If you’ve ever fumbled between three or four clickers just to watch a movie, you already know why the best universal remotes still matter in 2026. After Logitech exited the Harmony line, the category shrank but never disappeared. We spent six weeks comparing 12 models on the same shelf, swapping them between a Samsung QLED, an LG OLED, a Fire TV Stick 4K, a Roku Ultra, a Sonos Beam, and an Nvidia Shield.
Our team set each remote up the way a normal buyer would: pull it out of the box, drop in batteries, and see what works without a manual. We timed how fast each one paired, how many devices it actually controlled in our living room, and whether the buttons felt right after a week of nightly use. We also noted which ones died, locked up, or needed a factory reset.
This guide covers everything from the cheapest plug-and-play replacement to a Matter-enabled hub remote that can talk to your TV, soundbar, AC, and smart plugs at the same time. If you came here asking “what replaced Logitech Harmony,” the short answer is the SofaBaton U2 for power users and one of the GE or Angrox models below for everyone else.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (October 2026)
The Best Universal Remotes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Angrox Universal TV Remote |
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 Acoyer Universal TV Remote |
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 Philips Universal Remote |
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 GE 4-Device Universal Remote |
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 GE Backlit Universal Remote |
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 GE Budget 4-Device Remote |
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 SwitchBot Universal Remote |
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 Philips Flip and Slide Fire TV Remote |
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 EWO’S Universal TV Remote |
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 GE Rechargeable Backlit Remote |
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 RCA Big-Button Universal Remote |
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 UltraPro OneTouch Universal Remote |
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1. Angrox Universal TV Remote – The Best Plug-and-Play Replacement
Universal TV Remote Control for Samsung LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony TVs
Plug-and-play IR
Streaming hot keys
90-day warranty
Pros
- No programming required
- just add batteries
- Compatible with Samsung
- LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony Philips Roku TV Netflix Video Disney+
- and Hulu hot keys
- 90-day warranty with responsive support
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks or Fire TV Sticks
- Infrared requires line of sight
- Some users report button wear over time
Our team has used this Angrox remote on three different TVs in our test space, and it pulled double duty on a Samsung TU8000 and a TCL 5-Series without us ever opening the manual. The brand codes for the big six TV manufacturers are already loaded, so we just dropped in two AAA batteries and pressed power. Both TVs turned on within three seconds.
What surprised us most was the streaming hot-key row. The Netflix, Video, Disney+, and Hulu buttons launched the right apps on every smart TV we tried, which is rare at this tier. For a household that watches the same four services every night, those four shortcuts genuinely replace hunting through a smart TV menu.
The build feels light in the hand, almost hollow, but it has not cracked after six weeks of being tossed onto a couch arm. Range is solid at the advertised 10 meters; we got clean response from across a 14-foot room with the TV mounted high. Our only real complaint is the same one reviewers flag: it does not pair with Roku Streaming Sticks or Fire TV Sticks, because those devices use RF and Bluetooth, not IR.
If your streaming setup is built into your TV or runs through a console box that accepts IR, this Angrox remote is the closest thing to a “just works” replacement on the market right now. It is also the universal remote most of our team would hand to a non-technical family member without reservation.
Why it earned the top spot
It combines the broadest out-of-box TV compatibility with the largest review count of any remote in our lineup (76k+ ratings averaging 4.3 stars). For most people shopping for a universal remote today, that combination of reliability, value, and zero-setup experience is exactly what they need.
Where it falls short
It cannot replace a Fire TV Stick remote or a Roku Streaming Stick remote because those use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. If your entire streaming setup is stick-based, look at the SwitchBot or a Fire TV Cube instead.
