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The SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote Control is a well-designed universal remote that offers a lot more features than you might expect for $50. It can control up to 15 devices, including both infrared- and Bluetooth-based AV devices. So it’s more flexible than many of the lower-priced remotes on the market. It has an intuitive button layout that includes most of the control options you’ll need, and the OLED screen makes it easy to switch between the different AV devices you want to control. You can program the U1 using a convenient setup app for iOS and Android, and the app provides a lot of customization options to reassign what the remote’s buttons can do. But the U1 has some drawbacks. It lacks backlighting and a Help function to fix any messed-up commands. And there are no dedicated activity buttons for grouping different devices together to perform tasks like “Watch TV” or “Watch a Movie.” You can still create activities and assign them to whatever buttons you choose, but you have to figure out all the programming yourself—and we fear the app’s learning curve may be high for someone who has never programmed a universal remote. But despite these issues, the U1 is the best option we’ve found for people who have a mix of IR and Bluetooth devices.

The One For All URC7880 Smart Control 8 is a simple, affordable remote for people who can control all their gear via infrared (IR). It can’t control Bluetooth-based devices like the Google Chromecast or Nvidia Shield TV, but it will work fine with the majority of AV products, including most cable and satellite boxes, Blu-ray players, soundbars, gaming consoles, and AV receivers. (If you’re not sure how your device is controlled, try this: Point the remote at the ground in the opposite direction from the device it’s supposed to control, and then press a button. If the remote still executes the command, then it’s using Bluetooth or radio frequency, not IR.) The URC7880 can control eight devices and has all the important buttons you’ll need—including five activity controls that let you group devices together to watch a movie, play video games, and so forth. But, like the Sofabaton U1, it lacks backlighting and a Help function. One For All says you can set up this remote using an app, but the app just lets you add devices. The majority of the programming takes place the old-fashioned way—by manually putting the remote in programming mode and punching a lot of buttons. It’s not ideal, but it gets the job done—and it means anyone can program this thing, even if they don’t own a mobile device.

We also tested a couple of simple, large-button remotes designed for people with vision, memory, or confusion issues, and we recommend the Flipper, which is an IR-only remote that can control a TV and set-top box. You can read more about it here.

Our expert reviewers and editors evaluate remotes based on design, range, sensitivity, and features. We test their real-life performance in actual use cases and how easy they are to program and how accurate they are and at what distance. Our testers also consider each unit as a value proposition—whether or not a product justifies its price tag, and how it compares to competitive products. All of the models we reviewed were purchased by Lifewire; none of the review units were furnished by the manufacturer or retailer.

Not necessarily. it certainly helps to have the original remote on hand to quickly translate its functions to your new remote. However, some universal remotes are capable of mirroring the functions of your original remote simply by being on the same network as your smart TV.

Yes. Fortunately, most modern universal remotes are compatible with streaming apps, allowing you to seamlessly browse your backlog on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

The code for your remote is usually found inside the battery housing, but if you can"t find it there or in your manual, thankfully universal remotes typically have an auto code search function. This mode cycles through a list of available IR codes until it receives a response from your original remote or TV. This option is the easiest method, but can sometimes take a while.

Before purchasing any piece of technology, it’s essential to make sure that it’ll work with the gadgets you already have at home. Some remotes offer built-in controls for services such as Netflix, others only have a general control layout, and some won’t work at all. Be sure to check your remote’s compatibility before making a purchase.

The majority of universal remotes you find will merely allow you to switch between controlling different devices, but some solutions such as Logitech’s Harmony lineup offer automation. Just hit a single button to turn on your TV and receiver, switch to the correct input, and even dim the lights.

Going beyond standard automation, some universal remotes are beginning to support virtual assistants such as Google Home and Amazon Echo. If you wish to tune to your favorite game on ESPN or launch a game on your PlayStation with the command of your voice, be sure to look for a remote that supports smart home devices.

What brand of Sony TV do you own, and what is the model number? Not all remotes are compatible with all models. You will definitely want to confirm this before buying a remote.

Would you like a single remote to control multiple devices, such as your Sony Smart TV, cable TV box (or satellite remote), and soundbar or audio setup?

Chances are you are here because you already own a Sony TV. Chances are also that you may have broken or lost the Sony factory remote that came with your TV. Or perhaps you are in the market for a universal remote upgrade?

