Here we have decided to add some most famous universal remotes to develop your experience regarding home theater. The question is what is a universal remote? When you have multiple devices or equipment to control in your house and you are unable to manage all of them, here comes a universal remote. A universal remote will allow you to control multiple devices and equipment of your house. It has added much convenience to your daily routine as there is no need to hold, manage and operate multiple remotes at a same time. You only need to use a single remote to control multiple devices only with a click of a button. There are many remote controls available in the market with multiple features. You can opt for touch screen universal remote controls or you can also go for the Wi-Fi based universal remote controls. These remotes can control TV, disc players and audio system of a house. Even you can also use those universal remotes with you home automation system. You can easily buy universal remotes which will provide you plenty of features and operations. If you are looking for a perfect universal remote for your home then this guide will help you to choose a good one for you. This list has been made after testing multiple remotes. The features and functionality was a fully tested. It depends upon the user to buy those remotes according to their needs, preferences and mode of operation.
#1 – Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote
Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote is listed on the top of the list because of its awesome rating. This remote comes with a battery that is rechargeable. The setup of the remote control is quite easy. It is compatible with any smart phone. It is really easy to use and operate. You can get a best deal offered by Logitech as amazon has stated that this product is short. Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote is ranked among the top of the list. Here you only need to get full advantage of this remote in order to justify the price. The remote that has been introduced earlier had a limited options and buttons but the latest model has a touch screen. There are plenty of options available on the remote. Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote has a rechargeable battery and it is good to buy the remote if you have a fully home automation system. It will help you to control various systems of your house. You will only justify with the price if you have a fully automated house otherwise you will spend extra money on it. Moreover if you have several smart devices in your house then it is also recommended to buy Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote to fulfill your needs only by using a single remote.
The mode of operation is quite easy. The touch screen will allow you to control multiple devices of your home. If you want to switch on the TV then you only need to touch the screen of Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote and it will automatically turn on the television for you. The main features of Logitech Harmony Universal Remote include infrared repeater and Bluetooth options. You can control the all the smart devices of your home by using the Wi-Fi of your remote. You also need to install the Harmony app. You will not be able to access and use all the features and operations of the remote unless you download the Harmony app of this remote control. Though it’s a nice concept but using a remote control by running an app on your mobile can make it difficult and uneasy to operate it.
#2 – Logitech Harmony Home Control
Logitech Harmony Home Control universal remote has occupied the second place on the list of our top picks. You can control multiple devices of your home by using the remote and by installing the app. This is also an affordable remote control that can be paired with a smart phone application. It will help you to control multiple devices, equipment and automation system of house. Logitech Harmony Home Control universal remote does not have many buttons just like other remotes but it will offer you all the important features to control various devices of the house. If you want to get more features or you want to control multiple devices then you need to install the application. It will give you more controls over your house and its automation system. If you do not have many devices or systems to control in your house then it is not recommended to buy Logitech Harmony Home Control universal remote. But on the other hand if you think your house needs a universal remote to control various systems of your house then it will be a perfect choice. It is affordable and will serve you in a best way.
#3 – Logitech Harmony 650 Universal Remote
Logitech Harmony 650 universal remote is among the most affordable remotes and its mode of operation is quite easy. You will find it at reasonable price and it will allow getting control over your systems. You will get all the important features of the remote control within an affordable price range. It is quite different from the traditional remote controls as it will allow you to control numerous buttons. The best thing about the Logitech Harmony 650 universal remote is that you can fully programmed your remote. It will allow you to have a greater control over your home and its devices. If your home automation system is of advanced type then Logitech Harmony 650 universal remote will help you to control almost every system of the house. One of the best features of the remote is its backlit that will allow you to see in the dark especially when you will pick it up in the dark. The light will get turned on when you will pick up the unit. It will allow you to control your TV, home automation system and other devices even when there is no light. The lack of RF capabilities is one of the major drawbacks of Logitech Harmony 650 remote. It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery that can make the use of remote inconvenient. These are just the minor drawbacks. When you will see the price of the remote then these drawbacks will be of less importance to you. It is a perfect blend of awesome features and affordability. You can easily get it within your limited budget and it will serve you with its best features.
#4 – Ray Super Universal Remote
If you are looking for one of the best touch screen universal remote controls then Ray Super is definitely for you. Ray Super Universal Remote is just like a smart phone and it has variety of features. You can take full advantage of all the important features of a universal remote control. It is quite different from the traditional remote controls. It lacks too much buttons and provides an easy operation. The main thing here to mention is its Wi-Fi system and infrared system. This remote control uses the Wi-Fi to upgrade its software. If you want to connect with your devices or you want to control multiple devices or systems of your house then you need to turn on the infrared. One of the best features of Ray Super Universal Remote is that you do not need to install any application in order to operate it.
This feature has added much ease and comfort because downloading and operating an application can be a difficult and boring task. So this feature is best. Another good thing about the Ray Super Universal Remote is that you can find the programs and shows of your own choice. It will separate the playlist according to different genre. It is really important to recharge the remote on daily basis. It is frustrating when you run out of battery. Your remote needs recharging just like your phone. This drawback can create a problem for you. The touch screen of the Ray Super Universal Remote lacks the tangible feedback that is why it sometimes annoys those people who feel comfortable with traditional buttons of remote. Ray Super Universal Remote is ideal for those who love to use the touch screens. It is convenient to use and manage.
#5 – Logitech Harmony Elite Universal Remote
Logitech Harmony Elite remote is the best remote control with a touch screen. It is able to control smart equipment of the home. If your house has a full automation system including TV, microwave, curtains and other devices then Logitech Harmony Elite remote is perfect for you. You can fully control your house only by using this remote control. The best thing about the Logitech Harmony Elite remote is that you can control almost 15 items or devices of your house. It is quite expensive as compared to the other remotes but the ability to control almost 15 devices of the home has added uniqueness to the features of this remote control. Though it is expensive but the people love to buy it because they can control many devices of the house only by using a single button. It is compatible with many devices including smart devices, game and media players. One of the best features of Harmony Elite includes the Harmony Hub. This is basically designed to connect it with various smart home devices or equipment of the home. It includes the lights and other temperature controlling devices. This will allow you to control many devices by using an app.
You need to install it on your smart phone to operate it in a proper way. Just like most of the universal and smart remote controls, Harmony Elite remote also uses a touch screen for its operation. You only need to download an app. Now you can monitor your smart devices by using an app and universal remote control. Either you need to turn on your TV or you want to turn on the lights of the house Harmony Elite remote will help you to operate all the functions. You can simply touch the screen of the remote to perform various functions. It will give you perfect comfort of mind and body.
Things To Look In A Best Universal Remote
In-Built Options
Universal remotes have totally changed the scene because of adding too much comfort to life. Now you can control your entire home by using a remote and there is no need to make your feet uncomfortable. Only by sitting at a place you can turn on and off the smart devices of your house. It has totally changed the experience of enjoying home luxuries and the other entertainments. The universal remotes have some smart features that will allow you to control your TV in a better way. Now you can search your favorite programs and get the recommendations on the basis of your search. The only thing here to tell you is the price. When you will go for those remote controls having multiple features then you must need to pay for it extra. It will be expensive but if you are really interested in spending on those remote controls and your home has a full automations system, then it will be a good choice.
Convenience
If you think that there are so many buttons on a universal remote and it will create a lot of problem for you then think about the inconvenience that you might face while using multiple remotes for your house. Too many buttons isn’t an issue. You can simply use all of them to control your house. Think about the ease you will get after buying those remotes. Some remote controls also have many other advanced features like touch screens and programmed instructions. It will allow you to perform your work in a better way. Some also have voice commands. You do not need to press a button or touches the screen just speak and your remote will do it for you. This has added too much comfort to life but you need to pay more for it. If you will go for those remote controls having too many advanced features then it is obvious you will pay extra for it.