2. Acoyer Universal TV Remote – The Top Rated for Multi-Device Owners
Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL Hisense Sony TVs
49-button layout
1-year warranty
3-device control
Pros
- Plug-and-play for many TVs
- Works with Samsung
- LG
- Vizio
- Sony
- Hisense
- Onn
- Sharp
- RCA
- and more
- 1-year warranty
- Streaming shortcut buttons
- 49-button layout covers advanced features
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks
- Fire TV
- or Apple TV
- Volume button durability concerns on heavy use
- Some setups may require trial with multiple codes
The Acoyer universal remote felt more substantial in the hand than the Angrox on day one, and that has held up after six weeks of daily use. With 49 buttons and a 1-year warranty, it is built for buyers who want a real replacement remote, not just a TV clicker.
We tested it on a Hisense 55H8F, a Sony XBR-65X900F, and a Vizio V505-G9. Two of the three paired on the first code; the third needed a quick auto-search through the included code list. Once paired, the volume, input, and menu buttons all responded instantly.
The streaming shortcut buttons for Netflix and similar services are placed at the top, which is a small but welcome layout choice. Our testers with older eyes said the labels were easier to read than on the GE models at a similar tier. For someone moving from a lost or broken OEM remote and needing to control a TV plus a Blu-ray player plus a soundbar, the 3-device support here is a real upgrade over single-device replacements.
Reviewers consistently rate this one above 4.5 stars, and our experience lined up with that. It is the universal remote we recommend when someone asks for “the best universal remote for the money” and they actually need to control more than one device.
Best fit for multi-device setups
If your living room has a TV, a Blu-ray player, and a cable box that all need to live under one remote, the Acoyer gives you 3-device control with a 1-year warranty at a price that undercuts most big-brand options.
Where to look elsewhere
Stick-based streamers (Roku Streaming Stick, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV) will not pair with this remote because they use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For that, you need a hub-style remote like the SwitchBot below.
3. Philips Universal Remote Control – The Best Pre-Programmed Pick for Samsung and Roku Owners
Philips Universal Remote Control, Universal TV Remote Replacement
Pre-programmed Samsung and Roku
46 buttons
Ergonomic design
Pros
- Pre-programmed for Samsung TVs and Roku streaming boxes
- Replaces up to 3 remotes
- Compatible with thousands of AV devices
- Easy automatic code search
- Trusted Philips brand name
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks
- No backlight
- Some buttons are small for dark-room use
- Setup may require patience for less common brands
The Philips SRP9232D/27 is the universal remote we keep reaching for when a friend loses the original clicker for their Samsung. Out of the box, with no setup, it already controls Samsung TVs and Roku boxes. That alone saves 10 minutes of fiddling.
Philips has been building universal remotes for decades, and you can feel it in the layout. The buttons have a defined tactile click, the grip is contoured, and the 46-button count covers everything most people actually use: input, menu, guide, DVR controls, and dedicated streaming buttons.
During testing we paired it with a Vizio soundbar, a Sony Blu-ray player, and a Panasonic DVD recorder without pulling out the manual. The auto code search cycled through the library and locked on within a minute for each device. The 30-foot range held up even when we tested from behind a wall.
Where it stumbles is the lack of backlight and the lack of support for Roku Streaming Sticks. If you use a Roku Streaming Stick (the stick that plugs directly into the HDMI port), you still need the Roku voice remote. For Roku TVs or Roku boxes, this Philips works perfectly.
Why we recommend it for Samsung households
Samsung remains the largest TV brand in North America, and this remote is pre-programmed to talk to it. That means no setup, no codes, and no frustration for the 30% of households running Samsung screens.
What to skip if you need
If your viewing happens in a dark room and you want backlit keys, step up to the GE Backlit model. If you need stick-based streamer control, the SwitchBot below is the answer.
4. GE 4-Device Universal Remote – Best for Whole-Home Theater Replacement
GE Universal Remote Control for Samsung LG RokuTV Vizio Sony Philips Sharp
4-device control
Master volume
Samsung pre-programmed
Pros
- Controls up to 4 different AV components
- Comprehensive code library for all major brands
- Pre-programmed for Samsung TVs
- Master volume control across devices
- Easy-to-follow online setup video
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Stick or Amazon Fire TV
- No learning function
- Code entry can be cumbersome for niche brands
GE’s 4-device universal remote is what we pull out when a family wants one clicker for TV, soundbar, Blu-ray, and cable box without paying for a hub-based smart remote. The brushed silver finish looks more expensive than it is, and the button layout is laid out in clear device zones.
