Universal remotes sound

 

As you incorporate more streaming, gaming, and audio devices into your television setup, the number of remote controls you must manage will inevitably increase. Eventually, this can become overwhelming. Initially, your television screen comes with its own remote, and you may also possess a gaming console or streaming box, each with its respective remotes. When you introduce a Blu-ray player, turntable, or AV receiver, you have already doubled the number of remote controls in your configuration. If your home theater or listening station is particularly elaborate, the addition of a CD player or a Chromecast could further complicate the situation.

A potential solution might appear to be a universal remote — a single device designed to control everything in your media room. However, in 2026, discovering an effective universal remote solution is more challenging than it seems. Many previously leading universal remote brands, such as Logitech and Sony, have ceased the production of new models. This situation compels those seeking a new universal remote to invest in high-end options, like the Sofabaton X1S universal remote, or to settle for more affordable yet less functional alternatives, such as Best Buy's Insignia universal remote. Additionally, it is worth noting that the remote for your television or AV receiver can likely be programmed to manage some of the other devices in your setup, giving the impression that you already possess a universal remote.

 I tried turning my JBL MA710 receiver into a universal remote, and also turned my OnePlus 13 into a virtual universal remote for good measure. Both ways, I ended up wishing I had stuck with my handful of individual remotes. Sometimes, universal and simple aren't the same thing.

Universal remotes aren't always convenient

The time it takes to program and automate them could be better spent 

The most effective universal remotes are capable of supporting connections to multiple devices and various connection methods. Numerous media remotes utilize an IR blaster to interact with the devices they control remotely, while others rely on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It is likely that your TV or AV receiver's remote is designed to manage other devices using its IR blaster, typically through the HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) standard. This feature essentially enables your TV remote to effortlessly and automatically control devices linked to its HDMI port, requiring minimal or no manual configuration.

Depending on your configuration, the HDMI CEC functionality may fulfill your requirements for a "universal remote." For this feature to operate effectively, all devices within your setup must be compatible with HDMI CEC. If you need to manage non-HDMI inputs, a more robust solution will be necessary. A capable AV receiver could suffice — for instance, my JBL MA710 Dolby Atmos receiver is equipped with HDMI CEC and can also accommodate analog audio inputs, surround sound modes, and speaker management. However, it still lacks a crucial element that universal remotes require to be genuinely convenient: advanced programming capabilities. 

In other words, you desire a universal remote that can manage multiple devices simultaneously. For instance, I should be able to utilize a universal remote to establish a shortcut that activates my TV, Blu-ray player, and changes the receiver input with a single button press. I do not wish to toggle between different virtual remotes for each function, as that undermines the essence of a universal solution. The issue is that there are very few cost-effective universal remotes available that provide this degree of automation and programming capabilities.

It is likely that you are attempting to use your TV remote or AV receiver remote to control everything in your configuration, and these devices merely present a facade of convenience. When you attempt to turn off your streaming box to engage in video games and your TV screen simultaneously goes black, it can be quite frustrating. Numerous universal remote options lack the accuracy of using separate remotes, resulting in users spending more time troubleshooting than actually enjoying shows and movies, listening to music, or playing games. 

Android phones are better universal remotes

If you have a phone with an IR blaster, you already have a great remote 

A potential compromise between depending on your television or AV receiver remote and investing in an expensive universal remote may involve utilizing an Android phone. Certain Android models still feature integrated IR blasters, such as the flagship devices from OnePlus. I employed my OnePlus 13 as a universal remote using the Irplus application to manage every element of my configuration — including a five-disc CD changer from the 1990s — and the smartphone performed exceptionally well. You might discover an older Android phone from brands like Samsung, HTC, or LG in your storage that could still function as a universal remote in 2026.

Software-based universal remotes are superb for integrating all components of your setup, provided you possess a phone equipped with an IR blaster. Nevertheless, they share some of the same drawbacks as traditional universal remotes. Dedicated universal remotes frequently face criticism for having subpar physical buttons or poor ergonomics, and a virtual Android remote application will likely be inferior in these aspects. They are also not particularly suitable for sharing. Unless you have an extra Android phone, no one is inclined to circulate their phone during movie night.