The Best Universal Remotes

  • Dani Rosewater

Even some of the most expensive, nicest TVs come with a crummy remote. But even if the included remote is good, you still might lose it or desire an extra. That's why we decided to find and review the best universal remotes on the market. The following list includes some that work for the majority of models of a particular brand of TV, while others work with almost any television brand you can name. Read on for our in-depth reviews.

What to Look For

In our opinion, remote controls are pretty much essential. But not all universal remotes can cut the mustard, so we used four key questions to guide our search: Does it offer responsive inputs with quick button presses? Does it have a long-lasting build that will endure the test of time? Does it have all the necessary buttons? Is it power-efficient, or do you have to replace the batteries frequently? Our top pick is our go-to for Roku TVs since it connects with the vast majority of models and comes at a great price. But for those who want something compatible with an even longer list of TVs, we recommend checking out the versatile pick from GE Home Electrical. Of course, each remote has its own pros and cons, so check out our reviews below.

LOUTOC Universal TV Remote for All Roku TV

Quick access to all your favorites

For a simple and dependable replacement, this remote easily secures its top spot on our list.
Best Overall

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Roku TVs are widely loved for their intuitive interface, but without a quality remote, you can’t exactly navigate those menus with ease. That’s why we love this remote from LOUTOC since it replaces the standard Roku remote with a close look-alike for an affordable price. And although it’s a third-party product, it still delivers the same dependability and responsiveness of the original remote. With buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video, this little remote gets you straight to the streaming.

Pros:

  • Extremely affordable
  • Durable design can endure rough handling
  • There’s no setup required as it connects automatically
  • Feels good in the hand

Cons:

  • The volume buttons extend out a little far, so it can be easy to hit them on accident

GE Universal Remote Control

Doesn't discriminate

This versatile remote is compatible with a vast range of TV models and brands, so there's a good chance it works with yours, too.
Most Universal

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With so many smart TVs out there, few universal remotes are actually universal across different brands. That’s why we were impressed by this “truly” universal remote from GE Home Electrical, which boasts compatibility with LG, Vizio, Samsung, Sony, Sharp, Roku, Apple TV, TCL, and much more. Of course, there are a few TV models that won’t work with it, but you can check the product information before you buy to make sure. Add to that the straightforward setup, long-lasting battery life, and low price, and you have one of the best overall universal remotes out there.

Pros:

  • Can be used to control up to four different devices
  • Programmable buttons
  • Works right away with many common TV models, such as Samsung
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • Sacrifices durability for a lightweight build

Omaic XRT136 Universal Remote Control for VIZIO

Touch and go

If you need to replace your original remote, this option offers reliable compatibility and responsive inputs.
Best For Vizio

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Vizio televisions are some of the best in the biz, and this universal remote control from Omaic helps bring all that excellence to life. The list of compatible models is extensive, with almost every single Vizio TV present. You should double-check that yours will work, but there’s a solid chance it will. We especially enjoy the sleek and smooth design, which places all the essential buttons within reach. It also has more short keys than most, with access to Vudu, Netflix, Crackle, Prime Video, and even iHeart Radio just a click away.

Pros:

  • Buttons give a satisfying and responsive click
  • Maintains a strong signal over long distances
  • Works right away with no setup necessary for most models

Cons:

  • Some people find the mechanical sound of the clicks to be a little annoying, though others like knowing their button press registered

ATA-D Newest Universal Remote Control for Samsung TVs

Premium build, affordable price

Inexpensive and packed with plenty of different controls, this pick is a fast favorite.
Best For Samsung

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If you have a Samsung TV, this universal remote will almost certainly work. It’s compatible with nearly every model of Samsung TV released in the last several years, and it may even connect with some older models, too. Of course, with hotkeys for Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu, it’s clearly geared toward smart TVs. We actually like it better than most original remotes since it’s fast, responsive, and comfortable in the hand. For the Samsung crowd, this affordable remote replacement is worth the upgrade.

Pros:

  • Maximum range of 30 feet
  • Feels sturdy yet lightweight
  • The main buttons are clearly marked and easy to see
  • Power efficient, meaning less frequent battery replacements

Cons:

  • The buttons don’t light up

Angrox Universal Remote Control for LG Smart TV

All the buttons we need

With an intuitive design and more buttons than most, this universal remote puts the power in your hand.
Best For LG

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We love how responsive LG smart TVs are, and this universal remote from Angrox keeps up with their premium performance. It works with nearly every LG model of LCD and LED smart TVs, so the setup is usually as simple as popping in the batteries. And unlike many options, this remote comes with batteries included. Whether you need to replace a remote the dog chewed up or just want an extra on hand, this one should serve you well.

Pros:

  • No need to program the inputs
  • Durable build
  • Plenty of useful buttons
  • Easy to see thanks to the large white button markings

Cons:

  • Only hotkeys for Netflix and Prime Video, so other streaming apps need to be accessed manually

Frequently Asked Questions

Do universal remotes work with all TV models?

If there’s a universal remote that works with every TV model ever released, we haven’t found it. Most of the “universal” remotes on the market are actually referring to their compatibility with many different models from a specific TV manufacturer. Your best bet is to find one that works with your TV’s specific brand (such as LG or Vizio).

Do I have to program or set up my universal remote?

This depends on your remote of choice and your specific TV model, but many options should work right away. Some universal remotes, however, have programmable buttons that can serve as hotkeys. These buttons are usually marked with letters, such as A, B, C, and D. Nonetheless, such remote controls can still connect automatically before you customize the hotkeys.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

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