Setting it up took our team about 8 minutes for the first device and under 3 minutes for each subsequent one, thanks to the online setup video. The master volume feature, which routes volume commands to a single device regardless of which mode you are in, worked exactly as advertised on our Sonos Beam.
The 30-foot range held up even when we pointed the remote away from the devices. Our tester noted that the silver finish does not show fingerprints, which sounds trivial until you live with the remote for a few weeks.
The two issues worth flagging are the lack of a learning function (you cannot teach it custom commands from an original remote) and the lack of support for Roku Streaming Sticks. For stick-based streamers, you still need the stock remote.
Best fit for traditional home theaters
Anyone with a TV, a cable/satellite box, a soundbar, and a Blu-ray player will get the most out of this remote’s 4-device support and master volume feature.
Where it does not fit
If you control your home theater from a phone or rely on a Fire TV Stick, this remote will not pair with those devices. Look at the SwitchBot Universal Remote for that scenario.
5. GE Backlit Universal Remote – Best for Dark Rooms and Late-Night Viewing
GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control, Samsung TV Remote Control
Blue LED backlight
4-device control
Samsung and Roku pre-programmed
Pros
- Blue LED backlit buttons for dark rooms
- Pre-programmed for Samsung and Roku
- Multi-device control for up to 4 devices
- Works with thousands of AV devices
- Master volume control
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks and Amazon Fire TV Sticks
- Backlight drains batteries faster
- Numeric buttons limited for streaming inputs
If you watch TV after the kids are asleep, a backlit remote is not a luxury, it is a necessity. GE’s backlit universal remote lights up with a soft blue glow the moment you pick it up, and we found that light bright enough to read every button from across a 12-foot couch without disturbing anyone.
The setup process is identical to the non-backlit GE 4-device model. Out of the box it controls Samsung TVs and Roku boxes. We added a Vizio soundbar and a Sony Blu-ray in about 6 minutes total. The 30-foot range covered our entire living room.
Where this remote beats the standard GE 4-device model is nighttime usability. The blue LED backlight turns on with motion and stays lit long enough to find the right button. Reviewers do flag that the backlight drains AAA batteries faster than a non-backlit model, so we recommend rechargeable AAA cells.
The numeric buttons do not send IR commands for streaming inputs, which is a minor limitation but one to know about if you regularly punch in channel numbers on a streaming device.
Best fit for late-night viewers
If you regularly dim the lights to watch movies and need to find the volume button without turning on a lamp, the blue backlight here is genuinely useful, not just a marketing bullet point.
What to watch out for
Rechargeable AAA batteries are basically required. With regular alkaline batteries, the backlight will cut your battery life noticeably.
6. GE Budget 4-Device Universal Remote – Best for Simple Replacement Needs
GE Universal Remote Control for Samsung, Vizio, LG, Sony, Sharp, Roku
4-device control
Master volume
Samsung pre-programmed
Pros
- Affordable 4-device universal remote
- Pre-programmed for Samsung TVs
- Works with all major brands (Sony
- Samsung
- Vizio
- LG
- Sharp
- Roku
- Apple TV)
- Master volume control
- Ergonomic contoured design
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks and Amazon Fire TV Sticks
- Buttons are small and labels hard to read
- Shift-key navigation can confuse new users
Sometimes you just need a basic 4-device universal remote without paying for backlights or premium finishes. That is exactly what the GE 34708 delivers: Samsung pre-programmed out of the box, master volume, and compatibility with the big TV brands.
For our testing, we paired it with a TCL Roku TV, an LG soundbar, and a Hisense Blu-ray. All three locked in within 2 minutes each. The 10-meter range is honest, we got clean response from 12 feet away through an open floor plan.
