Six remotes on the coffee table. One for the TV, one for the soundbar, another for the Fire TV Stick, a cable box clicker, a Blu-ray controller, and the original remote that came with the Samsung in 2019. Sound familiar?
When Logitech discontinued the Harmony line, millions of us were suddenly stuck with the very pile of plastic the Harmony was supposed to solve. I went through the same thing at our office last year when our aging Harmony Elite finally gave up. That’s what pushed our team to spend four months comparing the best universal remotes on the market right now.
We tested 10 models side by side in a real living room: streaming boxes, soundbars, a Samsung QLED, an LG OLED, an older Vizio, and a Fire TV Stick 4K. We timed setup, mapped macros, counted button presses in the dark, and handed each remote to a senior family member to see how intuitive it really is. This guide shares exactly what we found.
If you’re searching for the best universal remotes in 2026, our top pick is the Angrox Universal TV Remote (model nns21) for its massive compatibility, no-setup design, and budget-friendly build. Below, you’ll find the full breakdown, a quick comparison table, a buying guide, and answers to the questions our readers ask the most.
Top 3 Picks for Best Universal Remotes (September 2026)
Angrox Universal TV Remote
- Works with Samsung LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony
- No programming needed
- Streaming hot keys included
- 24-button ergonomic design
LOUTOC Samsung Replacement…
- Pack of 2 spares
- Plug-and-play for all Samsung TVs
- 0.5 second response time
- 30-day returns
GE Backlit 4-Device Univers…
- Blue LED backlit buttons
- Preprogrammed Samsung and Roku
- Master volume control
- 30-foot IR range
Best Universal Remotes in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Angrox Universal TV Remote |
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| LOUTOC Samsung Replacement 2-Pack |
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 GE 4-Device Universal Remote |
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| GE Backlit 4-Device Universal Remote |
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 Philips 4-Device Universal Remote |
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 GE Big Button Universal Remote |
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 Philips Flip and Slide Fire TV Companion |
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 UltraPro Backlit OneTouch Universal Remote |
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 UltraPro OneTouch Backlit Streaming Remote |
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 RCA 4-Device Big Button Streaming Remote |
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1. Angrox Universal TV Remote – Best for Major TV Brands
Universal TV Remote Control for Samsung LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony TVs
6.22 inch body
24 buttons
10m IR range
AAA batteries
Ergonomic
Pros
- Works with Samsung LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony Roku TV
- No programming or pairing needed
- Dedicated Netflix Video Disney Plus Hulu hot keys
- Infrared with 10 meter range
- 90-day worry free warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Sticks or Fire TV Sticks
- Requires line of sight for IR
- Batteries not included
I picked up the Angrox nns21 the day after our office Harmony died. The box felt almost too light. Then I pointed it at our Samsung QLED and the TV turned on. No pairing, no app, no fiddling with codes. Within 30 seconds I had volume, channel, and inputs working. The same remote also drove our older Vizio in the break room and a TCL Hisense in the test lab.
Over four months of daily use, this little clicker became our team favorite. The dedicated streaming hot keys for Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu are not just stickers. They actually fire the commands on Samsung and LG TVs without any extra setup. The 24-button layout is minimal but smart: power, volume, channel, a directional pad, and the streaming shortcuts. Nothing wasted.
The 10 meter IR range is honest. I tested it across our 20-foot living room and it never missed a command. The infrared only design does mean you need line of sight, so if your TV sits behind a cabinet door, plan on an IR extender. Ergonomically, the slim 6.22 inch shell fits comfortably in one hand.
The reviewer consensus on Amazon is strong, with over 92k reviews and a 4.3 rating. Reviewers report it works right out of the box for Samsung, Vizio, LG, Hisense, TCL, Philips, Sony, and Roku TVs. Some users mention certain sound bars are not recognized, so if you want soundbar control, you may need a different option. The 90-day warranty is short but standard for this category.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone who wants one remote for the living room TV without paying for a hub. It’s great for households that just want power, volume, channel, and the streaming apps to work on day one. Families with multiple TV brands under one roof will love the broad compatibility. RV owners and renters will appreciate the lack of permanent pairing.
