Universal remotes can be used to control various types of electronic devices regardless of their brand.
These remotes have unique program settings that make them especially useful for televisions, home theatre systems, smart home devices, and more.
Generally, universal remotes will work by transmitting signals through a Wi-Fi network, mobile application, or the radio frequencies of your digital devices.
Below are some of the absolute best universal remotes in Australia. All of these remotes boast glowing real-life user ratings and come with an array of impressive features.
We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you figure out which universal remote will be best for your home.
1. Logitech Harmony Companion Remote – Best For Most
The Logitech Harmony Companion Remote is convenient, versatile, and user-friendly. You can use it to control a range of smart home devices as well as your TV. With this remote, you can flip through channels, set volume levels, dim the lights, play or pause music, and more.
The Logitech Harmony Companion has a streamlined design that makes it easy to use. It also connects to a user-friendly mobile application and works for sound systems, Foxtel, and Netflix.
While some of its programming settings can be difficult to figure out initially, on the whole, the Harmony Companion is likely the best universal remote control for people who value operational functionality and integrated capability. It balances value, functionality, and utility well.
What We Like:
- Best overall option for most devices
- Smart home device compatible
- Connects with mobile app
- Streamlined user-friendly design
What We Don’t Like:
- Complex programming settings
2. Logitech Harmony Elite Advanced Universal Remote – Upgrade Pick
If you want to take things to a whole new level of universal control, the Logitech Harmony Elite Advanced Universal Remote is well worth considering.
It offers an array of impressive user features and even has a full-colour touchscreen display with one-touch automation. Its motion-sensing backlit keys and Alexa smart home device compatibility are a few more of its notable features.
This universal remote can be used for smart home devices, televisions, sound systems, and pretty much anything else. If you’ve been on the hunt for the best universal remote currently available, the Logitech Harmony Elite is an impressive option that’s worth looking into.
Its only downside is its steep price. Although, with its elevated design interface and an array of innovative features, the price tag is understandable. All in all, for capability, functionality, and universal user-friendly control, this is a powerful and effective option.
What We Like:
- Full-colour touchscreen display
- Backlit motion-sensing keys
- Compatible with Alexa for voice control
- Works with mobile app
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
3. One For All Essence Universal 4-Device Remote Control
If you’re looking for a simple remote option that’s effective and comes at a sensible price point, the One For All Essence Universal 4 Device Remote Control may be right for you.
This is the best universal remote for those who want to simplify their home control capability without breaking the bank. It lets you control four devices at once and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.
This remote offers you full digital TV control and is compatible with satellite and cable devices, Freeview, DVD, Blu Ray, AppleTV, Google Chrome, Roku, and more. While it only works with four devices total, its speedy setup and easy access features make it a good buy.
What We Like:
- Fast and easy setup
- Works with many devices and Smart TV systems
- Comes at a reasonable price
- Efficient and reliable
What We Don’t Like:
- Only controls up to 4 devices/systems
4. Logitech Harmony Hub Universal Remote with Smartphone App
This Logitech Harmony Hub Universal device works with a Smartphone application and features an integrated design platform that lets you eliminate most of your pre-existing remotes for clutter-free control.
The main hub syncs with a mobile app on your smartphone so that you can control more devices with less confusion.
The Logitech Harmony Hub works especially well with Alexa and Google Assistant. If you’re tired of looking for missing remotes all of the time, this is one of the best universal remotes to consider.
As a smart IR Hub, it lets you control devices and smart homes by connecting through an integrated app that works with iOS, Android, or Alexa.
Although the Harmony Hub is very easy to use, the initial setup may be time-consuming. Still, if you’re tired of digging for remotes in the couch cushions, this is a great home entertainment management option.
What We Like:
- Eliminates the need for other remote controls
- Mobile application integration
- Works especially well with Alexa
- Intuitive control after initial setup
What We Don’t Like:
- Initial setup is a bit time-consuming
5. Logitech Harmony Ultimate One Universal Remote
The Logitech Harmony Ultimate One is a universal remote control that lets you swipe and tap its colour touchscreen for customized operation. You can use it to navigate between TV settings, Netflix movies, Amazon Alexa music, and an array of other smart home device settings.
