As an electronics expert with over a decade of experience testing smart home devices, I’ve evaluated dozens of universal remotes to find the very best options for controlling your Fire TV Stick and home theater setup. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my top picks and insider knowledge to help you choose the ideal remote for your needs, whether you’re dealing with a Firestick remote blinking orange, a Toshiba Fire TV remote not working, or just need a great universal remote.
Why Use a Universal Remote with Fire TV?
A quality universal remote provides major benefits:
- Control Fire TV and other devices from one remote
- Reduce coffee table clutter
- Simplify your home theater experience
- Access advanced features like voice control and automation
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fire TV Universal Remote
Before diving into my top picks, here are the crucial aspects to evaluate:
Compatibility
Ensure the remote supports your specific Fire TV Stick model along with other must-have devices like your TV, receiver, and Blu-ray player. Look for options with:
- Infrared (IR) for TVs and older gear
- Bluetooth for Fire TV and many streaming devices
- Wi-Fi for extended range and smart home integration
When considering compatibility, also check for your TV brand. We have helpful guides on finding universal remote codes for Haier TVs and the best universal remotes for Hisense TVs.
Ease of Setup
Avoid frustration by choosing a remote with intuitive setup. Auto-scanning for IR codes and companion mobile apps to walk you through programming make life much easier. Some advanced remotes even use AI to identify equipment.
Ergonomics and Usability
Since you’ll use this remote constantly, it needs to feel great in your hand with logically laid out, responsive buttons. Opt for models with:
- Backlit keys for dim environments
- Customizable buttons for your favorite apps
- Touchscreens or digital displays for easy navigation
- Quality construction to withstand drops and wear
Voice Control
If you love Alexa voice commands on your Fire TV remote, get a universal model with built-in mics for hands-free operation. It’s a game-changer for quickly finding content or checking the weather while you stay comfy on the couch.
Alexa Voice Remote Replacement Options
When you just need a good Alexa voice remote replacement for your Firestick, look no further than Amazon’s own upgraded Alexa Voice Remote. It’s an affordable first-party Firestick remote replacement that ensures seamless compatibility and performance with your Fire TV Stick.
Automation Features
Higher-end remotes often include powerful automation to take your setup to the next level. Harmony remotes use “Activities” to automatically power on/off devices and switch to the right settings. Some even integrate with smart home platforms to control lights, thermostats and more.
Top 5 Universal Remotes for Fire TV Stick
1. SofaBaton U1 – Best Overall
Compatibility: 500,000+ devices
Connectivity: IR, Bluetooth
Battery: Rechargeable, 1 month per charge
The SofaBaton U1 is my top overall pick for its outstanding versatility, ease of use, and reliable performance. It works flawlessly with Fire TV and can control a whopping 500,000+ devices across 6000 brands.
I love the ergonomic design featuring an intuitive scroll wheel and bright OLED screen showing the active device. The companion mobile app provides interactive guidance for the already simple setup process. Let it auto-scan and learn IR codes from your old remotes, no manual programming needed.
Backlit keys, a solid warranty, and impressive battery life round out the U1’s premium experience. Whether you have a basic or elaborate home theater, the U1 is a fantastic universal remote for Fire TV.
Pros:
- Painless programming via companion app
- Handy scroll wheel and backlit keys
- Month-long rechargeable battery
- Broad compatibility with 500,000+ devices
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi support
- Minimal home automation features
Available at: Amazon
2. Logitech Harmony Elite – Most Advanced
Compatibility: 270,000 devices
Connectivity: IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Battery: Rechargeable
For those seeking the ultimate home theater experience, the Harmony Elite is in a class of its own. This premium remote boasts a slick design with a responsive color touchscreen and advanced features unmatched by competitors.
The real magic happens when you add the included Harmony Hub. It enables the creation of multi-step Activities that automatically power on/off and switch devices to your desired settings. “Watch Fire TV” can turn on your TV, Fire Stick, receiver and soundbar while setting everything to the right inputs – all with one tap.
The Harmony mobile app makes setup a breeze, automatically detecting devices on your network. It even downloads codes for IR-based equipment. The Hub also enables control of Philips Hue lights, Ecobee thermostats, August locks and more smart home tech.
Pros:
- Powerful Activity-based automations via the Hub
- Intuitive touchscreen UI
- Support for home automation gear
- Easy guided setup via mobile app
Cons:
- Expensive for a universal remote
- Occasional software bugs and connection issues
Available at: Amazon
3. Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote – Best First-Party Firestick Remote Replacement
Compatibility: Fire TV Devices
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Battery: 2x AAA, 3-6 months
When you need a quality, affordable replacement remote for your Firestick, the official Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote is my go-to pick. It’s guaranteed to work seamlessly with your Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, and more.
You get the same great Alexa voice control for hands-free commands, along with user-friendly app shortcut buttons for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu. Setup couldn’t be simpler – just insert batteries and press a couple buttons. No fiddling with codes needed.
