The Best Remote Controls
We compared 8 remote controls on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs, and found the Roku Voice Remote to be the best overall.
Updated
The bottom line
The Roku Voice Remote (B0H2ZDPDD6) is our top pick for its voice control, pre-set app shortcuts, and simple setup. It has a high Amazon rating of 4.6 from over 24,000 ratings and is compatible with Roku TV, players, and audio devices. The closest alternative is the Roku TV Remote Control (B0CQF6T2K1), which is more affordable at $9.99 but lacks voice control features. For budget-conscious buyers, the Universal TV Remote Control (B0D6GFNFJY) is a good option at $11.99, but it requires batteries and setup may require multiple attempts.
Roku Voice Remote $29.88
Best overall remote control
The Roku Voice Remote has voice control, pre-set app shortcuts, and simple setup. It has a high Amazon rating of 4.6 from over 24,000 ratings and is compatible with Roku TV, players, and audio devices. The tradeoff is its higher price at $29.88.
Check price on Amazon
Roku TV Remote Control $9.99
Best budget remote control
The Roku TV Remote Control is an affordable option at $9.99. It is compatible exclusively with Roku TV models and has a simple setup process. However, it lacks voice control features and is not compatible with Roku Streaming Players or other smart TVs.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- Roku Voice Remote Best overall remote control 9.0/10 $29.88 Amazon
- Roku TV Remote Control Best budget remote control 8.0/10 $9.99 Amazon
- Universal TV Remote Control Good universal remote control 7.0/10 $11.99 Amazon
- Universal Remote Control Decent universal remote control for Samsung TVs 6.0/10 $19.99 Amazon
- Replacement Remote for Roku TV Affordable replacement remote for Roku TVs 6.0/10 $12.99 Amazon
- Replacement Remote for Fire TV, Fire Stick, FireStick, Insignia AMZ Fire TV Good replacement remote for Fire TV models 6.0/10 $8.99 Amazon
- Replacement Remote Control for Roku TV Basic replacement remote for Roku TVs 5.0/10 $8.97 Amazon
- Universal Remote for Samsung TV & Frame Smart TV Replacement Remote Control Basic universal remote for Samsung TVs 5.0/10 $8.98 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
The Roku Voice Remote has voice control, allowing users to search and control their entertainment with voice commands. This can be particularly useful for hands-free operation or when navigating through menus. On the other hand, the Roku TV Remote Control has a simpler setup process with no pairing or programming required, making it a convenient option for users who prefer a straightforward setup experience.
Who should buy which
If you prioritize voice control and are willing to spend a bit more, the Roku Voice Remote is the best choice. It provides a comprehensive remote control experience with voice search and pre-set app shortcuts. However, if you are on a budget and don't require voice control, the Roku TV Remote Control is a reliable and affordable solution for replacing a lost or damaged remote.
What owners complain about after buying
Some owners of the Roku TV Remote Control have reported minor issues such as different button labels or compatibility problems with certain Roku devices. It's important to note that these issues are relatively rare and do not seem to significantly impact the overall user experience. However, if you encounter any issues, Roku's customer support is known for providing prompt and helpful assistance.
The also-rans
The Universal TV Remote Control (B0D6GFNFJY) and the Universal Remote Control (B0F5WRTF4V) are decent options for users looking for a universal remote control. However, they fall short in terms of compatibility and may require additional setup or programming. The Replacement Remote for Roku TV (B0H4FXW1QN) and the Replacement Remote for Fire TV (B0D2R4GS19) are affordable alternatives for specific device models but lack some of the features offered by the top picks. The Replacement Remote Control for Roku TV (B09Z6Q2MLC) and the Universal Remote for Samsung TV (B0H25S243J) are basic options that provide essential functionality but may not offer the same level of convenience or additional features as the top picks.