Universal TV Remote
Now we're getting into big spending universal remote control territory. The main draw of the Elite remote control over the Harmony Companion is its screen and for most users it's just not worth it. The touch screen makes this remote control more versatile than cheaper models with buttons, especially for calling up favorite channels or the Roku app, plus the full backlighting is great. Unfortunately, the touch screen and backlighting suck a lot of battery power so you (and your family) will need to remember to park the smart remote in its dock regularly. Read our Logitech Harmony Elite review.
Unlike Harmony, Caavo Control Center includes an HDMI switch in addition to the smart remote. You plug your stuff into the switch and it handles the rest, including automatically recognizing your gear during setup. Caavo has its own smart voice control system and onscreen display to help you find stuff to watch on your streaming devices. The universal remote control device itself is simple and elegant and the remote finder is gold. Like the hub-based Harmonys below, Caavo doesn't require line of sight (the switch acts as the hub) and the remote control will also work with a voice command from Alexa and Google Home speakers in homes with multiple devices. Read our Caavo Control Center preview.
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My pick for the best universal remote for the money is the Harmony Companion, a real remote tied to a Harmony Hub. Since the Harmony Hub handles the actual command sending, you don't have to aim the smart device and risk one of your devices missing a command -- which leads to confusion and delay. The Harmony Companion doesn't just handle your entertainment devices, the smart remote can also communicate with some home automation devices such as Philips Hue lights. The device is slick and easy to hold and the battery lasts for months. In my years of using the Harmony Companion at home, the main things I missed are backlighting behind the buttons and a remote finder. Read our Logitech Harmony Companion review.
The Hub is the only remote control device on this list that doesn't actually include an actual physical remote device or buttons. Instead, you control everything using the Harmony app for smartphones (Android or iOS) -- or by talking to your Amazon Alexa or Google Home speaker. The smart hub itself nestles deep in your AV cabinet, blasting out Infrared, Bluetooth and Wi Fi network signals to your equipment. This Harmony smart control is a great system if you prefer the Harmony app, but for most people, investing in a real smart device (maybe one with a smartphone app) is worth the extra few bucks.
Close Discuss: Best universal remote of 2020 Sign in to comment Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.
Logitech Harmony Hub The Hub is the only remote control device on this list that doesn't actually include an actual physical remote device or buttons. Instead, you control everything using the Harmony app for smartphones (Android or iOS) -- or by talking to your Amazon Alexa or Google Home speaker. The smart hub itself nestles deep in your AV cabinet, blasting out Infrared, Bluetooth and Wi Fi network signals to your equipment. This Harmony smart control is a great system if you prefer the Harmony app, but for most people, investing in a real smart device (maybe one with a smartphone app) is worth the extra few bucks. $100 at Amazon
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Universal TV Remote On Play Store
