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Buying Guideยท6 min read

Best Universal Remotes for Roku TVs (2026)

The best universal remotes for Roku TVs in 2026.

Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
4 options evaluated
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Best Universal Remotes for Roku TVs (2026)

At a Glance

Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote
Best Overall

Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote

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Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL
Best With Roku Plus Other Brands

Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL

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GE Universal Remote Control for Samsung LG
Best Established Brand

GE Universal Remote Control for Samsung LG

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GE Big Button Universal Remote Control for Samsung
Budget Pick

GE Big Button Universal Remote Control for Samsung

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Several TV brands (TCL, Hisense, Onn, Sharp, and others) run Roku TV's built-in software, and current universal remotes cover this broad ecosystem. Here's how the top current options compare.

5 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Universal Remotes for Roku TVs (2026)

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

Device Compatibility Codes

A universal remote works by sending pre-programmed infrared codes matched to your specific TV or device brand. Check the listing's compatible brand list before buying, since coverage varies by manufacturer and model year.

Number of Devices Controlled

Remotes are rated for a maximum device count (typically 3, 4, 6, or 8). Buy for your actual device count, since a higher-rated remote costs more without added benefit if you only have a TV and a streaming box.

Setup Method

Auto-search setup cycles through codes automatically until the device responds; manual code entry requires looking up a specific code from a included list. Auto-search is generally easier for non-technical users.

Learning Function

A learning remote can copy button commands directly from an original remote, useful for devices without a pre-programmed code in the universal remote's database.

Backlighting & Button Layout

A backlit remote is genuinely easier to use in a dark room, and a simplified button layout with fewer, larger buttons reduces confusion for less tech-comfortable users.

Best Universal Remotes for Roku TVs (2026)

Best Overall

Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote

Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote
8 Brand Roku TV Coverage

About this pick

Covers Hisense, TCL, Onn, Sharp, Philips, Westinghouse, Insignia, and Element, genuinely broad Roku TV ecosystem coverage.

What earns this the top spot is broad device compatibility paired with a setup process that doesn't require a manual to figure out. Remote backs this with a code database wide enough to cover most common TV and device brands.

Best all-around pick for the broad Roku TV ecosystem. It's the most affordable pick in this comparison, so weigh that against how much you actually need the specific advantage called out above before deciding.

Best for: Buyers who want the broadest Roku TV brand coverage

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Pros

  • +Covers eight Roku TV-running brands
  • +Broad compatibility reduces mismatch risk
  • +Ships with 8 Brand Roku TV Coverage, a real differentiator among the picks here
  • +From Remote, a name with an established track record in this category
  • +The most accessible entry point among the picks compared here

Cons

  • โˆ’Less established brand recognition
  • โˆ’Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing
  • โˆ’Worth double-checking the listing on number of devices controlled before buying, since that's a key differentiator in this category
Best With Roku Plus Other Brands

Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL

Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL
Roku CompatibleMulti-Brand

About this pick

Covers Roku alongside Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, and Sony, useful for a mixed-ecosystem household.

It covers the same core universal remote function as the top pick but gives up a specific edge (device count, backlighting, or price) that keeps it a step behind in this particular comparison.

Best if your household has both Roku and non-Roku TVs. It's priced toward the higher end of this comparison, so weigh that against how much you actually need the specific advantage called out above before deciding.

Best for: Buyers who want Roku TV plus non-Roku brand coverage

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Pros

  • +Covers Roku plus six other major brands
  • +Straightforward, focused TV remote design
  • +Ships with Roku Compatible, a real differentiator among the picks here
  • +Ships with Multi-Brand, a real differentiator among the picks here
  • +From Universal-TV-Remote-Control, a name with an established track record in this category

Cons

  • โˆ’Less established brand than GE
  • โˆ’Ranked below the top pick in this specific universal remotes for roku tvs comparison
  • โˆ’Sits in the middle of the pack on price, not a standout bargain or splurge either way
  • โˆ’Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing
Best Established Brand

GE Universal Remote Control for Samsung LG

GE Universal Remote Control for Samsung LG
Roku TV CompatibleMulti-Brand

About this pick

GE includes Roku TV compatibility alongside Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, Philips, and Sharp.

It covers the same core universal remote function as the top pick but gives up a specific edge (device count, backlighting, or price) that keeps it a step behind in this particular comparison.

Best if brand reliability matters most to you. It's the premium pick in this comparison, so weigh that against how much you actually need the specific advantage called out above before deciding.

Best for: Buyers who want GE's proven Roku compatibility

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Pros

  • +Covers Roku TV plus six other brands
  • +Established GE reliability
  • +Ships with Roku TV Compatible, a real differentiator among the picks here
  • +Ships with Multi-Brand, a real differentiator among the picks here
  • +From GE, a name with an established track record in this category

Cons

  • โˆ’No backlighting on this base model
  • โˆ’Ranked below the top pick in this specific universal remotes for roku tvs comparison
  • โˆ’Priced at the top of this comparison, so the upgrade needs to be worth it for your use case
  • โˆ’Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing
Budget Pick

GE Big Button Universal Remote Control for Samsung

GE Big Button Universal Remote Control for Samsung
Big ButtonRoku Compatible

About this pick

GE's big button remote includes Roku compatibility at an accessible price point.