Addition Of New Technology
It is very obvious when you will purchase a universal remote, you will wish to use it to control multiple devices of house. We know that most of the universal remotes are able to control the TV, sound systems and DVD players of the house, but we need to extend their utility beyond all this. The new and advanced remotes are able to control a large range of devices of the home. Now you can control the full automation system of the home. There is no need to get multiple remotes for multiple devices. A universal remote will allow you to control most of the devices of your home. The only thing to make sure is the compatibility. When buying those remotes make sure that it is compatible with all the older devices of your home.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
We all know that a universal remote is doing multiple tasks as it is controlling multiple devices of a home. So there are chances you may face the troubleshooting problem. Think about hundreds of connections which are there to control various devices at a same time, so be ready for all sorts of troubleshooting. You can get into trouble after buying those remote controls. But there is always a solution of every problem so you can seek the advice of experts of universal remotes.
Some people prefer to use smartphones instead of remote controls. But there are some limitations while using those smartphones. When you will install the app in your smart phone then there are chances you will get into trouble. When you are running out of battery, it is difficult to use smartphone. Similarly if you are using your smartphone app to control TV of your house but the other member are also interested in watching TV, here it will create a hassle for all the other members of family. Though it works well but there are few problems with the setup. When you will use your cellphone as a remote then it may slows down the performance. When you will flip the channels it will work too slowly.
Most Prominent Features Of Universal Remote
A universal remote control is a best tool to use and control multiple devices of house. There are certain features of those remote controls. When buying remote controls then it is really important to look for those features in order to get a best one and most suitable universal remote for you. The most important features of universal remote include:
Modes Of Connectivity
The most common mode of connectivity between smart devices and universal remote is infrared. The infrared is most common and it is inexpensive also. Here it needs a line of sight between devices and remote otherwise it will fail to perform its functioning. Radio frequency has replaced the problem of infrared as there is only a closed cabinet where there is no need of sight line. The only problem with this system is that all the devices are not compatible with the radio frequency signals. The most common and convenient type is the Wi-Fi system. The Wi-Fi network allows you to control the media on a network. If you have a media center then you only need a universal remote to connect your devices with media.
Screen
The remote controls have specific display screens. All the information is available here. The most advanced type of remote controls makes use of touch screens. Here all of your information will be available on the screens. You can make choices and give the commands only by touching the screens. These smart universal remote controls are the best way to operate the smart devices at home.
Universal Remote For Controlling Multiple Devices
We all know that we spend money on universal remote control because of its versatile utility. If you are buying your remote control only for TV or other media players of the house then it is not a wise option. You need to pay for those remote controls only when these are offering multiple features or devices of house. A best remote should control the appliances, home automation system and other devices of the house. But keep that thing in mind when you will look for versatile features it will cost you more than ordinary universal remote control.
Mobile Apps For Universal Remote
You can also choose to install various apps on your smartphone to use them as remote controls. There are my applications like MyURemote and Touchsquid. A lot of other applications are also there. You can simply choose them according to your ease, features and mode of operation.
Which Is Ideal Remote For You?
Universal remote controls are the best in performance as they allow you to control multiple devices of your home. You can even use a single unit instead of 4-5 to control multiple equipment of home. The mode of operation is easy and you do not need to get worried about lot of buttons. You can opt for both remotes with or without buttons. Now a day the remote controls with touch screens are getting popular.
What Are The Main Features To Look For In Universal Remote?
A best universal remote control has many features and it will allow you to control almost 15 devices of your smart home. Some remote controls can also control the Av system and other appliances of the home. You can simply control your home automation system, players, TV, smart home devices and much more. The price of a remote deepens upon the features. When there are more features you will pay more for it. Usually it ranges between 75$ to 350$. There are many brands of remote control but Logitech is among the top brands of the remote controls. Logitech harmony 650and Harmony Champion is among the most popular models of Logitech. Other leading brands are Philip, Ray and Sony.
