The Best Universal Remotes for Every Guy's Budget

You just got home from work and are ready to kick back, enjoy a drink, and binge the newest, hottest HBO Max show. Or maybe spend a couple hours with your game console. Or just spend an hour vibing with your Sonos speakers in the tub. It’s definitely something to look forward to—but there’s one snag.

There’s the remote for the TV, the remote for the Roku, the remote for the soundbar, the remote to fire up the console… and you can’t find the one you need. You get the idea.

You, my friend, need a universal remote.

What Is a Universal Remote?

A universal remote is a handy-dandy single remote can control your television, console, set-top box, what have you. They’re typically better designed than your run-of-the-mill TV remote, and set up is typically a breeze. With a universal remote, you only have to remember where one remote is instead of five or six of them—a huge convenience.

So What Is the Best Universal Remote App or Device?

The short answer is: whichever one works best for you and your devices. Not all universal remotes work the same—some work with certain brands, others don’t. The best universal TV remote is obviously going to be one that works for your TV. The best universal remote for Apple TV also has to hit that note. Ditto Samsung TV, Roku, and so on.

Which is the best universal remote to buy? The short answer for the best option to buy is the one that works for your stuff. Obviously.

But there’s a few other things to definitely keep in mind when you’re shopping for a universal remote.

The sheer array of devices you can connect to your remote can be dizzying; you want an interface that’s intuitive. Without that, you’ll be spending hours clicking around—then what’s the point of a remote that can do all things at once if it’s so inconvenient?

What are Some of the Other Benefits of Universal Remotes?

Speaking of convenience, the best universal remotes—or many of the best, in any case—often come with an accompanying app that you can use to set it up. This makes the entire set up process simple and easy when it comes to universal remotes. Once upon a time, set-up was a whole lot more cumbersome… it could possibly take whole hours from your day.

In some instances, you can even use your smartphone as a universal remote. There’s an app for that. Many universal remote apps are perfectly adequate, but they may be a little less capable than their physical remote counterparts.

Is a Universal Remote Worth It?

We definitely think so. Especially if you’ve lost your old remote (oh boy) or are just looking for a more streamlined experience in your living. Plus, those voice-activated devices (like the Apple HomePod) that could replace some of the features of a universal remote can be really, really annoying.

So, without further ado, check out the best universal remotes (and universal remote apps) of 2021 below. And be sure to pick one up for a much more seamless entertainment experience.