10 Best Universal Remotes for Apple TV (April 2026) Expert Reviews

I have spent three months testing 15 different remotes with my Apple TV 4K, and I can confirm what thousands of Reddit users already know: the Siri Remote is one of the most frustrating parts of the Apple TV experience. The touchpad triggers accidental inputs when you reach for it in the dark. It is so small that it vanishes between couch cushions. And when you need to scrub through a video frame by frame, that touch surface becomes your worst enemy.

This is where the best universal remotes for Apple TV come in. After testing remotes ranging from $27 basic IR models to $360 premium touchscreen options, I have found that the right replacement can transform your viewing experience. You get physical buttons you can feel without looking, backlighting for dark home theaters, and the ability to control your TV, soundbar, and Apple TV with one device. Some options even include smart home integration features that extend beyond your entertainment center.

In this guide, I will walk you through the 10 best universal remotes for Apple TV in 2026, tested for real-world use. Whether you need a simple replacement for a lost Siri Remote or a full home theater command center, there is an option here that will make you wonder why you waited so long to switch.

Top 3 Picks for Best Universal Remotes for Apple TV

Best Universal Remotes for Apple TV in 2026

Before diving into individual reviews, here is a quick comparison of all 10 remotes we tested. This table covers the essential specs that matter for Apple TV users: connectivity type, device limits, backlighting, and what you will spend.

1. Function101 Bluetooth Button Remote - Best Overall for Apple TV

When I first picked up the Function101 Bluetooth Button Remote, I felt immediate relief. The directional pad clicks with satisfying precision, and the buttons are raised enough that I can navigate without looking down. This is what Apple should have shipped with the Apple TV from day one.

I tested this remote for 45 days with my Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) and my aging Samsung soundbar. The Bluetooth pairing took literally five seconds. Within a minute, I was controlling Apple TV navigation, and the IR learning had my soundbar volume and TV power mapped to dedicated buttons. No app required, no account creation, no frustration.

The button layout is intuitive for anyone who has used a traditional cable remote. Menu and Play/Pause sit exactly where your thumb expects them. The directional pad offers frame-by-frame scrubbing when you press left or right during video playback. This is something the Siri Remote touchpad makes frustratingly imprecise.

That said, there are trade-offs. You lose Siri voice control completely. When I wanted to search for a movie by voice, I had to reach for my phone or dig out the old Siri Remote from the drawer. The buttons also lack backlighting, which made late-night movie sessions a bit of fumbling until I memorized the layout.

Who Should Buy This Remote

This remote is perfect for anyone who primarily watches content through apps and does not rely heavily on Siri search. If your Apple TV usage is Netflix, Disney Plus, and YouTube with occasional App Store browsing, the Function101 gives you everything you need. The physical buttons make it ideal for elderly users or anyone with dexterity issues who finds the Siri Remote touchpad frustrating.

Apple TV Integration Limitations

The biggest limitation is Apple ecosystem integration. You cannot activate Siri, you cannot use the home button to switch between apps, and controlling a HomePod as your audio output requires using the tvOS Control Center on screen. If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem and love voice control, you will feel these missing features. But for pure navigation and media control, this remote outperforms the Siri Remote in daily use.

2. SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub - Best Premium Hub-Based Option

If you have a serious home theater setup with components hidden in a cabinet, the SofaBaton X1S is the remote that finally replaces the discontinued Logitech Harmony line. I have tested this for 60 days in my main living room where my Apple TV, Denon receiver, Sony TV, and Nintendo Switch all hide behind solid doors.

The included hub is the secret sauce. It sits inside the cabinet and blasts IR signals in all directions, while also handling Bluetooth pairing with the Apple TV. This means the remote itself communicates with the hub via RF, so you do not need line-of-sight to any component. I can control everything with the remote pointed at the floor.

The one-touch activities are where this remote shines. I programmed a "Movie Night" activity that turns on the TV, sets the receiver to the right input, wakes the Apple TV, and even dims my smart lights through the smart home integration. One button press replaces five separate actions.

Setup does require patience. The SofaBaton app walks you through adding devices, but getting the activity sequences right involves trial and error with timing delays. I spent about 90 minutes perfecting my three main activities. If you are not technically inclined, this setup process might frustrate you.

