You finally have that perfect home theater setup — a new TV, a soundbar, a streaming stick, maybe a game console. But now your coffee table is a graveyard of clickers, and you need a different one every time you want to watch something or adjust the volume. That is the exact problem an all in one remote is built to solve: it replaces every single remote on your table with one device that controls everything, so you press one button and your TV turns on, the soundbar switches to the right input, and your streaming box loads Netflix — all at once.
I’m Mo Maruf — the co-founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Are you tired of juggling remotes? Helping a family member who needs larger buttons? Or building a smart home system you control from the couch? The best all in one remote options today range from simple infrared (IR — using direct light signals like a TV remote) models for a few devices to premium hubs that handle 60 devices and respond to voice commands.
How To Choose The Best All In One Remote
Choosing the right remote is about matching your actual devices to the remote’s capabilities. You need to look at four things: how it connects, how many devices it can handle, how you set it up, and whether it is easy to use in the dark.
Connection Type: IR, Bluetooth, or a Hub
Most basic universals use infrared (IR), which is the same technology your TV remote uses — it requires a clear line of sight between the remote and your device. That works fine if your devices are on open shelves. But if they are tucked behind a cabinet, you need a system with a hub. A hub (a small box you place near your gear) acts like a signal relay, so you can point your remote anywhere in the room and it still controls everything. Some remotes also use Bluetooth, which does not require line of sight, but only works with devices that support it (like many streaming sticks and modern soundbars).
Device Count and Code Library
A remote that supports 4 devices is fine if you have a TV, soundbar, streaming box, and game console. But if you add a projector, a second streaming stick, or a turntable later, you outgrow it fast. Look for a remote that supports at least 8 devices if you think your setup will grow. The code library (the list of brands and models the remote “knows”) is equally important — a remote with a database of 500,000+ devices is far more likely to control your exact model without manual workarounds.
Setup Experience: App vs. Manual Code Entry
The worst part of any universal remote is programming it. Basic remotes make you punch in three-digit codes from a printed list, which feels like 1998. Better remotes let you download a smartphone app (iOS or Android) that walks you through adding devices by brand and model — this takes seconds instead of minutes. A few premium remotes even let you “learn” commands by pointing your original remote at the new one and pressing buttons, so you can copy any function the built-in codes missed.
Physical Feel and Backlighting
Nobody thinks about button feel until they are tapping a flat mushy pad in a dark room. A good all in one remote should have buttons with distinct texture or travel (the distance a button moves when you press it) so you can navigate by touch. Backlighting (buttons that glow when you pick up the remote) is a must for dark rooms — but not all backlights are equal. Some are so dim you can barely read them; others light up only when you press a specific button. The best remotes light up automatically when you lift them.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SofaBaton U2 | Mid-Range | Best balance of features and price for most homes | 15 devices, backlit buttons, 35ft IR range | Amazon |
| One for All URC7880 | Mid-Range | Controlling up to 8 devices with app-based setup | 8 devices, 48 buttons, free setup app | Amazon |
| SofaBaton U3 | Premium | Smart control with Air Mouse and voice commands | 30 devices, Bluetooth, RF, Air Mouse | Amazon |
| SofaBaton X1S | Premium | Large setups needing hub-based IR and voice assistant support | 60 devices, IR hub, Alexa/Google support | Amazon |
| Anderic RRU401 | Value | Budget buyers who want learning and macro features | 4 devices, 30 buttons, learning remote | Amazon |
| SofaBaton X2 | High-End | Enthusiasts wanting a touchscreen and Home Assistant control | 50 devices, 2.4″ touchscreen, hub | Amazon |
| RCA RCRBB04GR | Basic | Simple replacement with big buttons for elderly users | 4 devices, 4 large buttons, 3.04 oz | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote (with Backlight)
With a 15-device capacity and a backlit OLED screen that lights up automatically when lifted, the SofaBaton U2 is the top pick for anyone with a TV, soundbar, streaming box, and maybe a game console who wants one remote to rule them all.
The U2’s extended infrared range reaches 35 feet, which beats the 30-foot limit of the Anderic RRU401 by 17%, so you never have to aim your remote like a laser pointer. You can program it using the SofaBaton app on your phone — just type in your device brand and model — or you can teach it commands directly from your original remote if the database misses something. Buyers report the app is intuitive, and support is responsive when a device code needs a fix, like when a TV’s volume commands ran in reverse.
The only honest catch is that the U2 is not a “true activity” remote — meaning if you want to turn off your TV, soundbar, and streaming box all at once, you have to program a macro button, and that button only controls the device shown on the screen at that moment. For most people, this is a minor quibble versus the price and everyday comfort of a single remote with a scroll wheel and an OLED screen that lights up when you pick it up. If you need true one-touch activity control across multiple devices, step up to the hub-based X1S. But for the vast majority of setups, this is the one to get.
Why it’s great
- Controls up to 15 devices — enough for a full home theater
- Backlit buttons and OLED screen light up automatically when you lift the remote
- App-based setup is fast and you can reassign any button you want
Good to know
- Macro buttons only control the device shown on the LCD, not a whole activity at once
- Some users report the database occasionally needs a profile switch to fix a reversed volume or power command
2. One for All URC7880 Universal Smart Remote Control
The One for All URC7880 holds a key advantage over the top-pick SofaBaton U2: it uses a free smartphone app for setup rather than requiring you to hunt through printed code lists, and it supports up to 8 devices. That 48-button layout is 12 times the button count of the basic RCA RCRBB04GR (which only has 4 buttons), giving you dedicated number keys, transport controls, and three shortcut keys for streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.
Buyers who have used One for All remotes for years report the “Activity” punch-through system works well — once programmed, it automatically routes volume commands to your soundbar no matter which device you are controlling. The learning feature (where you point your original remote at this one to copy any missing command) is straightforward, though both remotes need to touch each other to transfer codes, which is a small quirk to remember.
The standout weakness here is the lack of backlighting — in a dark room you will either need a light on or rely entirely on feel, which is frustrating given the 48-button layout can be hard to navigate by touch alone. Choose the URC7880 over the top pick if you prioritize setup ease and control of up to 8 devices with dedicated streaming keys.
Where it shines
- Free smartphone app lets you set up devices in seconds by brand and model
- Activity punch-through auto-routes volume to your soundbar so you never adjust the wrong device
- 48 buttons include dedicated streaming keys for Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime
Worth noting
- No backlighting makes it hard to use in a dark room
- Button layout is cramped — the number pad sits above frequent controls, which some buyers find awkward
3. SofaBaton U3 Universal Remote Control
Imagine you are searching for a movie on your smart TV and you want to type a search term without pecking at an on-screen keyboard with directional arrows. The SofaBaton U3 is designed for that exact scenario: it includes Air Mouse mode, where a built-in gyroscope turns your hand gestures into an on-screen cursor, and a dedicated Google Assistant button that lets you speak your search out loud — perfect for streaming sticks and smart TVs that support voice over Bluetooth.
The U3 supports up to 30 devices, which is double the capacity of the U2, and it connects via IR, Bluetooth, and Radio Frequency. A standout feature is Simultaneous Multi-Device Bluetooth Link, meaning the remote stays connected to up to 3 Bluetooth devices at the same time — switch from your TV to your soundbar to your headphones without waiting for a reconnect. Owners mention the clickable scroll wheel is a major improvement over earlier models for navigating menus.
The catch you accept for these advanced features is battery life. Several customers note the built-in lithium-ion battery drains noticeably faster than simpler remotes — some say it drops to 50% in two days and needs a weekly charge. If you want the convenience of air mouse and voice control and are willing to charge it every few days, the U3 is a powerful choice. But if you want something you never think about charging, the U2 or a hub-based system like the X1S is a better fit.
What stands out
- Air Mouse turns hand motions into a cursor — great for smart TV web browsing and app navigation
- Stays connected to 3 Bluetooth devices at once so you switch instantly without waiting
- Supports 30 devices across IR, Bluetooth, and RF connection types
The trade-offs
- Battery life is short — some users need to charge it every two to three days
- Macro-based control is not as seamless as a true activity system; you may need to power down before switching macros
4. SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub
Supporting up to 60 devices is the single number that matters most for this category if you have a complex setup — a TV, a projector, a surround sound receiver, a streamer, a Blu-ray player, a game console, and maybe a second TV in the same room. The SofaBaton X1S handles that entire ecosystem, and its hub (a small box you place near your gear) provides 360-degree signal coverage so you never have to point the remote directly at anything.
The downside you accept is that setting up a hub-based remote takes real time. One buyer who owns this remote for their complete home theater notes that while programming is intuitive once you learn the system, things like device power commands sometimes need to be “learned” from the original remote if the database does not get it right. The X1S supports Alexa and Google Assistant voice control for turning activities on and off, and the Raise to Wake feature lights up the buttons as soon as you pick it up — no fumbling for a backlight button in the dark.
For the price, you get hub-based reliability that IR-only remotes cannot match when devices are hidden in cabinets, plus one-touch Activity programming that powers on your TV, soundbar, and streaming box with a single press. It is the right choice if your gear is out of sight or if you want voice control — but stick with the U2 if you want simpler setup and do not have dozens of devices to manage.
The upsides
- Hub provides 360-degree IR signal so you can control hidden devices behind cabinet doors
- Supports up to 60 devices — enough for the most complex home theater setups
- Raise to Wake lights up buttons automatically when you pick up the remote
Keep in mind
- Setup requires some patience — you may need to manually learn commands for some devices
- Some reviewers point out the hub occasionally disconnects from Wi-Fi, requiring a reset to fix
5. Anderic RRU401 4-in-1 Universal Remote
What you actually get at this lower price is a learning mode that copies any command from your original remote, macro programming for one-button multi-device control, and full key backlighting — features most cheap remotes skip entirely. It supports exactly 4 devices, enough for a TV, soundbar, streaming box, and Blu-ray player, and it is the only budget remote here that combines learning and macro features, which the basic RCA RCRBB04GR lacks.
What you give up compared to a mid-range or premium pick is the refined hardware. Shoppers say the buttons feel cheap — they sit too high and close together with no satisfying click, and the backlight is so dim in some units that you can barely read it in the dark. The infrared beam is also narrow and weaker than better remotes, meaning you have to aim more carefully, and some users found it frequently “missed” presses on devices across the room.
If you have a simple setup of 3 to 4 devices and you want the convenience of a learning remote and macros without spending much, the RRU401 gets the job done. It is perfect for a bedroom, a guest room, or a secondary TV where you do not want to invest in a premium remote but cannot stand the mess of multiple clickers — the exact budget buyer it is perfect for.
Why we’d pick it
- Learning mode lets you copy any command from your original remote if the built-in codes miss it
- Macro and power punch-through let you turn on or off multiple devices with one press
- Full key backlighting helps in a dark room
A few caveats
- Button feel is mushy and the backlight is dim on some units — check recent reviews before buying
- Weak directional IR beam means you have to aim more carefully than with stronger remotes
6. SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote with Touchscreen
The SofaBaton X2 is perfect for the enthusiast who wants a touchscreen interface and deep integration with smart home systems.
For that money, you get a premium build — an aluminum body with a leather-textured back, a responsive touchscreen, backlit physical buttons, and a charging dock so the remote is always topped up. Buyers who have set up the X2 alongside Home Assistant report the integration works perfectly for triggering both AV equipment and smart home scenes. The range reaches 45 feet, the best in this lineup, making it the only remote that reliably works from another room.
The one reason to choose the X2 over the rest of the field is the touchscreen and automation integration. If you run Home Assistant or you want a remote that feels like a premium gadget rather than a functional tool, the X2 is unmatched. But if you just want a simple all in one remote for your TV and soundbar, the U2 gives you 95% of the real-world function for a fraction of the investment — a gentle caution that the X2’s complexity may be overkill for straightforward setups.
Strong points
- 2.4-inch HD touchscreen lets you navigate devices and activities with a swipe
- Native Home Assistant and MQTT integration for controlling smart home devices from the same remote
- Charging dock keeps the remote always charged and ready
Before you buy
- Setup is time-consuming — plan for 45 to 60 minutes to get everything configured
- No physical feedback on button presses, which some users miss in dark rooms
7. RCA RCRBB04GR 4-Device Big-Button Remote
The RCA RCRBB04GR is the simplest entry in this guide — it has 4 large buttons that are easy to see and press, and it controls up to 4 devices. Weighing only 3.04 ounces, it is lightweight and fits comfortably in the hand, making it an ideal replacement for a lost or broken remote in a simple TV-and-streamer setup. At a lower price than most other picks here, it offers basic functionality without any advanced features.
What you give up is almost everything beyond basic control. There are only 4 buttons (one per device), so you cannot use number keys for channel entry, transport controls for DVR, or streaming shortcuts. The backlight, which some buyers expected from the product images, does not work on at least some units — a reviewer who bought it for their mother noted the backlight did not function at all. Programming is done by entering codes from a printed list, which is more tedious than app-based remotes.
This remote is perfect for an elderly family member who needs large, visible buttons and simple control of a TV, cable box, and DVD player — and nothing more complicated than that. If that is your buyer, the RCA is a focused and reliable tool. For anyone with more than 4 devices or a desire for backlighting and macros, pick the U2 or the One for All URC7880 instead. The one clear reason to choose it is its straightforward, large-button design for users who need only the most essential controls.
What we like
- Large, raised buttons are easy to see and press — ideal for low vision or elderly users
- Controls up to 4 devices and replaces a lost or broken TV, cable, or streamer remote
- Lightweight at 3.04 ounces, so it is easy to hold for long periods
The downsides
- Only 4 buttons — no number pad, no transport controls, no streaming shortcuts
- Backlight does not work on some units; check recent reviews before buying if that matters to you
- Setup requires manual code entry from a printed list rather than a smartphone app
Understanding the Specs
Device Count and Code Database
The maximum number of supported devices tells you if a remote will grow with your setup. A 4-device remote works for a TV, soundbar, streamer, and game console, but adds nothing extra. An 8- or 15-device remote gives you room for more or for controlling multiple rooms. Just as important is the code database — the list of brands and models the remote already knows. Remotes with databases covering 500,000+ devices (like the SofaBaton models) are more likely to work perfectly with your exact gear right out of the box, without needing to teach it commands manually.
Connection Type: IR, Bluetooth, and Hub
Infrared (IR) is the standard signal used by almost every TV and soundbar — it requires direct line of sight and works up to about 30 to 40 feet. Bluetooth connects to modern devices like streaming sticks and soundbars without needing to point the remote, but the device must support Bluetooth for it to work. A hub (a separate box you place near your gear) uses Radio Frequency (RF) or wired IR emitters to send signals around corners and inside cabinets, so you can control hidden devices. If your gear is visible on a shelf, a good IR remote is fine. If it is tucked away, you need a hub system.
FAQ
Can an all in one remote control my streaming devices like a Roku or Apple TV?
What is the difference between a “macro” and an “activity” on a universal remote?
How do I set up a universal remote if my device brand is not in the code library?
Will a universal remote work with devices hidden inside a cabinet?
Why does my universal remote sometimes miss a button press or feel sluggish?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the best all in one remote winner is the SofaBaton U2 because it strikes the best balance of device support (15 devices), backlit buttons, app-based setup, and a 35-foot extended IR range — all at a price that undercuts premium hub remotes while covering nearly any living room setup. If you want an app-based setup with 48 buttons and streaming shortcuts but do not mind a missing backlight, grab the One for All URC7880. And for the enthusiast with hidden gear and dozens of devices who needs hub-based 360-degree control, the SofaBaton X1S is the right call.