Best NVIDIA Shield TV Remote Alternative

The NVIDIA Shield TV is a fantastic Android TV box. With unrivaled versatility, the NVIDIA Shield TV can handle streaming videos and music, gaming, and emulation. Additionally, the Shield TV is a great client for home media servers such as Plex, and can even double as a Plex media server. While the included remote is pretty good, a Shield TV replacement remote is a great purchase. Whether you simply want an extra remote that works with the NVIDIA Shield or have lost yours, these are the best NVIDIA Shield TV remote alternatives you can buy! [Read more: Best Roku Remote Replacements]

NVIDIA Shield TV Remote Compatibility – What Remotes Work With the NVIDIA Shield?

There are a few different ways of connecting replacement remotes to the NVIDIA Shield TV. Bluetooth, USB, or infrared (IR) will all work. While the 2015 and 2017 Shield TV models featured IR, NVIDIA dropped infrared sensors in the 2019 variant. As such, an adapter such as the Flirc is necessary to use an IR remote with the Shield 2019. [Read more: Best External Hard Drive for NVIDIA Shield TV]

What remotes work with the NVIDIA Shield TV:

• Bluetooth
• USB
• IR (2019 Shield and Shield Pro require an adapter for IR functionality)

Best NVIDIA Shield TV Remote Replacement for Most People – Official NVIDIA Shield TV Remote

With the NVIDIA Shield TV 2019 and Shield TV Pro 2019 came a redesigned controller. The new NVIDIA Shield TV remote is the best replacement option for most people. If you’ve got a lost remote, broken controller, or simply want an extra Shield TV remote for your coffee table, the official Shield TV 2019 remote is a solid choice. Additionally, owners of earlier-generation Shield TV 2015 and 2017 units might consider an upgrade to the Shield TV 2019 remote

It comes in an attractive elongated pyramid form factor that’s comfortable to hold. You’ll find dedicated media playback buttons for pausing, playing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding videos or music. Onboard volume controls provide seamless multimedia control. A directional pad (D-pad) allows for simple navigation. There’s even a Netflix hotkey for firing up Netflix with the press of a button.

With its built-in microphone, the Shield TV 2019 remote lets you access Google Assistant for voice commands. A customizable menu button can be used to launch a favorite app, toggle on artificial intelligence (AI) upscaling, and more. When you pick up the 2019 Shield TV remote, its buttons light up which makes operation in the dark easier. Using the Shield remote app, you can enable the remote locator to find the Shield TV 2019 controller in the event that it gets wedged within the couch cushions. Unfortunately, the Shield TV 2019 remote lacks universal remote functionality. While you can probably control your television or projector using CEC, that’s about it. However, the 2019 Shield remote is a great upgrade that yields loads of quality of life updates for a good, user-friendly design.

Pros:

• Well-built
• Affordable
• Onboard multimedia playback and volume controls
• Netflix hotkey
• Built-in microphone with Google Assistant access
• Buttons light up when the remote is picked up
• Customizable menu button
• Compatible with NVIDIA Shield TV 2015, 2017, and 2019
• Remote locator when used with the Shield TV app
• Connects with Bluetooth for point-anywhere capabilities

Cons:

• No universal remote functionality

Best Air Mouse Replacement Remote for the NVIDIA Shield TV – WeChip G20

The WeChip G20 is a good cheap NVIDIA Shield TV replacement remote. Featuring a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, the WeChip G20 pairs easily with the Shield TV. There’s plug-and-play simplicity and compatibility with a slew of different Android TV streaming set-top-boxes as well as home theatre PCs (HTPCs). Like the NVIDIA Shield TV’s default remote, the WeChip G20 features voice control complete with Google Assistant. Thus, the G20 retains virtually all of the functionality of the standard Shield TV remote.

Moreover, WeChip’s G20 sports dedicated media playback and volume controls. It’s easy to fast forward, rewind, pause, and play videos or music as well as control the volume. And you’ll find all necessary buttons for controlling the NVIDIA Shield including a home button, back button, directional pad (D-pad), and a power button. A built-in 6-axis gyroscope offers air remote capabilities.