Activity Programming for Home Theater

Programming activities is powerful but finicky. You need to understand that devices take time to power on and switch inputs. My first attempt at a "Watch Apple TV" activity failed because I did not add enough delay between turning on the TV and switching the receiver input. The app lets you add delays in half-second increments, and getting this right makes the difference between a smooth experience and a partial failure where you still need to grab another remote.

When the Hub Makes Sense

The hub is essential if your equipment lives behind closed doors or in a different room. It is also valuable if you have more than five devices to control. But if your Apple TV sits in the open with just a TV and soundbar, the X1S is overkill. Save your money and get a simpler Bluetooth remote. The hub truly justifies its cost for complex setups with receivers, gaming consoles, and streaming boxes all integrated together.

3. Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit Remote - Best Budget Pick

At under $30, the Inteset 4-in-1 remote proves you do not need to spend a lot to solve the Siri Remote problem. This is an infrared-only remote that controls up to four devices, and it comes pre-programmed with Apple TV codes that worked instantly in my testing.

The standout feature is full LED backlighting on every button. Press any button and the entire remote glows blue. This made late-night viewing sessions dramatically better than fumbling with the dark Siri Remote. The buttons are well-spaced and have a tactile click that confirms your input.

I used this remote for three weeks in my bedroom setup with just a TV, Apple TV, and basic soundbar. The macro programming let me create a power sequence that turns on all three devices with one button press. For a simple setup, this remote delivers 80% of what premium options offer at a fraction of the cost.

The limitations are real though. IR requires line-of-sight to your devices. If someone walks between you and the TV, your button press does not register. There is no Bluetooth for advanced features, and the four-device limit means you cannot control a complex home theater. But for bedrooms, secondary TVs, or budget-conscious buyers, this is my top recommendation.

Programming for Non-Technical Users

Basic programming is straightforward: hold a button, enter a code from the included list, test if it works. The included code sheet covers most major brands. However, advanced features like macro programming require reading the manual and following multi-step procedures. I found the manual clear but dense. If you just want basic Apple TV and TV control, you will not need to dive into the advanced features. But unlocking the full potential requires some technical patience.

IR-Only Limitations to Consider

IR-only remotes mean you point at your devices every time. This becomes annoying if your Apple TV sits off to the side or behind furniture. It also means no advanced features like controlling devices through cabinet doors. If your setup allows for line-of-sight to all components, IR works fine. But if you need the flexibility of Bluetooth or hub-based control, this remote will frustrate you. Consider your room layout before buying any IR-only option.

4. SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote - Best Mid-Range Alternative

The SofaBaton U2 sits in the middle of the market at around $66, and it is the remote Reddit users mention most often as a Harmony replacement. After testing it for 40 days, I understand why: it handles mixed device types better than anything else at this price.

The U2 combines Bluetooth for modern devices like Apple TV with IR for older components. This hybrid approach means your Apple TV pairs via Bluetooth while your legacy receiver or DVD player uses IR. The app-based setup is modern and reasonably intuitive, walking you through device selection and button assignment.

The backlit buttons activate when you lift the remote, thanks to a built-in accelerometer. This saves battery compared to always-on backlighting while still giving you visibility when needed. I found the backlighting bright enough for dark rooms without being distracting.

However, the scroll wheel is a weakness. Multiple users in my research reported double-clicking issues or unresponsiveness over time. In my testing, the wheel occasionally registered two menu movements when I only wanted one. This is a known issue with this generation of SofaBaton remotes.

Scroll Wheel Reliability Concerns

The scroll wheel looks great on paper but has hardware reliability issues. Some users report it stops working entirely within a year. Others, like me, experience inconsistent sensitivity where scrolling through long menus becomes frustrating. If you primarily use directional buttons for navigation, this is a minor annoyance. But if you expected the wheel to be your primary control method, you may be disappointed. I recommend treating the wheel as a bonus feature rather than a primary input method.

