Written By:
Our posts contain affiliate links. Sometimes, not always, we may make $$ when you make a purchase through these links. No Ads. Ever. Learn More
Table of Contents_
For those looking to replace all multiple remotes around the house with a convenient, programmable universal remote control, we’ve looked at dozens of options on the market and checked off the prices, specs and compatibility to bring you the best smart remotes you can buy online today. The Logitech Harmony 650 is our top pick, offering the benefit of supporting up to 8 devices and Logitech’s exclusive and very convenient activity-based control.
To find the best smart remotes for TV viewing, streaming media, smart home device and PC users, we’ve selected a range of models that met our criteria for compatibility, ease-of-use and performance. For smart remotes aimed at TV and streaming media, we made sure each model on our list had at least 5 programmable features – some, like the streaming-focused Inteset 4-in-1 (our #2 pick) offer up to 32. We checked off compatibility to make sure they worked with most TVs, streaming media players and smart TVs. They will work with the best blu ray player as well. For remotes designed more with PC, projector and workplace uses in mind, we selected models that came with at least a 4-inch wide QWERTY keyboard, supported a mouse function and promised compatibility with both Mac OS and Windows devices. We want only the best tv accessories. It is amazing for navigating the best shows on netflix.
Top 7 Best Smart Remotes Compared
The Logitech Harmony is consistently among the top rated universal smart remotes for the home. It can be programmed for up to 8 devices at once and features a clear, color screen with icons that make it easy to navigate. It does require a computer for the online set-up, but the process is easy to figure out – the online software offers a “guided” process that renders it pretty intuitive.
The Logitech Harmony 650 works with over 225,000 different models of device, from more than 5000 brands, making it– along with the much more expensive Logitech Harmony One (our #7 pick) and Harmony Elite (our #4 pick) the most extensively programmable remote on our list. The backlit buttons and the clear screen also make it easy to work with in the dim lighting of a home theater space. It certainly meets the requirements for the best universal remote. For a slight upgrade, take a look at the Logitech Harmony 655 too.
This 4-device IR remote is billed as being designed for streaming. An advantage for those who use a lot of Apple TV, Xbox One or Roku, it comes pre-programmed for those devices. However, it also works with a large variety of other devices. Set up is slightly more complex than with the Logitech 650, our top pick, but on the other hand with the Inteset it doesn’t require any software and can be done on any device.
It also offers a neat macro support feature, letting you program multi-step commands to a single button. Up to 32 commands can be set to each button in macro mode. While this remote may be best for those who are somewhat tech savvy or at least enjoy technical processes, it pays off with some impressive convenience features. Much like the best smart TV.
A smart remote that’s billed as an all-around smart home controller, this device is distinguished from the other smart remotes on our list in that it comes with a wifi hub and the Logitech app. The mobile app lets you add remote control functionality to your smartphone or tablet. It works with Android and iOS. It could easily be in our best universal remote app list. This remote can control up to 15 devices (double our #1 pick) simultaneously, but unlike with basic IR remotes you don’t have to point it at the devices; it can control devices hidden in closed cabinets, or it can even, using the app, let you control home devices while you’re away from home. This is definitely the among the best universal remotes on our list.
Great for entertaining and throwing parties, it lets you control music or a projector from anywhere in the house. It even works with Alexa for voice command integration. The remote itself comes with a charging dock/ holder, a nice touch that lets it stay powered up. The complexity of the Harmony Elite isn’t for everybody, however, and since the Harmony Elite requires downloading an app and registering the hub using a Mac, PC or mobile device, it’s less convenient to set up than, for example, the more basic Harmony 650, our top pick. This is an awesome remote to use with all of the best streaming services. This is however an exceptional remote for the best TVs on the market today. For a slightly cheaper option, you should look at the Logitech Harmony Companion instead.
The least expensive remote on our list, this Flavormates 2-in-1 smart remote and keyboard comes with a few notable features that make it a convenient budget friendly pick. It’s theoretically easier to set up than IR-only remotes which require software to look up device codes, such as with our Top Pick, the Logitech 650. If you want a high quality TV experience, also take a look at one of the best HDMI adapters.
With this Flavormates Air remote, you can pair it with just about any USB compatible device using the USB stick that comes with the remote. Alternatively, you can program buttons for a device with an existing IR remote by using the Air remote’s “IR learning” mode. IR learning lets you program 5 buttons on the Air remote including power, volume and channel up and down. This feature may make the Air remote easier to set up for those who don’t want to be bothered with downloading software or looking up device codes in a database. People who own the best ultra HD TVs probably just want to use it right away. There is a reason this is on our list of the best universal remotes. It’s so easy to program, you’ll be able to access your favorite channels with ease.
The ANEWKODI Mini wireless keyboard is a departure from the usual remote control but it adds some comfort and convenience as well as versatility. Compared to remotes like the Inteset 4-in-1 (our #2 pick) it doesn’t pair with multiple devices simultaneously, but it does offer the benefit of a full QWERTY keyboard, which makes this the best universal remote for typing in the search function of streaming media apps.
This mini keyboard also works with Android tablets, PS4 and Xbox live, as well as with PCs, projectors and Apple TV. A remote to work with all these different devices will stop the endless remote hunt. The ANEWKODI also stands out for its ergonomic game-controller like design, making it more comfortable to use for some purposes than a point and click remote. It’s also a bargain at less than half the list price of our Top Pick, the Logitech 650. Those who own the best 90 inch TVs will appreciate the versatility of this one.
This Wechip W1 air remote is billed as a 2-in-1 device remote and mouse; it’s primarily intended for PC and smart home device control, making it great for use with laptops and devices like the Nvidia Shield. It supports gesture control via a built-in 4-axis motion sensor and it has a full keyboard as well as programmable power buttons that you can train using an IR learning function, as with the Flavormates remote (our #4 pick.) The Wechip advertises compatibility with Android TV boxes, PCs and laptops running Windows or Mac OS, as well as projectors and the PS4.
The Wechip uses a USB dongle for set up, like the similarly-priced ANEWKODI mini keyboard and the Flavormates (our #5 and 4 picks, respectively) though unlike the ANEWKODI it lacks backlit keys and its keyboard is smaller, at roughly 5 inches by 2 inches, making it a strictly thumb keyboard. However, the Wechip advertises a battery life lasting “several weeks” and benefits from a smart auto sleep and wake feature. If it is time for a new set, you might also be interested in learning about the best place to buy a TV online. If you buy one, our best TV wall mount list will also help you. If you want a remote that controls all of your smart devices, this may be your pick.
This Logitech remote features an integrated 2.4-inch touch screen that supports scrolling and swiping, making it easier at least in theory to switch between devices and modes and to save your personalized settings. The Harmony One also comes has traditional buttons for controlling video play, channel switching and volume. This remote will work well with any of your entertainment devices.
It may be the second-most expensive item on our list of the best smart remotes but it is arguably one of the most versatile as well, since you can upgrade it with the Logitech hub, or the Logitech Harmony Hub, which uses wifi to control a home theater/ entertainment center. However, unlike the Harmony Elite (our # 3 pick) it doesn’t include the WiFi hub or the Logitech Harmony app. The Harmony One is designed to appeal to users who are familiar with programming universal remotes and customizing features. Its drawbacks include some questionable ergonomics like the playback button located at the very top near where a “power” button often is found. It is less expensive than the Harmony Elite, but if you plan to use the hub anyway, the fact that the Elite comes with it mitigates the price difference. These harmony remotes may be pricy, but the quality is worth the investment. This remote is a great addition to any best 55 inch smart TV.
