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  4. 10 Best Universal Remotes UK 2024 | Logitech, One for All, and More
  • 10 Best Universal Remotes UK 2024 | Logitech, One for All, and More 1
  • 10 Best Universal Remotes UK 2024 | Logitech, One for All, and More 2
  • 10 Best Universal Remotes UK 2024 | Logitech, One for All, and More 3
  • 10 Best Universal Remotes UK 2024 | Logitech, One for All, and More 4
  • 10 Best Universal Remotes UK 2024 | Logitech, One for All, and More 5

10 Best Universal Remotes UK 2024 | Logitech, One for All, and More

Fed up with switching between the different remotes for each of the various devices that make up your home entertainment system? Or perhaps you just need a replacement for an old remote with a volume button that gets stuck every time you press it. A universal remote is the answer to all of your problems!


As with anything technological, finding the right option for your setup can be a difficult task. Luckily, we’re here to help you work out what to look for in a universal remote. Whether you'd prefer to go for something cheap and cheerful with infrared learning or a hi-tech Bluetooth gadget that you can operate by downloading an app, we'll take you through the best universal remotes that sites like Amazon and Argos have to offer.

Last updated 27/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Universal Remotes in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Consider if the Remote Is Compatible With Your Devices
  2. Look For Remotes With Bluetooth and WiFi Capabilities
  3. Macro Buttons Work Well for Homes Looking to Control Multiple Devices at Ones
  4. Choose the Method of Synchronization That You Find Easiest
  5. Opt For a Remote That Can Control up to 15 Devices at Once
1

Check the Brand to Ensure That Your TV and Other Devices Like Blu-Ray and DVD Players Are Compatible

Check the Brand to Ensure That Your TV and Other Devices Like Blu-Ray and DVD Players Are Compatible

While a universal remote should work with the vast majority of TVs made in the last decade, it’s almost impossible for a remote to be truly universal - so it’s always worth checking that your TV or device is compatible. Usually, checking that your brand is compatible will be enough, but those with older TVs might want to double-check the model as well.


When it comes to other devices, such as Blu-ray players, DVD players, or stereos, the same rules apply. There are a few exceptions, such as certain smart devices that are controlled in a different way, but most named brand electronics with an IR sensor should be covered!


Looking to upgrade all your devices? Take a look at the Best 4K TVs Under £500

2

If You Have a Smart Home, Opt for Remotes With Bluetooth and WiFi Capabilities

If You Have a Smart Home, Opt for Remotes With Bluetooth and WiFi Capabilities

We mentioned that most universal remotes work via IR, but many modern options also have Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity to make them compatible with the many smart home devices on the market today. Fans of home automation will want to invest in a remote compatible with your system of choice; these include Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple Home.


If you’re wanting to use your remote in conjunction with an Amazon Fire Stick, or an automated light or heating system, there are many options available. They are considerably more expensive than a simple IR remote, but are often far simpler to set up. Plus, being able to control everything in your home from one remote is fantastic!


Many devices in the home can now be smart. Here are some of the Best Smart Thermostats in the UK

3

Look Out for Macro Buttons to Allow You Program Multiple Commands to a Single Button

Look Out for Macro Buttons to Allow You Program Multiple Commands to a Single Button

The selling point of a universal remote is that it makes using your telly or home entertainment system incredibly easy! Imagine you’re sitting at home and want to watch a film that you've bought on Blu-ray - usually, you'll need to press one button to turn your TV on and another to switch it to the right HDMI channel. Then, you need to turn on the Blu-ray player with a different remote, and your sound system with another control.


Instead of pressing four different buttons on three remotes, the best universal remotes will allow you to program inputs into a single setting through the use of macro buttons. If you add smart home connectivity on top of that, you’ll be able to dim the lights too without having to get up off the sofa!


For sound systems that may be suitable with your remote take a look at our 10 Best Mini Hi-Fi Systems

4

Choose a Method of Synchronization That's Fast and Easy for You: IR Learning, Code Entry or Automatic?

Choose a Method of Synchronization That's Fast and Easy for You: IR Learning, Code Entry or Automatic?
Source:amazon.co.uk

There are many different ways to sync your new universal remote up to your device, but the easiest option is to use an in-built IR learning function. You simply line up your old remote with the universal remote, making sure they're both pointing at each other, and press the button on your old remote followed by the corresponding button on the new one. Then, you repeat this with each button until you've covered them all.


