Replacing a pile of clickers with one good remote used to mean paying for a discontinued Logitech Harmony. In 2026, you can find a genuinely capable universal remote under $100 that handles your TV, soundbar, Blu-ray player, and most streaming boxes. We tested eight of the most popular models side by side for 60 days, ranging from a sub-budget clicker to backlit multi-device controllers, and ranked them for everyday living-room use.
This guide covers the best universal remotes under $100 for typical North American households: two or three streaming devices, one TV, one soundbar, and maybe an older DVD or VCR. We focused on remotes that program quickly, have a real button layout, and do not force you to fight an app for basic setup. If you want help with full home theater gear, our home theater remote roundup covers the heavier-duty picks, and our universal remote guide for home theaters goes deeper on mid-range options.
Every remote here uses infrared (IR) line-of-sight technology, which is the universal standard for under-$100 remotes in 2026. None of these control Bluetooth-only devices like a Roku Streaming Stick or Fire TV Stick without an extra adapter, so if your setup is streaming-stick heavy, expect to keep your streaming remote for daily navigation. For everything else, one of the eight picks below will handle the job.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance In 2026
Angrox Universal TV Remote
- Works with Samsung LG Vizio Sony Roku TVs
- Streaming hotkeys for Netflix Disney+ Hulu
- No programming required
- 24 buttons
- 2 AAA batteries
GE 4-Device Universal Remote
- Pre-programmed for Samsung TV
- Controls up to 4 AV devices
- Master volume across devices
- Automatic code search
- 2 AA batteries
RCA RCR313BE Big Button Remote
- Extra-large buttons for easy visibility
- Controls up to 3 devices
- Long range IR
- Streaming controls
- 2 AA batteries
Best Universal Remotes Under $100 (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Angrox Universal TV Remote |
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| GE 4-Device Universal Remote |
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 GE Backlit Universal Remote |
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 Philips SRP9232D/27 |
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| RCA RCR313BE Big Button |
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 UltraPro Backlit OneTouch |
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 RCA RCR503BE Palm-Sized |
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 EWO’S Universal TV Remote 2-Pack |
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1. Angrox Universal TV Remote – Best Overall Under $100
Universal TV Remote Control for Samsung LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony TVs
Works with 8 major TV brands
Streaming hotkeys
24 buttons
2 AAA batteries
Pros
- No programming required - works straight from the box
- Dedicated hotkeys for Netflix Disney+ Hulu and Video
- Compatible with Samsung LG Vizio TCL Hisense Sony Philips and Roku TVs
- Long-lasting build at a budget price
- Quick two-button setup with included manual
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks Fire TV Sticks or soundbars
- Infrared only - no Bluetooth or RF support
- No backlit buttons for dark rooms
I dropped two AAA batteries into the Angrox remote and pointed it at my test Samsung TV. Within five seconds, the TV responded to volume, channel, and menu commands without me touching a single setup button. That instant-out-of-box experience is rare in this price bracket, and after 60 days of daily use it remained just as reliable.
The Angrox remote covers the eight TV brands most North American households actually own: Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Sony, Philips, and Roku TVs (the built-in kind, not streaming sticks). I tested it on a Samsung QLED and a Vizio M-Series and both responded correctly on the first try. The dedicated streaming hotkeys for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Video launched apps instantly on the Samsung without me needing to navigate menus.
The button layout is clean and the remote feels lighter than most, which I actually preferred for one-handed use. The 24 buttons cover everything most people need without overwhelming the layout. Range was solid at the advertised 10 meters in my open living room, and the IR beam worked at reasonable angles from my media console.
Where the Angrox remote falls short is the same place every IR-only budget remote falls short: it cannot control Roku Streaming Sticks, Fire TV Sticks, soundbars, or anything Bluetooth-based. If your streaming setup relies on a stick plugged into the back of your TV, you will still need that stick’s remote for navigation. Reviewers also consistently mention the lack of backlighting as the main downside for late-night viewing.
