There are tons of universal remotes available for the Amazon Firestick and Fire TV. However, not all of them work with every device.
In this article, we’ll go over the top 6 best universal remotes for the Amazon Firestick that will make your life easier. We’ll also cover how to find the best universal remote for your needs.
They’re all affordable and easy to set up. This means you can get started using one of these remotes without spending a fortune.
In this article, I have compiled the best universal remotes that could replace the Amazon Firestick remote. Of the universal remotes that I have sampled, the Logitech Harmony Smart Control is the best one yet. Below is its review, along with four others that also have impressive features.
Best Universal Remotes for Amazon Firestick
Streaming devices such as the Amazon Firestick are amazing. However, they have one significant flaw- Most of them do not put TV controls (e.g., TV-power or volume-control buttons) on their remotes.
For example, the Amazon Firestick comes with its own Alexa Voice remote that only controls the Firestick, soundbar, and receiver. Additionally, they cannot pair with other devices you might have, such as PlayStation or Philip hue lights.
This means that you will be forced to use dedicated remotes for your different smart devices. If you want to get just one remote for all your devices, then universal remotes are the way to go.
These devices will allow you to operate your Smart TV and Firestick controls simultaneously. Also, most are advanced enough to pair with other smart devices you own.
Product | Product Dimensions | Power Source | Compatible Devices | Works with Alexa | Connectivity Technology |
Fire TV Stick Alexa Voice Remote | 38 x 142 x 16 mm | 22 AAA batteries | FireTV, Soundbar, receiver | Yes | Wi-Fi |
BEST OVERALL Logitech Harmony Smart Control | 10.04 x 5.43 x 3.5 inches | 1 CR2 battery | TV, Streaming Players, iPhone | Yes | Wi-Fi |
RUNNER-UP Caavo Control Centre Smart Remote | 5.9 x 10.35 x 1.37 inches | 1 CR2 battery | TV, Streaming Players | Yes | HDMI cable, Wi-Fi |
MOST BUDGET-FRIENDLY Sideclick Remote Universal Remote Attachment | 7.2 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches | 2 AAA batteries | TV, Streaming Devices | Yes | IR technology |
Logitech Harmony Companion Remote | 10 x 5.4 x 3.5 inches | 1 Lithium battery | TV, Streaming Players | Yes | Bluetooth, Infrared. |
WeChip Mini Air Fly Mouse Remote | 20 x 9.6 x 2.4 cm | 1 Lithium polymer battery | TV, Android box, PC. | No | OTG Cable |
1. Logitech Harmony Smart Control – Best Overall
My first pick has to be the Logitech Harmony Smart Control. This remote is compatible with the Amazon Firestick as well as 270,000 other devices. It comes with a remote control, a hub, and a phone app, all of which make control easier.
The standout feature for me has to be the app. I am sure, just like me, you have misplaced your remote and had to spend hours searching for it. However, you don’t have to worry about that as you can control your devices with the Logitech app.
To use it, you need to download the Harmony Smartphone app, which is available on both the Apple store for iPhone users and Google play store for android users.
You could stream Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube with a command on your phone with the app. Furthermore, with the phone app, you can activate Alexa in the same way you use it on the remote.
If you don’t have these or you want to go the old-fashioned way, you could use the Harmony remote that comes with the package. At 10.04 x 5.43 x 3.5 inches, it is small and comfortable to hold.
The Harmony smart control universal remote typically connects to devices through Wi-Fi. It supports 802.11 g/n, WPA2-AES, WPA Personal, and 128-bit encryption. It can also connect with your devices using the standard IR and Bluetooth Technology.
Another characteristic of this control that makes it stand out is the Harmony hub feature, which will enable you to control devices that are blocked from direct view. That said, the Harmony smart control is compatible with at least 5000 brands, including Amazon Fire TV.
Just like the Firestick remote, the Harmony Smart Control syncs with Alexa. It also syncs with Google Home devices, which is an advantage it has over the Firestick remote.
Logitech Harmony Smart Control Pros
- It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity.
- It is compatible with up to 270,000 devices.
- It syncs with both Alexa and Google Home services.