With its one-touch operation and integrated screen, you can quickly get access to your most frequently used commands and create customized settings. This is one of the best universal remotes for those who want value, logistical capability, and customization in a single remote control device.
The Logitech Harmony Ultimate One works with Alexa, Apple TV, smart devices, home theatre systems, and more.
While it isn’t the most innovative universal remote out there, its balanced design may earn it the title of best overall value. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to save money without sacrificing customization features.
What We Like:
- Good balance of value and capability
- Touchscreen display
- Works with smart homes
- Easy to use and customize
What We Don’t Like:
- Somewhat simplistic
Universal Remote Buyer’s Guide
Before you can find the best universal remote control for your needs, you’ll want to know what to look for.
Universal remotes have come a long way over the last decade. Knowing what features are now available to you can help you decide which devices will best serve your needs.
Benefits of a Using a Universal Remote
Universal remotes consolidate the features and functionality of other remote controls and smart device applications. It puts everything in one place so that it’s easier to access a range of control settings.
As such, watching television can be as simple as pressing one button that will turn on your receiver, cable box, and television.
For smart homes, you can customize your remote to turn off all of your devices, smart lights, and even close the blinds, all at the press of a button. This can save you time and simplify your day-to-day life.
Plus, you no longer have to worry about searching for missing remote controls.
Universal Remote Features
Universal remotes come in a range of designs and styles. You can choose from smart hubs, touchscreen devices, or remotes that look like larger versions of standard television remotes.
With so many options, it’s a good idea to know what features are available. Here are some of the most impressive features that these remotes often showcase.
Smart Home Device Integration
Some universal remotes can be used to control smart home devices. For example, the Logitech Harmony remote device system setup uses a Wi-Fi connection that lets your remote get access to a lot more than just an entertainment system.
Most of these home automation remotes can control your thermostat, lights, and even security cameras. This makes them an extraordinarily helpful purchase that can streamline your daily life.
Touch Screen Display
High-tech universal remotes will often implement touchscreen LCD systems in their physical interface designs.
This means that you can actually programme and control your remote directly from the device itself. Instead of downloading an app, you can set your remote right then and there.
You’ll then be able to use your remote just like you would use a smartphone with applications and settings controlled on the touchscreen. This lets you customize button settings, adjust home systems, and even change application settings.
Customized One-Touch Settings
Custom one-touch settings are buttons and keys on the remote that control specific functions.
For example, you could custom set an “Everything Off” button on your universal remote that would potentially turn off your TV, sound system, and even your lights, all at once.
Universal Compatability
Many universal remotes will be compatible with all digital frequencies, system settings, and device makers.
This eliminates the need for you to keep multiple devices around.
Mobile Application Sync
With mobile application sync, a main remote hub will sync all of your devices and apps in one place.
The hub may be a remote or keyless hub that connects to Wi-Fi. Then, you can easily get access to everything from a mobile application on your phone.
You can then use Google Nest, Amazon Alexa, and other smart home devices in correlation with your remote.
Other Considerations
Not all integrated remotes will work for everyone. When you’re browsing through the best universal remotes on the market, there are a few more things to consider before you get one for your household.
Smart Home Systems
Do you need to control smart systems like an Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, or something similar?
If so, you will want to be sure that the remote you choose can sync with these systems and devices.
Some remotes read and control digital frequencies while others will connect to Wi-Fi to help you run more complex setups and applications.
Mobile Application vs Physical Remote Control
It’s also a good idea to decide whether you want a smart hub remote control or a hand-held remote.
Remote hubs will usually work through a mobile smartphone application. This is handy because you can keep them out of sight and run things from your phone.
However, other people prefer to control system settings and devices with a hand-held remote. If you prefer a remote that you can hold and push buttons on, it’s a good idea to choose one with settings that are easy to programme.
