Best Remote for YouTube TV: Top Picks for Easy Streaming Control
YouTube TV is a popular streaming service that offers live TV channels, on-demand content, and cloud DVR storage. While many people enjoy using the service, some find the remote control that comes with it to be less than ideal. This is where a third-party remote can come in handy.
A good remote for YouTube TV should be easy to use, have all the necessary buttons, and be compatible with the service. Some remotes also offer additional features like voice control or backlighting. When choosing a remote, it’s important to consider compatibility, ease of use, and any additional features that may be important to you.
In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various remotes to identify the best options for YouTube TV users. We considered factors like compatibility, ease of use, and additional features to narrow down our list to the top picks. Whether you’re looking for a basic remote or one with advanced features, we’ve got you covered.
Best Remotes for YouTube TV
We understand how important it is to have a remote control that works seamlessly with your YouTube TV. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best remotes for YouTube TV that will make your streaming experience even better. Whether you’re looking for a simple remote or one with advanced features, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
If you’re looking for a streaming device that’s packed with features but won’t break the bank, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is a great option.
Pros
- The Fire TV Stick is 50% more powerful than its previous generation, which means it streams in Full HD with ease. Plus, it comes with an Alexa Voice Remote that has power and volume buttons, making it easy to control your TV and soundbar with just one remote.
- With access to more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes from popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney , Peacock, and more, you’ll never run out of things to watch. Plus, you can listen to millions of songs on Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, and others.
- The Fire TV Stick comes with a 6-month subscription to MGM , which gives you access to thousands of Hollywood movies and original series. Plus, you can watch your favorite live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others.
Cons
- While the Fire TV Stick has a lot of great features, it can be overwhelming to navigate at times. The interface can be a bit cluttered, and it can take some time to figure out how to find what you’re looking for.
- The Fire TV Stick is not as powerful as some other streaming devices on the market, which means it may not be able to handle more demanding apps or games as well.
- The Fire TV Stick only has 8GB of internal storage, which means you may need to clear out old apps and data to make room for new ones.
We’ve been using the Amazon Fire TV Stick for a few months now, and overall, we’re really happy with it. The streaming quality is great, and we love being able to control our TV and soundbar with just one remote. Plus, the selection of movies, TV shows, and music is impressive.
One thing we’ve noticed is that the interface can be a bit overwhelming at times. There are so many different apps and services to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.
We also appreciate the 6-month subscription to MGM that comes with the Fire TV Stick. It’s a great way to discover new movies and TV shows that we might not have otherwise watched.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Amazon Fire TV Stick to anyone looking for a budget-friendly streaming device with lots of features.
Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro
If you’re looking for a remote that can make your YouTube TV experience more enjoyable, the Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro might just be what you need.
Pros
- The Alexa Voice Remote Pro is equipped with a remote finder feature that allows you to locate it easily with the help of Alexa, the Alexa app, or the Fire TV app.
- Its backlit buttons make it easy to use in dimly-lit rooms, so you won’t have to fumble around in the dark.
- You can customize two buttons to your liking, whether it’s for your favorite channels, apps, or Alexa commands.
Cons
- The remote is not compatible with certain Fire TV devices, so make sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
- Some users have reported that the Bluetooth headphone pairing button can be a bit finicky.
- The remote’s size and shape might take some getting used to if you’re used to a different type of remote.
We’ve had the chance to try out the Alexa Voice Remote Pro, and we have to say that we’re impressed. The remote finder feature is a game-changer, especially if you’re someone who tends to misplace your remote often. The backlit buttons are also a nice touch, and they make it easy to use the remote in low-light conditions.
One of the standout features of the Alexa Voice Remote Pro is the ability to customize two buttons to your liking. This is great if you have certain channels or apps that you use frequently, or if you have certain Alexa commands that you use often.
However, there are a few downsides to the remote. As we mentioned earlier, it’s not compatible with certain Fire TV devices, so make sure to check compatibility before purchasing. Some users have also reported that the Bluetooth headphone pairing button can be a bit finicky, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to pair your headphones quickly.
Overall, we think that the Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro is a great remote for YouTube TV. Its remote finder feature, backlit buttons, and customizable buttons make it a worthwhile purchase for anyone who wants to enhance their YouTube TV experience.
1-clicktech for Roku TV Remote
If you’re in the market for a new Roku TV remote, the 1-clicktech for Roku TV Remote is a solid choice.
Pros
- Compatible with most Roku players except Roku Sticks.
- Includes 12 popular channels with channel-locks and an additional input button.
- Easy to program and use.
Cons
- Not compatible with Roku Sticks.
- Some users have reported difficulty programming the 1/2 buttons.