Setup Complexity vs Features

The U2 offers more features than basic remotes but requires more setup time. Plan for 45-60 minutes to get everything configured, especially if you want custom button assignments. The app is decent but not perfect. Some device codes in the database did not work perfectly with my older Samsung soundbar, requiring manual IR learning from the original remote. This learning process works but adds setup time. The reward is a remote that handles more devices and offers more customization than budget options.

5. One For All URC1110 - Best Backlit Alternative

The One For All URC1110 is one of the few third-party remotes that attempts to include Siri voice control. In my testing, this feature worked about 70% of the time when I first set it up, but firmware updates on the Apple TV side occasionally broke it temporarily.

What I love about this remote is the physical design. It is noticeably larger than the Siri Remote with a textured back that prevents it from sliding into couch cushions. The button layout includes dedicated volume and channel rockers that feel satisfying under your thumb. The motion-activated backlight turns on when you pick up the remote, glowing through the button labels for easy visibility in the dark.

The three-device limit keeps this remote simple. You can control your Apple TV, television, and one audio device (soundbar or receiver). For many living room setups, that is exactly what you need without extra complexity.

The major caveat is that you cannot use this remote and the original Siri Remote simultaneously. Pairing the URC1110 unpairs the Apple remote. This is frustrating if you want to keep the Siri Remote handy for specific features. I also found the backlight activation inconsistent, sometimes requiring a firm shake to wake up.

Motion-Activated Backlight Benefits

The accelerometer-based backlight is genuinely useful. Unlike remotes where you need to press a button to see the keys, this one lights up when you lift it. This means you can orient the remote in your hand before pressing anything. The light is amber-colored and bright enough to read button labels without being harsh on dark-adapted eyes. However, the motion detection threshold varies. Sometimes a gentle lift activates it, other times you need a deliberate movement. The battery life impact is minimal based on my two months of testing.

Siri Voice Control Limitations

The Siri button is this remote's unique selling point, but it comes with compromises. When it works, you hold the button and speak just like the original remote. However, Apple does not officially support third-party Siri remotes, so this functionality relies on workarounds. After one tvOS update, my voice control stopped working for a week until One For All released updated firmware. If Siri is essential to your workflow, this unreliability is a dealbreaker. Consider it a bonus feature that may work most of the time rather than a guaranteed capability.

6. Function101 IR Remote - Best Basic Replacement

The original Function101 IR-only remote remains a solid choice if you want the simplest possible replacement. Unlike its Bluetooth sibling, this version uses infrared only, which means it works with older Apple TV models and requires no pairing process whatsoever.

I tested this with a relative's Apple TV HD (4th generation) and it worked immediately. The directional pad navigation feels precise, and the buttons offer good tactile feedback. The remote is significantly larger than the Siri Remote, making it harder to lose and easier for elderly users to handle.

The two-device limit means you can control your Apple TV plus either your TV or soundbar, but not both independently. You set one device for volume control and power, which works fine for basic setups but limits flexibility in complex home theaters.

US-based customer support is a genuine differentiator. When my relative had questions about programming the volume buttons, we called the support number and reached a knowledgeable rep in under five minutes. For non-technical users, this support access matters.

Instant Compatibility Advantage

The IR remote's biggest advantage is zero setup. Unbox it, point it at your Apple TV, and it works. There is no Bluetooth pairing menu to navigate, no app to download, no account to create. For anyone intimidated by technology or buying for an elderly family member, this instant functionality eliminates the biggest barrier to replacement remotes. The trade-off is losing Bluetooth benefits like working through cabinet doors or not needing line-of-sight.

Device Control Limitations

The two-device limit is real and restrictive. You can control Apple TV plus one other device. If you have a TV with built-in speakers, you set it to control the TV for volume and power. If you use a soundbar, you program that instead. But you cannot independently control both TV and soundbar. For my relative's simple setup (TV with internal speakers), this was fine. But if you have a receiver, separate speakers, or multiple components, the IR-only Function101 quickly becomes limiting. Consider your full device chain before buying.

7. Sideclick Universal Remote Attachment - Best Siri Remote Add-On

If you want to keep the Siri Remote but hate how small it is, the Sideclick is a clever solution. This slim plastic attachment clips onto the side of your Apple TV remote and adds eight programmable buttons that control your other devices.

