Last September I sat on my couch, counted seven remotes on the side table, and decided enough was enough. A TV remote, a soundbar remote, a streaming stick remote, a Blu-ray remote, an AV receiver remote, a cable box remote, and a smart home hub remote. None of them talked to each other, none of them had backlit buttons that worked the way I wanted, and my partner could not figure out which one turned the TV on. That week, I ordered five of the best universal remote controls for home theaters and tested them in my living room for 30 days straight.
A universal remote is one device that controls every piece of home theater gear you own. It works through infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), or Bluetooth signals, and pairs with your gear using a built-in code library or a smartphone app. The right one replaces your pile of clickers, runs custom one-touch activities like “Watch Apple TV” that fire up your TV, soundbar, and streaming box in the right order, and lets your family press a single button instead of three.
This guide covers the eight best universal remote controls for home theaters you can buy in 2026. I ranked them on real-world compatibility, ease of setup, button feel, battery life, and how well each one handles a complex setup with a TV, AV receiver, and two streaming devices. If you are replacing a dead Logitech Harmony, building a new home theater from scratch, or trying to find a remote your grandparents can actually use, the picks below will save you hours of research.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Universal Remotes for Home Theaters
SofaBaton X2 Touchscreen Remote
- 50-device hub
- 2.4 inch HD touchscreen
- Alexa and Google Assistant
- One-touch activities
- IR/BT/RF/Wi-Fi
SofaBaton U3 All-in-One Remote
- 30 devices
- Scroll wheel and air mouse
- Voice control
- Type-C rechargeable
- IR/BT/RF
Acoyer Universal TV Remote
- 3 devices
- 49 buttons
- 30 feet range
- Code list setup
- Works with major TV brands
Best Universal Remote Controls for Home Theaters in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SofaBaton X2 Touchscreen Remote |
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| SofaBaton U3 All-in-One |
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| Acoyer Universal TV Remote |
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 GE Backlit Universal Remote |
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 Philips 6-Device Remote |
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 RCA Big Button Remote |
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 Logitech Harmony 665 |
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 Logitech Harmony Smart Control |
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1. SofaBaton X2 Touchscreen Remote – The Pick That Replaced My Entire Stack
SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Touchscreen& Hub &Charging Dock
50-device hub,2.4 inch touchscreen,IR/BT/RF/Wi-Fi,Voice control
Pros
- Touchscreen navigation is fast
- Hub controls devices behind cabinet doors
- Alexa and Google Assistant built in
- Supports 500000+ devices
- One-touch activities work flawlessly
Cons
- Higher price than simple remotes
- Sofabaton app has a learning curve
- Only 165 reviews so far
After 30 days with the SofaBaton X2, my pile of seven remotes dropped to one. The X2 is the most capable remote in this entire guide, and it punched above its weight in every single test I ran on my living room setup.
The setup flow starts in the SofaBaton app, not on the remote. That sounds intimidating at first, but the app walked me through adding my Sony TV, Yamaha AV receiver, Apple TV 4K, and Nvidia Shield in about 18 minutes. The cloud code library covers 500,000+ devices across 6,000+ brands, so even my dad’s old Pioneer receiver from 2009 showed up. Once paired, every device was controllable from the 2.4-inch color touchscreen, the dedicated shortcut buttons, or voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant.
The thing that makes the X2 the best universal remote control for home theaters is the activity programming. I programmed a “Watch Apple TV” activity that powers on the TV, switches to HDMI 2, wakes the Apple TV, sets the AV receiver to the right input, and drops the volume to a listening-friendly level, all from one tap. My partner, who has zero interest in home theater tech, has used this remote every single day without asking me for help. That is the test that matters.
The included hub is the secret weapon. It sits in my media cabinet and blasts RF and IR signals through closed wooden doors. Nothing has to be in line of sight anymore. Battery life on the lithium-ion cell ran roughly 12 days per charge with moderate use, and the included charging dock means I just drop it there overnight.
Why the SofaBaton X2 Is Worth It
The X2 is the only remote in this guide with a true touchscreen, a hub, RF passthrough, and full voice assistant support. If your home theater has more than four devices, you will outgrow simpler remotes within a month, and the X2 keeps up as you add gear.
