Universal remote buying guide (2024)

FAQs

How to choose the right universal remote control? ›

Ensure that the remote is compatible with your devices' specific brands and models, including TVs, sound systems, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and more. Choose universal remotes with broad device compatibility, supporting many popular brands and models.

Yes, in most cases, a universal remote is designed to work with a wide range of TV brands and models. However, it's crucial to check the compatibility of your specific universal remote with your TV.

The Sofabaton U2 Universal Remote Control offers more features and control options than similarly priced competitors. It can control up to 15 devices, including both infrared- and Bluetooth-based AV devices, so it's more flexible than many lower-priced remotes, which typically work only with IR devices.

Turn on your TV or another device you wish to control. Press and hold the corresponding Device and Power buttons on the remote at the same time. Wait until the power button comes on, and then release both buttons. Pointing the remote at the TV or another device, press the Power button on the remote and wait 2 seconds.

Replace a Broken or Lost Remote Control With a Universal Remote. Big-box stores like Target and Best Buy carry a range of universal remote controls. Universal remote controls are not brand specific, so you can use them with any device model from almost every electronics manufacturer.

Finding the model number on the remote control

Usually, it's found on the bottom of the remote near the brand logo, although it can also be found on the back, side and top depending on the brand. If you can't find it in any of those locations, look inside the battery compartment. There is sometimes a sticker in there.

Not all universal remotes are created equal -- some are fairly basic while others are quite complex. In the next section we'll learn about some of the key differences among universal remotes.

The Most common types of Remote Control, infrared remotes, wifi remote,wired remote,Rf remotes.

Do you have to program a universal remote? ›

The first time you use a universal remote, you will be required to turn on coding mode, and then enter codes for the brand of TV you have. Once the correct code has been entered, you can use the remote to control your TV without problems.

The Logitech Harmony Ultimate Home is the ultimate universal remote, able to control just about every digital device in your home. The Blumoo uses IR and Bluetooth technology to stream music and control your home entertainment devices from your smartphone.

On the other hand, a disadvantage of remote controls is that they can be affected by interference or security issues . Another disadvantage is that some remote controls require batteries, which can be wasteful and environmentally unfriendly .

The universal remote, with its programmable buttons and routines, was the savior of complicated setups, but one that, thanks to streaming boxes, the rise of streaming services, and the mass adoption of smart TVs, doesn't really have much of a place in most homes in 2023.

Similar to a universal remote control, a smart home hub acts as a middle man for multiple devices, letting you control said devices that may and may not be compatible with one another out of the box. For example, the Amazon Echo—a smart hub—can interact with smart home devices that aren't Amazon-branded devices.

Usually, you can buy a similar one in the shop where you purchased your TV. Also, you might find it in any other electronics shop. Still, sometimes buying a remote separately can be expensive, so if you are not willing to spend a lot of money on a remote, I suggest you try a universal remote.

They're not brand specific, so you can program universal remote controls and use them with any device model from almost every electronics manufacturer. Most universal remotes work with multiple devices, so they can control your TV, cable box, and other peripherals such as DVD players and streaming devices.