Best Universal Remote Controls
Are you tired of handling too many remote controls at your house? Well, a universal remote control is all you need. You can store away all your remotes and use just one for all the home appliances.
A universal remote control has been designed to configure many electronic devices such as smart TVs and air conditioners. With just a few steps, you can control your TV and a music system with just one remote.
Even though universal remote has been around a few years, many have just heart about it. If you are planning to make your living space a much more organized, then a universal remote is a must.
This article will provide you with all the information regarding universal remote control, such as what is a universal remote control? How do universal remote controls work? Smartphone or remote control, advantages and its types.
We have also mentioned a comprehensive buyers guide, our Top 7 recommended products, and FAQ’s to help you find the right product.
Top 7 Universal Remote Controls in India
| Product (Best Brands) | Best Price |
|---|---|
Ergonomic and Lightweight Design |  |
Good quality and Rigid | |
Easy to operate | |
Efficient functioning | |
Easy to handle | |
Supreme body material | |
Strong compatibility | |
What is Universal Remote Control?
Similar to the kind that comes with our television, universal remote controls have been micro-programmed to cater to the needs of various electronic devices.
The low-end remotes available in the market can be connected to only a set of devices while contrary to them; the high-end remotes can control multiple devices. Usually, the keys which are available on the remotes are:
- A power key is used to switch on/off the device.
- A volume & channel up/down button marked with + & – signs.
- A numeric keypad could be used to enter channels or any other entries.
- A menu button to switch on various features of that device.
- A D-pad t navigate through the menu.
How does Universal Remote Control work?
For a universal remote to efficiently operate with different brands, models, and types of devices, the remote needs to support the level of programming to recognize the device. Hence, the remote needs to incorporate different features of programming:
Pre-Programmed
These remote controls are pre-programmed, allowing you to use them with a limited number of brands. They cannot be programmed further.
Learning
This feature enables you to program one command at a time by pointing the universal remote and the remote of the device at each other. This allows the universal remote to learn the commands.
Programming with Codes
The codes of the specific device or brand have to be typed in for the remote to work. These codes are obtained on the online list.
Programming Without Codes
You will not have to enter the code, instead of the remote scans the device’s required codes.
A universal remote control works by communicating the commands to the targeted device by pressing the keypad controls or using your voice, i.e., if the remote features a voice-controlled option.
There are a few ways, rather technologies which the universal remote uses for communication of the commands:
- IR
This is the most common technology used by a remote to control the device.
On pressing a button on the remote, the IR sends out a series of infrared light pulses to a usually present sensor on the front of the device.
There has to be a clear line of sight between the remote and the device to perform the command given.
- RF
Some universal remotes also work using a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. These remotes can be used to operate devices placed inside a cabinet or some obstruction between the remote and the device.
The devices that feature RF receivers can be controlled using an RF remote.
However, these remote may also come with the infrared option so that the external receiver can resend the signal in the form of infrared rays to the device.
Bluetooth
Universal remote can also connect to devices using the Bluetooth connectivity feature.
The principle is similar to any Bluetooth enabled device; it wirelessly connects to the device via Bluetooth so that you can control the operations by pressing the buttons on the remote.
Wifi
This technology can operate smart devices such as LED lights, smart TVs, security cameras, door locks, etc. The remote connects to the wifi signal and then sends the TV’s command using IR or RF.
Advantages of Universal Remote Control
Multiple Devices
The most evident fact that a universal remote control provides to the customer is that it can control multiple devices together. For those of them who are bad at keeping all remote controls in place, it would prove to be the best replacement.
Ease of job
The primary objective of using a controllable device is that it should ease your job. Why would you choose something which does not prove to be helpful?
Without standing every time to switch on your electronic devices’ buttons, you could sit back and relax using your universal remote control.
Budget-friendly
Think of all the devices you have at your home and the number of remote controls you must need to control them. All that available in one controller is always a cheap and budget-friendly option.
Types of Universal Remotes
There are two types of universal remotes available in the market.
Pre-Programmed Remotes:
These are the eldest among the traditional ones. They are often cheaper than the learning remotes.
All the remotes’ functions are pre-programmed, and you just need to press the key for the function you wish to access. They are easy to be used and do not need much understanding.
Learning Remotes:
These are the types of remotes capable of learning and mimicking the signals of an existing remote or device. Apart from the pre-programmed counterparts, they can be modified according to your wish.
