One Remote to Rule Them All: Top 5 Best Universal Remote Controls of 2026
If you are thinking about upgrading your home entertainment setup with something powerful, reliable, and easy to use, it’s time to ditch the clutter. Juggling three different remotes just to watch a movie is a frustration of the past. Today’s universal remotes offer massive compatibility, smart features, and sleek designs to streamline your living room experience.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the top 5 best universal remote controls available this year. I have analyzed their device compatibility, smart features, and overall value to help you find the perfect controller for your home theater. Let’s get clicking!
Table of Contents
At a Glance: Top 5 Best Universal Remote Controls
| Product Name | Control Type | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Universal Remote | Infrared (IR) | Master Audio Control | Easy Setup & Simplicity |
| GE Rechargeable Remote | Infrared (IR) | USB-C Battery | Eco-Friendly & Backlit |
| Sideclick SC2-FT16K | IR Attachment | IR Learning | Fire TV Loyalists |
| Anderic RRU401 | Infrared (IR) | Macro Programming | Power Users |
| Acoyer SRP9232D | Infrared (IR) | Rugged Build | Budget TV Replacement |
The 5 Best Universal Remote Controls Reviews
1. Philips Universal Remote Control
Best For: Easy Setup and Simplicity
The Philips Universal Remote is a straightforward, reliable tool for anyone drowning in a sea of plastic clickers. It manages up to four different devices, including your TV, soundbar, and Blu-ray player. The real win here is that it comes preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes right out of the box, saving you from the annoyance of manual code entry.
- Primary Audio Control: Adjust the volume regardless of which device profile you currently have selected.
- Preprogrammed: Works instantly with Samsung and Roku.
- Device Limit: Controls up to 4 A/V components.
- Note: This is an IR remote, so it requires a line of sight and won’t control hidden streaming sticks.
2. GE Rechargeable Remote Control
Best For: Eco-Friendly Use and Night Viewing
Tired of hunting for AAA batteries in the middle of a movie? The GE Rechargeable Remote features a built-in battery that charges via USB-C, with a single charge lasting for months. It supports four devices and boasts a fully backlit keypad, making it an absolute must-have for late-night viewing.
- USB-C Rechargeable: Never buy disposable batteries again.
- Full Backlight: Easy to see all buttons in a dark room.
- App Hotkeys: Dedicated buttons for streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.
- Master Volume: Tweak the audio without switching between TV and soundbar modes.
3. Sideclick SC2-FT16K Remote
Best For: Fire TV Loyalists
The Sideclick is a clever gadget that isn’t a standalone remote; instead, it clips directly onto your existing Amazon Fire TV remote to add universal controls. Utilizing IR learning technology, it learns commands directly from your old remotes rather than relying on preloaded codes.
- Clip-On Design: Merges your TV/receiver controls with your Fire TV remote seamlessly.
- IR Learning: Learns commands from any infrared remote you own.
- Programmable: Features 8 programmable buttons for power, volume, and inputs.
- Ergonomics: Keeps your Alexa voice search and navigation completely intact.
4. Anderic RRU401 Remote
Best For: Power Users and Customization
The Anderic RRU401 is built for power users who want deep customization. Handling four devices, it features full backlighting so every single key glows in the dark. The ultimate selling point is its macro capability, allowing you to program custom command sequences—like turning on your TV and soundbar simultaneously with a single press.
- Macro Programming: Execute multiple commands with a single button press.
- Learning Mode: Copies functions from virtually any old or obscure IR remote.
- Visibility: Large, clearly labeled buttons with full backlighting.
- Target Audience: Ideal for complex home theater setups requiring specific customization.
5. Acoyer SRP9232D Remote
Best For: Budget-Friendly TV Replacement
The Acoyer SRP9232D is the ultimate no-nonsense replacement, especially if you have a Roku TV or a Samsung setup. Built to be rugged, it serves as a massive upgrade over the cheap, flimsy remotes that often come included with modern TVs. It offers broad compatibility across major brands like LG, Vizio, and Sony.
- Rugged Build: Lightweight but durable with a satisfying button click.
- Broad Compatibility: Works with almost all major TV brands.
- Easy Setup: Uses brand-specific codes or an automatic search function.
- Value: A dependable, budget-friendly lifesaver when your original remote breaks.
Final Verdict
If you want an eco-friendly option with modern conveniences like USB-C and full backlighting, the GE Rechargeable Remote is the clear winner. For Amazon streaming fans who don’t want to give up their voice remote, the Sideclick Attachment is a genius solution. If you are a power user who wants one button to turn on your entire home theater, the macro-enabled Anderic RRU401 is your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between IR (Infrared) and RF/Bluetooth remotes?
Infrared (IR) remotes require a direct “line of sight” to the device you are controlling, meaning nothing can be blocking the sensor. RF (Radio Frequency) and Bluetooth remotes do not require line of sight, allowing you to control devices that are hidden in cabinets or behind the TV. All the universal remotes on this list use IR to control your TV and soundbars.
2. What is “IR Learning” technology?
Instead of punching in a 4-digit code to program your remote, IR Learning allows a new universal remote (like the Sideclick or Anderic) to “listen” to your old, original remote. You point them at each other, press a button on the old remote, and the new remote copies and memorizes that exact infrared signal.
3. What is a Macro function on a remote?
A macro is a programmed sequence of commands triggered by a single button press. For example, instead of pressing “TV Power,” then “Soundbar Power,” then “Input 1,” you can program a macro button on the Anderic RRU401 to do all three actions automatically with one click.
Last update on 2026-02-28/Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