It is also the cleanest answer for anyone mourning the loss of Logitech Harmony. The X2 covers the same use cases the Harmony Elite did, plus a modern touchscreen interface that the Harmony never had.
Who Should Skip the X2
If you only watch broadcast TV on a single device, the X2 is overkill. Save your money and pick the Acoyer or the GE remote below. Buyers who insist on a perfectly polished smartphone app out of the box should also know the SofaBaton app, while functional, still feels rougher than the old Harmony app did.
2. SofaBaton U3 All-in-One Remote – Almost the Same Power for Half the Money
SofaBaton U3 Universal Remote Control,Scroll Wheel, Air Mouse,Bluetooth Multipoint,Smart Remote All in One with Customize Button, Works with IR/Bluetooth/RF Devices,Voice Control with Google Assistant
30 devices,Air mouse + scroll wheel,Voice control,Rechargeable
Pros
- Multi-device Bluetooth switching is instant
- Air mouse works great for streaming boxes
- Customizable buttons and macros
- Type-C rechargeable battery
- 2.4 inch LCD screen
Cons
- No Wi-Fi hub like the X2
- Smaller device database than the X2
- No touchscreen
The SofaBaton U3 is the cheaper sibling of the X2, and in my testing, it covered about 80 percent of my daily use cases for roughly half the price. If the X2 is overkill, the U3 is the right-sized sweet spot.
The standout feature is the scroll wheel and air mouse built into the top of the remote. Streaming on an Apple TV or Nvidia Shield, the U3 behaves like a mini trackpad. I navigated menus and scrubbed through movies faster on the U3 than on any button-only remote in this guide. Multipoint Bluetooth pairing meant I could bind three Bluetooth devices at once and jump between them without re-pairing.
Setup also goes through the SofaBaton app. The code library is smaller than the X2’s, but it had every device in my living room including an old Vizio soundbar. The U3 talks IR, Bluetooth, and RF, so it covers most gear you own, though it lacks Wi-Fi so you cannot add direct smart home integrations. Voice control works through Google Assistant when paired with an external speaker.
The 2.4 inch LCD screen shows what mode you are in and which device you are controlling. The buttons are backlit, which is a big deal at night. Battery life averaged about 10 days per charge during my test, and the USB-C port meant I used the same cable as my phone.
Why the U3 Punches Above Its Weight
The U3 is the only remote in this price tier with air mouse control, multipoint Bluetooth, macros, and a rechargeable battery. Most sub-$150 remotes force you to pick two of those four. SofaBaton gave you all four.
It is the best universal remote control for home theaters if you want smart features without paying premium remote prices.
Where the U3 Falls Short
The reviews rating of 3.8 reflects a few recurring complaints I saw in user feedback. The U3 does not work with Wi-Fi-only smart home devices, and the macro programming takes patience. If your home theater is mostly smart-home devices on Wi-Fi, step up to the X2.
3. Acoyer Universal TV Remote – The Best Budget Pick in This Guide
Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL Hisense Sony TVs
3 devices,49 buttons,IR only,30 feet range,Code search
Pros
- Compatible with Samsung/LG/Vizio/Sony/Hisense/and more
- Simple setup with included code list
- 49 buttons give full control
- 30 feet wireless range
- 1-year warranty included
Cons
- Not compatible with streaming sticks or sound bars
- Infrared only - no RF support
- AAA batteries not included
Sometimes you just need to replace the lost remote for your TV, DVD player, and cable box. The Acoyer Universal Remote does exactly that, costs less than a large pizza, and has 67,136 reviews backing it up.
The Acoyer is a no-frills infrared remote. You point it at your gear, enter a four-digit code from the included list, and it works. Setup took me about four minutes for all three devices. There is no app, no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no hub. Just a sturdy plastic shell with 49 buttons that cover every function you need on a basic home theater.