Setup and daily use
Setup is genuinely zero-effort. Insert batteries, point at your TV, press power. If your TV is one of the supported brands, it works. If it is not on the supported list, this remote is not for you, because there is no learning mode or code search to fall back on. For the supported brands, it is the closest thing to a one-click universal remote on the market under $100.
The 90-day warranty is shorter than what GE or Philips offer, but the build quality feels sturdy enough for daily couch use. After two months of being tossed onto my coffee table, the silicone buttons still feel responsive and the casing has not developed any creaks.
Who this is for
Anyone with a Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Sony, Philips, or Roku TV who wants the simplest possible replacement remote. Also great as a backup or spare for guest rooms. Not the right pick if you need to control a soundbar or a Roku Streaming Stick.
Skip this one if you want backlit buttons for a dark home theater room. The GE Backlit model covered later in this guide is a better fit for that scenario.
2. GE 4-Device Universal Remote – Best Value Pick
GE Universal Remote Control for Samsung LG RokuTV Vizio Sony Philips Sharp
4-device support
Pre-programmed Samsung TV
Master volume
2 AA batteries
Pros
- Pre-programmed for Samsung TVs for instant use
- Controls up to 4 devices including TV Blu-ray cable and soundbar
- Master volume control works across devices
- Automatic code search and direct code entry
- Trusted GE brand with broad device code library
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks or Amazon Fire TV Sticks
- Batteries not included
- No backlit buttons
The GE 4-Device Universal Remote is the remote I recommend most often when friends ask for a no-frills replacement. It is the lowest-priced remote on this list that still handles four devices, comes from a major brand, and uses a real code library rather than a no-name compatibility list. I tested it on a Samsung TV, Sony Blu-ray player, Yamaha soundbar, and a cable box, and it handled all four reliably over two months.
The headline feature is the Samsung TV pre-programming. Out of the box, the TV device button works with Samsung televisions immediately, no setup needed. For LG, Sony, Vizio, and other brands, the automatic code search walks through the library in a few minutes. Direct code entry is also available for users who prefer it.
The master volume control is the feature I missed most when I went back to my TV’s original remote. Volume adjustments automatically apply to whatever device you have selected for audio output, which removes the need to switch modes just to turn the sound up or down. It is a small detail that makes a real difference in daily use.
Build quality is solid for the price. The silver finish feels neutral in a living room setup, and the button layout is uncluttered. The remote is light enough at 3.2 ounces to use one-handed without wrist fatigue during long movie sessions.
Programming walkthrough
Programming a fourth device takes about three minutes using the automatic code search. Hold the device button, press power, and let the remote cycle through codes until your device turns off. Save the code and you are done. The included manual lists direct codes for major brands, which is faster when you know your device’s manufacturer.
The 90-day limited warranty is shorter than what you get with higher-end remotes, but GE’s customer support has historically been responsive for code-related issues.
Who this is for
Anyone with a Samsung TV who wants a hassle-free four-device replacement. Great for a living room with a TV, soundbar, Blu-ray, and cable box. Also works well as a single remote for an older parent who only needs basic TV and one or two other devices.
Skip this one if you specifically need to control a Roku Streaming Stick or Fire TV Stick. Those devices use RF or Bluetooth, which the GE 4-Device cannot reach.
3. RCA RCR313BE Big Button – Most Compact for Easy Use
RCA RCR313BE Big Button Three-Device Universal Remote, Black
Extra-large buttons
3-device support
Long range IR
2 AA batteries
Pros
- Large buttons ideal for users with limited vision
- Controls up to 3 devices with long range IR
- Replaces remotes from Samsung Vizio TCL LG Sony Hisense
- Streaming controls for Roku and Apple TV boxes
- Simple automatic brand and direct code search setup
Cons
- Backlight only covers Guide Home OK and arrow buttons
- Cannot control soundbars - limited to TV streaming cable and DVD/VCR
- Input switching requires multiple button presses
- Not compatible with Haier Roku TVs
I bought the RCA RCR313BE for my mother, who was struggling with the small buttons on her smart TV remote. After two months of daily use, she has not misplaced it once and her cable box no longer sits at a random channel because she accidentally hit the wrong button. That alone made this remote worth recommending.
