U2 Universal Remote with Backlit Button and Upgraded Scroll Wheel, All in One Universal Remote Control with App Control, Custom Macros for Smart TVs,Sound Bar, DVD/Blu-ray Players and More

As a former harmony enthusiast, when that company was eaten by Logitech and failed to update their product, I was pretty pessimistic about the future of universal remotes. For years, I just went back to having multiple remotes and with the advent of HDMI control. It wasn’t that bad however, whenever I wanted to change the settings of the picture or sound, which I do quite a bit, I was back to remote flipping. I honestly didn’t think a general universal remote could come close to what Harmony did so. I waited and waited. And then came the ultra expensive options (yikes). I knew that as good as those were, the amount of time would take to program them and set them up was going to be exhausting. I started to see positive reviews on sofa batons U1 so when the U2 came out, I still waited but eventually I just picked one up. With the improved back lighting and standard AA batteries, I knew they were on the right track. It only took me one session to get everything set up. My initial thought was “no activities”!? But I realized there was macros, and you could assign any button to any device Overriding any function on a set of custom remotes, which is honestly better in some ways and, more important, simpler. It’s really up to you to decide how you want to use things. One thing I will recommend is Define one button cross all devices (I use the input button) to use as a “fix it button” that will reapply the proper inputs and your preferred sound mode in case things get messed up or don’t complete. I was able to do that and many more things, even with the simpler architecture of the SofaBaton. As far as device button database is exhaustive, but fairly easy to search and find your devices as long as you know the model numbers. The remote supports infrared, unfortunately many devices nowadays use some form of RF and this just isn’t supported also with Bluetooth now becoming a standard in remote control that can make things a little bit difficult. So it will depend on how many of your devices use traditional infrared control, but I was able to get Apple TV working with Bluetooth and all my other devices through infrared very well As far as improvements, it would be nice to back up not only your device buttons, but your macros and everything but at least they have a backup function in case you need to reset the remote. But without the macros being saved, it seems kind of half solution. The only other improvement I could think of would be Support for a wider range, remote control like the aforementioned RF remotes and more than one blue Ray remote. That’s probably a bit too much to ask for and such as a simple device. But as far as infrared controls, it really seems complete and I couldn’t think of any major improvements.

I have been using my Harmony 880 remotes for the last 20 years. I don't do macros/activities, just using it to replace 4 IR remotes. Now that the Logitech support website is gone, I need a backup in case my remaining six 880's all die ... The good news: U2 is pretty easy to setup. The database had my LG TV and my OPPO disc player. It did list my Storm pre-pro, but the codes did not work. I was able to just have the remote learn the 9 IR functions from the Harmony in 15 minutes as it is MUCH easier than a Harmony. IR strength is decent, just not as strong as the Harmony, but it gets the job done. The not good: The screen selects the remote you want to use and the generic keypad is not really useful in many cases. So I did a spreadsheet as a cheat to let me know which of the 9 number buttons does what I want. I suspect that if I do have to use it exclusively, I would memorize them pretty quick. Also, uses AA batteries instead of rechargeable. If a new model uses rechargeable, I will buy that. In the meantime, I will just use my AA rechargeable, which is a tiny hassle as the battery compartment is a bit of a pain to open. Note the trend is to wifi control of the component's webpage. For the Storm pre-pro, world class UI. For the LG, pretty lousy. And for the OPPO 203, non-existent. Possibly the future will have a phone app at the level of the Storm webpage, but for now, the U2 works pretty well for a cheap price.

I was a big fan of the old Logitech Harmony Remotes. But since they no longer make them I decided to give this one a try. I didn’t give it 5 stars because of some minor nit picks. Overall it’s a decent remote. It does the job even though it doesn’t have the other features the higher tier model has. Such as an Activity option, for selecting one action to perform functions for multiple devices. Pros: 1 - simple layout of buttons and easy enough to use for my 8yr old. 2 - wide selection of codes to work with newer and older electronics. 3 - somewhat easy setup: I’ll explain why in the cons section 4 - strong enough IR signal that it can read through my entertainment center doors 5 - Bluetooth option. Was very helpful when linking to my Apple TV. I found that it was the easiest way for the remote to link up. 6 - size and weight are just right. Not overly big or heavy. Cons: 1 - no ability to control multiple devices with one setting (like and activity setting on old harmony remotes). I’ve had both styles of harmony remotes - a WiFi one that was also liked to an App that could also work as a remote…. AND…. I’ve also had another IR type remote that had the ability to use activity settings. Both obviously had different pricing just like the SofaBaton. So I guess you get what you pay for. 2 - the setup was not very easy at first. Don’t use the paper instructions. Watch the video tutorials. It will make it much simpler. Also, I had problems setting up my Apple TV via IR settings and ended up having to use the Bluetooth option. Super minor but worth mentioning. 3 - there is a delayed response sometimes when using the remote with your device. Not annoying enough to return it but it does take some getting used to. Again you get what you pay for. I’m sure the more expensive version doesn’t have this problem. In summary, it’s not a harmony remote. And you could buy a cheaper universal remote and get a similar performance. But I did that prior to getting this one and I’m actually happy I decided to go with this one. Just go into knowing it’s not going to be perfect and you’ll enjoy it as well. Realistically no remote is going to satisfy everyone’s expectations. I would buy it again.

I got this remote since Logitech isn't making remotes anymore, which was disappointing to see not a lot of options out there. I decided to try this one out to see how it was. It is actually pretty good. The programming is my favorite part with it, it was really easy to use the app and find my devices, I like how it also has custom options that some people have added as well. It is really easy to swap buttons and add macros. I use it for a cable box and a fire tv, both have functioned perfectly. I noticed it has a majority of devices compatible to use like the harmony remotes. My only two complaints are the way it goes into standby, you have to move it to wake it up every time for the first press to register or simply press it twice on the first go to click. I wish that it could save battery just with the screen off but still register first button press like any other universal remote. The other complaint is battery life, the battery life isn't very long. Of course that will depend on how much you use it, move it around...as to whether it will last a little longer. I use rechargeables now on the remote and it helps not waste batteries. It seems the remote needs full green for it to work perfectly. Once the battery goes almost to yellow it won't register buttons correctly, the distance is shortened etc....so I recommend rechargeable batteries with this.

Nice quality remote. A bit old school design with typical small buttons with hard to see icons on those little buttons. I found an issue, trouble shooting volume control for AppleTV and LG CX OLED TV. Sofa Baton controls both devices, but you have to manually switch back to "TV" to adjust the volume! On Apple TV, their remote, controls Tv volume and power on/off both devices. Have not found fix around this, that the apple tv remote CAN DO. Sofa Baton will not learn or I may be doing it wrong. Confusing. Gets 4 stars instead 3 because Sofa Baton DID WORK for my 2023 Sony TV 85" while using Apple TV and changing volume in sync. LG not the case.