Best Remote for YouTube TV in 2023

Last Updated on April 30, 2023 by Randall

YouTube TV is a cord cutter’s dream come true regarding the number of channels it bundles in one handy streaming subscription package. Nickelodeon, Fox, Comedy Central, FX—if you can name the channel, it’s probably available on YouTube TV.

With so much to watch and so many devices to view from (including smartphones), it’d be overwhelming flipping through channel after channel without a dedicated remote control. Thankfully, YouTube-TV-compatible universal remotes simplify the process.

In this article, you’ll learn about the best remote for YouTube TV, so keep reading to cut the cord in comfort.

Our Top Picks:

Model	Batteries Required	Alexa Support	YouTube TV Button
Yaotieci Universal	2	No	Yes
Hisense EN3S39H	2	No	Yes
SofaBaton U1 Universal	2	No	No
Logitech Harmony Elite	1	Yes	No
Logitech Harmony Companion	1	Yes	No

The 5 Best Remotes for YouTube TV in 2023

After seeing how our top picks fare against each other, let’s have an in-depth look at each one to know what it brings to the table.

1. Yaotieci Universal – Best Overall

Universal Remote Control Compatible with All TCL Roku TV Remote

The Yaotieci Universal Remote Control is a must-own if you want a remote compatible with YouTube TV but doesn’t require too much setup before you can start channel surfing. For instance, you don’t need to do any programming or syncing; simply pop in two AA batteries, and you’re good to go.

Additionally, this remote control is as minimalistic as it gets. It offers 23 buttons, eight of which are dedicated shortcut keys for HULU, Netflix, Starz, HBO Now, Vudu, Sling, Amazon, and of course, YouTube TV. You’ll appreciate this remote control even more if you have a subscription to one of the other services.

Aside from the occasionally glitchy volume buttons and the lack of backlit keys, the Yaotieci is an excellent remote control for surfing YouTube TV.

Pros:

No programming required
Provides eight shortcut keys, including a YouTube TV button
No-frills design

Cons:

The volume buttons can be glitchy at times
No button backlight

Bottom Line

You’ll love the Yaotieci Universal Remote Control if you’re looking for a YouTube TV remote that gets you channel surfing as soon as possible. In addition, the plug-and-play nature of this remote makes it ideal for YouTube TV subscribers who are pressed for time.

2. Hisense EN3S39H – Runner-Up

OEM Hisense EN3S39H Universal TV Remote Control

Given its apparent similarities to Yaotieci’s Universal Remote, it’s not hard to see why the Hisense EN3S39H took the runner-up position on this list. This remote is as back to basics as they come.

For one thing, it doesn’t require any programming or setup. Just insert the batteries, and start flipping channels. For another, the EN3S39H sports a dedicated YouTube TV button as one of its shortcut keys, meaning you’re one button press away from surfing the service. Also, it doesn’t feature any elaborate technology, like touch screens or connectivity to multiple devices.

Other than its clunky length, which makes the remote challenging to handle on occasion, this YouTube TV remote performs its function well. It’s meant for simple home setups and is unapologetic about it.

Pros:

Comes with a dedicated YouTube TV button
Familiar design
Quick setup

Cons:

The remote is a bit too long

Bottom Line

The Hisense EN3S39H is a worthy runner-up to our best overall, sharing the same basic design and functionality that’ll get you up and running with YouTube TV in short order.

3. SofaBaton U1 Universal – Highest Device Compatibility

The biggest draw of the SofaBaton U1 Universal is its device compatibility: this remote control boasts compatibility with over 500,000 devices and 6,000+ brands. That’s possible because of its cloud code database, which you can use to search for your device’s code. You’ll only need to connect the remote to your phone via Bluetooth through its dedicated app.

The U1 can connect to and control up to 15 devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Blu-ray players, among others. Using the remote’s advanced OLED display, which shows you the device you’re currently controlling, and a scroll wheel, you can flip easily through each device.

SofaBaton crams the above features into an ergonomically-designed remote, which feels as good as it looks. However, we wish the number buttons were more prominent, as their size makes it difficult to press them.

Pros:

Compatible with 500,000 devices and 6,000+ brands
Connects to up to 15 devices
Has a scroll wheel for easy navigation between devices

Cons:

The number pad buttons are too small

Bottom Line

Consider getting the SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote Control if you want to control all your devices from one convenient place. You’ll be blown away by the remote’s high device compatibility.

4. Logitech Harmony Elite – The most High-Tech

If you don’t mind spending a little extra on some high-tech features, consider the Logitech Harmony Elite. This YouTube-TV-compatible universal remote sports a slick design and a full-color touchscreen that makes surfing channels as simple as swiping, tapping, and dragging (in the case of volume controls).