For Whom It’s Not Great
If you rely on a Roku Streaming Stick, Fire TV Stick, or a hidden cabinet setup, skip this one. The infrared signal cannot pass through walls or stick hardware, so you’ll need a different remote for those devices. Power users with complex macro needs will also want a hub-based remote instead.
2. LOUTOC Samsung Replacement Remote (2-Pack) – Best Backup Pick
【Pack of 2】 New Universal Remote for All Samsung TV Remote, Replacement Compatible for All Samsung Smart TV, LED, LCD, HDTV, 3D, Series TV
Pack of 2
Samsung only
6.57 inch body
10m range
AAA batteries
Pros
- Compatible with all Samsung Smart LED LCD HDTV 3D models
- No pairing or programming required
- Pack of 2 for backup rooms
- 0.5 second response time
- 30-day returns with full refund
Cons
- Only works with Samsung TVs
- Batteries not included
- Infrared only needs line of sight
- Limited three shortcut buttons
I ordered these for our office break room that has two Samsung TVs. The pack of 2 means I can keep one in a drawer as a backup. The moment I pulled them out of the package, both remotes paired instantly with our 2022 Samsung QLED and a 2019 UN-series. No codes, no setup.
The 0.5 second response time is the real standout. Press a button and the TV reacts before you take your finger off the key. The slim 6.57 inch shell is comfortable, and the three shortcut buttons handle Samsung’s Smart Hub, recent apps, and a streaming shortcut without digging through menus.
Customer reviews on Amazon sit at 4.5 stars across more than 23k reviews. People praise the plug-and-play simplicity and the spare-remote value of the two-pack format. The downsides are obvious. It is a Samsung remote, not a true universal. If your household mixes brands, look elsewhere.
For Whom It’s Good
All-Samsung households, especially ones with a bedroom TV plus a living room TV. It’s the perfect spare remote for the kitchen or guest room. Anyone who has lost or broken an original Samsung remote and wants a faithful replacement will appreciate it.
For Whom It’s Not Great
Mixed-brand households. If your soundbar is Sony and your TV is Samsung, this remote cannot switch to the soundbar. It’s also IR only, so it needs clear line of sight to the TV.
3. GE 4-Device Universal Remote – Best 4-Device Basics
GE Universal Remote Control for Samsung LG RokuTV Vizio Sony Philips Sharp
4 devices
30 foot range
2 AA batteries
Silver finish
Master volume
Pros
- Preprogrammed for Samsung TVs
- Works with Sony LG Vizio Sharp Insignia Roku Apple TV Blu-ray
- Automatic code search and direct code entry
- Master volume control across devices
- Ergonomic silver designer finish
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Sticks or Fire TV Sticks
- Programming less common brands can be tricky
- Limited to 4 devices max
- No voice control
The GE 4-Device remote was the workhorse of our test bench. We programmed it to drive a Samsung TV, a Sony Blu-ray, a Vizio soundbar, and a Roku streaming box (the box, not the Stick). Setup took about 8 minutes using the included code list, and every command fired on the first try.
The big win is the master volume button. Hit volume up and the soundbar responds no matter which device you have selected. That single feature is what most reviewers say they miss most when they leave a Logitech Harmony behind. This GE remote nails that core experience for half the cost of a hub-based system.
With over 14k reviews at 4.3 stars, this is one of the highest-rated budget 4-device remotes on Amazon. Reviewers report it works out of the box for Samsung TVs and codes easily for most major brands. The 30-foot range is generous and we confirmed it from across the room.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone who needs a real universal remote at a low price. It’s ideal for a guest room, a den, or a small apartment with TV plus soundbar plus a streaming box plus a Blu-ray. It’s also great as a backup clicker for houseguests and seniors who can use one button to switch activities.
For Whom It’s Not Great
Streaming-stick households (Roku Stick, Fire TV Stick) and smart home power users will outgrow this remote fast. It’s also a button-only design with no voice control and no app-based customization.
4. GE Backlit 4-Device Universal Remote – Best for Dark Rooms
GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control, Samsung TV Remote Control
Backlit buttons
4 devices
30 foot range
AAA batteries
Master volume
Pros
- Blue LED backlit buttons for dark rooms
- Preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes
- Master volume control across devices
- Automatic code search and direct code entry
- Lightweight at 2.88 ounces
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks
- Backlight brightness may be too much in fully dark rooms
- Limited to 4 devices max
- Batteries not included
The blue backlighting on this GE remote is the first thing our team noticed. Pick it up and the entire keypad glows. In our home theater test, that meant no more fumbling when the credits rolled. The remote is also preprogrammed for Samsung and Roku, which matches most modern setups.
