If you're juggling three or four remotes just to watch TV, a universal remote solves the problem. Since Logitech discontinued the Harmony line, SofaBaton has emerged as the clear replacement for home theater enthusiasts. Here's what works in 2026 and which option fits your setup.
Quick answer
- Best overall: SofaBaton X1S with Hub — full Harmony replacement with IR, Bluetooth, and WiFi control, 45-day battery life (~$190-330)
- Premium upgrade: SofaBaton X2 with Hub — metal build, touchscreen, best-in-class but shorter battery (~$330-360)
- Best without hub: SofaBaton U2 — 15-device control via IR and Bluetooth (~$60-70)
- Simplest upgrade: SideClick attachment — clips onto your streaming remote and adds IR TV control (~$25-30)
- Best for Fire TV: Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro — voice control plus backlit buttons (~$35)
What to consider
IR vs Bluetooth vs WiFi
- IR (infrared): Line-of-sight only. Works with almost everything — TVs, receivers, soundbars, Blu-ray players. The most compatible protocol.
- Bluetooth: Works through walls and cabinet doors. Required for Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, and some streaming devices that don't have IR receivers.
- WiFi: Controls smart devices, IP-based devices, and can trigger smart home scenes. Requires a hub.
Most setups need at least IR + Bluetooth. If you have an Apple TV or Fire TV Stick (which lack IR receivers), you need Bluetooth to control them.
Activities/macros
The best feature of a universal remote is "activities" — press one button and it turns on your TV, switches to the right input, powers on your soundbar, and launches your streaming app. SofaBaton X1S supports this; simpler remotes don't.
Hub vs no hub
- With hub: Hub sits in your entertainment center and blasts IR signals in all directions. Better for components in cabinets. Also enables WiFi device control.
- Without hub: Remote itself sends IR/Bluetooth signals. Simpler, cheaper, but you need line-of-sight to IR devices.
Our picks
SofaBaton X1S with Hub — best overall
The X1S is the closest thing to a Harmony Elite replacement. The hub handles IR blasting (so your components don't need line-of-sight), while the remote communicates with the hub via WiFi. Supports activities, macros, and controls devices via IR, Bluetooth, and WiFi. The companion app makes setup straightforward with a large device database.
Pros: Activities/macros, IR hub for cabinet setups, Bluetooth for streaming devices, large device database, good app Cons: Remote has no built-in IR emitter (relies entirely on hub for IR), hub requires power outlet and 2.4GHz WiFi only, setup takes 30-60 minutes for complex systems Price range: $190-330 (price has fluctuated since launch)
Want the premium version? The SofaBaton X2 ($330-360) adds a metal chassis, 2.4-inch touchscreen, and IR emitter on both the remote and hub. Battery life is shorter (8-13 days vs X1S's 45 days), but the build quality and touchscreen are a clear step up.
SofaBaton U2 — best without hub
If you don't need WiFi control or a hub, the U2 handles up to 15 devices via IR and Bluetooth. The OLED screen shows device labels and macro buttons. App-based setup uses a phone to program the remote. Solid pick for straightforward setups where line-of-sight isn't a problem.
Pros: Affordable, 15-device capacity, Bluetooth for streaming devices, OLED display, macro support Cons: No hub (needs line-of-sight for IR), no WiFi control, limited activity support compared to X1S Price range: $60-70
SideClick — simplest upgrade
SideClick attaches to your existing streaming remote and adds a strip of IR buttons for TV power, volume, input, and mute. No programming needed for most TVs — it uses standard IR codes. If your only problem is needing two remotes (streaming + TV), SideClick solves it for $25.
Pros: Under $30, no programming, clips onto existing remote, works immediately, available for Roku/Fire TV/Apple TV remotes Cons: Only adds basic TV controls (power, volume, input), IR only, doesn't replace multiple remotes Price range: $20-30
Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro — best for Fire TV
If Fire TV is your primary streaming device, the Voice Remote Pro adds backlit buttons, two customizable shortcut buttons, a remote finder feature, and a built-in rechargeable battery (no more buying AAAs). Voice commands handle most TV functions via CEC (HDMI-CEC).
Pros: Voice control, backlit buttons, rechargeable, remote finder, customizable buttons Cons: Only works with Fire TV devices, limited IR TV control, not a true universal remote Price range: ~$35
FAQ
What happened to Logitech Harmony remotes?
Logitech discontinued the Harmony line in 2021. Existing Harmony remotes still work, but the cloud service and app support are winding down. SofaBaton is the most direct replacement — their X1S hub system replicates most Harmony features.
Can I control my Apple TV with a universal remote?
Yes, but you need Bluetooth support. Apple TV doesn't have an IR receiver, so IR-only remotes won't work. The SofaBaton X1S and U2 both support Bluetooth pairing with Apple TV.
Will a universal remote work with my Sonos soundbar?
Sonos soundbars can be controlled via IR for basic volume up/down/mute. The SofaBaton X1S (with hub) can also control Sonos via WiFi for more advanced features. Standard IR remotes work for volume control.
Do I need HDMI-CEC if I have a universal remote?
Not necessarily, but they complement each other. CEC handles automatic power-on/off and input switching. A universal remote gives you direct control over specific devices. Many users use both — CEC for basic auto-switching and a universal remote for fine control.
My Roku remote stopped working. Should I get a universal remote?
If you just need a replacement Roku remote, a new Roku Voice Remote is cheaper and simpler. A universal remote makes sense when you have multiple devices and want to consolidate to one remote.