Universal Remote Review

Reviews of remote controls

Universal remote controls span a broad price range, from basic models that cost less than $10 to ultra-sophisticated touch-screen LCD remotes that cost more than many audio-video (AV) components. Some high-end universal remotes even require professional programming and installation. Basic universal remotes can control between four and eight components, while pricier remotes can replace up to 18 individual remotes. These more expensive remotes are also activity-based, meaning you can order the remote to perform an activity (such as "watch TV") that usually requires multiple keystrokes -- such as turning on a TV, cable box and receiver -- with just a single button; this is known as a macro.

Less expensive remotes use preloaded product codes to identify your AV equipment. Setup involves finding your components in the list and training the remote to recognize them. More advanced universal remotes use a web-based setup that most experts prefer; you have to have a computer with Internet access, but reviewers say this kind of setup wizard is easiest and causes fewer headaches. While web-based setup helps, even experts sometimes get frustrated when they try to program a universal remote to run all of their equipment. "As we all know, programming a universal remote is only slightly less fun than electrocution," writes Adrienne Maxwell at Home Theater magazine.

We found lots of sources that offer solid single-product reviews of universal remotes. The challenge is finding a source that reviews a good number of remotes -- most sources have only reviewed a few models over the last year. CNET provides the best coverage of universal remotes, and they have the most comprehensive listing of current reviews. PCMag.com, Audioholics.com and HomeTheaterReview.com have good reviews, but cover fewer models. RemoteCentral.com doesn't rate or rank remotes, but has what are easily the most detailed reports on universal remotes. ConsumerReports.org is a letdown when it comes to universal remotes, as they only provide a brief article that hasn't been updated since 2007. Finally, user reviews at Amazon.com are incredibly helpful for evaluating budget remotes, since professional reviewers usually don't cover these inexpensive models.