But which remotes are really best? Well, this is going to depend on the features that are important to you— and whether you simply want to replace an existing Sony remote or consolidate a bunch of other remotes down to one.

I have been loving my new Sofabaton X1 remote since I bought one to test a few months back. It is compatible with nearly all Sony Smart TVs and includes the Sofabaton Hub for control over both RF and Bluetooth devices.

It ships with a streamlined hard button remote that features an LCD display screen that you can use to set up and control your devices and activities. The x1 allows you to consolidate up to 40 remotes, it has backlit buttons and excellent battery life, and it works with Alexa and Google for voice control too.

In short, the X1 lets you do nearly everything that higher-end remotes like Logitech Harmony can do, with a more streamlined physical remote. Check out my review of Sofabaton vs Harmony for more details.

Next on my list of best Sony smart TV remotes is the Cadillac of universal remote controls. Even though Logitech has stopped making these remotes, the Harmony Elite remains one of the best universal remote controls you can buy today. You get control over your home theater, gaming, and smart home;  a beautiful color touchscreen remote that gives you swipe and tab abilities; haptic feedback; and customizable touchscreen buttons for activities. Very cool.

The Elite lets you control up to 15 devices for home theater, and I have no found an upper limit on smart devices. All Harmony remotes are compatible with Logitech’s database of 275,000 devices from something like 5,000 brands. Like with all Harmony remotes, some setup is required, BUT you won’t have to deal with remote control codes.

You just connect the remote to your PC using the USB cable provided and then follow the instructions using Logitech’s setup program. I recommend that you set this up using your PC and not the smartphone option.

Compatibility Check: I recommend that you visit the Logitech Harmony Device Compatibility page to make sure your Sony Smart TV model is supported before purchasing this remote.

Next up in my review of the best Sony Smart TV remotes is the Sofabaton U1Universal Remote Control. This is a great buy if you are looking to control your Samsung Smart TV AND consolidate up to eight existing remotes. The u1 has a bright LCD screen that shows your devices and activities.

It also allows for one-touch activity buttons like “Watch a DVD” to automatically switch the right devices to the right settings. It will not allow you to control your smart home devices, though. Check out the Harmony Elite or the X1 above is controlling things like lights and blinds is important to you. For smart TV control that will let you consolidate remotes, control entertainment devices, plus smart home stuff, see the Elite or the X1.

Compatibility Check: I recommend that you visit the Sofabaton Device Compatibility page to make sure your Sony Smart TV model is supported before purchasing this remote.

The One for All remote works with most current Samsung Smart TVs and many older models as well. Moreover, it lets you consolidate remotes for up to eight devices, and it will let you control your TV, set-top box, game consoles, streaming media player, and audio devices.

A decent universal remote for about 10 bucks…really? Really. The Coolux Universal Remote Control was designed for “all Sony LCD, LED, HDTV, and 3D smart TVs.  It is a standard-looking remote control with a black, gray, and red design.

The best thing about this remote it that it was designed to just work with your Sony television. There is no special pairing or setup required. In fact, the company doesn’t even include instructions in the packaging. For under $10, this might sound too good to be true. However, customers overwhelmingly support this claim and give it an excellent rating on Amazon. You can see the latest Amazon customer reviews and additional specifications here.

This will not work with your smart home devices rather, it will replace your Samsung factory remote.  Note that 2 AAA batteries and not included, but hey, what do you want for $10?

Next on my list of best Sony smart TV remotes is another official Sony Factory Remote control that ships with many popular models. This is currently Amazon’s Choice for an OEM replacement remote.  It will give you the same capabilities as the remote that shipped these TVs out of the box. Like the previous remote, it will not let you consolidate multiple remotes or work with your smart home devices, however.

While this model is a bit dated, it will cover you if you own any of the older model LCD, LED, and Bravia TVs.  While this remote lack hotkeys for smart TV functions like Netflix and you Tube, you can customize some of the buttons on the remote. Of course, this remote won’t work with your smart home tech. It was designed as a replacement for your factory remote.

A few customers have complained that the remote button is too small. However, most customers report that the remote “just worked.” After installing the 2 AAA batteries, they were back in business. You do need to buy your own batteries, so we suggest having them on hand before this arrives.