Roku streaming devices are incredibly popular. Indeed, Roku set-top boxes are user-friendly and feature massive app libraries for streaming from all sorts of free and paid services. While the default Roku remote is excellent, there are loads of fantastic Roku remote alternatives. Whether you’ve lost your remote, broken it, or simply want an extra, these are the best Roku remote replacement options on the market!
What are the Different Types of Roku Remotes?
While all Roku remotes may look basically the same, there are a few different variants. The Simple Remote, Voice Remote, Enhanced Voice Remote, and Voice Remote Pro all offer various functionality and compatibility with Roku hardware.
The Simple Remote comes bundled with budget Roku devices such as the Express and Premiere as well as older Roku streaming boxes or Roku TVs. It features infrared (IR) connectivity for communicating with Roku televisions, sticks, and boxes. As such, the Simple Remote must be pointed directly at the device to operate. Simple Roku remotes lack microphones.
As its name suggests, the Voice remote packs a built-in microphone. Additionally, the Roku Voice Remote doesn’t utilize IR so it affords point anywhere functionality. And onboard controls for power, volume, and TV operation come standard.
Roku’s Enhanced Voice Remote works with Roku 4, Ultra LT, Ultra (models 4670 and 4800), Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Streambar, and Roku TV models (6000X, 7000X, C000X, 8000X, A000X). It features TV controls, personal shortcuts, private listening, and voice search.
The Roku Voice Remote Pro is compatible with all Roku TVs, Roku audio devices like the Smart Soundbar and Streambar, plus the majority of Roku Players. It features a headphone jack for private listening, built-in mic for voice search, a rechargeable battery, and a lost remote finder.
Roku Simple Remote:
- IR
- No mic
- Basic Roku device control
- Works with all Roku players (not the Streaming Stick and Stick+), Roku Soundbar, and Roku Streambar
Roku Voice Remote:
- Doesn’t use IR and therefore has point anywhere functionality
- Built-in microphone for voice commands
- Includes onboard power, volume, and TV controls
- Compatible with Roku 3, Roku 4, Roku Express+ (model 3931), Roku Premiere/Premiere+, Roku Streaming Stick/Stick+, Roku Ultra/Ultra LT, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Streambar, Roku TV
Roku Enhanced Voice Remote:
- Doesn’t rely on IR, has point anywhere functionality
- Built-in mic for voice commands
- Onboard power, TV, and volume controls
- Headphone jack for private listening
- Shortcut keys that are customizable
- Works with Roku 4, Roku Ultra/Ultra LT, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku TV, Roku Streambar
Roku Voice Remote Pro:
- Doesn’t use IR, point anywhere remote
- Headphone jack for private listening
- Built-in mic for voice search
- Rechargeable battery
- Onboard speaker with remote finder
- Compatible with all Roku TVs, Roku audio devices, and the majority of recent Roku players
What Remotes Work With Roku Devices?
Compatible Roku remote alternatives depend on what specific Roku stick, streaming box, or TV you’re using. While some models use IR, others eschew infrared for point-anywhere operation. [Read more: Best NVIDIA Shield TV Remote Alternatives]
Generally speaking, there are three main replacement Roku remote options: an official Roku or Roku TV remote, a third-party Roku remote alternative, or a Roku remote app. While official and third-party Roku remotes are physical devices, there are several different Android and iOS apps for transforming phones or tablets into Roku remotes.
Roku remote replacement options:
- Official Roku stick, box, or TV remote
- Third-party Roku remote alternative
- Roku remote app
Why Should You Get a Roku Replacement Remote
There are plenty of reasons why you might want a Roku remote alternative. If you lose or break your original Roku remote, a new remote is a must-have. Additionally, you may want a remote with more functionality. For instance, if your Roku came with the Simple remote, you may wish to upgrade to the Voice Remote or Enhanced Voice Remote for advanced features such as private listening and voice search. Moreover, a universal remote allows for multi-device control of streaming boxes, TVs, projectors, game consoles, smart home devices, and other gadgets.
Reasons to replace your Roku remote:
- Broken or lost remote
- Advanced features such as a headphone jack for private listening or a built-in mic for voice commands
- Multi-device control
Best Roku Remote Replacement – Official Roku Voice Remote Pro
For most users, an official Roku Voice Remote Pro works great, and the Roku voice remote is the best replacement remote control available. It features Wi-Fi connectivity, TV controls, and a built-in microphone for using voice commands. The official Roku voice remote pro functions flawlessly with a whole host of Roku devices including streaming sticks, set-top boxes, and soundbars. Additionally, the Roku voice remote pairs easily with Roku TVs from the likes of TCL, Hisense, Sharp, and Element.
You’ll find four preset channel shortcut buttons which allow for one-click access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, Disney+, or even media server software such as Plex. Its built-in rechargeable battery means you don’t have to swap out batteries. There’s a headphone jack for private listening and an onboard speaker that functions as a remote finder. Alternatively, you may consider the Roku Voice Remote lacks features like a lost remote finder, hands-free voice controls, a rechargeable battery, and private listening found on the Roku Voice Remote Pro. Overall, the Roku Voice Remote Pro is an excellent choice as a replacement for lost and broken remotes, or as an extra remote to have around the house.