It covers the same core universal remote function as the top pick but gives up a specific edge (device count, backlighting, or price) that keeps it a step behind in this particular comparison.

Best for the lowest-cost entry into Roku TV compatibility. It's priced toward the lower end of this comparison, so weigh that against how much you actually need the specific advantage called out above before deciding.

Best for: Buyers who want Roku compatibility for less

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Pros

  • +Roku compatibility with big buttons
  • +Accessible price point
  • +Ships with Big Button, a real differentiator among the picks here
  • +Ships with Roku Compatible, a real differentiator among the picks here
  • +From GE, a name with an established track record in this category

Cons

  • โˆ’No backlighting on this model
  • โˆ’Ranked below the top pick in this specific universal remotes for roku tvs comparison
  • โˆ’Sits in the middle of the pack on price, not a standout bargain or splurge either way
  • โˆ’Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing

How We Evaluated These Universal Remotes for Roku TVs (2026)

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Real Amazon Listings

Every pick here is pulled from current, purchasable Amazon listings, no discontinued models or placeholder specs.

Brand Compatibility Verification

We check each remote's stated compatible brand list against common TV and device manufacturers.

Setup Method Comparison

We compare auto-search, manual code entry, and learning function support as stated in each listing.

Brand Track Record

We weigh how consistently a brand has delivered on code database breadth and reliability across its universal remote line.

Use-Case Fit

Picks are ordered with a specific buyer's device setup and priorities in mind, not a single best-overall metric.

How to Choose the Right Universal Remotes for Roku TVs (2026)

By Priority

Your priorityRecommended pick
Buyers who want the broadest Roku TV brand coverageRemote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote
Buyers who want Roku TV plus non-Roku brand coverageUniversal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL
Buyers who want GE's proven Roku compatibilityGE Universal Remote Control for Samsung LG
Buyers who want Roku compatibility for lessGE Big Button Universal Remote Control for Samsung

By Budget

PriorityRecommended pick
The most affordable pick in this comparisonRemote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote (Best Overall)
Balanced pickUniversal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL (Best With Roku Plus Other Brands)
Top-rated pickRemote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote (Best Overall)

Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote vs. Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL

Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote

Our top pick in this comparison, ranked 1 of 4. Buyers who want the broadest Roku TV brand coverage.

Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCL

A strong alternative, priced toward the higher end of this comparison. Best if buyers who want roku tv plus non-roku brand coverage.

Rank vs. Price Position

RankPrice position
#1, Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV RemoteThe most affordable pick in this comparison
#2, Universal-TV-Remote-Control for Samsung LG Vizio Roku TCLPriced toward the higher end of this comparison
#3, GE Universal Remote Control for Samsung LGThe premium pick in this comparison
#4, GE Big Button Universal Remote Control for SamsungPriced toward the lower end of this comparison

For Universal remote for Roku TVs Buyers Specifically

If you're buying for this exact use case, don't just default to the top-ranked overall pick, match the specific badge to your priority instead.

Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote is the clearest all-around pick in this comparison, but check the badges above for a better fit if your priority is narrower.

When to Spend More / Save

Spend more if

You want the most complete feature set and don't mind paying more for Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote-tier hardware.

Save if

You just want reliable core functionality, Remote Control for Hisense-TCL-Onn-Sharp-Philips-Westinghouse-Insignia-Element Roku TV Remote covers the basics at the most affordable pick in this comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you program a universal remote?

Most current remotes use auto-search setup, holding a button while the remote cycles through codes until your device responds, or a code-entry method using a lookup table included in the manual or app. Some remotes also support pairing directly with a phone app for automated setup.

Will a universal remote work with any TV brand?

Most universal remotes support a wide range of major brands, but check the specific listing's compatibility list before buying, since coverage and code database size vary between remote models and manufacturers.

What's the difference between a universal remote and a learning remote?

A universal remote uses a pre-programmed database of codes matched to known device brands and models. A learning remote can additionally copy commands directly from an original remote, useful for devices not in the database.

Can a universal remote for Roku TVs replace multiple remotes at once?

Yes, that's the core function, one remote programmed to control your TV, streaming device, soundbar, and other components instead of juggling several separate remotes.

Do universal remotes work with smart TV apps and streaming services?

Most universal remotes handle basic TV functions (power, volume, input, channel) and can navigate a connected streaming device's on-screen menu, but dedicated app-launch buttons vary by remote model, not universal across all devices.

Bottom Line

See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.

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All Prime-eligible options with current pricing.

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