If that's a little too time-consuming, some remotes will have a scanning function that automatically syncs to your devices, while others have companion apps that allow you to manage everything from your smartphone. Some cheaper devices will require you to input different codes. Again, this is a time-consuming option but thankfully you can usually find an up-to-date list of compatible codes online.

5

Consider the Number of Devices the Remote Can Manage: Many Premium Options Can Work With up to 15 Devices

Consider the Number of Devices the Remote Can Manage: Many Premium Options Can Work With up to 15 Devices

Due to how they work, universal remotes will have a maximum number of devices they can operate at any one time. If you're just looking to replace an old broken TV remote, it isn't important to have a high number as you'll only be operating a couple of devices.


When dealing with home entertainment systems, however, you may want a remote that can operate a larger number of devices. Many premium options aimed at this market will be designed to work with up to 15 devices at any one time, which should be enough for even the most technologically advanced homes.

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10 Best Universal Remotes in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

One for All

Contour TV

One for All Contour TV 1

£11.49

Low Mid

Simple, Speedy to Sync, and Affordable

2

SofaBaton

U1 Universal Remote

SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote 1

£84.46

High Mid

Utilises an OLED Screen for a Simple Set-Up

3

Inteset

4-in-1 Universal IR Learning Remote

Inteset 4-in-1 Universal IR Learning Remote 1

£28.95

High Mid

The Best Option for Streaming Services

4

Logitech

Harmony Elite

Logitech Harmony Elite 1

£359.67

High

An Incredible Remote for Smart Homes

5

One for All

Essence 4 Universal Remote Control

One for All Essence 4 Universal Remote Control 1

£17.99

Mid

Easy to Set Up, With a Combi-Control Button

6

Hama

Universal 8 in 1 Remote Control

Hama Universal 8 in 1 Remote Control 1

£9.99

Low Mid

Cheap and Can Control Multiple Devices at Once

7

GE

4-Device Universal Remote Control34457

GE 4-Device Universal Remote Control 1

£14.94

Mid

Versatile, but Will Require You to Look up Codes Online

8

Memo24

Big Button TV Universal Remote

Memo24 Big Button TV Universal Remote 1

£12.95

Mid

Big Buttons Make Using This Remote Stress-Free

9

Doro

HandleEasy 321rc Universal Infrared Remote Control

Doro HandleEasy 321rc Universal Infrared Remote Control 1

£14.99

Mid

An Excellent Ergonomic Option for Elderly Consumers

10

BCE

Universal Remote Control for Samsung TV

BCE Universal Remote Control for Samsung TV 1

£6.15

Low

A Perfect Replacement for the UK's Most Popular Brand

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

One for AllContour TV

Contour TV 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Contour TV 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.49
Low Mid
Reference price
£11.49
Low Mid

Simple, Speedy to Sync, and Affordable

With all the talk of macro functionality, the number of devices you can sync up to at any one time, and Bluetooth or WiFi compatibility, it's easy to lose sight of the main reason many people are looking to buy a universal remote - to make life easier!


Our number 1 pick is an affordable replacement for lost or broken remotes. Just unpack the One for All Contour TV remote, point it at your TV, press one button to sync, and you're all set. Simple, convenient, and budget-friendly!

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No.2

SofaBatonU1 Universal Remote

U1 Universal Remote 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£84.46
High Mid
Reference price
£84.46
High Mid

Utilises an OLED Screen for a Simple Set-Up

If you're looking to spend a little more on a hi-tech remote without breaking the bank, the SofaBaton U1 is an incredible piece of kit. It's not too expensive but still offers plenty of valuable functions that you won't find on cheaper remotes.


The OLED screen makes it crystal clear to see the status of your connected devices, and it's easy to navigate thanks to the scroll wheel. It also features brilliant macro functionality with an included timer, and the companion app makes synchronizing your devices a breeze.

No.3

Inteset4-in-1 Universal IR Learning Remote

4-in-1 Universal IR Learning Remote 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£28.95
High Mid
Reference price
£28.95
High Mid

The Best Option for Streaming Services

This offering from Inteset is a great choice for those of you who regularly use streaming services, as it's pre-programmed to work with Apple TV, Xbox, Windows Media Centre, Amazon Fire, and many more platforms!


The macro functionality of this remote is also a step above many others, allowing you to program up to 15 commands. If you spend a lot of time streaming TV shows or movies and love the idea of tailoring your remote to your personal preferences, this is the product for you!

No.4

LogitechHarmony Elite

Harmony Elite 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Harmony Elite 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£359.67
High
Reference price
£359.67
High

An Incredible Remote for Smart Homes

The Logitech Harmony Elite is the pinnacle of universal remote technology and a must-have for those with an automated home setup, as it allows you to control absolutely everything in your home from one remote. 