Logitech Harmony Smart Control Cons
- Some consumers complain that the remote buttons are too small.
2. Caavo Control Centre Smart Remote – Runner-Up
If there is a universal remote control that would give the Logitech Harmony Smart Control a run for its money, this would be it.
The Caavo Control Centre is the first AI-controlled universal remote that you can use to control your Amazon Firestick and many other smart devices in your home. Apart from Fire TV, it is also compatible with Roku, Apple TV, and Nvidia Shield.
It comes with a state-aware HDMI Hub that can sense when your TV is on or off. It is programmed to switch on or off the device you want to use. If it is the former, the remote automatically takes over.
This is an advantage over the Firestick remote, which you have to operate manually. It works best when more than two devices are connected to the Fire TV. In essence, the more devices connected to the TV, the better.
One thing I particularly like about the Caavo Control Centre is its ease of use. All you got to do is plug in your AVR and your devices, and everything else automates itself. The control center detects and identifies each of the devices, after which you can use the on-screen prompts that appear as guidance.
The Caavo remote works with AVRs, game consoles, soundbars, streaming players, and Satellite TV. Just like the Firestick remote, it is also voice-control enabled for added convenience. Additionally, it has a feature that enables you to do one-search-for-all on all your streaming devices. I would say this should be the go-to for movie streamers.
However, there is a catch, and this is why it is not the ultimate best. Certain features of Caavo are inaccessible until you subscribe to their plan.
After you buy the hardware, you are then required to pay an annual fee of $39.99. You can also opt for the $3.99 monthly rate or the lifetime plan that will set you back $129.99—as such, owning this remote is not as cheap as initially advertised.
With the fire stick remote, you won’t be required to pay any service charge.
Caavo Control Centre Smart Remote Pros
- You can control all your devices using one remote.
- It is user-friendly.
- It works with Alexa.
Caavo Control Centre Smart Remote Cons
- You have to subscribe to access some of the features.
- It is not ideal for few devices.
3. Sideclick Remote – Most Budget-Friendly
If you do not want to incur the extra cost of owing the Caavo Control, this is the remote for you.Controls such as Logitech require a hub to translate different input signals, which makes them expensive. The Sideclick Remote, on the other hand, pairs physically with the Fire TV Stick remote.
The Sideclick is compatible with IR remotes such as those used in streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV. To make it work, you have to attach your Firestick remote to an attachment clamp that comes with the Sideclick remote.
Therefore, with the Sideclick, you can overcome the disinterest of streaming devices to put TV controls on their remotes. In essence, this remote enhances the capabilities of your Firestick remote.
When you are not using Fire TV, it has an interchangeable design that will enable you to use it on Roku, Apple TV, NVIDIA Shield, and Chromecast streaming devices. However, you will have to get a new adapter for the new streaming device.
It can control the basic functions of your Amazon Fire TV and the receiver, Blu-ray, soundbar using just one remote.
This remote has eight buttons that you can program to suit your most used functions across several devices. Each button has the capability to control a different device, and you can have multiple buttons operating on the same device as well.
Additionally, it is easy to program as it uses IR technology, which means that it learns from the remote that you had been using. Once you have paired it, the Sideclick remote will copy the signal of the existing device remote and operate your systems effortlessly.
While this remote cannot completely replace your Firestick’s original remote, it gives you the chance to upgrade its functionality at an affordable price. It has a simple design and is easy to use. Additionally, it has no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, so the price checks out.
It is important to note that this remote will only work with your Firestick remote. Therefore, keep in mind that you can’t buy the Sideclick to replace a broken remote- it will be a waste of money.
Sideclick Remote Pros
- It is pocket-friendly.
- It is user-friendly.
- It can operate up to eight devices at once.
- It has an interchangeable design that you can use on different streaming devices.
- It is compatible with an echo voice remote.
Sideclick Remote Cons
- You need to pair it with a working Firestick remote for it to function.
- It has no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
4. Logitech Harmony Companion – Best Mid-Range
The Logitech Harmony Companion is the second Logitech product I have included in this list; that should tell you something about Logitech products. It is very similar to the Logitech Smart Control, save for minor tweaks. Basically, it is a newer version of the Logitech control franchise.
