It’s been awhile you’ve been with a bunch of remotes on the coffee table. For the sake of aesthetics, but also for more comfort, you intend to buy the best universal remote control that can safely control your devices.
By making this decision, you will be able to drive DVD, Blu-ray, VCR, DTV, DVR, Decoder, Smart TV, or the old TV, etc., with a single remote control. You will gain in practicality, but also in aesthetics because your coffee table will be uncluttered and will accommodate only one remote control.
You could also simply be looking for a pre-programmed remote control. In other words, you screwed up the remote control of your TV and you want to replace it with a good universal remote control.
Whatever your need for multifunction remote control, you can find in this guide some models that may be suitable for you.
What is the best universal remote control?
Today, universal remotes are available in different models on the market. To avoid losing your purchase, start by defining your needs. Do you need aprogrammable remote control or a pre-programmed remote control?
If you answer yes to the first proposition, you will find 5 models of a good brand in our comparison. If you are looking for a replacement remote control for your TV, you will discover 5 new models.
1. Logitech Harmony Ultimate Remote Control
Ergonomic, elegant and striking
This Logitech model is ideal for controlling televisions but also for video game consoles and even smartphones. Its user interface is through physical buttons, but it also has a screen that allows you to manage and view your settings and settings in an effortless and convenient way.
However, its beautiful, ergonomic and compact design and its functions are reflected in its price, since it is the most expensive model on our list.
2. Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote
Excellent WiFi connection capacity
This control is handled with a comfortable base and works by WiFi connection, which gives you the advantage that you can control up to 15 multimedia and domestic devices at once, even if they are stored in cabinets, if they are on the other side of the wall or also if you are located outside the house.
It is also the lightest on our list, which is remarkable. Finally, it comes with a supported MAC operating system, just like Windows.
3. Remote control Logitech Harmony 650
The least expensive model of all
If you are looking for excellent remote control but also want to save, this Logitech universal model will be perfect for you.
It has a smart colour LCD screen, buttons with a single step to control activities, USB port and allows you to control up to 8 different devices at once. Remember that it is used with two AA plugs, which are already included, is rechargeable, uses the infrared connection and is the second lightest product in the entire list.
4. One For All Xsight Lite Plus 12
It stands out for its large number of buttons and LCD screen
This is, in fact, the heaviest model of our entire comparison. However, it has good measures and offers proper functions. It includes Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks software, uses IR connection and uses 4 AAA batteries, while it is capable of controlling up to 6 different devices. It has the right size LCD screen and 48 buttons so you can control what you want. It is one of the models that has gained more positive opinions from its users.
5. Logitech Harmony 300i
An infrared model with USB and excellent price
Logitech is one of the best manufacturers of remote controls. One of its best models is this comfortable and convenient remote control with 2 AA batteries, infrared connection and USB cable. Among its features, it stands out that it comes equipped with predefined options of up to 5 channels.
With it, you can control DVD and Blu-ray players, televisions, television receivers and even computers and computers with MAC or Windows operating system.
Why use universal remote controls?
In every home, there is a long list of electronic devices that need remote controls, and it turns out that many times we end up with many individual controls that complicate our lives too much.
That’s what the universal controls are for, so you can stop using one for each device, and you can do it with all in one remote control. The good thing is that these devices work for all the devices in your home, for TV, DVD, Blue-ray, Cable, VCR, DTV, DVR, stream devices. In fact, that’s why they’re called universal.
Apart from that, anyone can benefit from these devices, from the most knowledgeable in electronics matters to the movie or video game aficionado.
They are so ideal for anyone that each controller can control up to 20 different electronic devices. You will also find fundamental and easy to configure controls, even those touch, with beautiful LCD screens and also with many more functions.
How to choose the best universal remote control?
If you want to make sure you buy a good universal remote control, it is better to be aware and look for several of the following characteristics that we will mention below. If you do, be confident that you will find the ideal model for you.
Intuitive options
If you want to improve your experience of using your electronic devices, it is best to look for one with one or two “smart” functions. This means that you should always look for adevice that allows you to schedule actions or suggest which programs or movies you might like too.
However, they are a little less affordable than the rest.
Easy to use
If you are one of those who are scared to see all the functions and buttons of one of these commands, it is likely that you look for an easy to use model, thus avoiding complications and you do not have to adapt much to be able to use it.
That’s why some remote controls come with LCD screens, programmable buttons or can be used by voice commands.
Compatibility
The first thing you need to worry about is the level of compatibility of your remote control with the devices you own. The best universal remote controls are compatible with most brands and all popular devices.
But it will be wise to educate yourself about this before making a purchase, especially if you want to be able to use it with future devices that you would be likely to acquire.
Connectivity options
These devices can be used using infrared (IR) technology, which is the most economical of the available technologies but you need an uninterrupted direct line between your control and the electronic device that drives.
Radiofrequency (RF) solves this problem and allows you to operate devices inside enclosed cabinets, for example. The downside is that this connection can control not many electronic devices.
One of the most convenient connections is WiFi, so look for your remote controls to connect to the same internet to which the electronic devices you want to control are connected.
Display
Some models have screens that allow you to choose what you want to do more efficiently and even send you messages about what you do.
Other remotes come with touch screens, which allows you to make selections faster and easier, especially for people accustomed to modern phones and technologies. They also allow you a higher level of customisation so you can configure everything as you like.
Control other devices
Sure, the good universal remote controls allow you to operate televisions, sound devices and disc players but there are also other more complete models that enable you to manage your appliances and other appliances that may be in your home.
Smartphone integration
Although it is not very common for price reasons, there are apps that can turn your smartphone or tablet into a universal remote. In addition, some universal remotes also offer these apps as part of their set.
For Apple devices, you can use apps like Simple Control or MyURemote, which work quite well. Just keep in mind that you will need a port accessory that produces infrared rays.
For Android, we recommend Touchsquid or SURE Universal. The good thing about Android models is that some phones already come with these ports, so you will not need an additional accessory. For example, the S4 was a phone that had this feature.
Features
The features and functions of the remote control are always quite exciting and should be entirely complete to satisfy all users.
Some models allow you to configure your favourite channels and program buttons “for him” and “for her” so that everyone has their desired configuration.
Many features can be an additional, of course. But there are others that are important, such as programmable buttons, motion sensors or battery indicators.
Design
The design could matter little for many users. However, you must reconsider the fact that you have decided to take this gadget in order to replace all other remote controls.
Therefore, before you start buying your universal TV-command, be sure to choose the design that you like the most. Without a doubt, you will find the most modern and refined designs at Logitech.
In addition, always choose universal remote controls that have protection against shock and falling as far as possible. The last thing, choose also those that give you the ease of handling.
Help and Support
Do not forget that electronic devices can be damaged. What’s more, any product can come with factory defects or faults, or just be difficult to configure.
That’s why you always have to look for a brand that offers a good guarantee and online support in case you find it difficult to configure it. Apart from that, it is good that they come with manuals of use and excellent support from the manufacturer in case you need it.