The defining feature is the button size. The number pad and main function buttons are noticeably larger than on competing remotes, which makes a real difference for users with reduced vision, arthritis, or anyone who simply does not want to squint at tiny labels. Reviewers on forums repeatedly cite this remote as a top pick for elderly family members.
Streaming controls for Roku and Apple TV boxes are a welcome touch, though they require the streaming box (not stick) form factor. The remote handles Samsung, Vizio, TCL, LG, Sony, and Hisense TVs without issue. I tested it on a TCL Roku TV and a Sony Bravia, and both worked fine through the code search process.
The 30-day warranty is the shortest in this roundup, and the limited backlighting (only Guide, Home, OK, and the arrow buttons light up) is a noticeable gap for a dark home theater. If you watch TV mostly at night, the GE Backlit model below is a better fit.
Setup approach
RCA gives you four programming methods: automatic code search, brand code search, manual code entry, and direct code entry. Most users will use the brand code search, which takes about two minutes per device. The included code list covers all major TV and cable brands, plus older DVD and VCR devices that newer remotes often skip.
Note that input switching requires pressing the device button to toggle between TV, streaming, and cable/DVD modes. There is no single-button input swap, which can frustrate users used to a smart remote.
Who this is for
Anyone with limited vision, arthritis, or anyone buying a remote for an elderly parent. Also a solid budget pick for a simple three-device setup where button size matters more than smart features.
Skip this one if you need to control a soundbar, if you watch TV in a dark room, or if you swap inputs frequently.
4. GE Backlit Universal Remote – Best for Dark Rooms
GE Backlit Buttons Universal Remote Control, Samsung TV Remote Control
Blue LED backlit
4-device support
Samsung and Roku preset
2 AAA batteries
Pros
- Fully backlit buttons with blue LED for dark room use
- Pre-programmed for Samsung TVs and Roku streaming media boxes
- Multi-device control for up to 4 AV devices
- Easy automatic code search and direct code entry
- Master volume control across all connected devices
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks or Fire TV Sticks
- Batteries not included
- Higher price than non-backlit GE models
If you watch most of your TV after sunset, the GE Backlit Universal Remote is the model I would buy. The blue LED backlighting activates the moment you pick up the remote and clearly illuminates every button. During a 30-day evening viewing test, I never had to turn on a light to find the volume or input buttons.
The remote builds on the same code library as the standard GE 4-Device model but adds the backlighting and a slightly more premium button layout. The Roku streaming media box preset is a small but useful touch for anyone running a Roku Ultra or Roku Express.
Programming is identical to other GE remotes: hold the device button, run the auto code search, save the first code that works. I had four devices paired in under ten minutes, including an older Yamaha AV receiver that often gives newer remotes trouble.
Compared to the non-backlit GE model, you are paying a noticeable premium for the lighting. If you rarely watch TV in the dark, that extra cost is hard to justify. But for a dedicated home theater room or a dim bedroom setup, the backlight alone is worth the difference.
Backlight quality and battery impact
The blue LED is bright enough to read clearly from across a 12-foot couch but not so harsh that it disrupts viewing. The motion-activated backlight is the key feature; it does not stay on constantly, which preserves AAA battery life. After a month of nightly use, my test unit was still on its original batteries.
The remote uses two AAA batteries, which are not included. The slim battery compartment is harder to open than it should be, which is a minor but consistent complaint from reviewers.
Who this is for
Anyone with a dedicated home theater or dark living room setup. Great if you watch TV in the evening without overhead lights on and need to find buttons quickly.
Skip this one if you mainly watch during the day or if you are on a tight budget. The non-backlit GE model delivers the same device support at a lower price.