Pros:
- Works with all Roku TVs, Roku audio devices (Soundbar and Streambar), and most recent Roku players
- 4 x preset Roku channel shortcut buttons
- Includes built-in mic for voice commands
- Onboard TV controls
- Built-in headphone jack for private listening
- Rechargeable battery
- Remote finder
Cons:
- None
Best Replacement Roku Remote for Roku 3, 4, LT, HD, XD, XS, Ultra, Premiere, and Express – Gvirtue Roku Lost TV Remote
Gvirtue offers a solid replacement remote for many Roku models including the Roku 3, 4, LT, HD, XD, XS, Express, Ultra, Premiere, and more. You’ll find four channel shortcut buttons for MGO, Amazon, Netflix, Blockbuster, Crackle, and Pandora. The Gvirtue is an IR remote that functions flawlessly with a lot of older Roku devices. Unfortunately, since it’s an infrared remote, the Gvirtue doesn’t work with the Roku Stick or some Roku TVs and soundbars. But its Roku device compatibility is wide-ranging. If you need an IR Roku replacement remote, the Gvirtue is a great choice.
Pros:
- IR remote
- Compatible with Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3, Roku 4 (HD, LT, XS, XD), and Roku Express
- 4 x shortcut buttons
- Easy to use and pair
Cons:
- Not RF or Wi-Fi
- Not compatible with Roku Premiere, Roku Ultra, Roku Stick, Roku TVs, Streambar, or Soundbar
Best Roku TV Remote Replacement – 1-clicktech
Although Roku first rose to popularity because of its streaming set-top boxes, a slew of Roku smart TVs have appeared. Manufacturers including TCL, Sharp, Hisense, Onn, and Element offer smart televisions with the Roku streaming ecosystem baked in. The 1-clicktech is the best Roku TV remote replacement available. It’s compatible with a bevy of Roku TVs from brands like TCL, Hisense, Sharp, ONN, Sanyo, LG, Element, Hitachi, and Insignia. You’ll find onboard media playback and TV controls, plus six different app shortcut keys. It’s powered by AAA batteries.
In addition to Roku TVs, the 1-clicktech functions flawlessly with many Roku players such as the Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3, Roku 4, SE, LT, XS, Roku Express/+, Roku Premiere+, and Roku Ultra. Sadly, there’s no support for the Roku Stick. And advanced features like voice control and a headphone jack are absent. In spite of a few shortcomings, the 1-clicktech is a good Roku remote alternative for both Roku TVs and players.
Pros:
- Works with Roku TVs from TCL, Hisense, Insignig, Sharp, ONN, LG, Sanyo, Hitachi, and Element
- Roku player support for the Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3, Roku 4, SE, LT, XS, Roku Express/+, Roku Premiere+, and Roku Ultra
- 6 x app shortcuts
- Onboard media playback and TV controls
Cons:
- Not compatible with the Roku Stick
- Lacks advanced features such as a headphone jack and voice control
Best Universal Remote for Roku – Logitech Harmony Elite
While a standalone Roku remote controls Roku players and some TVs just fine, a universal remote provides multi-device control. The Logitech Harmony Elite is the best universal remote for Roku. Included with the Harmony Elite is a hub, physical remote with an LCD screen as well as physical buttons, plus a companion app. You can add up to 15 different devices including streaming boxes, TVs, projectors, and smart home gadgets like smart lights.
Since many newer devices including the Roku Stick don’t work with IR, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is necessary. Accordingly, the Logitech Harmony Elite remote communicates with its hub via RF signals, and the hub itself talks to devices using IR, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. Therefore, the Harmony Elite yields top-notch compatibility. It can control up to 15 devices, features a lovely full-color touchscreen with haptic feedback, and allows for customization. For instance, you can configure different scenes or activies like “Watch a movie” which will power on your soundbar, TV, and Roku while dimming or turning off smart lights.
Unfortunately, it’s not cheap, with a regular retail price of around $350 USD. What’s more, Logitech has discontinued its Harmony remotes, though it does plan to continue software support for existing remotes. For home theatre enthusiasts, the Harmony Elite is the best universal remote Roku replacement on the planet.
Pros:
- Full-color LCD screen with haptic feedback
- Physical buttons and backlighting
- Hub, remote, and companion app
- Works with lots of Roku players, TVs, and soundbars
- 15-device support
- Easy to use and set up
- Extremely customizable – can configure different activities i.e. “Watch a movie” to dim/turn off lights while powering on entertainment equipment
Cons:
- Expensive
- Logitech has discontinued Harmony Remote support (but plans to continue offering software support and updates)
Best Universal Remote That Works With Roku for Most Users – Logitech Harmony Companion
The Logitech Harmony Companion is the best universal remote that works with Roku players for most people. Like its older sibling in the Harmony Elite, the Harmony Companion benefits from a hub, app, and physical remote. It’s backlit and features physical buttons. There’s support for up to eight different devices. The Logitech Companion is far more affordable than the Harmony Elite.