While you don’t get fancy bells and whistles, this remote nails the essentials at a very reasonable price. For basic control and voice search on your Firestick, the official remote is hard to beat. It’s also a lifesaver if your Firestick remote volume is not working.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Fire TV devices
- Handy Alexa voice control
- Quick-access app buttons
- Simple setup with no programming
Cons:
- Only works with Fire TV gear
- No rechargeable battery option
Available at: Amazon
4. SofaBaton U2 – Best Touchscreen Remote
Compatibility: 1,000,000+ Devices
Connectivity: IR, Bluetooth
Battery: Rechargeable, 3 weeks per charge
The SofaBaton U2 keeps everything great about the U1 and adds a responsive 2.4″ touchscreen for a premium experience. You can use the display as a large number pad, view additional device details, or group devices for coordinated control.
The touchscreen does impact battery life, dropping to 3 weeks (still solid). But touch control addicts will gladly accept slightly more charging for the extra perks. You get the same reliable universal operation, intuitive app and ergonomic design from the U1.
If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a touchscreen universal remote, the U2 is a compelling option. It offers more advanced functionality without the high price tag of the Harmony Elite.
Pros:
- Responsive touchscreen with device grouping
- Easy guided setup via mobile app
- Ergonomic design with backlit keys
- Wide device compatibility
Cons:
- Reduced battery compared to non-touchscreen U1
- Pricier than standard universal remotes
Available at: Amazon
5. Caavo Control Center – Most Innovative
Compatibility: HDMI Devices
Connectivity: HDMI, IR, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Battery: None (voice remote uses 2 AAA)
The Caavo Control Center approaches universal control from a totally unique angle. Rather than a standard remote, you get an HDMI switch box that leverages machine vision and AI to unify your entertainment.
Connect your Fire TV, cable box, game consoles and more via HDMI. Caavo identifies your gear and downloads the right control codes. Its universal search magically finds content across all your devices and services. You can then use the voice-enabled remote or mobile app to enjoy everything through one interface.
Caavo supports virtually any HDMI device, but its Netflix integration is broken due to a dispute. You also have to pay a subscription fee for the cool AI features. But if you want a taste of the future, Caavo is a very compelling option. And if you’ve ever dealt with an AT&T TV remote not working, Caavo’s unified interface will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Pros:
- Automatic setup for painless HDMI integration
- Intelligent universal search across devices/apps
- Voice and touch control options
- Powerful activity-based automations
Cons:
- Expensive hardware with subscription fee
- Reliance on Caavo Cloud services
- Missing Netflix support
Available at: Amazon
FAQ
- What remote is most compatible with Fire TV Stick? The most compatible is the official Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote from Amazon. But the SofaBaton and Harmony remotes all work very well and provide greater functionality.
- Are there rechargeable remotes for Fire TV Stick? Yes! Both the SofaBaton U1 and U2 support rechargeable batteries with 3-4 week lifespans. The Harmony Elite has a rechargeable touch remote. The Caavo voice remote uses disposable batteries.
- What’s the best budget universal remote for Fire TV? The SofaBaton U1 packs a ton of features and Fire TV compatibility in a $50 package, making it my top budget pick. The Amazon Alexa Voice Remote is even cheaper if you only need basic controls.
- Should I get a universal remote with a touchscreen? It depends. Touchscreens make it easier to navigate complex setups and access advanced customization. But they do cost more. The SofaBaton U2 is my favorite touchscreen universal remote for the money.
- What’s the easiest universal remote to program for Fire TV? Both the SofaBaton U1 and U2 have excellent mobile apps that guide you through an automated setup process. If you can use a smartphone, you can program them easily. The Harmony and Caavo remotes also have intuitive software setup.
- Do Logitech Harmony remotes work with Fire TV? Yes. Harmony remotes are compatible with Fire TV devices. Higher-end models like the Elite use the Harmony Hub for even better integration. They’re great if you want the most advanced home theater and smart home automation.
- Can you control Alexa with a universal remote? Many universal remotes have Alexa or other voice control built-in. The Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote, SofaBaton U1, Harmony Elite, and Caavo all support voice commands for hands-free operation.
- What is the most durable universal remote for Fire TV? The SofaBaton U1 and U2 are very well-constructed and should hold up well to typical use and minor drops. The Harmony Elite has a premium build but is heavier. Silicone cases can help protect any remote.
- Are there Fire TV remotes with backlit buttons? Yes, backlit keys are available on the SofaBaton U1, U2 and Harmony Elite remotes. It’s super useful for navigating in the dark.
- How do I find the best remote for my Fire TV Stick and soundbar together?
Look for universal remotes that support both IR (for the soundbar) and Bluetooth (for Fire TV). The SofaBaton U1/U2 and Harmony remotes are your best bets. They can handle your full entertainment setup.
Key Takeaways
- The SofaBaton U1 is the best universal remote for most Fire TV owners. It has the essential features and compatibility at a great price.
- For a basic Firestick remote replacement, go with the Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote. You’ll get seamless integration and voice control.
- The Logitech Harmony Elite is worth the upgrade if you want the most advanced automations for your home theater and smart home.
- A good universal remote should be easy to set up, a joy to use, and able to control all your key audio/video gear.
- Look for a balance of price, features, and compatibility that makes sense for your specific Fire TV Stick setup and needs.
No matter which remote you choose from this guide, you’ll be well on your way to streamlined Fire TV control. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions – happy streaming!