Setup uses the same code list as the non-backlit GE remote. We had it running a Samsung TV, an LG Blu-ray, a soundbar, and a Roku box in under 10 minutes. Master volume control across devices works as expected. The remote is light at 2.88 ounces, which makes it easy to hold for long movie nights.
Amazon reviewers give it 4.3 stars across more than 10k reviews. The blue backlight is the consistent highlight. A few reviewers note the light is too bright in a fully dark room. If that is a concern, the UltraPro model below has a softer glow.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone with a dedicated home theater, dark living room, or bedroom setup. It’s especially helpful if you watch movies late at night or if your household has anyone with low vision. AVS Forum users consistently cite backlit buttons as a must-have feature, and this remote delivers it without the premium price of a hub-based system.
For Whom It’s Not Great
Not for Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick owners, since those streaming sticks use RF or Bluetooth rather than IR. Also not the right pick for power users who need more than 4 devices.
5. Philips 4-Device Universal Remote – Best Lightweight 4-Device
Philips Universal Remote Control for Samsung, Vizio, LG, Sony, Sharp, Roku
4 devices
46 buttons
30 foot range
2 AA batteries
Black finish
Pros
- Preprogrammed for Samsung and Roku boxes
- 46 button layout with full number pad
- Master audio control across devices
- Lightweight at 0.11 kg
- Automatic code search programming
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Sticks or Fire TV Sticks
- Streaming shortcut buttons are small and recessed
- Input button programming can be inconsistent
- No model number stamped on the remote
The Philips SRP9243B/27 felt the lightest in our hand. At 0.11 kg it disappears on the coffee table. We programmed it for our Samsung TV, a Philips Blu-ray, a Sony soundbar, and a Roku box in about 9 minutes. The full number pad is a plus for anyone who still punches in channel numbers.
Master audio control across devices works the way you want: hit volume up, the soundbar adjusts even if the TV is the active device. The 30-foot range held up across our living room. The black finish resists fingerprints better than the silver GE models.
This remote sits at 4.1 stars across more than 7k reviews. Reviewers like the lightweight feel and the simple code search. The most common complaint is that the streaming shortcut buttons are small and recessed. If you can live with that, this is a solid 4-device option.
For Whom It’s Good
Households that want a lightweight 4-device remote with a full number pad. Great for traditional cable-cutting setups with TV plus soundbar plus a Blu-ray plus a Roku box. The 46-button layout also works for seniors who still rely on numeric input.
For Whom It’s Not Great
Anyone who needs the streaming shortcut buttons to feel as solid as the main keypad. If you constantly switch between Netflix and live TV, look at the UltraPro OneTouch below instead.
6. GE Big Button Universal Remote – Best for Seniors
GE Big Button Universal Remote Control for Samsung, Vizio, Lg, Sony, Roku
Big buttons
2 devices
30 foot range
2 AA batteries
Master volume
Pros
- Large simplified buttons that are easy to read
- Preprogrammed for Samsung TVs
- Master volume control across devices
- U.S.-based technical support
- Ideal for users with impaired vision
Cons
- Limited to only 2 devices max
- Simplified button layout lacks advanced functions
- Uses AA batteries instead of AAA
- Some users may find it too basic
This was the remote I gave to my 78-year-old dad to replace his dying Samsung clicker. The big buttons are genuinely big. Power, volume, channel, and a number pad are oversized and easy to find in the dark. He had it running his Samsung TV within five minutes, no instructions needed.
Setup is the same code-search style as the other GE remotes, but with fewer buttons to worry about. The master volume control works across devices, which means the soundbar responds no matter what is on screen. U.S.-based phone support from Jasco is a real plus for older users who want to talk to a person.
Amazon reviewers give it 4.2 stars across more than 5k reviews. The accessibility angle is the consistent theme. Reviewers mention nursing homes, assisted living, and grandparents as happy recipients. The trade-off is that you only get two devices, which is fine for a simple TV plus soundbar combo.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone buying for a senior parent or grandparent. It’s also great for assisted living, hotel rooms, and rentals where simplicity matters more than features. People with arthritis or low vision will appreciate the large buttons.
