Universal-TV-Remote-Control Compatible with Samsung/LG/Vizio/Hisense/Sony/Philips/Onn/Sharp/RCA/Element/Westinghouse/Sanyo/Emerson TV and More Brand Smart TVs Review

If you've ever lost a TV remote — or ended up with three different remotes for one entertainment setup — a universal remote sounds like the perfect fix. This one promises compatibility with a genuinely impressive list of brands: Samsung, LG, Vizio, Hisense, Sony, Philips, Onn, Sharp, RCA, Element, Westinghouse, Sanyo, Emerson, and more. That's a wide net. But wide nets sometimes have holes.

What You're Actually Getting

This is a no-frills infrared universal remote. The layout is straightforward — volume, channel, power, input selection, and basic navigation buttons are all present. The build is lightweight plastic, which is expected at this price tier. It's the kind of remote you keep as a backup, hand to a grandparent who lost theirs, or toss in a vacation rental drawer.

Setup typically involves entering a brand code manually using a code sheet — a process that's been around for decades and works when it works. The catch: not every TV model within a supported brand will respond to the same code, and older or newer firmware versions on smart TVs can sometimes make this a trial-and-error exercise.

The Compatibility Question

Here's where honest expectation-setting matters. "Compatible with Samsung/LG/Sony" on the packaging doesn't mean it works with every Samsung or Sony TV ever made. For basic functions — power on/off, volume, channel surfing — coverage is generally solid on mainstream models from major brands. Where it gets shakier is smart TV-specific features: accessing the home menu, navigating streaming apps, or using voice controls. Those functions are typically locked to the manufacturer's original remote or a purpose-built smart remote.

If your use case is "I just need to change the volume and flip channels on my 2019 Vizio," this remote will almost certainly do the job. If you need full smart TV navigation for your 2024 LG OLED, you'll likely be disappointed.

Who Should Buy This

• Anyone who lost a basic TV remote and needs a quick, cheap replacement
• Renters or property managers stocking guest spaces with TVs
• Households with older non-smart TVs where the original remote broke
• A backup remote to keep in the drawer

Who Should Look Elsewhere

• Smart TV users who rely on app shortcuts, voice search, or platform-specific buttons
• Anyone with a newer flagship TV expecting full feature parity with the original remote
• Users who want Bluetooth or WiFi-based control (this is IR-only, meaning line-of-sight required)

Price-Relative Verdict

At its budget price point, the bar is "does it turn the TV on and handle volume?" For most common TV brands and standard functions, it clears that bar. Judge it as a convenience tool, not a feature-complete replacement. If your needs are simple, it delivers simple results reliably enough. If your needs are anything more than that, spend a little more on a brand-specific or smart universal remote from Logitech or your TV manufacturer's official replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this remote work with my smart TV's streaming apps?

A: Likely not for app-specific buttons or smart home menu navigation. This remote covers basic IR functions — power, volume, channels, and input switching — but smart TV features tied to proprietary systems are generally not supported.

Q: Do I need to program it, or is it plug-and-play?

A: You'll need to enter a brand code from the included code list. The process is simple but may require trying a few codes if your specific TV model isn't the first match.

Q: Does it work without line-of-sight to the TV?

A: No. This is an infrared (IR) remote, meaning it requires a clear path to the TV's IR receiver. It won't work through walls or around corners.

Q: Is this a good replacement if I lost my original Samsung or LG remote?

A: For basic TV functions on most standard models, yes. For full smart TV functionality, consider ordering an official replacement remote from the manufacturer instead.

Q: What batteries does it use?

A: Universal remotes of this type typically use standard AAA batteries, though confirm with the packaging as this varies by model.

— Tech Lead Editor, CPrice