The 5 Best Xbox universal remotes (2023 reviews)

If you are watching a streaming service through your Xbox, this remote is the best option out there. The xbox one talon universal remote is designed to function as a normal remote that can change channels and adjust volume on your television. It works well, but unlike xbox controllers which use bluetooth, the remote needs a direct line of sight to the xbox. The backlight is just bright enough to make using it in the dark as easy as if the lights were on, but is soft enough to be easy on the eyes.

The feel is nice, feels rubbery with a matte finish that's easy to grip. The look is very modern with even the battery access being hidden without any noticeable extra lines on the remote. The remote itself feels well-made.

Why We Like This:

Has an accelerometer based back light function which works great
Works well buttons feel good and the remote has a good feeling overall
Much nicer to use for media over the xbox controller
Perfect for setups where you just watch netflix or prime on the xbox

Best Runner up: 8bitdo Xbox universal Remote

Buy on Amazon

8Bitdo line of remote come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. If you love using Xbox for non gaming usage,this is the way to go. It is perfect media remote for xbox consoles in the series x|s and xbox one series consoles. This controller has more of a d-pad design so it's easy to tell by feel which button you're touching. It feels good in the hand, the buttons feel good,and as long as you're pointing at the Xbox itself,it works pretty consistently. All the buttons have a satisfying click to them as well, so there's no ambiguity whether you press it or not.

This is an IR remote, so there's no need for a USB dongle. It is so much simpler, especially for things like rewinding or turning on captions.

Why We Like This:

Works great, highly recommend over the standard xbox one remote
Good remote with a nice looking and efficient design
Buttons not as sticky and slow as other xbox remotes
Rubberized plastic to become tacky after usage

Best for Series S console: 8bitdo device control

Buy on Amazon

Best part: 8bitdo device control costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The remote control only works for the Xbox. The only "default" of it, is that the "motion" sensor in it is really sensible, and simply by walking by the remote, or putting a glass beside it can lit it up. It pretty much works out of the box when you slap in batteries. This button can be set, via the Series X|S settings app, to launch a program you have installed. All other buttons are smooth and the directional ones have tiny dots that really can't be felt.

The sensor light control is good for the dark but not sure how long battery will last with the backlight always coming on with the slightest movement. There is no back light which makes using the remote a pain in the dark.

Why We Like This:

Nice clicky buttons and good weight for its size
Back-lit buttons are not too bright and easy to see
Makes your xbox an streaming device

Best with all Xbox ones: Nyko Xbox universal Remote

Buy on Amazon

The nyko xbox universal remote gives the top-tier remote a run for their money by offering flagship specs at a much more affordable price. It is an amazingly reliable remote controller that is excellent for watching youtube, netflix, or any other streaming service. It is allows for complete control of xbox one and most apps including one guide, netflix, hulu plus, amazon instant and more. It is not the most responsive, but if you aim right at it, it works very well.

It fits in the palm of your hand and all buttons are within a thumbs reach. It is very sensitive and made of decent quality plastic. It is great for saving battery on your controllers when watching netflix. This is super easy to use right out of the box.

Why We Like This:

Much easier than trying to navigate with the game controller
Keep your controller charging for games, great for multimedia use
Controls tv power and volume with no extra equipment

Best Media Remote: Nargos Xbox universal Remote

Buy on Amazon

The nargos xbox universal remote's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. If you are looking for an XBOX remote that will give you the ability to control as much as you possibly can, then go ahead and do yourself a favor and spend the extra couple of dollars and purchase this one. It's a remote and the volume buttons work on the TV just fine. It will turn the volume up if set up through the xbox. The backlight is motion activated too, and it works at even the slightest touch, so never are you left there in the dark looking for a light, or just pressing blindly and hoping for the best.

The remote works well with the Xbox console as long as it is pointed directly at it. It will only work on the xbox and the devices the console can control. The backlight for the buttons comes on automatic, but could be longer. It works exactly as you'd expect, and is nice to use when you just want to use the Xbox for media and don't want to grab a full controller for that.

Why We Like This: