# The 6 Best Universal Remotes on Amazon in 2026 > Best universal remotes in 2026: simple 4-device remotes, backlit and big-button models, a learning remote and app-programmed SofaBaton remotes. Guide: https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/ · Updated 2026-10-02 · By TwelveTabs · Search it live: https://twelvetabs.com/?q=best%20universal%20remotes&guide=best-universal-remotes As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. Our picks are independently researched, written by TwelveTabs AI and never sponsored. Prices and ratings change often: see the guide for today's. ## The top picks - **A code-based remote for up to four devices:** GE 4-Device Universal Remote Control. A code-based universal remote that the listing says controls up to four audio and video devices, comes preprogrammed for Samsung TVs, and sets up by automatic code search or direct code entry with master volume control. - **An app-programmed backlit remote, and Wirecutter's top pick:** SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with Backlight). An app-programmed universal remote with backlit buttons and macros that the listing says draws on a code library of over 6,000 brands and 500,000 devices, with infrared, Bluetooth and learning modes. - **A backlit code-based remote for dark rooms:** GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control. A code-based universal remote for up to four devices that the listing says has fully backlit buttons with blue LED backlighting, is preprogrammed for Samsung and Roku devices, and sets up by automatic code search or direct code entry. - **Big, simple buttons for up to two devices:** GE Big Button Universal Remote Control. A code-based universal remote with a large, simplified keyboard that the listing says controls up to two devices, with automatic code search or direct code entry, master volume control and weekday U.S.-based phone support. - **A remote that learns functions from the old one:** One for All URC7935 Streamer Remote. A universal remote for a streaming box, a TV and a soundbar that the listing says has a color ring showing which device is active, four streaming shortcut keys and a learning feature that copies functions from the original remote. - **A touchscreen remote with a hub and charging dock:** SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Touchscreen, Hub and Charging Dock. A universal remote set with a 2.4 inch touchscreen, a hub and a charging dock that the listing says controls devices over infrared, Bluetooth, RF and Wi-Fi, integrates with Home Assistant and runs one-touch activity sequences. Our top pick is the **[GE 4-Device Universal Remote Control](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-1)**. We read 44 Amazon result cards for "best universal remotes", compared 11 contenders on their own pages, and kept six. The GE remote is a code-based remote for up to four devices that is preprogrammed for Samsung TVs, and it suits a household that wants to replace or combine a few remotes without a phone app. Then one remote for each other job. For the app-programmed remote that is Wirecutter's top pick, the **[SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with Backlight)](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-2)**. For a backlit remote for dark rooms, the **[GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-3)**. For big, simple buttons, the **[GE Big Button Universal Remote Control](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-4)**. For a remote that learns functions from the old one, the **[One for All URC7935 Streamer Remote](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-5)**. For a touchscreen remote with a hub and charging dock, the **[SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Touchscreen, Hub and Charging Dock](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-6)**. ## How to choose a universal remote TechGearLab, Tom's Guide and Wirecutter, three sites that test universal remotes, set out what to look at. - **Your devices, and the compatibility list.** TechGearLab says "universal" does not always mean a remote works with every device, so check your exact model numbers against the maker's compatibility list and how many devices the remote can control at once. The [GE 4-Device](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-1) listing names up to four devices, the [One for All URC7935](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-5) listing three and the [GE Big Button](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-4) listing two. - **Infrared or Bluetooth for streaming sticks.** Tom's Guide says most TVs use infrared, but some streaming devices, such as the Amazon Fire TV stick, need Bluetooth, so support depends on the remote and the device. The [GE 4-Device](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-1) and [GE Backlit](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-3) listings say they are not for radio-frequency devices, and the [GE 4-Device](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-1) listing names the Roku Streaming Stick. The [One for All URC7935](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-5) listing says it is not compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Fire Stick, Chromecast or the Roku Stick. The [SofaBaton U2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-2) listing names infrared, Bluetooth and learning modes. - **Codes, learning or an app.** TechGearLab says programming takes patience: you will dig through manuals and codes, and advanced remotes such as the [SofaBaton U2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-2) take effort to set up fully. The GE remotes use automatic code search or direct code entry, the [One for All URC7935](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-5) adds a learning feature, and the [SofaBaton U2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-2) sets up through the SofaBaton app. - **Buttons, backlight and batteries.