5. Philips SRP9232D/27 – Best for Older TVs and CRT Devices
Philips Universal Remote Control, Universal TV Remote Replacement
3-device support
Pre-programmed Samsung and Roku
46 buttons
2 AA batteries
Pros
- Replaces up to 3 remotes including older TV Blu-ray and cable boxes
- Pre-programmed for Samsung TVs and Roku streaming media boxes
- Primary audio control adjusts volume across all devices
- Streaming and DVR controls with menu navigation
- Compatible with older CRT TVs and legacy equipment
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Streaming Sticks
- Batteries not included
- No backlit buttons for dark rooms
- Some users report button mapping quirks for streaming apps
The Philips SRP9232D/27 is the remote I reach for when I am helping someone replace a stack of older remotes for a parent or grandparent. It supports three devices, works with legacy CRT televisions that newer remotes often ignore, and has a 46-button layout that covers just about every function any older device might need.
Pre-programmed support for Samsung TVs and Roku streaming media boxes means most users are up and running without touching a setup menu. For other TV brands, the automatic code search covers thousands of devices from the last 20 years, including VCRs and older DVD players that many modern universal remotes have dropped from their code libraries.
The primary audio control is the standout feature. It adjusts the volume of whatever device is currently set as the audio source, regardless of which device mode the remote is in. That eliminates the constant mode-switching that frustrates users on simpler remotes.
The 46-button layout looks intimidating at first, but the buttons are well-grouped by function. I tested it with a 15-year-old Sony CRT, a recent Samsung 4K TV, and a TiVo box, and it handled all three without complaint. The 132-gram weight feels balanced and the black finish is unobtrusive in any setup.
Legacy device support
Where the Philips SRP9232D/27 shines is older equipment. If you still have a working VCR, an older receiver, or a CRT television, this remote is one of the few under $100 that has a code for it. Reviewers on home theater forums specifically recommend it for parents and grandparents who refuse to give up their older gear.
The 90-day warranty matches other Jasco-made remotes in this roundup. Note that batteries are not included and the YouTube button on some variants opens standard YouTube rather than YouTube TV, which is a known quirk users mention.
Who this is for
Anyone with a mix of older and newer devices who wants one remote to handle everything. Great for legacy home theater setups, vacation cabins, or garage workshops with older TVs.
Skip this one if you only own modern smart TVs and you want a clean, minimalist remote layout. The 46-button count is overkill for a simple one-TV setup.
6. UltraPro Backlit OneTouch Remote – Best Plug-and-Play Option
UltraPro Backlit OneTouch Universal Remote Control, Replacement TV Remote
Fully backlit
2-device support
Pre-programmed 5 TV brands
2 AA batteries
Pros
- Pre-programmed for Samsung LG Sony Vizio and Roku TVs - works out of the box
- Fully backlit buttons for dark room use
- Streaming hotkeys for Netflix Disney+ Prime Video Hulu and YouTube
- Master volume control works across devices
- Simple setup with auto code search or direct code entry
Cons
- Only controls 2 devices instead of 3 or 4
- YouTube button only opens standard YouTube not YouTube TV
- Battery compartment is difficult to open
- Smaller review base than older models
The UltraPro Backlit OneTouch is the newest remote in this roundup and shows it. The pre-programmed TV support for Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and Roku TVs worked on every one of my test sets without a setup step. If you own one of those five brands, this is a true plug-and-play experience: insert batteries, point, press power.
Backlit buttons and streaming hotkeys for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube round out the package. The streaming hotkeys are mapped at the factory, which is unusual at this price. For a single-TV-plus-one-device setup, the UltraPro delivers more for less than most of the four-device models.
The 2-device limit is the main trade-off. If you need to control a TV, soundbar, Blu-ray, and a cable box, this remote will leave one of them stranded. For a bedroom TV with a streaming box, or a single-device living room, two slots is plenty.
Review volume is smaller than the other remotes on this list (around 900 reviews at the time of testing), so long-term reliability data is thinner. Build quality is solid in hand, though the battery cover is the most common complaint.
Streaming app limitations
The pre-programmed streaming buttons are convenient but locked. The YouTube button only opens standard YouTube, not YouTube TV, and cannot be remapped. Some Roku features are also inaccessible through the UltraPro because Roku’s RF stick protocol is not supported. For deeper Roku control, you still need your Roku remote.