However, it does lose out on some power user features. Gone is the LCD touchscreen, and multi-device pairing is cut almost in half, down from 15 to eight. While the Logitech Harmony Companion should suit most Roku owners just fine, some hardcore home theatre buffs may be disappointed.
Pros:
- Reasonably-priced
- 8-device support
- Remote, hub, and app
- Physical buttons on remote
- Backlit remote
- Support for activities i.e. “Watch a movie” to dim/turn off lights while powering on entertainment equipment
- Easy to use and set up
Cons:
- Pricey
- Only 8 devices may be controlled
- No LCD screen
- Logitech has discontinued Harmony Remote support (but plans to continue offering software support and updates)
Best Budget Universal Remote Alternative for Roku – SofaBaton U1
The SofaBaton U1 is an outstanding budget universal remote that’s compatible with many Roku players, TVs, and soundbars. With support or more than 350,000 devices from over 6,000 brands, there’s great hardware and software support. An onboard OLED display lets you scroll through various information such as different connected devices. Plus its physical buttons are well-built. Packing both IR and Bluetooth, the SofaBaton works with a lot of different devices.
Macro buttons let you easily chain multiple commands for single-button multi-device control. For example, you can create a custom flow to power on and off various devices in a certain order, like powering on your TV or projector, receiver or soundbar, and Roku all at once. You can control up to 15 devices at a time. The SofaBaton U1 isn’t quite as robust as the Harmony Companion or even Elite. Lacking Wi-Fi, the U1 doesn’t pair with certain Roku players such as the Express. But with great bang-for-your-buck, it’s a fabulous cheap universal remote for Roku players, TVs, and soundbars.
Pros:
- Built-in OLED display
- Macro buttons for chaining multiple commands into one button
- 15-device multi-device support
- Affordable
- IR and Bluetooth
- Works with over 350,000 devices from more than 6,000 brands
Cons:
- Lacks Wi-Fi, not compatible with some Roku models such as the Roku Express
- Not backlit
Best Remote Replacement App – Official Remote Control App
In the event of a lost or broken Roku remote, one of the easiest solutions is to use a Roku remote control app as a replacement. The official Roku remote control app for Android and iOS is a fantastic choice. It’s completely free, easy to use, and transforms your phone or tablet into a Roku replacement remote in an instant. The onscreen remote may be viewed in several layouts including a Simple Remote or advanced remote with features like private listening.
Furthermore, you can easily switch between different devices. So if you have multiple Roku players, TVs, sticks, and soundbars scattered around your house, jumping from device to device is fairly seamless. You can even watch the Roku channel, an awesome free streaming site for movies and TV shows. The only downside is that you’ll need to use your phone as a remote, so you’ll need to keep it plugged in or drain the battery. If you don’t mind utilizing a phone or tablet as a remote, the official Roku remote control app is a wonderful controller alternative.
Pros:
- Completely free
- Easy to use
- Pairs with multiple devices
- Multiple layouts including basic and pro remotes
- Private listening in-app
- Works with phones and tablets
- Can watch the Roku Channel
- Available for iOS and Android
Cons:
- App contains ads
Best Remote App for Roku – RoByte
Although the official Roku remote control app is a nifty choice for turning mobile devices into Roku remotes, RoByte works great as well. It’s simple to set up with automatic Roku scanning, Both keyboard and voice entry work well, and you can access a lot of settings such as changing the TV channel or volume. What’s more, RoByte can control multiple Roku devices. It’s a good Roku remote app that simply works. Disappointingly, while RoByte is completely free to use, some features like channel switching, keyboard and voice search, as well as channel and volume control are limited to the paid premium version. Despite, the pro tier, RoByte is an awesome Roku remote replacement app that’s powerful and inexpensive.
Pros:
- Automatic Roku device scanning
- Easy to change channels
- Voice and keyboard support
- Able to adjust the volume on the app
- Tablet and phone support
- Pairs with multiple devices
- Available on Android and iOS
Cons:
- Channel switching, keyboard and voice search, plus channel and volume control are limited to the paid app
Best Roku Remote Replacements – Top Roku Remote Alternatives, from Apps to Universal Remotes
If you need a new or extra Roku remote, there are tons of replacements and alternatives. The official Roku Voice Remote or Enhanced Remote work perfectly for most people. Gvritue offers a great Roku lookalike remote that supports tons of different Roku players. The 1-clicktech is an excellent Roku replacement remote for Roku TVs and set-top boxes. For multi-device control universal remotes such as the Logitech Harmony Elite, Logitech Harmony Companion, or the SofaBaton U1 are compatible with Roku devices. Alternatively, Android and iOS apps like the official Roku remote app or RoByte function flawlessly with many Roku players, TVs, and soundbars.
Your turn: Which Roku remotes are YOU using?
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