This improves the versatility of the remote because you can easily control multiple devices together.
To do so, you just have to set your remote to the programming mode.
Just press the key you want to bind the function and then, at the same time, press the equivalent key on the device as well. You have easily programmed your device.
Buyer’s Guide
Ease of Use
With many functionalities and buttons on the remote, it sometimes becomes difficult for us to figure out which one to press. Remotes should be user-friendly and easy to be used.
Compatibility
It is good to buy a universal remote control that is compatible with more devices so that you just need a single control for all those devices.
Durability
Buy a remote that lasts long. If it is not durable enough, it will only cause a dent in your wallet.
The material that the product is made up of should not be such that it gets broken if it falls at once.
Backlight
The buttons often come along with the backlight, making the functions more visible, especially for those who use them at night.
Layout
An organized way of the buttons on the remote control makes it user-friendly. If the buttons are misplaced, it becomes difficult to operate them.
So, the layout of the product is essential while buying it.
Smart Home function
There are remote controls with special functions such as lights, thermostats, and light controllable features, which further reduces your jobs.
Budget
One of the most important points to be kept in mind while buying something is the budget.
Buy things that fit your budget. Over-priced products are not always a good option.
7 Best Universal Remote Controls
1. Upix Universal LCD/LED Remote – Easy to operate
The universal remote control is made of fine grade plastic material body, which does not easily get damaged even it falls accidentally, making it great for regular home use.
- It is made up of fine grade plastic material body for durability.
- It has a perfect layout, which is apt for any kind of television.
- It has all the buttons such as a switch, channel switch, number keypad, and volume buttons.
- The batteries to be fitted inside the remote is provided along with it.
- It is made up of a soft rubber keypad, which is easy to operate.
- The compatibility of this product is very good with the Sony Bravia LED and LCD TV.
- Its ergonomic and lightweight design makes it an apt choice for home use.
- No negative points were observed.
2. LipiWorld® HL-1340E Universal Remote
Having a universal remote can make your life easier, especially in this electronic age. We all have smart TVs, air conditioners, and music systems each comes with individual remote controls.
With so many remote controls laying around in the house, it can get quite confusing. LipiWorld universal remote can act as one single remote for all your home appliances. Check out its features below.
- This classy looking remote is easy to configure with its learning function.
- The remote control uses a selected super-intelligent IC that helps the remote remember all the information.
- It works with smart TV, Netflix, Youtube, Google Play Function, set-top box and DVD player.
- It works with brands like Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Haier, Sony, TVCL, Videocon, Hitachi and many more.
- It weighs only 80 grams, making it super lightweight.
- The remote control comes with a user manual for easy operations.
- The remote automatically clears previous memory once you feed the new information.
- All the keys are learnable.
- The texture of the remote is slippery and may slip off the hand while using.
3. Upix Universal Remote – Ergonomic and Light-Weight Design
This Upix fine grade plastic remote comes with a soft rubber keypad for a great experience. It works effectively well with any Samsung LCD/LED TV.
The remote has a lightweight and ergonomic design that gives you an easy grip while holding it in your hand so that you can comfortably operate the TV from your sofa or a distance.
- It is compatible with Samsung LCD/LED TV.
- It has a fine grade plastic body for long use.
- It has a keypad made of supreme quality soft rubber.
- Comes with different controls and buttons for easy operation.
- It requires 2 AAA batteries.
- Allows you to operate your TV easily from the comfort of your sofa or a long distance.
- Lightweight and ergonomic design gives you an easy grip to use.
- Operates well it can swiftly and effectively control the TV.
- The buttons are hard to press.
4. Kishore Universal AC Remote – Efficient functioning
Suppose you are looking for an easy-to-use universal remote then this one is for you.
Kishore universal remote works are great with brands like Voltas, Onida, Godrej and Lloyd. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store.
- It weighs only 90.7 g
- It is compatible with air conditioners from brands like Voltas, Onida, Godrej, Lloyd.
- Universal compatibility makes the product versatile and dependable.
- It is compact in size, which makes it easy to store.
- The buttons are well placed and provide efficient functioning.
- The buttons are quite hard to press.
5. QTH Airtel Digital TV Remote – Easy to handle
QTH® Airtel Digital remote controller can be easily configured to your TV as well.
You would be able to control both TV and DTH together. The touch keypad and the body is smooth, which makes handling the remote control very easy.