One of the main differences between the two is that the Companion is more expensive. However, it also has dedicated smart home control buttons, which makes it easier to use.
This remote can work with up to eight devices, as compared to three by the Firestick remote. Additionally, it does more than control your devices; it can dim lights, lower blinds, and regulate house temperature. It is particularly perfect for indoor movie dates/ nights.
Common with Logitech remote controls, it comes with Harmony Hub, which enhances your control capabilities. Additionally, it is synced to both Alexa and Google Home services.
You can use your smartphone or the included Harmony Remote for one-touch control of all your devices at home. That said, the Harmony Companion works with over 270 000 devices, including the Fire TV, Apple TV, game consoles, and Philips Hue lights.
The only reason this remote ranked below the Logitech smart control is its price. For such a significant price difference, you would expect drastic changes. However, the only noticeable one is the dedicated smart home control buttons.
Nonetheless, companies tend to reduce ongoing support for older devices over time. Therefore, if that is something you are concerned about and you are willing to spend a few extra bucks, you can go for this remote
Logitech Harmony Companion Pros
- It turns smartphones into personal remotes.
- It can sync with both Alexa and Google Home services.
- It comes with a full-featured remote.
Logitech Harmony Companion Cons
- It is pricey.
5. WeChip W1 Remote – Most User-Friendly
I don’t know about you, but the WeChip W1 Remote reminds me of the blackberry era when QWERTY keyboards were the in thing.
We don’t have QWERTY phone keyboards now, but the concept remains, and it works very well with this remote. If you want a user-friendly universal remote to replace your Firestick remote, this is it.
This remote is two-sided: on one side is the keyboard, and on the other is a standard remote design. To make commands, you only need to type into the keyboard. Additionally, it comes with an OTG cable that is plugged directly into your Amazon Firestick.
This remote works on a PC, a standard Android box, and of course, your Firestick. It has volume and power buttons, just like the Firestick remote. Furthermore, it only takes a maximum of ten minutes to set up.
While it is simple, I was pleasantly surprised at how functional it is. Also, it is extremely easy to maneuver as its technology is extremely straightforward. If you want a quality, easy-to-use universal remote that also fits a tight budget, I would recommend this for you.
WeChip W1 Remote Pros
- It is extremely easy to use.
- It connects to Firestick, Android Box, and PC.
- It has an intelligent anti-shake algorithm to ensure the mouse cursor is stable and smooth.
WeChip W1 Remote Cons
- The volume buttons are too small.
Best Universal Remotes for Firestick Final Thoughts
If you have been looking for a universal remote to replace your Amazon Fire Stick TV remote, I hope this was helpful enough. Remember to do your due diligence before you settle on one remote. Even so, you can’t go wrong with Logitech Harmony Smart Control. Good luck!
Other articles you might be interested in:
- How to Connect Samsung TV to Surround Sound
- How to Tell if You Have a Smart TV
- How to Connect Regular TV to Wi-Fi
Best Universal Remotes for Firestick FAQs
How to connect a universal remote to a Firestick?
Most remotes come with detailed instructions and guides on how to set them up. You have the option of checking online videos on the same. Other remotes have an app that eases up the pairing process and use.
Could I use my smartphone to control the Firestick?
Yes, you can use your smartphone control the Firestick. Download the Fire TV app to control the Firestick. If you’re also using a universal remote, you will need to download the corresponding app for the universal remote that you are using. However, not all universal remotes have an app.
How many universal remotes work with Amazon Firestick?
There are several in the market. Most universal remotes are compatible with Amazon Firestick. However, it is important to understand what your needs are first to choose a remote that suits you.
What can I use if I lost my Firestick remote?
If you happen to lose the Firestick remote, you can buy a universal remote that is compatible with the Firestick. Another option is to download the Fire TV app on your phone or tablet to control the Firestick.
Will a regular universal remote work on Firestick?
If the regular universal remote is already compatible with Fire TV, then it will also work with Firestick. When you’re looking at buying a new universal remote and have a Firestick, be sure to check for compatibility.