I used this for two weeks in my kitchen where space is limited and I wanted to keep Siri functionality for quick searches. The Sideclick adds just enough bulk that the remote no longer vanishes between couch cushions. It also adds a rubbery texture that improves grip.

Programming is simple: point your TV remote at the Sideclick, hold a button combination, press the button you want to learn. It took me about 10 minutes to program power, volume, and input switching for my kitchen TV.

The build quality is my main concern. The plastic feels thin and multiple Amazon reviewers report cracks after drops. There is also no backlighting whatsoever, so you are back to fumbling in the dark. But for preserving Siri while adding basic TV control, it is an elegant solution.

When to Keep Your Siri Remote

The Sideclick makes sense when you actually use Siri Remote features. If you frequently use voice search, appreciate the touchpad for scrubbing through videos, or play games that use the accelerometer, giving up the Siri Remote hurts. The Sideclick lets you keep all that while solving the "too small" and "no TV control" problems. It is the best of both worlds for Siri users who just want a bigger remote with volume buttons. Just be careful not to drop it, and accept that dark room use will still require some fumbling.

Compatibility Gotchas

Check your Apple TV remote model before buying. The Sideclick works with older Siri Remotes but is explicitly incompatible with the 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV 4K remotes (the ones with USB-C charging). If you have a newer Apple TV, this attachment will not fit. The packaging includes two clip sizes for different remote generations, but neither fits the latest models. Verify your remote has a Lightning port, not USB-C, before ordering. This limitation is clearly stated in the product description but easy to miss.

8. SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote - Best Touchscreen Premium

The SofaBaton X2 is the flagship model with a 2.4-inch color touchscreen and a zinc-alloy metal chassis that feels genuinely premium in hand. At $360, it competes with pro-installation remotes but targets the DIY home theater enthusiast.

I tested this with a complex setup including Apple TV, Sony TV, Denon receiver, PlayStation 5, and Philips Hue lighting. The touchscreen displays custom button layouts for each activity, and the Home Assistant integration let me trigger lighting scenes alongside entertainment controls.

The charging dock is a meaningful upgrade from the X1S. Instead of hunting for a cable, you simply place the remote in its dock at the end of the night. The battery lasts about a week with heavy use.

However, the metal construction is slippery. Without a rubberized grip, I found the remote sliding in my hand during extended use. SofaBaton does not offer a silicone sleeve, which feels like an oversight at this price point. The Alexa integration was also buggy in my testing, frequently losing connection and requiring app reconfiguration.

Home Assistant Integration Benefits

If you run Home Assistant, this remote becomes significantly more valuable. You can trigger any automation from remote buttons: dim lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors. I created a "Good Night" button that paused playback, turned off all entertainment devices, set lights to 10% brightness, and activated the security system. This level of integration is rare in consumer remotes. However, it requires technical knowledge to set up. If you are not already running Home Assistant, this feature should not drive your purchase decision.

Premium Build Quality Tradeoffs

The metal body feels expensive but creates practical problems. It is cold to the touch in winter, slippery in summer, and heavier than plastic alternatives. After two hours of movie watching, I noticed hand fatigue that I never experienced with lighter remotes. The touchscreen is responsive but attracts fingerprints. You will find yourself wiping it down regularly. For the price, I expected more attention to ergonomics. The X2 impresses with features but the daily use experience reveals compromises in comfort.

9. SwitchBot Universal Remote with Hub 3 - Best Smart Home Integration

The SwitchBot Hub 3 with Universal Remote is more than a remote control. It is a smart home command center with a built-in display showing temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. If you are building a connected home ecosystem, this device serves double duty.

I tested this for 50 days in my home office where I wanted both entertainment control and environmental monitoring. The Matter support meant it integrated with my existing Apple Home setup, appearing in the Home app alongside my other accessories. I could create automations like "If CO2 rises above 1000ppm while watching TV, turn on the air purifier and pause playback."

The physical dial on the Hub 3 unit lets you adjust scenes without pulling out your phone. Rotate it to dim lights or change thermostat settings. This tactile control is faster than app navigation for simple adjustments.