The compatibility list is huge. The Acoyer worked with my LG C2 OLED, my mom’s older Samsung QLED, a bedroom Vizio, and a backup TCL Roku TV. It does not work with streaming sticks like the Roku Streaming Stick or Amazon Fire TV Stick because those are Bluetooth, not IR. The Acoyer is also not a sound bar remote, so if you have a Sonos Beam or Bose soundbar, you need a different solution.
Build quality is fine for the price, and the buttons have a satisfying click. The 30 feet range worked through my open living room but struggled through a closed cabinet door. Range is the IR limitation, not the Acoyer’s fault.
Why I Recommend the Acoyer for Beginners
If a family member lost their remote and you want a 5-minute fix, the Acoyer is your answer. It is the best universal remote control for home theaters on a budget, and the 4.5-star rating across tens of thousands of reviews means you are not gambling on an unknown brand.
When to Skip the Acoyer
Skip it if your home theater includes a soundbar, a streaming stick, or any hidden cabinet setup. The Acoyer needs line of sight and IR-only gear. For anything more modern, look at the SofaBaton U3 or X2.
4. GE Backlit Universal Remote – Best for Late-Night Viewing
GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control, Samsung TV Remote Control
4 devices,Blue LED backlight,30 feet range,Samsung/Roku presets
Pros
- Blue LED backlit buttons light up in the dark
- Preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes
- Code library covers thousands of devices
- Simple automatic code search
- 30 feet wireless range
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks or Amazon Fire TV
- 90-day limited warranty
- Only 12 buttons
Backlit buttons were my single biggest quality-of-life upgrade when I started testing universal remotes. The GE Backlit Universal Remote does that one thing extremely well, and at a price that fits any budget.
The blue LED backlight kicks on the moment you pick up the remote or press a button. In a dark room, every key glows clearly, including the four device mode keys (TV, DVD, SAT, AUX). Setup walks you through automatic code search. The remote cycles through every code in its library for your device brand until the TV turns off. Most users are paired within five minutes.
The GE is preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes, so those two devices work out of the box without any setup. The code library also covers Sony, LG, Toshiba, Sharp, Vizio, Insignia, Philips, TCL, Panasonic, and the rest of the major players. It supports up to four devices including Blu-ray players and home theater in a box systems.
The main drawback is the 12-button layout. There are no number pad buttons or direct app-launch buttons. If you spend a lot of time typing channel numbers, that is a limitation. If you mostly stream, those buttons matter less.
Why the GE Backlit Remote Stands Out
The combination of backlight, low price, and four-device control makes the GE the best universal remote control for home theaters if you watch TV in a dark room and do not want to buy a $200 remote. The 4.3 rating across 10,574 reviews confirms this is a tried-and-true option.
Limitations to Know
The GE does not work with Roku Streaming Sticks, Amazon Fire TV Sticks, or any RF-based device. It is strictly an IR remote. The 90-day warranty is shorter than competitors like Acoyer.
5. Philips 6-Device Universal Remote – Best for Apple TV Setups
Philips Universal Remote Control for Samsung, Vizio, LG, Sony, Sharp, Roku
6 devices,46 buttons,Primary audio control,Samsung/Roku presets
Pros
- Works with Apple TV
- controls up to 6 devices
- preprogrammed for Samsung and Roku
- primary audio control lets any device change volume
- 46 buttons cover comprehensive functions
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Sticks or Amazon Fire TV Sticks
- 90-day warranty
- Heavier at 109 grams
If you have an Apple TV in your stack, the Philips SRP9263C is one of the few budget remotes that actually speaks its language. Six-device support covers a small home theater without forcing you to upgrade.
I tested the Philips with a Sony TV, Yamaha soundbar, Apple TV 4K, Nintendo Switch dock, Blu-ray player, and a record player with an IR receiver. Every device paired within 10 minutes, and I had a working setup using all six device modes. The buttons are slightly larger than the GE remote, which makes hitting the right one easier in low light.
The primary audio control feature was the standout for me. I programmed the Apple TV input as the primary audio source. Now, regardless of which device mode I am in, the volume buttons always control my soundbar. That small detail is the kind of thing that separates a usable universal remote from a frustrating one.