- No voice search feature.
We found the 1-clicktech remote to be a great replacement for our lost or broken Roku TV remote. It’s compatible with most Roku players except for the Roku Stick, and it’s easy to program and use. The remote includes six shortcut buttons for 12 popular channels, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube. The volume buttons are conveniently located at the top for easy access, and there’s an additional input button to switch TV sources.
One thing to note is that the 1-clicktech remote doesn’t have a voice search feature, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty programming the 1/2 buttons, but we didn’t experience any issues during our testing.
Overall, if you’re in need of a new Roku TV remote and don’t require voice search, the 1-clicktech for Roku TV Remote is a solid choice.
UltraPro Backlit One Touch Instant Pairing Replacement Remote Pre-Programmed for Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio, Roku TV 2 Device 80830
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable remote to replace your lost or broken one, the UltraPro Backlit One Touch Instant Pairing Replacement Remote could be a great option for you.
Pros
- The remote is pre-programmed for five popular TV brands, including Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and Roku TVs, so you don’t have to waste time programming it yourself.
- The pre-programmed app hotkeys provide direct access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney , Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube.
- The remote is fully backlit, making it easy to use in dark or dimly lit rooms.
Cons
- The AUX button is pre-programmed for Roku boxes but may not work with other devices, requiring you to reprogram it using auto code search or direct code entry programming.
- The remote only supports two devices, so it may not be suitable for those with multiple audio and video devices.
- Some users have reported issues with the Roku button not working and difficulty programming the AUX button to control their Roku Stick.
Overall, the UltraPro Backlit One Touch Instant Pairing Replacement Remote is a great option for those looking for a simple and affordable replacement remote. The pre-programmed TV device buttons and app hotkeys make it easy to use, and the backlit feature is a nice touch. However, it may not work with all devices and may not be suitable for those with multiple devices.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
If you’re looking for a remote that can do more than just control your TV, then the Amazon Fire TV Stick is a great choice. With access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, live TV, news, and sports, plus millions of songs, this remote has everything you need to keep you entertained.
Pros
- The Fire TV Stick is 50% more powerful than the previous generation, which means faster streaming and better picture quality.
- The Alexa Voice Remote lets you use your voice to search and launch shows across apps, and the all-new preset buttons get you to your favorite apps quickly. Plus, control power and volume on your TV and soundbar with a single remote.
- With access to over 300,000 free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Amazon Freevee, Tubi, Pluto TV, and more, you’ll never run out of things to watch.
Cons
- The subscription fees for some of the apps and services may apply, which can add up quickly.
- The remote requires two AAA batteries, which are included, but you’ll need to replace them eventually.
- Some users have reported issues with the remote not responding or losing connection.
We’ve been using the Amazon Fire TV Stick for a while now, and we’ve been impressed with its speed and ease of use. The setup was quick and easy, and we were able to start streaming our favorite shows and movies within minutes. The picture quality is sharp and clear, and we haven’t experienced any buffering or lagging issues.
One of our favorite features of the Fire TV Stick is the Alexa Voice Remote. It’s incredibly convenient to be able to use our voice to search for shows and launch apps, and the preset buttons make it easy to access our favorite apps quickly. We also appreciate being able to control the power and volume on our TV and soundbar with a single remote.
While we appreciate the access to free movies and TV episodes, we do wish that there were more options available without having to pay for a subscription. Some of the apps and services can get quite expensive, especially if you want access to all of them.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Amazon Fire TV Stick to anyone looking for a powerful and versatile remote for their TV. It’s easy to use, has a great selection of content, and the Alexa Voice Remote is a game-changer.
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control
If you’re looking for a universal remote control that can handle all your entertainment devices, then the SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control is a great option. It offers a wide range of features that make it easy to use and customize, and it works with over 500,000 devices, including IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
Pros
- The SofaBaton X1S offers effortless one-click activities, allowing you to initiate a series of predefined devices and settings with a single command.
- The remote control comes with a powerful hub that offers 360-degree control, a strong signal with a 40-foot infrared transmission range, and 2 IR blasters to eliminate signal blind spots.
- The X1S is compatible with smart assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control for activating activities and interacting with your smart home entertainment systems.
Cons
- The set-up process can be cumbersome, and some users may find it confusing to configure the remote to work with their devices.
- The app can be slow and unresponsive at times, making it frustrating to use.
- The remote control is on the expensive side, which may make it less accessible to some users.
We found the SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control to be a solid choice for anyone looking to streamline and enhance their home entertainment experience. The remote control comes with a range of features that make it easy to use and customize, including personalized macro buttons that allow you to assign specific commands to each button and create sequences of up to 10 commands that can be executed with a single button press.