The included hub lets you hook up your home entertainment system via WiFi and customise different inputs into a single click of the touchscreen. Why isn't it our number 1 pick? Well, Logitech are sadly discontinuing the line - so pick it up while you can before it disappears forever!

No.5

One for AllEssence 4 Universal Remote Control

Essence 4 Universal Remote Control 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Essence 4 Universal Remote Control 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Essence 4 Universal Remote Control 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£17.99
Mid
Reference price
£17.99
Mid

Easy to Set Up, With a Combi-Control Button

Since their products are compatible with all the major brands, One for All are something of a leading brand in the world of universal remotes. This model is easy to set up thanks to the inbuilt IR learning, and it's compatible with up to four devices at the same time.


What we particularly like about the Essence 4 is the inclusion of a combi-control button that allows you to choose which devices are being transmitted to at any one time. While not a traditional macro button, it can turn on and operate multiple devices at once - perfect for watching Blu-ray movies in your home cinema!

No.6

HamaUniversal 8 in 1 Remote Control

Universal 8 in 1 Remote Control 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Universal 8 in 1 Remote Control 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Universal 8 in 1 Remote Control 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£9.99
Low Mid

Cheap and Can Control Multiple Devices at Once

There's a lot to love about this offering from Hama and the features included at such a low price point are impressive - it works on 8 devices simultaneously and has a macro button, allowing you to power on two devices at once.


The main downside of this remote is that it's fiddly to set up, requiring you to either put in four-digit codes (depending on the brand) or set it to automatically search through a code list until it gets a response. This method of synchronization can take a long time so won't be ideal for those who want to set it up quickly.

No.7

GE4-Device Universal Remote Control34457

4-Device Universal Remote Control 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.94
Mid
Reference price
£14.94
Mid

Versatile, but Will Require You to Look up Codes Online

This GE universal remote is a bit tricky to review because there's a lot to like about it, but whether it's right for you will depend on which devices you have in your home - although it works with most major brands, the list of compatible devices is too large to list here!


On the one hand, this is great as it means the remote can work with devices made by different manufacturers. Unfortunately though, as it requires code entry, there's no guarantee that you'll find the model of TV that you're looking for. You'll have to check the code list online and then input it to synchronize, which isn't the best way to set up in our opinion.

No.8

Memo24Big Button TV Universal Remote

Big Button TV Universal Remote 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Big Button TV Universal Remote 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.95
Mid
Reference price
£12.95
Mid

Big Buttons Make Using This Remote Stress-Free

As with the previous remote on our list, this slightly cheaper product is designed for those with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other cognitive impairments. Modern remote controls with lots of small buttons can be extremely frustrating to those with mental and physical issues, so this is a handy solution!


With seven large programable buttons, this remote is simple to use once set up correctly, and there's no danger of accidentally changing your TV's settings. You may need to check the instructions online in order to sync it up correctly for an elderly relative though.

No.9

DoroHandleEasy 321rc Universal Infrared Remote Control

HandleEasy 321rc Universal Infrared Remote Control 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.99
Mid
Reference price
£14.99
Mid

An Excellent Ergonomic Option for Elderly Consumers

This entry on our list is a little different from what you may typically expect when shopping for a universal remote, as it's aimed at those with limited dexterity in their hands and specifically designed for people with dementia.


The Doro HandleEasy features an ergonomic design as well as the ability to learn functions from any other remote via IR. The limited number of buttons is intended to make things easier for elderly consumers, but also means that this remote won't be suitable for those with lots of devices to control. 

No.10

BCEUniversal Remote Control for Samsung TV

Universal Remote Control for Samsung TV 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.15
Low
Reference price
£6.15
Low

A Perfect Replacement for the UK's Most Popular Brand

Over 15 million British households own a Samsung TV, making them the most popular television manufacturer here in the UK. With this in mind, we thought we'd start off our list with a simple replacement for an old, broken, or lost Samsung remote.


There's no setup required, meaning there are no complicated codes to put in - just add the batteries and it's ready to go! Unfortunately though, this isn't an official Samsung product and it obviously isn't suitable for other brands of television.

Written and researched by David Sexton

Top 5 Universal Remotes

No. 1: One for AllContour TV

No. 2: SofaBatonU1 Universal Remote

No. 3: Inteset4-in-1 Universal IR Learning Remote

No. 4: LogitechHarmony Elite

No. 5: One for AllEssence 4 Universal Remote Control

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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