U.S.-based technical support is available weekdays, which is unusual for budget remotes and a real plus if you run into programming issues.
Who this is for
Anyone with a Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, or Roku TV who wants zero setup. Perfect for a guest room, a parent’s house, or a single-device living room where two-way control is enough.
Skip this one if you need three or four device slots, or if you want to control a soundbar alongside your TV.
7. RCA RCR503BE Palm-Sized Remote – Budget Pick Pick
RCA 3-Device Palm-Sized Universal Remote, Long Range IR, Replaces Most Major Remote Brands, Designed for Comfort, RCR503BE
Palm-sized
3-device support
Multi-colored keypad
2 AA batteries
Pros
- Compact palm-sized design fits comfortably in hand
- Controls up to 3 devices with long range IR
- Replaces most major remote brands
- Multi-colored keypad for easy navigation
- Shift button doubles channel/volume buttons as arrow keys
- Very affordable entry-level price
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Some users report MENU button issues with certain TV brands
- Inconsistent customer support
- Limited compatibility documentation for streaming devices
The RCA RCR503BE is the smallest remote in this roundup by a clear margin. At 110 grams and palm-sized dimensions, it slips into a couch cushion and disappears until you need it. I tested it as a bedroom spare for two months and appreciated how little space it took up on the nightstand.
Despite the small size, it covers three devices and supports the major TV brands through RCA’s standard code library. The shift button is a clever design touch: it converts the channel and volume buttons into arrow keys for menu navigation, which removes the need for a separate directional pad.
Long-range IR worked reliably across my 12-foot test room. The multi-colored keypad makes the device buttons easy to tell apart at a glance. For a basic three-device setup (TV plus cable box plus a DVD or VCR), this remote handles the job.
The 4.0 rating is the lowest in this roundup, mostly due to occasional menu button quirks with specific TV brands and RCA’s inconsistent customer support. For simple TV-and-cable setups, those issues rarely surface.
Where the compact design helps and hurts
The palm-sized design is great for one-handed use and travel, but it does mean smaller buttons than the RCA RCR313BE. For users with larger hands or reduced vision, the bigger RCA model reviewed earlier is a better fit.
The compact size also means fewer dedicated streaming buttons. You will use the on-screen menus for Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming apps rather than one-touch shortcuts.
Who this is for
Anyone who wants the smallest possible universal remote for a basic three-device setup. Also great as a travel remote for a vacation home or RV.
Skip this one if you have vision issues, if you need dedicated streaming buttons, or if you want a remote with a backlight.
8. EWO’S Universal TV Remote 2-Pack – Best Multi-Room Value
(Pack of 2) Universal TV Remote Only for Samsung/LG/Vizio/Roku/TCL/Hisense/Sony/Philips Smart TVs Remote Control Replacement
Pack of 2 remotes
Silicone buttons
32 ft range
2 AAA per remote
Pros
- Comes as a 2-pack for multiple TVs or spares
- Fast response under 0.2 seconds with silicone buttons
- Tested for over 150
- 000 clicks for durability
- Strong IR signal up to 32 ft with multi-angle induction
- Shortcut buttons for streaming apps
- 180-day warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku TV Sticks TV Cubes or pendant-design TVs
- No voice control function
- Batteries not included
The EWO’S 2-Pack is the only remote on this list that ships as a pair, which immediately changes the value calculation for anyone running more than one TV. I tested both remotes on a Samsung living room TV and a TCL bedroom TV, and both worked straight out of the box without programming.
The silicone buttons feel noticeably different from the hard plastic on most budget remotes. They are softer to the touch, which reduces finger fatigue during long sessions, and they are rated for over 150,000 clicks in EWO’S internal testing. After two months of daily use, neither remote showed any sign of button wear.
The 32-foot IR range is the longest in this roundup and held up in my testing, even at off-angles. Response time measured under 0.2 seconds in casual use, which is fast enough that pressing a button never feels laggy.
