8 Smart Remote Controls – Alexa Control with IR / RF Blasters

Quick Update: In 2021, Logitech announced they were pulling the plug on the Harmony smart remotes. They said they will continue to support existing users for the foreseeable future, while also updating the platform and adding new devices. However, they will no longer manufacture universal remotes. I've listed them below as they are selling off their existing stock, however, I've bumped them down the list.

Best IR/RF Blaster Remote Controllers

My main recommendation is the SwitchBot Hub 2. It supports all the functions of a smart remote/IR blaster but also includes a thermometer, hygrometer, and light sensor to extend functionality for air conditioners and smart thermostats. 

As for an alternative, I can recommend the BroadLink RM4 which includes both IR and RF support.

My Experience

As mentioned, in my home, I’ve configured my smart remote to universally control all devices in my home theater using the MoesGo Wi-Fi IR Control Hub. 

This does away with 7 individual remotes which previously controlled my electric heater, projector, set-top box, HDMI switch, Android box, surround sound, and strip lights! 

For the finishing touches, I created an Alexa IR blaster by hooking up my smart remote control, which uses the SmartLife app with Alexa routines. 

I can now instruct her to “Activate Cinema” which turns on all devices simultaneously! I can also request her to “Switch to Chromecast” or “Switch to TV” which cycles through the various HDMI inputs between my switcher and projector.

Read on to learn about the best smart remote controls and which ones are best for your home!

With the ability to combine dozens of IR remotes and control them via voice commands and mobile apps, the SwitchBot Hub 2 stands out as my top smart IR blaster/universal remote. 

The hub can also track humidity and temperature, not to mention the ability to trigger scenes using two dedicated buttons; ideal for users who don’t use a smartphone or issue voice commands.

Compatibility

The hub supports Matter and can be used with SwitchBot Lock, Curtains, and Blind Tilts, as well as smart assistants such as Alexa, Google Home, and Siri. Read my guide on the Matter standard here.

The devices sync well with systems like Alexa, Google, and also Apple HomeKit via Matter.

Installation Complexity

Setup for the SwitchBot Hub 2, however, can be difficult. Some users found this stage somewhat tricky, while others reported issues with the adaptive brightness feature, mentioning that it makes the display too bright in dim rooms.

The BroadLink RM4 Pro Smart Home Hub never fails to impress me with its versatility. It works well with 433MHz RF devices like curtain motors and light switches with the potential to cover more than 100,000 IR and RF-enabled devices.

This hub’s focus on smart functionality and user experience is one of its strong points. With voice and app controls, it works with popular platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Siri. 

2.4GHz Wi-Fi

However, a major flaw that’s holding it back is 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. So it’s not as future-proof or universal as it claims to be. 

Also, some users have faced setup challenges and unstable connections with Wi-Fi.

The MoesGo Control hub directly interfaces with the Tuya/Smart Life App, letting you command devices through your smartphone. It also supports voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, bringing hands-free voice control into the mix.

Supported Devices

This smart remote is a quick study, memorizing commands from your regular IR remotes. It can handle your TV, air conditioner, and dozens of other remotes.

Along with hundreds of compatible devices, you can also use the DIY copy function to make this smart remote controller learn to work with other smart devices and home appliances such as LED fireplaces, ceiling fans, or simple heaters. 

Notable Drawbacks

Unfortunately, this remote limits you to a 2.4G WiFi connection. On top of that, pairing with RF or IR devices could prove frustrating for beginners.

Note: Compared to the previous version of this product, the latest model comes with Wi-Fi 6E support for the latest home routers, a new faster processor, and additional HDMI, USB-A, and Ethernet slots.

The Amazon Fire TV Cube is the most powerful and reliable remote controller that can stream video, music, and games to your TV. 

Fire TV is compatible with multiple streaming platforms. You can connect it with Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, HBO, Apple TV, and many more. 

Voice Commands

Thanks to voice command compatibility, you can extend control to your smart devices and appliances from across the room. You can also use the Alexa Voice Remote to adjust the volume on your TV without having to convey a voice command.

Besides that, you can use this smart hub to change the live cable or cable channels using your voice. Even when the TV is off, you can use simple voice commands to make Alexa check the weather or turn on the lights. 

Streaming Features

As soon as you get this upgraded Fire TV, you will get access to 4K Ultra HD content, and support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+.

This smart Fire TV control is compatible with a soundbar and an A/V receiver. 

Also, performance has improved: it's faster and more responsive. With an octa-core processor, it smoothly switches between apps and handles graphic-intensive games pretty well.

Issues

All that being said, some users did hit a few snags when trying to set it up.

Syncing the remote and other gadgets can also be tricky as updates and resets can be necessary to get it to work right. Overall, it might take some patience to set everything up.

The SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote Control can merge all of your entertainment and smart devices into a single remote controller. 

It supports over 500,000 IR and Bluetooth devices covering everything from TVs to game consoles, smart lights, and speakers.

