Home > Universal Remote Controls
Ranking Updated: February 2012

Universal remote controls are your best bet if you don't want the confusion and the clutter that multiple remote controls can make. If you want an easy to use universal remote control that feels good in your hand and has lots of features like an LCD screen and illuminated keys, you are not alone. With so many choices available these days, it can be difficult to find the perfect universal remote. At IntelliReview, we make it easier for you by doing the hard work. We do this by choosing the top models based on the reviews of many different people across various websites. After compiling the data, we have a very good idea of what is going to give you the most value for your money. We call this rating consumer passion. Having a universal remote control that works well with all your home theater and gaming equipment is important, and we understand that. Let us give you a glimpse of the most popular models available. We have a unique way of providing only the very best universal remotes no matter what type of home theater equipment you have.

TIPS
  1. If you're not sure whether your preferred universal remote control supports your equipment, it may safer to purchase one that can "learn" additional codes either by manual input or through linking to the Net, like the Logitech Harmony series.
  2. Button layout is equally important as the feel of the remote in your hand. The inclusion of a backlight can help in pressing the right button in dark rooms.
  3. While most models utilize disposable batteries, you can use rechargeable ones but may need to have a charger on hand or a charging dock.
  4. Some universal remotes have LCD displays to show button input but they may be more expensive than models without.
  • Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote Control (43 Ft, 3.5\

    Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote Control (43 Ft, 3.5" LCD Touchscreen, Supports up to 15 Devices)

    420 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Most popular
     Price: $259.65  See It
     Price: $399.99  See It
     Price: $299.00  See It

    Pros: LCD touch screen, simple programming, customizable
    Cons: Expensive, setup requires computer

    The Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote is an innovative device styled more like a GPS device than a remote. This square remote has a three and a half inch backlit color LCD touch screen with simple commands, such as watch a DVD. When the boxes appear on the screen, just touch the specific box and your DVD player will start. This remote can be programmed to control up to fifteen devices. The programming process is simple, but it does require a computer. The remote needs to be hooked up to the computer with the provided USB cable. Once it's hooked up the online software will ask a few questions about your home entertainment system and then it will be set up. The Logitech Harmony 1100 is compatible with over 225,000 devices, so it usually requires no extra programming. To add a personal touch, you can customize the icons and commands of the remote. This remote is convenient, especially for someone with a large home theater system, but it is expensive. The purchase of a Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote includes the remote, charging station, USB cable, AC adapter, lithium-ion battery, installation CD, guides, and one year limited hardware warranty.

  • Universal Remote Control RFS200 Universal Remote & RF Receiver

    Universal Remote Control RFS200 Universal Remote & RF Receiver

    249 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Most passionate
    Popularity : Very popular
     Price: $76.49  See It
     Price: $79.99  See It

    Pros: Pre-loaded codes, LCD display, great range, one year warranty
    Cons: Expensive

    The RF S200 Universal Remote & RF Receiver is a package loaded with features. The RF S200 Universal Remote is a learning remote that can be used as a simple or a very complex device. It has all the standard buttons for channel surfing and DVD viewing and it also has 432 macro buttons that can have 190 commands each. There are over a thousand codes built in to make programming a smooth process. It can be programmed to control up to ten devices. An LCD screen clearly displays a list of programmed devices with corresponding buttons. Next to the screen are two buttons that allow for easy navigation through the list. The RF S200 also comes with an RF Receiver. With the receiver the remote control will work almost anywhere within one hundred feet of the receiver. The receiver will pick up the remote's signals through floors, walls, and cabinets. It will even pick up the signals from outside the house. The pack comes with a year warranty for parts and labor. Unfortunately with all the impressive features comes a high price.

  • Interlink Electronics VP3700 SMK Blu-Link Universal Remote Control (Gaming Console, TV, Set-top Box, Audio System, DVD Player, DVR, Satellite Receiver)

    Pros: Space saving, Works well, Easy to use
    Cons: No display, No charging station, Buttons are a bit small

    The Blu-Link Universal Remote Control is the first to incorporate Bluetooth technology for controlling your Sony PlayStation 3 and Infrared for your other devices such as TVs, DVD players, surround sound systems, cable, and set-top boxes. It is very versatile that it can replace up to 6 remote controls and it boasts a compact and sleek design that fits comfortably in your hand. What most people love about Interlink's VP3700 is its amazing range and ease of use but aside from that, it also comes equipped with other great features including the ability to learn codes from other remote controls, a large library that supports most A/V equipment, a non volatile memory that eliminates the risk of losing settings when changing batteries. It even has the Playstation's face buttons like triangle, circle, square, and X, as well as Select, Home and Start for easy navigation and Blu-Ray and DVD Control for added convenience. On the negative side, the Blu-Link's buttons are not backlit and can be small and difficult to press for those with large hands. It would also be better if it comes with a charging station and a LCD display for a more intuitive operation but nonetheless, it is a fairly priced remote control that does what it claims to do.

  • Logitech Harmony 700 Universal Remote Control (For DVD Player, TV, VCR, Blu-ray Disc Player, DVR, Cable Receiver, Satellite Receiver, Cable Box, Gaming Console, PVR Personal Video Recorder - 50 ft Wireless)
  • Sony RM-VZ320 Universal Remote (Macro Control, 7 Devices)

    Sony RM-VZ320 Universal Remote (Macro Control, 7 Devices)

    35 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Moderately passionate
    Popularity : Mildly popular
     Price: $13.23  See It
     Price: $12.00  See It
  • TiVo C00212 Universal Remote Control (TV, A/V Receiver, DirectTV Receiver, DTV Tuner)

    TiVo C00212 Universal Remote Control (TV, A/V Receiver, DirectTV Receiver, DTV Tuner)

    28 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Moderately passionate
    Popularity : Mildly popular
     Price: $37.70  See It
     Price: $49.00  See It
  • Audiovox RCRN06GR Universal Remote Control - TV, Satellite Box, Cable Box, DVD Player, Blu-ray Disc Player, VCR
  • Directed Electronics DEI Python 2-way LCD Remote

    Directed Electronics DEI Python 2-way LCD Remote

    0 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Least passionate
    Popularity : Mildly popular
     Price: $79.31  See It
     Price: $89.99  See It
  • Bose Personal® music center III

    Bose Personal® music center III

    0 Reviews

    Consumer Passion : Least passionate
    Popularity : Least popular
    Vanns.com  Price: $149.00  See It
     Price: $149.00  See It
     Price: $149.99  See It