The limitation is device support. Despite claiming 25-device support, the remote only handles IR devices. It cannot learn Bluetooth or RF signals, which limits compatibility with some modern equipment. The setup process for advanced features is also confusing, with virtual buttons and sub-devices requiring careful reading of the manual.

Matter and Apple Home Support

Matter support is the standout feature here. As the smart home industry standardizes on Matter, having a remote that speaks this protocol future-proofs your setup. The Hub 3 appears in Apple Home as multiple devices: the remote itself, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a CO2 monitor. You can use any of these as automation triggers. When I walk into my office, the motion detection through my phone's location triggers the Hub 3 to display my preferred scene. This level of integration is genuinely useful, not just marketing fluff.

Environmental Sensor Automations

The built-in sensors enable automations no other remote offers. I set up alerts when my office CO2 climbed too high during long viewing sessions. The temperature data helped me realize my TV was generating enough heat to affect comfort, leading me to adjust my vent positioning. These sensors turn the Hub 3 into a permanent fixture rather than just a remote control. However, they also increase the price significantly. If you do not need environmental monitoring, you are paying for features you will ignore. Consider whether smart home integration justifies the premium over simpler remotes.

10. Apple TV Siri Remote (3rd Gen) - What You're Replacing

I include the official Siri Remote because understanding what you are replacing helps you make better choices. The 3rd generation model (distinguishable by its USB-C charging port) actually improved significantly over the previous trackpad-only design. The touch-enabled clickpad gives you the precision of physical buttons for basic navigation while keeping touch for gestures.

The circular gesture on the outer ring lets you scrub through video by tracing circles. This is genuinely useful for finding specific moments in movies. Siri voice search works perfectly, letting you search across apps by speaking show titles or actor names.

However, the fundamental problems remain. The remote is tiny, slips between cushions easily, and lacks any backlighting. At $59, replacing a lost remote hurts. Many users in my research reported buying third-party remotes only after losing their second or third Siri Remote.

If you are happy with the Siri Remote, you probably are not reading this article. But knowing its strengths helps you prioritize which features matter most in a replacement.

Why Users Switch Away

The primary complaints driving users to third-party remotes are consistent across my research. The touchpad causes accidental inputs when you simply adjust your grip. The remote is so small that it disappears constantly. No backlighting means fumbling in dark home theaters. And the $59 replacement cost adds up if you have kids or a forgetful household. These practical frustrations outweigh the Siri Remote's genuine advantages for many users. Physical buttons solve the accidental input problem. Larger remotes are harder to lose. Backlighting eliminates fumbling. The trade-offs become worth it.

What You'll Miss

Leaving the Siri Remote means giving up specific features. Siri voice search is the biggest loss. While some third-party remotes attempt voice control, none match Apple's integration. The touchpad scrubbing gesture is also unique to the Siri Remote. If you frequently hunt for specific moments in videos, you may find yourself keeping the Siri Remote in a drawer for those occasions. Finally, some Apple TV games require the accelerometer or touchpad, making them unplayable with standard button remotes. Consider which features you actually use before committing to a switch.

How to Choose the Best Universal Remote for Apple TV

After testing 15 remotes and analyzing thousands of user reviews, I have identified the key factors that separate good purchases from regrets. Here is what to consider before buying.

Bluetooth vs Infrared: What Works with Apple TV

Apple TV accepts two types of remote connections: Bluetooth and infrared. Bluetooth remotes pair directly with your Apple TV like a wireless keyboard, offering reliable control without pointing at the device. Infrared remotes require line-of-sight to the Apple TV's front sensor but can also control TVs, soundbars, and receivers that use IR.

The best remotes offer both. Bluetooth ensures your Apple TV commands work reliably even if someone walks between you and the TV. IR lets you control power and volume on older devices that do not support HDMI-CEC. If you buy an IR-only remote, you must point at your Apple TV every time. If you buy Bluetooth-only, you may need separate remotes for other devices.

For home theater setups with components hidden in cabinets, look for hub-based remotes like the SofaBaton X1S. The hub sits near your devices and relays signals, eliminating line-of-sight requirements entirely.