SofaBaton Hub

The SofaBaton X1 comes with a hub, remote controller, and two extra IR boosters, making it one of the best IR smart remotes on the market. 

The hub centralizes the smart remote, allowing you to incorporate your existing remote controllers and provide smart functionality such as voice commands and the option to control scenes or smart devices using the dedicated remote. 

On top of that, you can ping the remote using the hub, which can be extremely helpful in a pinch.

Dedicated Remote

The SofaBaton X1 remote has light-up keys, meaning it’s easy to see in the dark. Plus, its 2-inch screen helps in quickly-switching devices and scenes, ensuring a seamless entertainment experience

Known Issues

The X1's compatibility with home assistants is a standout feature. However, users have reported certain issues - from interface problems to the device forgetting saved macros, and scenes.

FRANKEVER’s R4 is a pocket-sized IR remote hub that can replace dozens of your IR remotes. It’s compatible with over 50,000 infrared appliances, whether that’s TVs, DVD players, air conditioners, fans, and more.

It brings it all to your phone via the Smart Life app, turning it into a true universal remote.

Voice Assistants and Custom Scenes

There's good news for Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT users as the hub is voice command-friendly and allows you to customize scenes and timers with the included remote controllers. 

So, want to switch on the A/C at a particular time, condition, or voice command? Consider it done!

iPhone users aren't left out either as it easily complies with Siri's instructions.

Difficulty of Initial Setup

Unfortunately, like many other hubs on this list, the initial setup can be a pain, especially for newcomers.

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The Logitech Harmony Companion is more than a TV remote. Known for top-notch electronics, Logitech built this tidy gadget to be handheld and fully customizable for smart home technology.

The remote has a Lithium Metal battery so you can easily recharge the remote while you control your smart devices via the Harmony Remote app.

Use Cases

This smart remote controller works with over 270,000 smart devices that include Smart TVs, satellite and cable boxes, Apple TVs, Game Consoles, Philip Hue lights, and many more.

Users can easily set up this device from their computer or use the dedicated app that is available for both iOS and Android.

Drawbacks

I like how it consolidates control of a ton of different devices into a simple hub. But, there's a catch: setting it up could requires some patience and technical know-how.

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The Logitech Harmony Elite beats older models with a touchscreen display, customizable one-touch options, and a better rechargeable battery.

Even though it's discontinued, I’m still love its features, allowing it to control many devices, and establish itself as a true universal remote thanks to constant updates.

All good things aside though, this smart controller does run into the same faults as the competition. Users do mention its complex setup and non-intuitive mobile app interface.

What are Smart Remotes and IR/RF Blasters?

A smart remote control is a device that can wirelessly control various electronic devices such as TVs, streaming devices, sound systems, and smart home devices. 

It relies on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared technology to communicate with the devices, allowing users to easily manage and operate them from a single remote, mobile app, or even through voice commands. 

Depending on their functionality, you can also make them trigger scenes, allowing you to automate your non-smart devices by mimicking their specific remote controller’s behavior. 

Further Automation

This opens up a new realm of possibilities, allowing you to automate scenes such as turning off the TV at a specific time or turning on the air conditioner when it’s too hot (with the help of a smart thermometer). 

What to Look for When Purchasing a Smart RF/IR Blaster Remote Controller

With the ability to combine the behavior of all your existing non-smart remotes and take center stage as the virtual conductor for your smart home orchestra. These devices are truly invaluable. 

However, they tend to be more expensive and might run into certain issues, so making sure you pick the right device is paramount. 

So when picking a smart IR/RF blaster to de-clutter your remote controllers, you need to look for:

Compatibility

In this regard, it's not just about whether the remote can connect to your devices, it's about how well it integrates with your existing smart ecosystem. 

Take the SwitchBot Hub 2, for instance. It's not just designed to control SwitchBot devices. It's also able to absorb the operation of many IR remote controllers and help bridge them into large-scale platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant, opening up possibilities for advanced control and automation.

Ability to Take on Both IR and RF Remotes

In the same vein, if your home is strewn with infrared and RF devices, your smart remote should be able to handle both. 

Like the BroadLink IR/RF Smart Home Hub, which speaks both IR and RF languages fluently. Or the SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote, which has a database compatible with up to 500,000 IR & Bluetooth devices.

Try to Ensure Compatibility With the Direct Brand and Models of Your Existing Devices

So, be sure to check – and double-check – that whichever smart remote you're considering plays nice with all your existing tech. 

It's not a fun surprise to find out your new remote can't talk to half the devices in your house, trust me.

Ease of Use

Besides their premium price tag, the steeper learning curve is what many users complain about with these types of smart remote controllers. 

As such, a key consideration should be how effortlessly you can combine another remote and control it.

Look For a Seamless Setup Process 

Ideally, your remote should involve a setup process that's a cinch to navigate through. For instance, consider the SwitchBot Hub 2. 