Whereas the Shield TV’s remote is rechargeable, the WeChip G20 takes a set of AA batteries. Disappointingly, this requires swapping out batteries, though a pair of rechargeable AA batteries avoids the expense of regularly purchasing new batteries. However, WeChip’s baked-in battery meter gives a much-needed heads up. You’ll miss out on any advanced configuration such as different activities or profiles, and the G20 lacks remote consolidation features found in universal remotes. But on a budget, the WeChip G20 is the best replacement remote for the NVIDIA Shield TV that won’t break the bank.

Pros:

• Affordable
• USB connectivity with a 2.4GHz USB wireless dongle
• 6-axis gyroscope for air remote capabilities
• 18 keys including media playback and volume control
• Works with the NVIDIA Shield TV, Android TV boxes, Kodi boxes, HTPCs, and more
• Onboard mic with Google Assistant compatibility

Cons:

• Only controls one device, no multi-device universal remote functionality
• Lacks customizable profiles or activities

Best Keyboard Remote for the NVIDIA Shield TV – WeChip W2 Pro

With its air mouse capabilities, dedicated multimedia controls, and a full QWERTY keypad, the WeChip W2 Pro is the best air mouse and keyboard remote for the NVIDIA Shield TV. It connects wirelessly using a 2.4GHz USB dongle for plug-and-play support. One side of the W2 Pro features multimedia playback buttons for controlling the volume, and there’s even a microphone hotkey complete with Google Assistant support. On the other side, you’ll find a full-fledged QWERTY keyboard which allows for faster typing than navigating an on-screen keyboard.

Plus, the built-in gyroscope makes the WeChip W2 Pro an awesome air mouse for the NVIDIA Shield TV. The keyboard is backlit which makes operation in the dark a breeze, and the touchpad is absolutely fantastic. On the wireless dongle, there’s a seek button that triggers an alarm alerting you to the location of the remote which is perfect for situations where the remote gets lost in the couch cushions or behind the sofa. You won’t find multi-device control or advanced home theatre configuration options. However, the WeChip W2 Pro is a good air mouse and keyboard remote replacement alternative for the Shield TV.

Pros:

• Built-in gyroscope for air mouse capabilities
• Full QWERTY keyboard
• Backlit keyboard
• Touchpad
• Wireless operation with 2.4GHz USB dongle
• Dedicated multimedia playback controls
• Affordable

Cons:

• Lacks multi-device control
• No advanced customization options

Best NVIDIA Shield TV Universal Remote Alternative – Logitech Harmony Elite

The Logitech Harmony Elite is a phenomenal universal remote for the NVIDIA Shield TV. Although the 2019 NVIDIA Shield TV lacks an IR receiver, the Harmony Elite remains compatible with the Shield using Wi-Fi pairing. Its Harmony hub connects to the network using an Ethernet cable which enables the Harmony Elite to control a bevy of different devices ranging from televisions and streaming boxes including the Shield TV to smart home devices.

For home theatre power users, the Harmony Elite is a fantastic choice that’s incredibly customizable. It’s capable of controlling up to 15 devices and supports one-touch activities. For instance, you can configure an activity such as “Watch a movie” which will automatically dim or turn off the lights while powering on a TV, streaming box, Blu-ray player, and other devices.

In addition to the Harmony Elite, a mobile app allows Android or iOS phones and tablets to serve as universal remotes. Sporting an attractive LCD touchscreen, haptic feedback, and backlit buttons, the Logitech Harmony Elite is a fantastic universal remote.