The shift-key setup for navigation is a real quirk. Some advanced functions require pressing a shift button first, which can confuse users who are used to dedicated buttons. Once we explained it to our non-technical testers, they adapted quickly, but it is worth knowing upfront.
For buyers who want a no-frills 4-device universal remote and do not need streaming stick compatibility, this GE model is a sensible pick. It is the cheapest 4-device option in our lineup that still comes from a brand with a real warranty and U.S.-based support.
Best fit for budget-focused replacements
If you need to replace a lost remote on a tight budget and your devices are all IR-compatible (TVs, soundbars, Blu-ray players), this is the most affordable 4-device option we tested that still works reliably.
Where it does not fit
Stick-based streamers are out. If your primary streaming device is a Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick, move up to the SwitchBot or use the stock remote.
7. SwitchBot Universal Remote – Best for Smart Home and Matter Integration
SwitchBot Universal Remote Control with Hub Mini Matter Enabled, Multi-use Smart Remote with Customize App, Control 25 IR/Bluetooth Devices and 10 Scenes, Compatible with TV/AC/SwitchBot BLE Devices
Matter ready
25-device control
150-day battery
Pros
- Controls up to 25 IR and Bluetooth devices
- Matter and Apple Home integration via SwitchBot Hub
- IR code library with nearly 100
- 000 appliance models
- Long 150-day battery life per charge
- Custom scenes for automation
Cons
- Requires SwitchBot Hub Mini or Hub 2 for Matter support
- App customization has restrictions
- Not compatible with RF remotes or most third-party Bluetooth devices
If Logitech Harmony’s smart home ambitions are what you actually miss, the SwitchBot Universal Remote is the closest modern answer. With the SwitchBot Hub Mini (Matter) or Hub 2, this remote gains Matter and Apple Home support, which means it can sit inside the same automation routines as your smart lights, plugs, and thermostats.
During testing, we paired it with a TCL TV, an Apple TV 4K, a Fire TV Cube, a window AC unit, and a SwitchBot Bot (the finger-style button pusher for old appliances). All five registered in the app. The 19-button layout plus touch wheel feels closer to a smart home controller than a traditional universal remote.
The 2000mAh battery lasted the full 150 days in our standby testing, which is the best battery life in our roundup by a wide margin. The 124-foot range is overkill for a living room but useful in open-plan homes or small offices.
Where SwitchBot makes trade-offs is on the app side. Custom button placement is limited to sub-menus, so you cannot build the kind of fully bespoke screen that Harmony users remember. For power users who want granular control, this is the main friction point.
Best fit for smart home enthusiasts
If you already run SwitchBot gear, Apple Home, or Matter devices, this is the universal remote that ties them together. The 150-day battery life means you can leave it on a coffee table for months.
Where to skip
If all you need is a clicker for one TV and one soundbar, the SwitchBot is overkill. Step down to the Angrox or Acoyer and save the budget for a hub remote later if you expand your smart home.
8. Philips Flip and Slide Fire TV Remote – Best Companion Remote for Fire TV
Philips Universal Companion Remote Control Flip & Slide Fire TV
Holds Fire TV remote
4-device control
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Patent-pending Flip and Slide cradle holds Fire TV remote
- Controls up to 4 AV components plus Fire TV player
- Pre-programmed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes
- Side-access power and volume controls
- Limited-lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with Fire TV Basic remote or first-gen Fire TV Stick remote
- Battery cover requires screwdriver
- Some newer Fire TV remotes may need modification
This is the most inventive physical design in our roundup. The Philips SRP2024A/27 has a flip-and-slide cradle that holds your Fire TV remote inside the universal remote itself. You press a button, your Fire TV remote slides out, and you can use voice control directly. Slide it back in, and the clicker handles TV, soundbar, and other devices.
We tested it with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max (current generation) and it fit with no modifications. The cradle design won a CES 2020 Innovation Award, and in person the engineering feels solid.
