A universal remote can cut down on the clutter around your TV, but streaming devices make compatibility more complicated. A remote that controls your television may not navigate your streaming box—or support its voice search.
These five options cover simple TV-and-streaming setups, multi-device systems, and larger buttons for easier everyday use. The right choice depends on what you need to control and how you want to control it.
Best 5 Universal Remotes for Streaming Devices Picks for 2026
Best Backlit Budget Pick
- Controls up to four compatible devices
- Backlit buttons for dim rooms
- Preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes
Best For: Simple TV and Roku-box setups
Best for Complex Setups
- IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi support
- One-touch Activities and custom macros
- Hub coverage up to 40 feet
Best For: Custom control of multi-component systems
Best Fire TV Remote Companion
- Holds a compatible Fire TV remote
- Controls up to four other components
- Preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes
Best For: Keeping compatible Fire TV and TV controls together
Best for Multi-Device Setups
NJALNKHM Backlit 8-Device Remote
- Controls up to eight devices
- Toggleable button backlight
- Four-digit-code setup
Best For: Controlling several entertainment devices with one remote
Best Big-Button Option
RCA 5-Device Remote with Streaming
- Big-button design
- Controls up to five devices
- Backlit feature listed
Best For: Larger buttons and setups with five or fewer devices
Best Backlit Budget Pick – GE 4-Device Universal Remote
Among universal remotes for streaming devices, this GE model is a straightforward choice for an infrared setup. It controls up to four compatible devices and has blue backlighting that makes its buttons easier to see in a dim room.
Best For: A TV-and-Roku-box setup that needs a simple, backlit remote.
Pros:
- Controls up to four compatible audio and video devices.
- Preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku streaming boxes.
- Offers automatic code search, direct code entry, and master volume control.
Cons:
- Does not work with RF devices such as Roku Streaming Sticks or Amazon Fire TV/Sticks.
- Requires two AAA batteries, which are not included.
Check your streaming player’s control method before buying: this is an infrared remote, not a replacement for an RF stick remote.
Best for Complex Setups – SofaBaton X1S with Hub
If you need universal remotes for streaming devices alongside a soundbar, receiver, and TV, the SofaBaton X1S offers more setup flexibility. Its hub supports IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi control, while app-built Activities can run several setup steps with one press.
Best For: Multi-component entertainment systems that benefit from custom buttons and one-touch Activities.
Pros:
- Supports up to 50 devices and uses an extensive device-code database.
- Hub offers up to 40-foot coverage without pointing the remote directly at devices; two wired IR transmitters are included for cabinet setups.
- App supports Activities, button remapping, macros, and a remote-finder beep.
- Alexa and Google Assistant can start or stop Activities.
Cons:
- Voice commands control Activities only, not individual devices.
- The remote has no built-in microphone; voice control requires an Alexa or Google Assistant device.
The X1S makes the most sense when coordinating several components is worth app-based configuration; its voice features have clear limits.
Best Fire TV Remote Companion – Philips Flip & Slide
This Philips model takes a different approach to universal remotes for streaming devices: its Flip & Slide cradle holds a compatible Fire TV remote while its own infrared controls handle up to four other components. It keeps both sets of controls together rather than replacing the Fire TV remote.
Best For: Fire TV users who want their compatible Fire TV remote and TV or soundbar controls in one handheld setup.
Pros:
- Cradle holds a compatible Fire TV remote, sold separately.
- Controls up to four additional compatible audio and video components.
- Preprogrammed for Samsung TVs and Roku boxes, with automatic code search for setup.
Cons:
- Not compatible with the Fire TV Basic remote (1st or 2nd generation) or the 1st-generation Fire TV Stick remote.
- Requires two AAA batteries, which are not included.
Confirm your Fire TV remote fits the cradle before choosing it. For compatible models, this is a practical way to keep streaming and component controls together.
Best for Multi-Device Setups – NJALNKHM Backlit 8-Device Remote
If you’re comparing universal remotes for streaming devices, this infrared model is worth considering when you also need to control a TV, sound bar, disc player, or cable box. It supports up to eight devices and has a backlight you can toggle for use in a dark room.
Best For: Viewers who want one button-based remote for several entertainment devices.
Pros:
- Supports up to eight devices, including streaming media players.
- Toggleable backlight makes buttons easier to see in the dark.
- Setup uses device buttons and four-digit codes.
Cons:
- You may need to try multiple codes before all buttons work as expected.
- Infrared connectivity makes compatibility with a particular streaming player worth checking.
Choose this one if eight-device capacity and illuminated buttons matter more than a minimal setup process.
Best Big-Button Option – RCA 5-Device Remote with Streaming
Among universal remotes for streaming devices, the RCA RCRBB05BHE offers a big-button design and infrared control for up to five devices. Its listed features include a backlight, making it a practical option if button visibility is a priority.
Best For: Shoppers who prefer larger buttons and need to control no more than five devices.
Pros:
- Big-button design may be easier to navigate.
- Supports up to five devices.
- Backlit feature is listed in the product details.
Cons:
- Five-device capacity is lower than some multi-device alternatives.
- Requires two AAA batteries.
This is the more straightforward pick when button size matters, but check compatibility with your specific streaming device before buying.
How We Picked the Best Universal Remotes for Streaming Devices
We focused on practical differences between the five selected models: device capacity, streaming-device support, setup method, button layout, backlighting, and whether a hub is included. We also considered who benefits from a straightforward programmable remote versus a more involved home-theater controller. Product names and compatibility claims are a starting point, not a guarantee: check the current manufacturer compatibility list for your exact device before buying.
Quick Comparison
The GE backlit remote is a conventional option for buyers who want illuminated buttons and broad TV-brand coverage. The SofaBaton X1S adds a hub for more complex, multi-device setups. The Philips Flip & Slide model is aimed at Fire TV users who want companion-style controls. The eight-device backlit remote offers more room for TVs, players, audio gear, and cable boxes. The RCA five-device model prioritizes large buttons and a simpler layout. These are differences in intended use, not a promise that every streaming device will work with every remote.
Key Buying Factors for Universal Remotes for Streaming Devices
Check How Your Streamer Receives Commands
Some streaming boxes accept infrared (IR) commands; others rely on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a paired original remote. An IR-only universal remote may control your TV’s power and volume but not navigate a streaming box that lacks IR support. Confirm compatibility with your exact Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or other model—not just the brand. If voice search matters, verify it separately; universal control does not automatically include a microphone or voice-assistant support.
Match the Remote to Your Equipment
Count the devices you actually use: TV, streaming player, soundbar or receiver, cable box, and disc player. A higher device limit helps only if the remote supports those devices and has the commands you need. For a soundbar or receiver, look for convenient volume control that does not require switching modes each time.
Consider Setup and Daily Use
Code-based remotes are often a good fit for basic power, volume, input, and navigation tasks. Hub-based systems can be better suited to coordinating several components, but typically take more setup. Backlit keys help in a dim room; large buttons can make common controls easier to find. Check battery requirements, app requirements, and whether the button layout suits everyone who will use the remote.
Who Should Buy Which Universal Remotes for Streaming Devices?
Choose the GE if you want a familiar backlit remote for a relatively simple setup. Consider the SofaBaton X1S if several components need coordinated control and you are comfortable configuring a hub. The Philips model is the most targeted option here for a Fire TV-centered setup, subject to exact-model compatibility. Pick the eight-device backlit remote if capacity is your main concern; choose the RCA if prominent buttons matter more. Before checkout, confirm the specific functions you cannot do without—especially streaming navigation, input switching, volume, and voice control.