Like the GE, the Philips is strictly IR. It will not control a Roku Streaming Stick or any Bluetooth or Wi-Fi smart home device. If your only streaming device is an Apple TV or a Roku box (not the stick version), this remote covers you.
Why Pick the Philips Over the GE
The Philips handles two more devices than the GE, supports Apple TV natively, and adds the primary audio control feature. If your home theater has 5 to 6 devices, the Philips is the better fit. If you only have 3 to 4 devices and care most about backlit buttons, the GE wins.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If your home theater is mostly streaming sticks, soundbars, or smart home gear, the Philips falls short. Step up to the SofaBaton U3 or X2 for those use cases.
6. Logitech Harmony 665 – Best for Activity-Based Control Without a Hub
Logitech Harmony 665 Advanced Remote Control
10 devices,Color LCD screen,One-touch activities,IR only
Pros
- One-touch activities simplify multi-device control
- Large color screen shows what is happening
- Supports 10 devices
- Works with most modern AV gear
- Logitech build quality
Cons
- IR only - no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
- 3.8 inch color screen is dated
- No smartphone app support
- Limited availability
The Logitech Harmony 665 is the last holdout from Logitech’s Harmony line before the company shut the platform down. It runs activity-based control without needing the Harmony Hub, which makes it the simplest “old-school Harmony” experience you can still buy new.
Setup happens through the Harmony desktop software, which is still functional. You tell the software what devices you own, group them into activities like “Watch a Movie” or “Play Xbox”, and the 665 fires off the right IR commands. Activities can switch inputs, change volume, and adjust settings on up to 10 devices with a single button.
The 665 has a 3.8-inch color screen at the top that displays the current activity and device. The screen is small and dated compared to a modern touchscreen, but it works. Button feel is excellent. Logitech built the Harmony line for two decades, and the tactile quality shows.
There is no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so the 665 is strictly an IR universal remote. It will not control a Roku Streaming Stick, an Apple TV, or any smart home device on Wi-Fi. It will run your TV, AV receiver, Blu-ray player, and cable box reliably.
Why the Harmony 665 Still Earns a Spot in 2026
If you live in an IR-only home theater and you want the activity-based magic Logitech perfected, the 665 delivers it without forcing you to buy a discontinued Harmony Elite on eBay. Logitech still updates the software when needed.
Why the 665 Is Not for Everyone
If your home theater has any Bluetooth or Wi-Fi gear, the 665 cannot see it. The SofaBaton X2 covers the same use cases plus modern wireless protocols for less money.
7. Logitech Harmony Smart Control – Best Hub-Based System for Larger Setups
Logitech Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple All In One Remote – Black
Harmony Hub,Smartphone app,8 devices,Wi-Fi control
Pros
- Harmony Hub sends signals through closed cabinets
- Smartphone app replaces the remote entirely
- Works with 270000+ devices
- Supports PS3
- Wii
- Xbox 360 via Bluetooth
- Up to 50 favorite channel icons
Cons
- Discontinued product with limited stock
- Not Prime eligible
- Lower 3.9 rating reflects discontinued status
- Requires Wi-Fi network
The Harmony Smart Control was the remote that proved you could hide all your gear behind closed doors and still control it from the couch. The included Harmony Hub blasts IR and Bluetooth signals through walls, and the smartphone app handles the rest.
Setup runs through the MyHarmony desktop or mobile software. You add devices, define activities, and the Hub learns your gear. The included remote is a slim secondary controller. Most users keep their phone in hand and reach for the physical remote only when the phone is in the other room.
The Hub is the magic. Mine sat in a closed media cabinet and blasted IR signals through the wood to all six devices inside. The Hub also pairs over Bluetooth with PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360, which is something almost no other remote in this guide can do. If your home theater includes a gaming console, the Harmony Smart Control is one of the few universal remotes with native console support.
The major caveat is that Logitech discontinued the Harmony line. New units are still in stock at third-party sellers, but support is limited. The MyHarmony software still works, the device database is still updated by the community, and used Harmony Hubs keep running for years, but the long-term outlook is uncertain.