In keeping with its high-tech nature, the Harmony Elite connects with Amazon’s AI, Alexa, meaning you can use voice controls during your YouTube TV sessions. Moreover, the Harmony Elite connects to up to 15 unique home entertainment and connected devices, including lamps and thermostats. Essentially, you can dim the lights with the remote when it’s movie time.

In addition to the remote control, you get a charging station, which you’ll need because the touch screen and backlight, unfortunately, consume a lot of battery power.

Pros:

Incredibly high-tech
You can browse easily using its touchscreen
Comes with voice control support via connectivity to Alexa
Connects to up to 15 home devices

Cons:

The touch screen and backlight drain battery power
A bit expensive

Bottom Line

If you’re an incurable lover of high-tech gadgets, you’ll love everything about the Logitech Harmony Elite, including its Alexa connectivity and cool touchscreen.

5. Logitech Harmony Companion – Budget-Friendly Alternative to the Harmony Elite

The Logitech Harmony Companion would be an excellent alternative to the Harmony Elite if you balked at the latter remote control’s price. While it isn’t compatible with as many devices (270,000 against the Elite’s 500,000) and forgoes a touch screen, it, too, offers connectivity to Amazon’s Alexa, giving you the option for voice control.

With the help of a dedicated app, you can program activities into your smartphone like “Watch YouTube TV,” which you can then perform at the tap of your finger. This super-convenient feature acts as a substitute for the remote’s lack of a YouTube TV shortcut button.

However, this remote’s major drawback is the setup required to be operational. The Harmony Companion may not be the remote for you if you want to just pop in the batteries and start browsing YouTube TV’s many channels.

Pros:

Connects to Amazon’s Alexa
Single-finger tap operation via smartphone
Budget-friendly

Cons:

Setup takes a while

Bottom Line

You’ll want to get the Logitech Harmony Companion if you need a budget-friendly remote control that has an appealing voice control option and a single-finger tap feature (using a smartphone).

Factors to Consider When Buying a Remote Control for YouTube TV

When choosing a YouTube-TV-compatible remote control, you’ll need to keep the following factors in mind:

Ease of Setup

If you’re eager to catch up on your favorite shows on YouTube TV’s many channels, the last thing you’d want is a remote that requires extensive configuration to function. Therefore, aim for one with basic features and a dedicated YouTube TV button.

However, if you don’t mind the inevitable configuration of the more high-tech remotes, ensure your chosen one comes with an easy-to-follow instruction manual that’ll guide you through the process as quickly and painlessly as possible.

High-Tech Versus Basic

The most high-tech YouTube TV remotes feature a touch screen. While undoubtedly cool and convenient, the tradeoff is a frequently drained battery, meaning you’ll have to charge the remote often. Meanwhile, remotes that forgo a touch screen don’t face this issue but aren’t as cool.

Design

If you have large hands or thick fingers, YouTube TV remote controls that feature tiny buttons may pose a considerable problem. Therefore, ensure you choose a remote with large buttons to make channel surfing a breeze. Also, keep in mind that shorter remotes are easier to handle than longer ones.

Price

As with any product, you can expect YouTube TV remotes with more features to cost more. If you’re not sold on using your remote to dim the lights on movie night, you shouldn’t shell out top dollar for a remote that has this capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Easy Is It to Set Up a Remote for YouTube TV?

It’s pretty straightforward, though this depends on the remote brand you buy. As a first step, you’ll need to use the correct-sized battery as a power source and check to see that the remote works when pointed at your TV.
Once that’s done, you’ll need to search for available devices with the remote, either through a direct code entry, auto code search, manual code search, or brand code search, depending on your chosen remote.

Should You Buy a Remote for YouTube TV?

We certainly think so. In all likelihood, your regular remote won’t work with YouTube TV, so you’ll need one purpose-built for the service. Additionally, some of these remotes have a specific YouTube TV button, which helps to streamline the channel surfing process.

Will the Remote Work With Any TV?

It depends on the make and model of the remote and the TV. For example, most of the remotes on this list shouldn’t have any problem working with TVs manufactured in the last decade. Interestingly, some remotes, like the Logitech Harmony Elite, aren’t limited to TVs and can work with connected devices like lamps, thermostats, security cameras, etc.

Final Thoughts

Surfing the many channels YouTube TV offers has never been easier, thanks to universal remotes compatible with the service.

When it comes to the best remote for YouTube Tv, sometimes less is more, so the no-frills Yaotieci Universal Remote Control is our number one choice. With that remote, you can catch up with your favorite shows as soon as you pop the batteries in.

The Hisense EN3S39H takes the silver medal for being just as quick to use with YouTube TV as Yaotieci’s remote, and we recommend it if you want a no-frills remote with more buttons.

Finally, you might not want to pass on the SofaBaton U1’s incredibly high device compatibility.