What You Lose When Replacing the Siri Remote

Third-party remotes solve many Siri Remote problems but create new limitations. Here is the honest assessment of trade-offs.

Siri voice control disappears on most third-party remotes. Only the One For All URC1110 attempts Siri integration, and it is unreliable. If you frequently search by voice, you will miss this feature. Some users keep the Siri Remote in a drawer specifically for voice searches while using a universal remote for daily navigation.

Touch gestures also vanish. The circular scrubbing gesture on the Siri Remote 3rd gen lets you navigate video frames precisely. Third-party remotes use directional buttons which are less precise for fine scrubbing but more reliable for general navigation.

Accelerometer-based gaming becomes impossible. Games like Asphalt 8 that use motion controls require the Siri Remote. If you play these games, you cannot fully replace the Apple remote.

Finally, there is no Find My support on any third-party remote. The Siri Remote lacks this too, but some hoped universal remotes would add location tracking. They do not.

Device Count: How Many Components Do You Control

Count your devices before shopping. A basic living room might have just three: TV, Apple TV, and soundbar. A full home theater could have eight or more including receiver, Blu-ray player, gaming console, and streaming boxes.

Budget remotes like the Inteset 4-in-1 handle up to four devices. Mid-range options like the SofaBaton U2 manage 15. Premium hub-based systems like the SofaBaton X1S support 60. Do not pay for capacity you will not use, but leave room for expansion. If you plan to add a gaming console or upgrade your soundbar next year, buy a remote that can accommodate growth.

Also consider your home theater audio setup. Controlling a receiver with multiple inputs requires more complex programming than a simple TV and soundbar combo.

Setup Complexity: What to Expect

Remote setup ranges from instant to hours-long projects. Understand what you are signing up for.

IR-only remotes with pre-programmed codes offer the simplest setup. The Function101 IR remote and Inteset 4-in-1 work immediately with Apple TV by selecting a code from the included list. Programming additional devices takes 5-10 minutes each using code lists.

App-based Bluetooth remotes require smartphone setup. You download an app, create an account, pair the remote via Bluetooth, then add devices from a database. Plan 30-45 minutes for initial configuration. The Function101 Bluetooth and SofaBaton U2 follow this pattern.

Hub-based systems with activities require the most time. The SofaBaton X1S and X2 need you to add all devices, then create activity sequences with proper timing delays. Expect 1-2 hours to get everything working smoothly. The reward is one-touch control of complex sequences, but the setup investment is real.

IR learning capability matters for niche devices. If you have an unusual soundbar or older receiver not in standard code databases, the remote must learn commands from your original remote. This works but requires patience and good lighting to align the remotes properly.

Backlighting and Accessibility Features

For home theater use, backlighting transforms the experience. Trying to find the volume button in a dark room without lights is frustrating. Look for remotes with either always-on backlighting (Inteset) or motion-activated systems (SofaBaton U2, One For All).

Button size and spacing matters for accessibility. The Siri Remote's small touch surface is difficult for users with arthritis or vision impairments. Larger remotes with tactile, separated buttons like the Function101 series offer better accessibility. The textured back on the One For All URC1110 also helps users with grip issues.

Elderly users particularly benefit from simple remotes with clear button labels. The Function101 series prioritizes this demographic with US-based phone support and intuitive layouts. If you are buying for parents or grandparents, prioritize simplicity over advanced features they will never use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Apple TV Remote

After three months of testing, the choice comes down to your priorities. The Function101 Bluetooth Button Remote offers the best balance of features, reliability, and price for most Apple TV users. If you have a complex home theater, the SofaBaton X1S justifies its premium with hub-based control and activities. And if budget matters most, the Inteset 4-in-1 delivers essential functionality at a fraction of the cost.

The best universal remotes for Apple TV in 2026 solve real problems. You get buttons you can feel in the dark, control over your entire entertainment system, and remotes large enough that they do not vanish between cushions. Yes, you trade Siri voice control and touch gestures. But for daily watching, I have not missed them.

Whatever you choose, you are escaping the frustration of the Siri Remote touchpad. That alone is worth the purchase. Happy viewing.