- The product can be configured with a TV as well as a setup box, making it more versatile for use.
- The configuring is very easy, and you would not need much effort to operate it.
- The buttons are tough, and they glow in the dark.
- The product comes with a plastic body, which does not get damaged easily.
- It can be configured with an Air conditioner.
- The touch keypads are soft for easy use.
- The overall quality could be better.
6. Axelleindia AC Remote – Supreme body material
A product that satisfies the users with its efficient battery usage. Axelleindia™ AC 11 Remote control is a great choice.
Compatible for Voltas, Onida, Bluestar, Godrej, Lloyd and Videocon this universal remote control can make handling home appliance hassle-free
- It has a premium plastic body and has a soft silicone rubber keypad.
- It has a long-distance range with premium body quality
- AC Remotes are checked by the testing machine before shipment for assurance.
- It comes along with free batteries as well for instant use.
- This universal remote is best suited for air conditioners.
- The supreme body material does not get damaged very easily.
- No negative points were observed so far.
7. SEC Mini Air Mouse Remote – Strong compatibility
This is a multi-purpose universal remote that has a wireless keyboard.
SEC Mini Air Mouse Remote comes with shortcut input, a full qwerty keyboard, and is double-sided. No doubt that it has to be one of the latest choices for users to buy.
- It is a 4-in-1 multifunctional product. It can work as an air Remote Mouse + 2.4G Wireless Keyboard + Somatic Handle + Android Remote Control. All these four features together in a single design provides user enjoyment and operating enjoyment.
- It is designed in such a way that it is convenient to be used. It is made up of 2.4 GHz RF technology, which is stable and powerful. Just plug in the USB receiver, and your remote is ready to be operated.
- The operable distance is around 10m/393.7 inches. You need not have to aim the remote towards the screen; the strong and powerful RF technology gives you the freedom to aim it in any direction.
- The air remote mouse ensures Somatosensory Control and 360° Motion Detection with 3 Gyro + 3-G-sensor and built-in 6-Axis Inertial Sensor that comes along with it.
- The flexible and precise control will provide you with a gaming experience.
- For battery savings, it has a sleep mode and wakes up features. When the remote has not been operated for 15 seconds, it goes into sleep mode. You just need to press any button to enter the normal working conditions again.
- It has strong compatibility- supports windows, android, MAC OS, Linux.
- Applicable to: Android TV Box/PC/Smart TV/Projector/HTPC/All in One PC/TV.
- No negative points were observed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a universal remote for any TV?
Most universal remotes can be used for any TV. However, certain remotes are pre-programmed to work for only a set number and specific TV models/brands.
2. How do you program a universal remote?
You can program a universal remote by typing in the code of the specific brand or device. These codes can be obtained on a special website or online list.
Remotes can also scan the codes of the device, so you don’t have to type them manually. Another feature called ‘learning’ enables you to program the remote by pointing it to the remote of the specific device to learn its command one at a time.
3. What is the best universal remote?
Some of the best universal remote controls are as follows:
- Upix® LCD/LED Universal Remote
- QTH® Airtel Digital TV Remote Controller
- axelleindia™ AC 11 Remote Compatible
4. Is a universal remote worth it?
Yes. If you are allowed to control all the devices from a single remote control, it is bliss! With several remotes around you, it becomes difficult to handle them all at once.
So, it is better to have a single control over the multiple numbers of devices that you are using.
5. Can you use a universal remote control with a smart tv?
With the advancement in technology and sciences, the universal remotes that are manufactured in today’s date are such that they are compatible with smart TVs as well.
6. What can a universal remote do?
Universal remote controls have taken the place of the normal ones which we were using earlier.
Now, with an increase in the number of devices that we use and for easy operation, each of them come along with remote control, due to which, it is difficult to handle them all at once.
A universal remote is designed in a way that it can operate all the device which are capable of receiving IR signals and you would be able to operate them easily.
Conclusion
To have a universal remote at home means more organized living space, less remote controls laying around, and more convenience. If you too are thinking of opting for a universal remote, then you should definitely go for it.
It not only saves time and effort but also helps in managing the appliances easily. With all the options available online you can select the best one that suits your needs. But to help you out a bit more here are our top picks Upix® LCD/LED Universal Remote, QTH® Airtel Digital TV Remote Controller and axelleindia™ AC 11 Remote Compatible.