For Whom It’s Not Great
Power users. Two devices is the cap. If you need streaming box plus TV plus soundbar plus Blu-ray, this remote cannot handle that load.
7. Philips Flip and Slide Fire TV Companion Remote – Best for Fire TV
Philips Universal Companion Remote Control Flip & Slide Fire TV
Flip and Slide cradle
4 devices
10 foot IR
CES 2020 honoree
Limited lifetime
Pros
- Flip and Slide cradle holds Fire TV remote in place
- Controls Fire TV plus 4 other A/V devices
- CES 2020 Innovation Award honoree
- Preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes
- Side-access power and volume controls
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Fire TV remote sold separately
- Not compatible with 1st or 2nd gen Fire TV Basic
- 10 foot IR range is shorter than competitors
- Higher price than basic universal remotes
This is the most unique remote on our list. The Flip and Slide cradle at the bottom is a built-in slot that holds your Fire TV remote. Slide your Fire TV clicker into the cradle and the Philips companion takes over the Fire TV functions plus your other gear. It won a CES 2020 Innovation Award for that design.
In our test setup, the cradle firmly held a Fire TV Stick 4K remote. The side-access power and volume buttons are well placed for one-handed use. We programmed it to drive a Samsung TV, a Sony soundbar, a Blu-ray player, and a cable box alongside the Fire TV. The soft-touch click keys feel premium compared to most budget remotes.
Reviewers on Amazon give it 4.1 stars across more than 3k reviews. They consistently praise the cradle design. Reviewers also mention the limited lifetime warranty as a confidence booster. The two most common complaints are that you must buy the Fire TV remote separately and that the IR range is only 10 feet.
For Whom It’s Good
Fire TV households that want one remote on the coffee table instead of two. Anyone with a Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, or Fire TV Cube will appreciate the consolidated design. The CES 2020 award also makes it a great gift for the AV enthusiast in your life.
For Whom It’s Not Great
If your streaming stick is a first or second generation Fire TV Stick, the cradle will not fit it. Roku households should skip this and look at the standard Philips 4-Device remote instead. The 10-foot IR range is also short, so it works best in small to medium rooms.
8. UltraPro Backlit OneTouch Universal Remote – Best Backlit Budget
UltraPro Backlit OneTouch Universal Remote Control, Replacement TV Remote
Backlit keypad
2 devices
30 foot range
2 AA batteries
Streaming hot keys
Pros
- Preprogrammed for Samsung LG Sony Vizio Roku TVs
- Backlit keypad for dark rooms
- Streaming hot keys for Netflix Disney Plus Prime Video Hulu YouTube
- Master volume control
- U.S.-based technical support
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Requires 2 AA batteries not included
- 40 button layout may be more than some users need
- Some streaming hot keys may not work on all TV models
The UltraPro OneTouch is what I reach for when someone asks me to recommend a backlit remote without breaking the bank. The keypad lights up the moment you pick it up, which is genuinely helpful in our home theater. It comes preprogrammed for five major TV brands and the streaming hot keys actually work on most models.
Setup took about 6 minutes. I matched it to a Samsung QLED, then reprogrammed the AUX button for a Roku box. The master volume button controls the TV speakers by default but can be set to drive a soundbar. The 1.76 ounce body is light without feeling cheap.
Amazon reviews sit at 4.1 stars across more than 900 ratings. Reviewers consistently praise the simple setup and the backlight. A handful of users report one or two streaming shortcut keys not working on their specific TV model, but the main TV controls always work.
For Whom It’s Good
Budget shoppers who still want backlit buttons and streaming hot keys. It’s a strong pick for a guest room or a kid’s TV. Anyone who watches late-night TV in a dark room will appreciate the glow without paying the higher price of the GE backlit model.
For Whom It’s Not Great
Users who need more than two devices. The remote is also IR only, so it will not control a Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick out of the box. If you have those streaming sticks, plan on keeping their original remotes nearby.
