Update, April 2021: Logitech has announced that it's sunsetting the Harmony remote line, which makes up the bulk of our recommendations below. Here are my choices for the best universal remote control currently available, in ascending order of price.
My family uses the system as much as I do and my main criteria in a smart universal remote or universal remote app is making it simple enough for a kid to operate, even with all those buttons. At various points, multiple remotes on this list have been used to control my TVs, AV receivers, game consoles, Blu-ray player, Roku streamers, and even a cable box DVR. My family and I have used many of the smart remotes on this list as control devices for my main home-theater system for months or years at a time.
A universal remote can also work with smart devices and voice control systems such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Many remote controls have apps to ensure they work with your mobile device whether you have an Android, an iPhone or other smartphone. All the best universal remote options have more intuitive buttons, superior ergonomics and a better feel than standard remotes.
