Universal remotes have been a frequent item found in most living rooms around the globe, but recently tech makers have been upping their game when it comes to the “replacement remote.” Rather than making just a standard remote, universal remotes have taken on a new life thanks to recent developments in Smart Home technology and have steadily started becoming the only remote in the house.
With tech giant, Logitech, pretty much leading the charge on the universal remote front, the legendary company has created a whole suite of remotes right for any price range that will help revolutionize and clear up your living room! But if having no remotes is more your style, there are even paid apps on your phone (Android only, sorry iPhone users) that will do the job just as well.
Check out our picks for the must-have universal remotes of 2018.
5. Logitech Harmony 350
Logitech
Buy: Amazon
If you’re looking for a remote that can be programmed to pretty much any device, from TVs to PCs and everything in between, and that won’t break the bank; then the Logitech Harmony 350 might just be your best bet! Priced at $39.99, the Harmony 350 is a perfect entry remote that will help “remove up to eight remotes” from your home. While it does lack a fancy screen and smart home capabilities, the Harmony 350 is a perfect buy for a first universal remote.
4. Smart IR Remote – Anymote
Color Tiger
Buy: Google Play
Alright iPhone users, you might as well just skip to #3. If you still own an Android phone that has an IR blaster built in (like the Samsung S6 series, Huawei Honor series, or LG V20), then you are able to fully take control of your devices with the Smart IR Remote app. With support for over 900,000 devices, this app can replace every single remote in your living room with your phone. The app’s official listing on the Google Play store says it has support for, “TV remote, Set Top Box remote, DVD remote, BluRay remote, VCR remote, Amplifier remote, Air Conditioner remote, AV Receiver remote, DSLR camera remote, etc.”
3. Logitech Harmony 650
Logitech
Buy: Amazon
If you’re looking for a remote a little bit more flair, Logitech has you covered with the Logitech Harmony 650! While it’s been around for some time, the Harmony 650 is a remote that does what it is meant to do with ease and simplicity. Although it does feature a full-color display, the Harmony 650 is designed to be user-friendly and can replace up to eight remotes in your home. With the Harmony database is regularly updated with new devices, the Harmony 650 is destined to be the one remote in your living room without emptying your wallet.
2. Logitech Harmony Companion
Logitech
Buy: Amazon
With smart home integration becoming a more common thing to find in homes across the globe, Logitech has stepped up their universal remotes to keep up with the ever-changing tech world. The Logitech Harmony Companion is designed to tackle every feature of a modern “smart home” with its compatibility with almost any device you own but also with Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Google Assistant to help control your “entire universe”. Along with programmable buttons to control lights, blinds, door locks and more; the Harmony Companion will be a perfect addition to any smart home!
1. Logitech Harmony Elite
Logitech
Buy: Amazon
Out of all the remotes on this list, no other remote is as amazing as the Logitech Harmony Elite. With its modern and sleek design, this remote can practically do anything. With support for up to 15 devices and a full-color touchscreen, the Harmony Elite can be programmed to store all your favorite devices, apps, and even channels for simple use and fast browsing. Also, the Harmony Elite can be used to control your home with its smart home capabilities and can be used with Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Google Assistant! Retailing at $349.99, the Harmony Elite may be a premium item but it is well worth the price for what this remote can do!