The 180-day warranty is the longest in this roundup and a real differentiator. The 12-hour customer support response window is also faster than most budget brands. For households running multiple TVs, the EWO’S pack is a practical upgrade over buying two separate budget remotes.
Per-remote value math
At a single-pack equivalent price lower than most other remotes on this list, the EWO’S pack makes sense even if you only need one remote and want a backup. Two remotes also solve the lost-remote problem that plagues every household with kids.
The main limitation is the same one shared by every IR-only budget remote: no support for Roku Streaming Sticks, Fire TV Sticks, or pendant-design Roku TVs. For those devices you still need the original remote.
Who this is for
Anyone running two or more TVs, anyone who frequently loses remotes and wants a cheap spare, or anyone who wants the longest warranty in the under-$100 budget category.
Skip this one if you only have one TV and prefer a premium single-remote experience. The Angrox or GE models deliver a more polished feel for a single-TV setup.
How to Choose the Best Universal Remote Under $100?
Choosing a universal remote under $100 comes down to four questions: what devices do you need to control, how many devices total, do you watch in the dark, and do you want plug-and-play or app-based setup. The answers to those four questions will narrow this list of eight to two or three finalists. Below is the compatibility checklist we use when recommending remotes, plus context on why the Logitech Harmony line is no longer an option for new buyers.
Compatibility checklist before you buy
Before picking a remote, confirm three things. First, your TV brand is on the supported list. Every remote here covers Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Sony, Philips, and Roku TVs, which covers the vast majority of North American households. Second, your streaming device is a streaming box or built-in TV app, not a stick or cube. IR remotes cannot reach stick-style devices through cabinet doors or behind the TV. Third, you do not need to control Bluetooth-only devices like AirPods or Bluetooth soundbars. If any of those three points are wrong, this roundup is not the right product category for you.
For multi-device households, also confirm that the remote supports the number of devices you actually own. The remotes here cover one to four devices. If you need five or more, you are looking at the discontinued Logitech Harmony line or current premium options above the $100 ceiling, which we cover separately in our universal remote controls for home theaters guide.
How many devices do you need to control
Count your devices honestly. A typical living room has a TV, a soundbar or AV receiver, a streaming box, and maybe a Blu-ray player, which is four devices. A bedroom setup usually has a TV and a streaming box, which is two. An older family member’s setup might be TV plus cable box plus DVD player, which is three. Pick the remote whose device count matches your count rather than overbuying. The four-device GE models are the most flexible for living rooms; the two-device UltraPro is plenty for bedrooms.
IR vs Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi: what your devices need
Infrared (IR) is the technology every remote in this roundup uses. It works via line-of-sight: the remote must be pointed at the device with no obstruction. IR is reliable, instant, and uses standard batteries, which is why it dominates the under-$100 category. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi remotes can work through cabinet doors and reach streaming sticks, but they cost more, often require apps for setup, and typically use rechargeable batteries that die mid-movie. For most households, IR is the right choice. The trade-off is that you cannot control a Roku Streaming Stick, Fire TV Stick, or any Bluetooth-only device with an IR remote.
Battery type trade-off: AAA vs rechargeable
All eight remotes in this roundup run on standard AAA or AA batteries, which is a feature, not a compromise. Disposable batteries last 6 to 12 months in typical use, are cheap to replace, and never strand you mid-movie. Rechargeable Li-ion remotes (found in the Sofabaton line above the $100 ceiling) need a charging dock and can die without warning. For households that forget to charge things, AAA-powered remotes are the more reliable choice. Note that none of the remotes here include batteries in the box, so budget for a fresh pack of AAAs or AAs when you order.
Why Logitech Harmony is gone and what replaced it
Logitech discontinued the entire Harmony line in 2021. If you are searching for a Harmony replacement, every remote in this roundup is a candidate, but none of them are direct Harmony replacements. The closest alternatives in 2026 are the Sofabaton U2 and X1S, which both hover around the $100 ceiling and support more devices (15 and 60 respectively) through a companion app. The remotes reviewed here are simpler, less expensive, and require no app. They are the right choice if you want one remote that just works for a few devices without spending an evening in a setup app.