** Tom's Guide prefers physical, backlit buttons that are easier to see in a dark room. TechGearLab says most remotes use AAA batteries, a few use AA, and one rechargeable model exists, and suggests matching the batteries you already own. The [GE 4-Device](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-1) and [GE Backlit](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-3) listings name two AAA batteries, the [GE Big Button](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-4) listing two AA batteries, and the [SofaBaton X2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-6) set comes with a charging dock. ## Our picks in detail ### 1. GE 4-Device Universal Remote Control: best everyday code-based remote **Why it made the list** - Its listing says it operates up to four audio and video devices, such as a TV, Blu-ray or DVD player, cable or satellite receiver, soundbar or streaming player. - The listing says the TV button is preprogrammed for Samsung TVs, and that setup is automatic code search or direct code entry, with master volume control for any device. - Amazon's own summary lists quality, ease of setup, ease of use and universal compatibility as positives, and says it works for basic control of devices including Roku and Apple TV. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists button functionality and reliability as negative, with reports of channel buttons that stop working and remotes that fail after a while. - A 3-star critical review says the channel buttons are placed so that a left hand gets in the way, and another says to check the compatibility list before buying. **Watch for this:** The listing says the remote is not for use with radio-frequency devices such as the Roku Streaming Stick. Check your streaming device against the compatibility list. **Skip it if** you use a Roku stick, or want a remote you program from a phone. The listing names the Roku Streaming Stick as an exclusion, and this remote sets up by codes. ### 2. SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with Backlight): best app-programmed remote **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes a remote for all your devices, with a continuously updated code library of over 6,000 brands and 500,000 devices. - The listing names backlit buttons and a macro button that can power up a TV, soundbar and streaming device at once, and setup in the SofaBaton app with infrared, Bluetooth or learning modes. - Wirecutter's top pick, and TechGearLab and CNET also name the U2 their best overall or best universal remote. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists button responsiveness as negative, and ease of use, connectivity, customizability and value as mixed. - A 1-star critical review calls the software a disaster, and a 2-star review says its pre-programmed options were not enough to replace a Logitech Harmony. **Watch for this:** Wirecutter's page says it is no longer updating the article, and CNET lists the U2 as out of stock. Check the page for a new offer before you plan around it. **Skip it if** you want a remote that works the minute you add batteries. The listing sets it up through an app, and critical reviews describe the app as the hard part. ### 3. GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control: best backlit remote **Why it made the list** - Its listing says the buttons are fully backlit, with blue LED lighting that helps you see each button in a dim room. - The listing says it operates up to four devices and that the TV and streaming buttons are preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku streaming boxes. - Amazon's own summary lists ease of use, the backlight, ease of setup and universal compatibility as positives, and says some owners auto-programmed it in about four minutes. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists reliability and button responsiveness as negative, and compatibility as mixed, with some saying it does not work with Vizio smart TVs and Amazon Fire devices. - A 3-star critical review says the light turns off quickly so you keep pressing a key, and a 1-star critical review says the number buttons do not work for streaming or auxiliary devices. **Watch for this:** The listing says the remote is not for radio-frequency devices and not compatible with Roku streaming devices, and one critical review is from a UK buyer of a US item who says it was useless there. **Skip it if** you want to control a Fire TV or a Vizio smart TV. Amazon's own summary says some owners could not. ### 4. GE Big Button Universal Remote Control: best big-button remote **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes a large, simplified keyboard with big buttons that are easy to read, which it calls ideal for impaired vision or anyone who wants a simple remote. - The listing says it controls up to two devices, such as a TV and a soundbar or cable box, with automatic code search, direct code entry and master volume control. - Amazon's own summary lists functionality, size, simplicity and suitability for seniors as positives. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists compatibility, button size, value and programming as mixed, with some saying it works with Samsung and Philips TVs and not with Comcast or Apple TV systems. - A 1-star critical review says it worked with no new TVs, and a 3-star review says the rounded bottom does not sit flat. **Skip it if** you need to control more than two devices. The listing names a limit of two. ### 5. One for All URC7935 Streamer Remote: best learning remote for a streamer setup **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes one remote for three devices: a streaming box, a TV and a soundbar, with a color ring that shows which one you are controlling. - The listing names four quick-access keys for streaming services and a learning feature that copies functions directly from your original remote. - Amazon's own summary lists functionality, ease of use, controls and versatility as positives, and says it controls both TVs and soundbars. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists button functionality as negative: several owners say only the power, volume and channel buttons work. It lists compatibility, usability and value as mixed. - A 1-star critical review says manual programming did not work for keys such as back, menu and home, and a 3-star review says the navigation buttons take noticeably more pressure. **Watch for this:** The listing says it is not compatible with Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Chromecast or the Roku Stick, and Amazon's own summary says it does not work with Samsung Smart TVs for some owners. **Skip it if** you use a Fire TV, Chromecast or Roku stick, or a Samsung smart TV. The listing and the summary both name these as problems. ### 6. SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Touchscreen, Hub and Charging Dock: best touchscreen remote with a hub **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes a universal remote set with a 2.4 inch HD touchscreen, a hub and a charging dock. - The listing says it controls devices over infrared, Bluetooth, RF and Wi-Fi, integrates with Home Assistant and can run one-touch activity sequences. - Tom's Guide names a [SofaBaton X2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-6) its best universal remote overall, and Amazon's own summary lists functionality, build quality and battery life as positives. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists setup, reliability, button responsiveness, connectivity and value as mixed, and says the battery can last up to 4 days before recharging. - Three critical reviews say it worked well over infrared but badly over Bluetooth or RF, and one says it disconnects from a Fire TV Cube constantly. **Watch for this:** The page's total is small and sits beside several other [SofaBaton X2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-6) listings with their own totals. Check that the set you buy is the one on this page: hub and dock. **Skip it if** you use Bluetooth streaming devices such as a Fire TV Cube, or want a simple setup. Three critical reviews describe trouble with Bluetooth and RF, and Amazon's own summary lists setup as mixed. ## What we left out, and why We read 44 result cards across two pages of "best universal remotes". 12 were sponsored, and we skipped them. The other 32 organic cards held 31 different listings. We read the Amazon page of 10 contenders and of Wirecutter's top pick, and kept six. Five were left out: - **Universal TV Remote Control for Samsung LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony TVs.** A possible pooled listing: its review total on the search card matches that of a different listing, a 2-pack replacement remote for Samsung Smart TVs, and its reviews include one from another country's store and one about an LG Magic Remote replacement. - **Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL Hisense Sony TVs.** A possible pooled listing: its review total on the search card matches that of a different listing, a Samsung Smart TV and Frame TV replacement remote. - **Universal TV Remote Control for Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL, Sony, Vizio TV.** An unbranded replacement remote that covers the same need as the [GE 4-Device](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-1) pick. Amazon's own summary lists its reliability and button functionality as negative. - **Philips Universal Remote Control, 3 Device.** A code-based remote preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes that covers the same need as the [GE 4-Device](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-1) pick. - **BroadLink RM4 pro IR and RF Universal Remote.** A Wi-Fi hub controlled from a phone app rather than a handheld remote. A 1-star critical review calls the RM4 Pro line confusing, with several listings at different prices, so its reviews may span more than one RM4 Pro listing. Wirecutter's guide, "The 3 Best Universal Remote Controls of 2026", updated June 12, 2026, labels the [Sofabaton U2 Backlit](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-2) its top pick, the Sofabaton X1S its upgrade pick and the Insignia 8-Device Backlit Universal Remote its budget pick. The page says Wirecutter is no longer updating the article. The U2 is our second pick and is in the comparison table so you can see it next to the others. We did not look up the X1S or the Insignia on Amazon. ## Questions people ask ### What is the best universal remote? For most households replacing or combining a few remotes, the [GE 4-Device](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-1) is the safe choice here: a code-based remote for up to four devices. If you want what Wirecutter picks, choose the [SofaBaton U2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-2), and for a dark room, the [GE Backlit](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-3). ### Will a universal remote work with a Fire TV Stick or a Roku Stick? It depends on the remote and the device. Tom's Guide says traditional infrared control may be enough for some hardware, but a device such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick can require Bluetooth. The [GE 4-Device](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-1) and [GE Backlit](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-3) listings say they are not for radio-frequency devices, the [One for All URC7935](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-5) listing names Fire TV, Fire Stick, Chromecast and the Roku Stick as exclusions, and the [SofaBaton U2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-2) and [SofaBaton X2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-6) listings name Bluetooth. Check the maker's compatibility list for your exact player. ### Does a universal remote need a hub? Not the code-based ones. Tom's Guide says some remotes talk to a Wi-Fi hub, which lets you hide your equipment and control smart home devices. The [SofaBaton X2](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-universal-remotes/#pick-6) set includes a hub and a charging dock. ### How did TwelveTabs choose these remotes? TwelveTabs, our AI shopping agent, compared Amazon's results for "best universal remotes", read the pages of 11 contenders and named six picks, as of October 2, 2026. We checked the advice against TechGearLab, Tom's Guide and Wirecutter. To see what it picks today, run the search yourself with the button on this page. ## How we researched On October 2, 2026 we read the first two pages of Amazon's results for “best universal remotes”: 44 result cards, 32 of them organic listings. AI compared them, read the Amazon pages of 11 contenders and named 6 picks. AI wrote this guide from that research. Listings change: we read them on October 2, 2026, and a color, bundle or seller may differ today. The Amazon text we kept for each product is cut short, so a feature that is not named here may still be on the full page. The results held only 32 organic cards, so the contenders are most of what Amazon showed for this search. ### Sources - [TechGearLab: The Best Universal Remotes of 2026](https://www.techgearlab.com/topics/electronics/best-universal-remote) - [Tom's Guide: The best universal remote in 2026](https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-universal-remotes,review-4464.html) - [Wirecutter: The 3 Best Universal Remote Controls of 2026](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-universal-remote-control/) - [CNET: Best Universal Remote for 2026](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-universal-remote/)