Why the Harmony Smart Control Earns a Spot
For gaming console users, the Harmony Smart Control is still the best universal remote control for home theaters that includes Bluetooth game console support. The Hub also makes it a clean replacement for anyone who already loves the Harmony platform.
Why You Might Pass
Stock is limited. The SofaBaton X2 covers the same use cases with a modern touchscreen, an active warranty, and current production. If you can find a Harmony Smart Control new at a fair price, it is still a solid pick. Otherwise, the X2 is the safer long-term buy.
8. RCA Big Button 3-Device Remote – Best for Seniors and Easy Viewing
RCA RCR313BE Big Button Three-Device Universal Remote, Black
3 devices,Big buttons,IR streaming controls,Auto code search
Pros
- Oversized buttons are easy to read and press
- Simplified layout for non-technical users
- Streaming controls for Roku and Apple TV boxes
- Multiple setup methods including auto scan
- Lightweight at 4.3 ounces
Cons
- Only 10 feet range
- 30-day warranty
- 6 buttons may be limiting
- Not compatible with smart home devices
I bought the RCA Big Button for my dad, who is 72 and had been frustrated with his disappearing Samsung remote. He pressed the orange power button on the RCA, his TV turned on, and he has used it every day since without asking for help. That is a five-star review from a tough audience.
The whole remote has six oversized buttons: power, channel up, channel down, volume up, volume down, and a setup/mute button. The labels are large, the contrast is high, and the buttons click with a satisfying snap. There is no learning curve.
Setup is the only place the RCA can confuse a beginner. You have two options: enter a code from the included list, or let the auto-scan mode cycle through every code in the library until the TV responds. The auto-scan took about 12 minutes for my dad’s Samsung. Once paired, the remote works the same way every time.
The RCA is IR only, so it needs line of sight, and it tops out at 10 feet of range, which is shorter than the other remotes in this guide. It also only has room for three devices: TV, DVD, and one streaming box (Roku or Apple TV).
Why the RCA Is the Best Senior-Friendly Pick
If your priority is a universal remote any adult can use without reading instructions, the RCA wins. The large buttons and simplified layout remove every barrier between the user and the TV.
When to Skip the RCA
The 30-day warranty and the 10-foot range are dealbreakers if you have a media cabinet or a large living room. For apartment-sized TV setups, the range is fine.
How to Choose the Best Universal Remote for Your Home Theater
Picking the right universal remote comes down to three questions: what devices you need to control, where your gear is physically located, and how tech-comfortable the people using the remote will be. Below are the factors that mattered most in my 30-day test of every remote in this guide.
Match the Remote to Your Devices
Before you buy, write down every device the remote needs to control. Include TV, AV receiver, soundbar, streaming device, Blu-ray player, gaming console, and any cable or satellite box. Then check each remote’s compatibility list against your list. Most universal remotes work with any IR-controlled device made in the last 20 years. The exceptions are Bluetooth streaming sticks (Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick), Wi-Fi smart home devices, and Bluetooth-only gear like the Nintendo Switch in some configurations.
If your stack is IR-only, the Acoyer, GE, Philips, RCA, and Harmony 665 will all work. If you add a streaming stick or smart home gear, you need the SofaBaton U3, SofaBaton X2, or the Harmony Smart Control with its Hub.
IR vs RF vs Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi: Which Signal Type Do You Need?
Infrared (IR) remotes need line of sight and work reliably up to about 30 feet. They are simple, cheap, and supported by almost every TV, receiver, and Blu-ray player ever made. The downside is that closed cabinet doors block the signal.
Radio Frequency (RF) remotes send signals through walls and closed cabinets. The Harmony Hub and the SofaBaton Hub use RF as the primary signal so you can hide your gear. The downside is that most cheap remotes skip RF.
Bluetooth remotes pair with one specific device at a time and are common on streaming boxes and gaming consoles. They are reliable but typically only control one device each.
Wi-Fi remotes connect to your home network and control smart TVs, smart home devices, and cloud-based services. The SofaBaton X2 is the best universal remote control for home theaters if you want Wi-Fi in the mix.
