers of the television, receiver, soundbar, streaming box, and any game console. “Samsung TV” or “Roku” is not enough: model generations can use different pairing methods and button sets. Look for compatibility databases, and veri
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