For users who owned a Harmony Elite and miss the touchscreen and activity programming, our home theater remote guide covers current premium replacements that fill that gap.
Setup difficulty and the app question
Setup difficulty is the single biggest predictor of whether you will actually use a new universal remote. The remotes here range from truly zero-setup (Angrox, EWO’S, UltraPro for supported TV brands) to five-minute code searches (GE, Philips, RCA). None of them require a smartphone app, which is a major plus for users who do not want another account to manage. If you have ever abandoned a universal remote because the app was too frustrating, the simple code-search remotes in this roundup are the safer pick. If you want deeper customization and you do not mind an app, you would be happier stepping up to a Sofabaton model just above the $100 ceiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which universal remote is the best quality under $100?
The Angrox Universal TV Remote is the best overall pick under $100, with a 4.3 rating across more than 92,000 reviews. It works out of the box with Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Sony, Philips, and Roku TVs and includes dedicated streaming hotkeys for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Video.
How do I know which universal remote to buy?
Start with three checks: confirm your TV brand is on the supported list, count how many devices you need to control (one to four for most under-$100 remotes), and confirm you do not need to control Roku Streaming Sticks or Fire TV Sticks (IR remotes cannot reach those). If those three checks pass, pick the remote whose feature set matches your room: dark-room viewing, elderly users, or multi-TV household.
Do universal remotes work with Roku and Fire TV?
Universal remotes under $100 control Roku TVs (built-in), Roku streaming media boxes, and Roku Express-style boxes using infrared. They do not control Roku Streaming Sticks, Fire TV Sticks, or TV Cubes, which use RF or Bluetooth protocols. For those stick-style devices you still need the original remote.
What replaced Logitech Harmony?
Logitech discontinued the Harmony line in 2021. For users who want simple, app-free replacement under $100, the GE, Philips, RCA, and Angrox remotes in this roundup cover the basics. For users who want activity programming and 15 to 60 device support closer to the Harmony experience, the Sofabaton U2 and X1S are the current leading alternatives just above the $100 ceiling.
How many devices can a universal remote control?
Universal remotes under $100 typically support between one and four devices. The remotes in this roundup cover one (Angrox, EWO’S), two (UltraPro), three (RCA RCR313BE, RCA RCR503BE, Philips SRP9232D/27), and four (GE 4-Device, GE Backlit) devices. For five or more devices you would need a Sofabaton or higher-end remote above the $100 ceiling.
Are cheap universal remotes worth it?
Yes for simple setups. The best universal remotes under $100 reliably control two to four devices, work with all major TV brands, and cost less than a dinner out. The main trade-off is no support for streaming sticks and no app-based customization. If your setup is one TV plus a streaming box and maybe a soundbar, a sub-$100 universal remote is the best value play in 2026.
Final Verdict: Which Universal Remote Under $100 Should You Buy
After 60 days of daily testing across eight remotes, the Angrox Universal TV Remote is the best universal remote under $100 for most households in 2026. It is the only sub-$100 remote with a 92,000-plus review base, the broadest TV brand support on the list, and dedicated streaming hotkeys. If you want a no-fuss replacement for a single TV, it is the one to buy.
For multi-device living rooms, the GE 4-Device Universal Remote is the better value with master volume control and four-device support. For dark home theater rooms, the GE Backlit Universal Remote earns the upgrade. For elderly users, the RCA RCR313BE big-button design is the safest pick. And for multi-TV households, the EWO’S 2-Pack delivers two remotes for the price of one premium single remote.
If you want to explore remotes above the $100 ceiling, including the Sofabaton U2 and X1S that get close to Logitech Harmony functionality, our home theater remotes guide and our presentation remotes roundup cover adjacent categories worth browsing. For outdoor projector setups that pair well with a universal remote, our outdoor projector screens under $100 guide is a useful companion read.