The Best Universal Remote for 2025

In the age of smart homes and interconnected devices, the universal remote has become an essential tool for simplifying the control of your entertainment system. With a plethora of devices—from TVs and streaming boxes to sound systems and smart lighting—all vying for control, having one remote to rule them all is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity. Here, we delve into the best universal remote for 2025, focusing on functionality, ease of use, and compatibility.

Top Pick For Simple Systems: Sofabaton U2 Universal Remote

The Sofabaton U2 is the most basic offering from Sofabaton. The remote allows control of Bluetooth and IR devices, but only allows you to control one at a time. This means that you use the scroll wheel to select the device you want to control, send the inputs, then select the next, send the inputs, and so on.

While it is better than having to physically pick up each remote, functionally, that is what you are doing, albeit with a single remote. However, for 2025, the Sofabaton U2 is the top choice for most consumers. Here’s why:

• Versatility: The Sofabaton U2 can control up to 15 devices, including infrared (IR) and Bluetooth-enabled gadgets. This makes it adaptable to a wide array of home entertainment setups.
• Ease of Use: Programming is simplified through an intuitive smartphone app, which uses a vast database of device codes to quickly set up your remote. No need to manually enter codes; the app does the work for you.
• Design: With a comfortable grip and well-organized buttons, the Sofabaton U2 offers a user-friendly interface. Although it lacks backlit buttons, the layout is intuitive for everyday use.
• Affordability: Priced to be accessible without sacrificing functionality, the Sofabaton U2 provides lots of features at a budget-friendly cost, making it an excellent choice for those not looking to spend a fortune.

The Sofabaton U2 is not perfect. The macro functions are not intuitive and they are buggy. Plus it chews through batteries even while idle. That said, get some rechargeable batteries, and learn how to use the limited macros, and it is a decent remote for simple setups.

For the Enthusiast: Sofabaton X1S

If you’re looking for something with a bit more control, the Sofabaton X1S is my top pick. The Sofabaton uses an IR hub to send the commands and it allows control of Bluetooth, IR, and some Wi-Fi devices.

Unlike the U2, the X1S allows you to create “activities” that allow you to control multiple devices without having to switch to individual devices. This means that you can use the volume buttons to turn up the volume on your AV receiver, while the play, pause, and menu navigation buttons are mapped to your streaming device.

Plus, there are some serious advantages to stepping up to the X1S, like:

• Advanced Features: This remote supports up to 60 devices, offering extensive control over complex systems. It includes backlit buttons for usability in dim environments and a customizable OLED screen for quick access to your favorite settings or activities.
• Smart Home Integration: With Wi-Fi connectivity, it works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control and smart home device integration.
• Price Point: Higher than the U2 but justified by its additional capabilities, the X1S is ideal for tech enthusiasts with comprehensive home theater and smart home setups.
• Constant Updates: The Sofabaton X1S has gotten multiple revisions of its firmware, plus the database is continually updated.

The Sofabaton X1S is my daily driver now. However, it’s not perfect. The smart home integration is very hit or miss. I have yet to get it to integrate properly with my Google Home, despite pairing and re-pairing multiple times.

Same with smart home lights. Right now, the only brand with functionality is Philips HUE, and they only have basic on/off functionality. It is getting better, but it’s nowhere close to where Harmony is/was.

Specialized Use: Logitech Harmony Elite

Logitech was the first to introduce the hub-based remote in a consumer platform. In fact, the Sofabaton X1S owes a lot of its current success to the vacuum that Harmony left when they discontinued their remotes. The Harmony Elite and hub allow for IR, Bluetooth, and Wi Fi. Much more than anything on the consumer market right now. Plus there is significant smart home integration for lights, switches, and other IoT devices. Arguably, it is still the best for that application.

Although discontinued, the Logitech Harmony Elite remains a robust option for those who can find it second-hand. I still mourn the loss of my beloved Harmony Elite (the touch screen won’t work), but I still recommend looking for one. Here’s why:

• Legacy Support: Logitech still supports the software and databases, meaning even discontinued models can receive updates.
• Full Control: With a touch screen, the Elite can handle up to 15 devices, including smart home gadgets like lights and thermostats, offering a near-professional level of control.
• Price: The high cost, even used, reflects its advanced features, making it suitable for those with complex home theaters or extensive smart home systems

Of course, the elephant in the room is that Harmony is dead, and there are growing reports of programming not working when manufacturers update their products. I can’t point any fingers at Harmony. They said they wouldn’t abandon the product completely, but there is no compelling reason for them to support new products or features. The fact that it’s still working is a testament to their passion for the little remote that could.

Our Take

Each of these remotes simplifies the often chaotic world of home entertainment, offering control at your fingertips. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series or setting the mood with your smart lighting, the right universal remote can make all the difference. Choosing the best universal remote for 2025 doesn’t have to be hard. It all depends on how much, or little control you need.

Me? I am still rocking my Sofabaton X1S while patiently waiting for the new X2 touchscreen remote to drop from Sofabaton. And while no universal remote is 100% foolproof, they are getting better each generation. Little is known about the Sofabaton X2, but if I were to guess, I expect that the X2 might make it to a revised list of the best remotes of 2025.

The other option is (gasp) HDMI-CEC or a (expensive) dealer locked brand like Control4. I’ll take close enough and save the frustration and money!