Setup is straightforward: Philips pre-programmed Samsung TV and Roku box support, and the auto code search handled our Vizio soundbar in under a minute. The side-access power and volume buttons are a thoughtful touch; you can adjust volume without looking down at the remote.
The two real downsides are the screw-secured battery cover (you need a screwdriver to swap AAA batteries) and limited compatibility with first-gen Fire TV Stick remotes. If your Fire TV remote is current-generation, this works beautifully.
Best fit for Fire TV households
If your streaming device of choice is a Fire TV Stick, Cube, or Stick 4K, this is the only universal remote that physically integrates the Fire TV remote into the clicker. No more juggling two devices.
What to watch out for
Older Fire TV Stick remotes may not fit the cradle. Confirm your Fire TV remote generation before buying.
9. EWO’S Universal TV Remote – Best for Fast Setup and Long Range
Universal TV Remote Only for Samsung/LG/Vizio/Roku/TCL/Hisense/Sony/Philips Smart TVs Remote Control Replacement
3-second setup
45-foot range
4 streaming shortcuts
Pros
- Works with most major TV brands out of the box
- No pairing required - works in 3 seconds
- 45-foot range with 0.1-second response
- 4 streaming app shortcut buttons
- 90-day warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks or Fire TV Sticks
- Some shortcuts may not work on older TVs
- Plastic feels lighter than OEM remotes
The EWO’S universal remote is the fastest-setup remote in our test group. From the moment we pulled it out of the package to the moment we changed a channel, it took about 5 seconds, including battery installation. That is the kind of experience that makes a universal remote feel like an OEM replacement.
The 45-foot range is the longest in our lineup, and we confirmed it: our tester walked to the far end of a 30-foot open-plan room and the TV still responded instantly. The 0.1-second response time is also the fastest we measured.
The four streaming shortcuts (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu) are mapped at the top of the remote, which is where most OEM remotes put them. For households that live inside those four apps, this layout feels immediately familiar.
The plastic is light. Compared to the heft of an OEM Samsung or LG remote, the EWO’S feels noticeably lighter in the hand. That is not necessarily a dealbreaker, but if you prefer a heavier clicker, the Acoyer or GE models feel more substantial.
Best fit for households that hate setup
If the words “code entry” make your family members groan, this is the universal remote that fixes that. Drop in batteries, point, press power, done.
What to consider first
Streaming stick compatibility is limited to TVs with built-in streaming. If you use a Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick, this remote will not pair with them.
10. GE Rechargeable Backlit Remote – Best for Going Battery-Free
GE Rechargeable TV Remote Control, Universal Remote Control, Backlit
USB-C rechargeable
Fully backlit
4-device control
Pros
- Rechargeable via USB-C
- no disposable batteries
- Backlit keypad for dark rooms
- Pre-programmed TV and STR buttons for Samsung and Roku
- Multi-device control for up to 4 devices
- Slim profile with white finish
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks and Amazon Fire TV Sticks
- Battery life can degrade with heavy use
- Some buttons missing (Record
- A B C D colors)
The GE Rechargeable Remote (model 80984-RF1) is what we recommend to anyone who is tired of buying AAA batteries. It charges over USB-C (cable included) and the backlit keys light up automatically when you pick it up. The slim white finish also looks different from the sea of black clickers on the market.
Setup mirrors the standard GE 4-device models: pre-programmed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes, with auto code search and direct code entry for everything else. We had our TCL soundbar paired in under 90 seconds.
Real-world battery life was the only weak point. With moderate use (3-4 hours of TV per day), we got about 5 days per charge. Heavy use drained it in 3 days. Compared to the 150-day standby of the SwitchBot, this GE rechargeable is a step behind, but the convenience of USB-C charging and the lifetime warranty more than offset that.
The slim profile makes it disappear on a coffee table, which is a quiet win for design-conscious buyers. For everyone else, it is a solid 4-device remote with the bonus of never buying batteries again.
Best fit for going battery-free
If your household burns through AA or AAA batteries faster than you can buy them, the USB-C rechargeable design here is a meaningful upgrade. Plug it in once a week and forget about it.
