The Best TV Remote in 2023

With a single remote control, you may operate a wide range of different devices. We have a lot of electronics to manage, from TVs and sound systems to cable boxes and streaming devices. It's crucial to take into account features like smart home integration, device compatibility, and the ability to create custom device setups and setting combinations when purchasing a universal remote. To uncover the greatest solutions available, we looked into and tested the top TV remotes from various manufacturers and price ranges.

Learn more about our selection of the best tv remote below.

• Best Overall: Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV 

• Best Purchased: GE 6 Device Backlit Universal Remote 

• Best Value: SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote

• Best Premium: Logitech Harmony 665 

• Best Budget: Philips Universal Remote Control

1. Best Overall: Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV 

What we like: 

• Affordable

• Easy to use

What we don’t like:

• Doesn’t have Siri button

• Not backlit buttons

View on Amazon

Apple prioritizes appearance over functionality, which is a genuine discomfort given its simple design. Even if the Function101 remote doesn't have the same elegant appearance as the Apple TV remote, it is a ton simpler to operate. Furthermore, it is more pleasant to grasp due to its greater size.

However, since the Function101 remote doesn't have a Siri button, you can't use Apple's voice assistant to look up shows or enter passwords.

2. Best Purchased: GE 6 Device Backlit Universal Remote 

What we like:

• Compatible with numerous brands

• Backlit buttons

• Simple installation and a nice finish

What we don’t like:

• Not compatible with Amazon Fire or Roku devices

View on Amazon

The universal remote's buttons each emit a gentle blue glow that allows you see what you're doing without tiring your eyes or keeping you up at night. Not only does it work with well-known brands, but it also comes pre-programmed out of the box. You won't need any additional programming to use Sony Blu-Ray players, smart TVs, or any of the many other widely used gadgets that are remote-friendly.

This remote also features a dedicated button to open and close DVD and Blu-ray players, allowing you to configure up to six devices into it. It is quick and simple to switch between inputs, which is a crucial function in any universal remote. Sadly, it is incompatible with Roku and Amazon Fire streaming players.

3. Best Value: SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote

What we like:

• Simple to program

• Works with a variety of TVs and devices

• Consists of a touchscreen, scroll wheel, and additional simple navigation controls

What we don’t like:

• There is a small learning curve when using the remote

View on Amazon

The SofaBaton X1 is a smaller version of this brand. Its main goal is to give you control over your television and up to 14 other attached devices and components, such as speakers, a DVD player, a DVR, and a gaming system. You'll be able to operate connected streaming devices and your preferred video streaming services.

This remote works with numerous devices using Bluetooth and infrared, but not Wi-Fi. This universal remote's programming is quick and simple thanks to a proprietary smartphone software that uses a database of more than 500,000 known devices from 6,000+ manufacturers. With its compact but full-color OLED display, the X1 makes it simple to use the remote. You can easily swap between the various controls you want to use.

4. Best Premium: Logitech Harmony 665 

What we like:

• Affordable 

• Comfortable 

• Manages up to 10 devices

What we don’t like:

• A little complicated setup

• Battery that cannot be recharged

View on Amazon

The Logitech Harmony 665 is the ideal universal remote for those on a tight budget. It includes a little display that is not a touchscreen and buttons arranged all around it so you can quickly access activities, favorite channels, and more. It is pretty simple to troubleshoot any issues thanks to the on-screen instructions.

Up to 10 devices can be connected to the Harmony 665, and you can set up to 23 of your favorite channels on the remote. However, because the Harmony 665 only uses infrared (IR), you are unable to conceal any of the parts of your entertainment center and you are unable to use this remote to operate smart home appliances.

5. Best Budget: Philips Universal Remote Control

What we like:

• Compatible with a wide range of well-known brands, including Samsung and TCL

• Master volume control

What we don't like:

• Connectivity is a risk 

View on Amazon

You can sync this single remote with as many as six devices. This covers standard TVs, DVD, and Blu-ray players as well as soundbars and Roku-like streaming media devices.

Syncing up to the machine shouldn't be an issue for many of the most well-known gadgets, including those from Samsung, TCL, Toshiba, Panasonic, Insignia, and, of course, Phillips. Some users noticed sporadic connection issues with various devices. Even the Master Volume setting allows you to adjust the volume of the audio regardless of the device you're using.

1. Do universal remotes work on all brands?

Universal remotes work with many brands, including many of the popular ones on the market right now like Samsung and LG. Typically, pricier remotes come with a fair amount more compatibility in the device department, especially with legacy tech.

2. How do I sync a TV remote?

When using a universal remote control, you must point it at the device you want to sync and press a few buttons at once. Consult your user manual at all times because universal remotes differ in terms of connectivity.