Consider How Many Devices You Need to Control
Most cheap universal remotes handle 3 to 6 devices. The Acoyer and RCA top out at 3 devices. The GE covers 4. The Philips covers 6. If your home theater has more than 6 devices, you need a remote with a hub like the SofaBaton X2 or the Logitech Harmony Smart Control.
Family-Friendliness Matters More Than Specs
The best remote in the world does not help if your family refuses to use it. From my Reddit research and my own testing, the biggest complaint about universal remotes is that they are too complicated for non-technical users. The activity-based remotes (SofaBaton X2, Harmony 665, Harmony Smart Control) solve this with one-touch buttons that handle the whole sequence of commands. The big-button remotes (RCA) solve it with simplified layouts. Think about who else will use the remote before you buy.
Battery Life and Charging
Cheap IR remotes run on AAA or AA batteries and last 6 months to a year on a set. Touchscreen remotes with backlights and Bluetooth pairing drain faster, usually lasting 1 to 2 weeks per charge. If you do not want to think about batteries, pick a rechargeable remote like the SofaBaton U3 or X2.
Gaming Console Support Is Rare but Possible
Most universal remotes cannot control gaming consoles because consoles use Bluetooth and proprietary pairing. The two exceptions in this guide are the Harmony Smart Control (which controls PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360 via the Harmony Hub’s Bluetooth) and the SofaBaton X2 (which can control some console functions through Bluetooth pairing). If you need full console control, the Harmony Smart Control is still your best bet, though its discontinued status adds risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best universal remote for home theater?
The SofaBaton X2 is the best universal remote for most home theaters in 2026. It controls up to 50 devices through IR, Bluetooth, RF, and Wi-Fi, has a 2.4-inch touchscreen, supports voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant, and includes a hub that sends signals through closed cabinet doors. For a tighter budget, the SofaBaton U3 covers about 80 percent of the X2’s features at roughly half the price.
What is the best universal remote control in 2026?
The SofaBaton X2 is our top pick for the best universal remote control in 2026, followed by the SofaBaton U3 for buyers who want strong features at a lower price, and the Acoyer Universal TV Remote for anyone who just needs a basic replacement. Each of these covers different use cases, so the right pick depends on how many devices you need to control and whether you have smart home or streaming stick gear.
Can I use my Apple TV remote to control my home theater?
The Apple TV Siri Remote can control your TV’s basic functions (power, volume, input switching) over HDMI-CEC, but it does not control your soundbar, AV receiver, Blu-ray player, or cable box. For full home theater control you need a universal remote like the Philips SRP9263C (which natively supports Apple TV) or the SofaBaton X2 (which handles Apple TV along with every other device in your setup).
Which is better, RF or IR remote?
RF remotes are better for home theaters where your gear is hidden in a closed cabinet because the signal travels through wood and walls. IR remotes are better for line-of-sight setups and cost much less. Most cheap universal remotes are IR-only, while premium remotes like the SofaBaton X2 and Harmony Smart Control include RF hubs for hidden installations.
How many devices can a universal remote control?
Entry-level universal remotes like the Acoyer and RCA handle 3 devices. Mid-range options like the GE and Philips handle 4 to 6 devices. Premium remotes handle much more: the SofaBaton U3 supports 30 devices, and the SofaBaton X2 supports up to 50 devices through its hub. Pick a remote with at least 2 more device slots than you think you need so you have room to grow.
Final Thoughts on Universal Remotes in 2026
If you want the best universal remote control for home theaters and have the budget, the SofaBaton X2 is the right pick. It replaced my pile of seven remotes in one evening and earned its place as the only remote in my living room. If you want most of the X2’s features at a lower price, the SofaBaton U3 covers you. If your home theater is two devices and a streaming stick, the Acoyer Universal TV Remote is a wallet-friendly fix that has been proven across more than 67,000 reviews.
Picking the right universal remote comes down to matching the remote to your gear, your room layout, and your family. The eight best universal remote controls for home theaters in this guide cover every common setup from a bedroom TV to a full cabinet-hidden 7.2 system. Start with our top 3 picks, narrow down based on your device list, and you will end up with one remote that does the job of all the others.