Tech

Best Universal Remote in 2024

1. SofaBaton X1S

SofaBaton X1S universal remote

The best universal remote overall

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Devices Controlled: 60
  • Favorite Channels: n/a
  • Smart Home Controls: No
  • Mobile App: Yes (iOS, Android)
  • Alexa-Enabled: Yes
  • Size: 7.7 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches

The closest thing you can get to Harmony’s universal remotes is the SofaBaton X1S. The remote itself has an attractive, comfortable design with just the right number of buttons — which are backlit, to boot. There’s a small scroll wheel just underneath its display to let you switch between activities and devices; you then use the circular d-pad underneath to control your system. We liked the smooth, rounded edges of the X1S, and its buttons offered just the right amount of resistance and feedback.

The X1S has a built-in battery (there’s a USB-C port on the bottom of the remote), but it will last for weeks before it needs recharging. I wish it came with a small recharging cradle, which would make things just a little bit easier.

The SofaBaton X1S sends its commands to a hub, so you can hide everything away behind a cabinet, for a cleaner look. Because the hub is connected to Wi-Fi, you can also link it to Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free operation. It can even control some smart home devices, but it’s so limited it isn’t worth bothering to set up.

You can program the X1S with a number of macros to automatically turn your entertainment center to the right settings. The setup process has also become a lot more intuitive since the last time we tested a SofaBaton, which is why our opinion has improved, and why it’s the best universal remote out there.

2. SofaBaton U2

SofaBaton U1 in hand

A cheap universal remote with a bit of a learning curve

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Devices Controlled: 15
  • Favorite Channels: n/a
  • Smart Home Controls: No
  • Mobile App: Yes (iOS, Android)
  • Alexa-Enabled: No
  • Size: 7.7 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches

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