The SofaBaton app is also a helpful tool that allows you to manage your devices, customize buttons and activities, arrange favorite channels, track your remote, and use your phone as a backup remote control. The app’s flexible API functionality also enables easy integration with other intelligent applications, allowing for endless possibilities and personalized control through simple configurations and the ability to create URLs for activities.
Overall, we would recommend the SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control to anyone looking for a powerful and customizable universal remote control that can handle all their entertainment devices.
Angrox Universal Remote Control for Samsung Smart TVs (Pack of 2)
If you’re looking for an affordable replacement remote control for your Samsung Smart TV, the Angrox Universal Remote Control might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The package includes 2 remote controls, making it a good backup option.
- It’s designed with 3 popular streaming buttons, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu, for easy access to your favorite applications.
- It’s made of high-quality ABS and silicone material, ensuring long-term use.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with batteries and requires 2 AA batteries to function.
- It doesn’t have voice control functionality.
- Some users have reported issues with the remote’s audio processing.
We recently tried out the Angrox Universal Remote Control for Samsung Smart TVs and were impressed with its simplicity and functionality. The package comes with 2 remote controls, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking for a backup option. The remote is designed with 3 popular streaming buttons, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu, which makes it easy to switch between your favorite applications.
The remote is made of high-quality ABS and silicone material, which feels sturdy and durable. We also found that the remote had a strong signal thanks to its mature infrared technology, allowing us to control our TV from a distance without any noticeable delay.
On the downside, the remote doesn’t come with batteries, which means you’ll need to purchase 2 AA batteries separately. Additionally, it doesn’t have voice control functionality, which might be a dealbreaker for some users. Some users have also reported issues with the remote’s audio processing, particularly when using YouTube.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and functional replacement remote control for your Samsung Smart TV, the Angrox Universal Remote Control is worth considering.
ZYK Replacement Magic Remote Control for LG Smart TV Remote LG-TV-Remote with Voice and Pointer Function Universal LG Remote for LG UHD OLED QNED NanoCell 4K 8K Models Google/Alexa MR20GA
If you’re looking for a replacement remote for your LG smart TV, the ZYK Replacement Magic Remote Control might be just what you need. With its powerful magic remote, easy pairing, and premium material, this remote offers a lot of great features that make it worth considering.
Pros
- The magic remote has point, click, and scroll functions, making it easy to select functions by moving and clicking the cursor. It also comes with voice control and 3 hot-keys for NETFLIX, Prime Video, and Movies.
- The remote is made of premium and recyclable ABS plastic and silicone, making it comfortable and durable while keeping you and your kids out of harm’s way.
- The remote has a new upgraded smart chip, which supports faster transmission speeds and has a faster response time of less than 0.2 seconds to launch to your TV.
Cons
- If you don’t pair this remote, you can use most of the remote control’s button functions, but you won’t be able to use the pointer function and voice function.
- The mic for voice control may not work for some users.
- The remote is only compatible with LG smart TVs.
We recently tried out the ZYK Replacement Magic Remote Control and were impressed with its features. The magic remote was easy to use and made it simple to navigate through our TV’s functions. We were also pleased with the remote’s premium material, which made it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time.
One thing to note is that you need to pair the remote with your TV to use all of its functions. However, the pairing process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. We also found that the mic for voice control may not work for some users, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a remote with that feature.
Overall, if you’re looking for a replacement remote for your LG smart TV, the ZYK Replacement Magic Remote Control is definitely worth considering. Its powerful magic remote, easy pairing, and premium material make it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality remote for their TV.
Weitov RC902N FMR1 Remote Control
If you’re looking for a replacement remote for your TCL Google TV, the Weitov RC902N FMR1 Remote Control is a great option.
Pros
- The remote has both IR and wireless transmitting signals, with a transmission distance of up to 15m/50ft.
- It includes shortcut keys for popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, making it easy to access your favorite content.
- The remote is made of high-quality ABS material, with soft, comfortable buttons that are easy to press.
Cons
- The remote needs to be configured by inserting 2 AAA batteries and pressing and holding the “HOME” and “OK” buttons at the same time for 3 seconds under Google TV mode to complete pairing.
- Some users have reported that the remote is not very responsive and requires multiple presses of a single button.
- You can’t select certain functions as you can with the original remote.
We’ve found that the Weitov RC902N FMR1 Remote Control is a reliable and easy-to-use replacement for the original remote that comes with TCL Google TVs. The shortcut keys for popular apps are a nice touch, and the soft buttons are comfortable to press. However, the remote does require some configuration to pair with your TV, and some users have reported responsiveness issues. Overall, we recommend this remote as a good option for those in need of a replacement.