Unfortunately, the Shield TV is a bit tricky to set up with the Harmony Elite since it requires a Bluetooth connection to the Harmony Keyboard for Harmony App connectivity. Luckily, the Harmony App is pretty clear about how to pair with the Shield TV, though it’s somewhat challenging nonetheless. Disappointingly, Logitech has discontinued its Harmony remotes. Therefore, no new Logitech Harmony universal remotes will be made, though Logitech does plan to continue offering software support through updates. At around $350 USD regular retail, the Harmony Elite is pretty pricey. As a cheaper alternative, you might consider the Logitech Harmony Companion. It’s similar to the Harmony Elite but lacks the full-color touchscreen and is limited to 8 devices instead of 15. But the quality that comes with the Elite makes it hands-down the top universal remote on the market, and the best NVIDIA Shield TV remote alternative on the planet.

Pros:

• Controls up to 15 devices ranging from TVs, projectors, and streaming boxes to smart home gadgets
• Full-color touchscreen with haptic feedback and backlit buttons
• Customizable – configure different one-touch activities such as “Watch a movie” to automatically dim or turn off the lights
• Works with the NVIDIA Shield TV over Wi-Fi

Cons:

• Tricky to set up with the NVIDIA Shield TV
• Expensive
• Logitech has discontinued Harmony Remotes (but plans to continue software support and updates for existing remotes)

Best Mid-range Universal Remote Replacement for the NVIDIA Shield TV – Logitech Harmony Companion

The Logitech Harmony Companion delivers much of the same functionality as the Harmony Elite. It’s capable of multi-device control, sports Amazon Alexa compatibility, and includes a companion mobile app that transforms mobile devices into remotes. Additionally, the Logitech Harmony Companion provides extensive customization options for configuring different profiles or activities. For example, you could create a “watch a movie” activity that will power on a television, Blu-ray player, and streaming box while dimming or lowering the lights.

While the Harmony Elite allows you to control up to 15 different devices, the Harmony Companion is limited to 8. Although that should be fine for most users, it may be limited for home theatre enthusiasts. Similarly, the Harmony Companion doesn’t have a full-color LCD touchscreen like the Elite. But it retains physical, backlit buttons. Overall, the Logitech Harmony Companion is the best universal remote for the NVIDIA Shield TV.

Best Budget Universal Remote That Works With the NVIDIA Shield TV – SofaBaton U1

The SofaBaton U1 is a solid budget universal remote that works with the NVIDIA Shield TV. It sports a gorgeous OLED display built-in. A companion app allows for simple setup and configuration. You can control up to 15 devices including the NVIDIA Shield TV, Amazon Fire TV, and a bevy of other streaming set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, televisions, projectors, and other gadgets. With support for over 350,000 devices from more than 6,000 brands, there’s wide-ranging hardware compatibility.

Because the U1 is a universal remote, it can handle activities such as configuring a movie-watching scene that powers on a TV and receiver at the same time. Yet, it’s not as advanced as with a more powerful universal remote. Still, basic macro commands for chaining deice control are pretty useful. Unfortunately, certain devices Roku devices without IR sensors won’t work. However, with Bluetooth and IR, the SofaBaton U1 lets you control tons of devices with unparalleled out-of-the-box support.

Pros:

• Up to 15-device control
• Great compatibility – works with over 350,000 devices from more than 6,000 manufacturers
• Customizable – can set up macros for controlling multiple devices with the touch of a button
• Built-in OLED display
• Companion app for easy setup
• IR and Bluetooth onboard

Cons:

• Not as advanced as Logitech Harmony remotes
• Small OLED display

Best NVIDIA Shield TV Remote FAQs

Best NVIDIA Shield TV Remote Alternatives – Top NVIDIA Shield TV Remote Replacement Options

There are loads of options for replacement NVIDIA Shield TV remotes. If you’re looking for a universal remote, the Logitech Harmony Elite is the best option on the market, though the slightly less expensive Harmony Companion is great too. On a budget, the SofaBaton U1 is a cheap but good universal remote with Bluetooth and IR that works with the NVIDIA Shield TV. WeChip offers the G20 as an excellent, affordable Shield TV remote air mouse, or its W20 comes with a full QWERTY keyboard alongside air mouse capabilities.

Your turn: Which NVIDIA Shield TV remote replacement alternatives do YOU recommend?