How to choose a smart remotes

Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.

What should I check for compatibility first?

Start by listing every device you want to control: TV, streaming stick, soundbar, game console, maybe a Blu-ray player. Most universal remotes have a database of IR codes that covers thousands of models, but coverage for newer or niche brands can be spotty. Look up the remote’s official compatibility list online before you buy. If you have a smart TV or streaming device that uses Bluetooth-only remotes (like some Roku or Apple TV models), make sure the universal remote also supports Bluetooth. Otherwise you’ll be stuck using only IR functions, which may miss key features like direct app launching or voice commands.

Should I get a remote with a built-in voice assistant?

If you already rely on Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, choose a remote that integrates natively with that ecosystem. Some remotes let you press a single button and speak hands-free, while others require holding a button and waiting for a tone. Voice assistants on remotes are most useful for searching content, launching apps, and controlling smart home devices like lights. Keep in mind that a remote’s microphone pickup quality varies. Models with a dedicated far-field mic array tend to hear you from across the room better than those with a tiny hole near the IR blaster. If you only control your TV from a couch, even a basic voice button usually works fine.

How important is backlighting and button layout?

Backlighting makes a huge difference if you watch in a dim room. Some remotes light up every key when you move the remote, others only a few main navigation buttons. Look for adjustable brightness or a proximity sensor so the light doesn’t stay on too long and drain batteries. Button layout is personal, but try to find one where the volume, mute, and direction pad are where your thumb naturally falls. Too many tiny buttons clustered together can be frustrating, especially in the dark. If you use a streaming service heavily, a remote with dedicated Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ buttons saves time but means less room for custom ones.

Can a universal remote control multiple devices beyond the TV?

Yes, most universal remotes can control at least four or five devices. You normally set up “activities” like “Watch TV” that turn on the TV, soundbar, and cable box with one press. Higher-end models let you assign any button to any function on any device, which is great for hiding rarely used commands. But not all remotes handle game consoles well, some can only do basic power and volume, while others can simulate controller button presses via Bluetooth. If you have a recent PlayStation or Xbox, check whether the remote supports Bluetooth HID profiles or if it relies on IR passthrough (which often doesn’t work).

Is a learning remote worth the extra money?

A learning remote can “learn” commands from your original remote by pointing them at each other and recording the IR signal. This is useful when a device isn’t in the remote’s built-in code library, or when you want a specific function (like a subwoofer level control) that isn’t pre-programmed. Learning remotes are more expensive and complicated to set up, you may need to hold the remotes perfectly still for several minutes. If all your devices are mainstream brands and you’re okay with a standard command set, a pre-programmed universal remote will save you time and money.

What’s the difference between IR, Bluetooth, and RF remotes?

IR remotes are the simplest and cheapest: they require line of sight to the device and work up to about 30 feet. They’re fine for a single TV but can be blocked by furniture or doors. Bluetooth remotes pair directly with the device, so they work from any direction and often support voice commands, touchpads, or private listening via a headphone jack. RF (radio frequency) remotes offer the longest range, through walls and into cabinets, and are common with some cable box universals. They need a separate RF receiver that plugs into the device. For most home setups, a combination of IR (for older gear) and Bluetooth (for streaming devices) is the sweet spot.

Frequently asked questions