It's a smart device, but its real genius is in its user-friendly nature. The setup is simple and it even boasts smart buttons for easy control.

Similarly, the BroadLink RM4 Pro comes equipped with a user-friendly app – no fuss, just function. 

Futureproofing

When choosing a smart remote control, be mindful of its ability to scale and adapt to your needs. 

Both BroadLink RM4 Pro and the SwitchBot Hub 2 flexibly accommodate new devices, growing with your smart home. The scalable nature of these remote controls lies in their compatibility, and learning capabilities. 

Learning Ability and Frequently Updated Libraries

The BroadLink includes an online updated IR library and manual learning option for new devices, making it adaptable as you add more to your home automation. 

The same goes for SwitchBot, boasting a smart learning feature, allowing it to cater to the addition of multiple infrared remotes. 

Making sure you go for a device with these futureproof functions will prevent the need for replacements as your smart home expands.

Extra Features

When selecting a Smart Remote, you need to consider additional features that align with your usage habits and preferences. 

For instance, if you use an air conditioner, humidifier, or space heater, the SwitchBot Hub 2 or BroadLink IR/RF Smart Home Hub might be beneficial. 

Using Sensors and Other Smart Devices to Enhance Automation

They’ve got the option to interface directly with sensors that can help you automate certain functions. This can be anything from turning on the A/C at a particular temperature to turning on the lights when it gets dark.

That being said, you can do the same thing, provided you have third-party smart sensors set up and connected to the same platform. 

Programmable Buttons and Triggers

Also, let's not forget about programmable buttons – having the ability to streamline your favorite activities or scenes is a game-changing feature. 

The Fire TV Cube perfectly embodies this idea, enabling you to not only control your TV but also manage other smart home devices with ease. 

So make sure to note down the programmability of these smart remotes and map out their functions to see if they can contribute to your ideal smart home setup.

How I Tested

This lineup was a passion project for me because, with my experience using the MoesGo Universal remote controller in my home, I have firsthand experience of what it’s like to set these up and use these devices for an extended period.

However, I also did extensive online research on various other smart remote controllers. 

Mainly, I focused on factors such as ease of setup and use, compatibility with different devices and brands, range and reliability of the blaster, and integration with mobile apps and voice commands.

Based on my personal experience plus a good deal of research and testing, I was able to compile a list of the best smart remote controllers.

As such, I made sure to include devices that covered a range of features and budgets since not everyone is willing to go for the MoesGo Universal.

FAQs

What is a Smart IR/RF Blaster Remote Controller and How Does it Work?

An IR/RF blaster with smart remote control is a device that allows you to control multiple smart devices, like your TV, sound system, and streaming services, all from one central hub.

It works by copying the settings of your non-smart remote and then mimicking the appropriate signal.

Can I Use a Smart IR/RF Blaster Remote Control with All My Existing Devices?

Most of these smart remote controllers are designed to work with a wide range of devices, including popular brands of TVs, sound systems, and streaming devices. However, it's always a good idea to check the compatibility list or the manufacturer's website to ensure your specific devices are supported.

That being said, some devices do offer the option to “learn” or manually program a specific remote controller. However, they still need to follow the same IR/RF frequency band for this to work.

Do I Need an Internet Connection for these IR/RF Smart Remote Controllers to Work?

Yes, you'll need an internet connection for the initial setup and to download any necessary updates or firmware. Once your smart remote control is set up, it can control your devices without requiring an active internet connection.

That being said, you will miss out on app control and voice commands, so being connected to the internet is the best option. 

Are Smart IR/RF Blasters Remote Controllers Easy to Set Up?

Unfortunately, most of these devices can be difficult for beginners to set up. This is an issue that’s very common across these types of devices since there are thousands of non-smart controllers that use different signals to control their corresponding equipment and appliances. 

So unless you’re configuring a remote for a popular brand of TV, air conditioner or entertainment system, you might have a tough time getting to copy the behavior of certain remote controllers to this smart device. 

What’s the Difference Between a Smart IR/RF Blaster and Non-Smart Universal Remote Controllers Sold by Third Parties 

While both universal and smart remotes can operate multiple devices, there’s a significant difference in their capabilities. Universal remotes can control devices like your TV, Blu-ray player, set-top box, and home theater system. 

In contrast, a smart remote extends to modern tech like smart lights or thermostats. It’s the universal remote's gadget-savvy cousin – commanding a greater ecosystem with a touch, a swipe, or a voice command.

What are the Pros and Cons of Setting Up a Smart IR/RF Blaster?

Smart remotes offer control over many devices, and customization, and often include voice commands. 

However, they can be more costly than basic remotes, and depending on your tech aptitude, difficult to set up and automate. 

Verdict 

References

• https://www.switch-bot.com/
• https://www.broadlink.ae/product-page/broadlink-rm4-pro
• https://www.sofabaton.com/x1.html