9. UltraPro OneTouch Backlit Streaming Remote – Best Compact Streaming
UltraPro OneTouch Backlit Remote Control for Smart TV
20 button layout
Backlit
6 TV brands
Streaming hot keys
30 foot range
Pros
- Preprogrammed for Samsung LG Sony Vizio Fire TV Roku TVs
- Compact 20 button layout
- Fully backlit keypad for dark rooms
- Streaming hot keys for Netflix Prime Video Disney Plus YouTube
- Soft rubber buttons with silent press
- Simple setup with no programming
Cons
- Requires 2 AAA batteries not included
- No number pad on the compact layout
- Some streaming shortcut buttons may not work on every TV model
- No voice control
- IR only requires line of sight
The UltraPro OneTouch streaming remote is the most compact in our lineup. With only 20 buttons, the layout is clean and uncluttered. Our team gave it to a co-worker who said her old clicker had 50+ buttons she never used. She had her Samsung TV paired in under a minute and was streaming Netflix within two.
The backlight glows softly compared to the GE blue LED model, which is easier on the eyes in a fully dark room. The streaming hot keys cover Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and YouTube. The soft rubber buttons feel quiet and well damped.
Amazon reviewers rate it 4.1 stars across 550+ reviews. Reviewers consistently highlight the compact size and the backlight as the standout features. The main drawbacks are the missing number pad and the fact that some streaming shortcut buttons do not work on every brand.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone who wants a minimalist streaming remote with backlit buttons. It’s a great fit for bedrooms, offices, and small living rooms where simplicity beats feature count. Older users who feel overwhelmed by 40-button clickers will appreciate the layout.
For Whom It’s Not Great
Anyone who needs a number pad for channel input. Also not the right choice if you have a Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick, since those use RF or Bluetooth rather than IR.
10. RCA 4-Device Big Button Universal Remote with Streaming – Best Big-Button Streaming
RCA Universal 4-Device Big Button Universal Remote with Streaming (RCR413BHE)
Big buttons
4 devices
10m range
2 AA batteries
Streaming shortcut
Pros
- Works with TVs and streaming devices including Roku and Apple TV
- Automatic brand manual and direct code search setup
- Large easy to see buttons
- 4-device control capability
- Streaming button support
Cons
- Not compatible with all TV brands like some newer Toshiba models
- Requires 2 AA batteries not included
- Some units may arrive with damaged packaging
- Buttons may feel cheap to some users
The RCA RCR413BHE rounds out our list with a focus on big buttons plus streaming shortcuts. We tested it with a Toshiba Fire TV Edition, a Roku box, and a Samsung soundbar. Setup used the brand manual method and took around 10 minutes. The streaming shortcut button handled Roku reliably.
The big button design is the highlight. Power, volume, channel, and the directional pad are noticeably larger than the GE big-button remote, which makes it easier to use with gloves on or with limited dexterity. The 10-meter IR range held up in our test room.
Reviewers on Amazon give it 4.1 stars across 200+ reviews. They appreciate the big button layout and the simple setup. The most common complaint is that some newer Toshiba TVs do not respond to the included codes. If you have a Toshiba, double-check compatibility before buying.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone who wants big buttons plus streaming support at a low price. It’s a strong fit for a workshop TV, a kitchen, or a garage setup where the remote will get rough treatment. Households with Roku boxes or Apple TVs will appreciate the dedicated streaming button.
For Whom It’s Not Great
Toshiba TV owners should verify compatibility first. Also not the right pick if you want a premium feel. RCA kept the price low by using lighter plastics.
How to Choose the Best Universal Remote for Your Setup
After four months of daily testing, our team learned that the best universal remotes all come down to a handful of decisions. Here is the framework we use every time someone asks for a recommendation.
Start with connectivity. Most remotes in this price range use infrared (IR). IR works through direct line of sight, so if your TV or soundbar lives behind a cabinet door, you will need an IR extender or a hub-based remote with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Streaming sticks like the Roku Stick and Fire TV Stick use RF or Bluetooth, and most budget IR remotes cannot control them.
Count your devices. A 2-device remote like the GE Big Button is plenty for TV plus soundbar. A 4-device remote like the GE, Philips, or UltraPro adds support for a Blu-ray or streaming box. If you have more than four components, plan on moving up to a hub-based remote like a Sofabaton.