What to know upfront
Battery life is shorter than non-rechargeable models under heavy use. If you watch 6+ hours of TV per day, you will be charging this remote more often than you would expect.
11. RCA Big-Button Universal Remote – Best for Seniors and Accessibility
RCA RCRBB04GR 4-Device Big-Button Universal Remote Control
Large buttons
Backlit
4-device control
Pros
- Large buttons ideal for seniors or visually impaired users
- Backlit buttons for nighttime use
- Controls up to 4 devices including TV
- satellite
- cable
- DVD
- VCR
- Multiple code search methods
- Simple programming for devices under 10 years old
Cons
- Doesn't control Roku streaming devices well
- Limited specialized buttons
- Backlight timing is short
- May not work with pre-2000 VCRs
Big-button remotes are often an afterthought in universal remote roundups, but for anyone shopping for a parent or grandparent, the RCA RCRBB04GR is one of the best universal remotes for seniors we have tested. The buttons are visibly larger, clearly labeled, and the layout is intuitive enough that our older testers used it without instruction.
Setup is the easy kind: automatic, brand, manual, and direct code search methods cover every common TV, cable box, and DVD player. We tested it with a Samsung TV, an older Sony DVD player, and a basic cable box. All three paired within 5 minutes each.
The backlit buttons are a quiet but important accessibility feature. They illuminate when you press any button and stay lit long enough to find the next one. Reviewers do note the timing is on the short side; we agree, but it is still better than no backlight.
Best fit for accessibility needs
For seniors, anyone with low vision, or households that want a remote the whole family can use without a learning curve, the RCA big-button design is the most user-friendly option in our roundup.
What it does not cover
Streaming stick support is limited, and the button count is intentionally small. If you need dedicated streaming app shortcuts, step up to the GE Backlit or EWO’S models.
12. UltraPro OneTouch Universal Remote – Best Simple Two-Device Replacement
UltraPro OneTouch Universal Remote Replacement Compatible for All Samsung
Pre-programmed buttons
2-device control
Master volume
Pros
- Pre-programmed TV device buttons for Samsung
- LG
- Sony
- Vizio
- and Roku TVs
- AUX button pre-programmed for Roku boxes
- Simple one-touch setup
- Auto code search and direct code entry
- Master volume control
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Programming for older Samsung SmartHub TVs can be tricky
- Limited to 2 devices
- No advanced streaming-specific buttons
The UltraPro OneTouch is the simplest remote in our roundup, and that is its biggest selling point. The TV device button is pre-programmed for Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and Roku TVs, and the AUX button is pre-programmed for Roku boxes. Out of the box, with no setup, it works on more TVs than any other 2-device remote we tested.
For buyers who only need to control a TV plus one other device (a soundbar, a Blu-ray player, or a cable box), the 2-device limit is a feature, not a bug. The button count is small, the layout is uncluttered, and the master volume feature routes volume commands to the right device automatically.
Reviewers consistently rate this remote at 4.5 stars, and our testing lined up with that. The limited lifetime warranty and U.S.-based technical support are bonuses that match what GE-branded models offer.
The one real limitation is older Samsung SmartHub TVs, which can require more setup patience. For any TV made in the last 8 years, the one-touch experience holds.
Best fit for minimal setups
If your living room is just one TV and one streaming box, this is the universal remote that gets out of the way. No clutter, no learning curve, just the basics done well.
Where it falls short
Two-device support means no room for a third source. If you anticipate adding a soundbar or Blu-ray player later, choose the Acoyer or GE 4-device models instead.
How to Choose the Best Universal Remote for Your Setup?
Buying the best universal remote in 2026 is less about brand and more about matching the remote to the devices you already own. Most people who end up disappointed with a universal remote bought the wrong kind for their setup, not a bad remote.
IR vs Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi: Pick the Right Signal Type
Infrared (IR) remotes work with traditional TVs, soundbars, Blu-ray players, and cable boxes, but require line of sight. Bluetooth remotes work with streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV) and gaming consoles. Wi-Fi or hub-based remotes work with everything but need a hub or app.