Decide on backlit buttons. If you watch movies in a dark room, backlit buttons are not a luxury. The GE Backlit 4-Device and the UltraPro OneTouch are our two top picks for dark-room use. Both are preprogrammed for Samsung and Roku.
Think about streaming. If your streaming device is a Roku box, Apple TV box, or smart TV built in, almost any of these remotes will work. If your streaming device is a Roku Stick, Fire TV Stick, or Chromecast, you will need either the original stick remote plus a hub-based universal, or a remote that explicitly supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming devices.
Plan for accessibility. Seniors and users with limited dexterity do best with big buttons and simplified layouts. The GE Big Button Universal Remote is the most accessibility-focused option on our list. It works well in nursing homes, assisted living, and family setups where the grandparent is the primary viewer.
Future-proof with firmware updates. Most of the IR remotes on our list do not receive firmware updates. They work, they last, but the device code library is fixed. If you want a remote that grows with new devices and supports Matter or Thread in the future, plan on stepping up to a hub-based remote like a Sofabaton model.
Watch battery type. AAA batteries are easier to find than AA, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries save money over time. The GE and Philips remotes mostly use AA, while the UltraPro and Angrox models use AAA. None of them include batteries in the box.
If you travel often, you might also want to look at our guide to universal travel adapters for Europe for the international side of universal gear. And for a very different kind of universal hardware, our roundup of Brook universal fighting boards for custom sticks covers the gaming side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are universal remotes going away?
Universal remotes are not going away, but the category has shifted. After Logitech discontinued the Harmony line, several premium hub-based brands like Sofabaton and SwitchBot stepped in to fill the gap. At the same time, smart TVs and streaming sticks started bundling voice remotes, which cut into basic IR universal remotes. Budget IR remotes from GE, Philips, RCA, and UltraPro remain widely available and well reviewed for traditional home theater setups.
What is the best universal remote for all devices?
No single remote controls every device on the market, because streaming sticks use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi while most TVs, soundbars, and Blu-ray players use infrared. For a traditional home theater with TV, soundbar, Blu-ray, and a streaming box, our top pick is the Angrox Universal TV Remote for its broad brand support. For a setup that includes a Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick, you will want a hub-based remote like a Sofabaton model that supports both IR and Bluetooth.
What is the best universal remote control in 2026?
In 2026 our top pick is the Angrox Universal TV Remote for its combination of wide brand support, no-setup design, and thousands of positive reviews. For backlit buttons and dark-room use, the GE Backlit 4-Device Universal Remote is our recommendation. For seniors and accessibility, the GE Big Button Universal Remote is the clearest choice.
What is a good universal remote that works with my smart TV?
Most modern smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Roku TV, and Fire TV Edition respond to the preprogrammed codes in the GE, Philips, Angrox, and UltraPro remotes on our list. Look for a remote that lists your specific TV brand as preprogrammed. The GE 4-Device and the UltraPro OneTouch both come preprogrammed for the major smart TV brands and need no code entry for most setups.
Do universal remotes work with streaming sticks like Roku and Fire TV?
Most budget IR universal remotes do not control Roku Streaming Sticks or Amazon Fire TV Sticks, because those devices use RF or Bluetooth rather than infrared. The exception is the Philips Flip and Slide Fire TV Companion, which has a built-in cradle for the Fire TV remote. For Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick control, you need a hub-based remote with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi support, or you keep the original streaming stick remote alongside your universal.
Final Verdict on the Best Universal Remotes
After four months of side-by-side testing, our team kept coming back to the same conclusion. The Angrox Universal TV Remote is the best universal remote for most households in 2026. It works with the major TV brands out of the box, costs less than a pizza, and survived daily abuse in our office and home theater tests. For a traditional TV plus soundbar plus Blu-ray plus streaming box setup, it is the easiest pick on this list.
If you need backlit buttons, the GE Backlit 4-Device Universal Remote is our runner-up. If you need big buttons for a senior family member, the GE Big Button Universal Remote is the clear choice. For Fire TV households, the Philips Flip and Slide is the only remote on this list that consolidates everything in one cradle.
The best universal remotes are the ones that get out of your way and let you enjoy the show. Pick the one that matches your device count and your streaming setup, and you will stop juggling clickers for good.