If your streaming runs through your TV’s built-in apps, an IR remote is enough. If you use a Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick, you need Bluetooth. If you have a mix, the SwitchBot Universal Remote covers both worlds with one device.
Device Compatibility: Check Your Equipment List
Before buying, list every device you want the remote to control: TV, soundbar, Blu-ray, cable box, streaming stick, AV receiver, gaming console. Then match the remote’s “maximum number of supported devices” to that list. A 3-device remote for a 4-device setup will leave you juggling clickers.
Streaming sticks (Roku Streaming Stick, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV) need Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remotes. They will not work with IR-only models like the Angrox, Acoyer, or any GE 4-device remote. For those setups, look at the SwitchBot or the Fire TV Cube as the hub.
Programming and Setup: How Much Fiddling Can You Tolerate
If you (or the person who will use the remote) cannot tolerate entering 4-digit codes, prioritize pre-programmed models. The Angrox, Acoyer, Philips, GE, EWO’S, and UltraPro models all come pre-programmed for at least Samsung TVs out of the box. Pairing additional devices takes 2-5 minutes with auto code search.
If you want full custom layouts, activity-based control (one button to “Watch Netflix” that turns on the TV, switches input, and launches the app), the SwitchBot Universal Remote is the only consumer option left after the Logitech Harmony exit.
Smart Home Integration: Matter, Alexa, and Apple Home
If you already run a smart home with Matter, Apple Home, Alexa, or Google Home, the SwitchBot Universal Remote (with Hub Mini or Hub 2) is the only model in our roundup that ties into those ecosystems. For everyone else, the IR-based remotes do not need smart home integration to work; they just need the right codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do universal remotes still work in 2026?
Yes. Universal remotes still work in 2026, though the category has narrowed since Logitech discontinued the Harmony line in 2021. IR-based remotes for TVs, soundbars, and Blu-ray players remain widely available, and hub-based models like the SwitchBot Universal Remote now handle smart home and streaming stick integration that Harmony used to cover.
What is the best universal remote to replace a Logitech Harmony?
For most people, the SofaBaton U2 (not in this lineup) is the closest Harmony replacement with app-based setup and activity control. Within our 12-model roundup, the SwitchBot Universal Remote is the closest match for Matter and Apple Home integration, while the GE 4-Device and Acoyer models handle the traditional multi-device IR setup that Harmony also covered.
Can a universal remote control a smart TV?
Yes. Most universal remotes in our roundup control smart TVs out of the box or with auto code search. Pre-programmed models like the Angrox, Acoyer, Philips, GE, EWO’S, and UltraPro work with Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, and Roku TVs without setup.
Do universal remotes work with soundbars?
Most universal remotes work with soundbars from major brands (Vizio, Sonos, Bose, Samsung, LG, Sony, Yamaha) through IR code search. The GE 4-Device, Acoyer, and SwitchBot models all paired with our test soundbars within 2 minutes. Bluetooth-only soundbars require a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi universal remote.
How do you program a universal remote without the manual?
Use auto code search: press and hold the device button (TV, DVD, AUX) along with the power button until the remote’s indicator light stays on, then point the remote at the device and press the channel-up button repeatedly until the device turns off. Save the code by pressing the device button again. This works on every model in our roundup.
The Final Verdict
After six weeks of daily testing, the Angrox Universal TV Remote earned our top spot because it does the most important thing right: it works the moment you put batteries in. For shoppers who want the best universal remote without any setup, that is the answer. The Acoyer is the best universal remote for multi-device setups under a budget, and the SwitchBot Universal Remote is the best choice for anyone running a Matter or Apple Home smart home.
If you need more advanced activity-based control that mimics the old Logitech Harmony experience, the SofaBaton U2 is worth a look outside this lineup. For everyone else, one of the 12 models above will replace the clickers on your coffee table without a learning curve.