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In the blog post, I happily introduce you to the seven best remotes for YouTube TV you can buy right now.
YouTube TV is a Vibe
I use YouTube TV every day. One thing I learned quickly is this: the remote you use matters a lot. I’ve wasted way too much time juggling different remotes, trying to find one that actually makes navigating YouTube TV fast and frustration-free.
According to Parks Associates, 89% of U.S. households subscribes to streaming services. It’s clear most of us are living in a streaming world where a good remote isn’t optional—it’s part of the experience.
Not every TV handles YouTube TV the same way. Some have the app built in, others rely on a streaming device like a Fire TV Stick, Roku, or Google TV. But regardless of your setup, your remote plays a huge role in how smooth and enjoyable YouTube TV actually feels.
Here’s my breakdown of the best remotes for YouTube TV and why each one earned a spot on this list.
Best Remotes for YouTube TV Comparison
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the top three best remotes for YouTube TV.
| Premium Pick | Best for Apple TV | Best for Fire TV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Image |
|
|
|
| Model | SofaBaton X2 | Function101 Remote | Alexa Voice Remote Pro |
| Rank | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Best Fit | Best fitChoose the X2 when several source devices share one room. | Best fitChoose Function101 for Apple TV navigation with physical buttons. | Best fitChoose the Alexa Remote Pro for a compatible Fire TV device. |
| App Control | |||
| Control Path | IR, Bluetooth, RF, and Wi-Fi hub | Infrared for Apple TV | Bluetooth and IR for Fire TV |
| Backlit Buttons | |||
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant, Home Assistant | No voice assistant | Alexa built in |
| Power | Rechargeable with charging dock | AAA batteries | Rechargeable battery |
| Where to buy | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon |
SofaBaton X2
Function101 Remote
Alexa Voice Remote Pro
#1. Premium Pick: SofaBaton X2
Key Features
- Device Control: More than 60 compatible home-theater and smart-home devices.
- Technology: IR, Bluetooth, RF, and Wi-Fi through the included hub.
- Voice Assistant: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Home Assistant support.
- Power: Rechargeable remote with an included charging dock.
- Smart Features: Custom touchscreen layouts and one-touch activities.
My Premium Pick among the best remotes for YouTube TV is the SofaBaton X2. It can control YouTube TV through a compatible smart television, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, game console, or other configured streaming device while also handling the rest of the home theater.
The color touchscreen and hub are the main upgrades over the X1S. IR, Bluetooth, RF, and Wi-Fi support let one activity coordinate the television, streamer, receiver, and soundbar, while Alexa and Google Assistant add supported voice routines.
Choose the X2 when several source devices share one room. A simpler platform-specific remote remains the better value for a single Roku or Fire TV.
Pros
- Controls YouTube TV through multiple compatible source devices
- Touchscreen activities coordinate the complete home theater
- IR, Bluetooth, RF, and Wi-Fi hub support
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Home Assistant
- Rechargeable remote includes a charging dock
Cons
- Premium price compared with platform remotes
- Initial device and activity setup takes time
- Overkill for a single streaming box
Where to Buy It
The X2 is Sofabaton's new flagship remote with a touchscreen, charging dock, and improved smart home control.
SofaBaton X2 Video Review
This detailed review covers the SofaBaton X2 hardware, setup, touchscreen, hub, and daily use.
Video Credit: Anthony Barker (CarPlayLife)#2. Function101 Remote – Best Apple TV Remote
Key Features
- Device Control: Designed exclusively for Apple TV.
- Technology: Uses Infrared (IR) connectivity.
- Voice Assistant: None-designed for button-based navigation.
- Battery Type: Uses AAA batteries (not rechargeable).
- Smart Features: Dedicated playback buttons make YouTube TV navigation easier.
For Apple TV users, the Function101 Remote is a major upgrade over Apple’s Siri Remote. Many users find the touchpad on the Siri Remote frustrating, and the Function101 Remote solves this by offering tactile buttons instead.
This is one of the best remotes for YouTube TV users who want simpler, no-fuss controls. It lacks voice assistant support but is an excellent choice for those who prefer physical buttons over Apple’s trackpad design.
Pros
- No touchpad-simplifies navigation on Apple TV
- Easy-to-use button layout for quick access to YouTube TV, Prime Video, and other streaming services
- Affordable alternative to Apple’s remote
- Works instantly with Apple TV without additional setup
Cons
- No voice assistant support
- Limited to Apple TV only
Where to Buy It
Function101 is offering my readers special savings on this remote. Click below for their latest deal, or shop at Amazon if you prefer.
#3. Alexa Voice Remote Pro – Best Fire TV Remote
Key Features
- Device Control: Designed for Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, and Fire TV Edition smart TVs.
- Technology: Bluetooth and IR for fast response times.
- Voice Assistant: Alexa built-in for hands-free control.
- Battery Type: Rechargeable battery with backlit keys.
- Smart Features: Remote finder, customizable shortcuts, and Alexa hands-free commands.
If you use Fire TV Stick or any Amazon Fire TV device, upgrading to the Alexa Voice Remote Pro is a great way to control your TV using both a remote and your voice. I use this with my Fire TV Cube when I want to change it up from my Sofabaton remote. Unlike standard Fire TV remotes, this pro version offers backlit buttons, customizable shortcuts, and a remote finder feature.
Since YouTube TV is fully supported on Fire TV devices, this remote makes browsing live TV channels, streaming new movies, and controlling playback speed seamless. I would have been remiss if I didn’t include this remote on my list of the best remotes for YouTube TV.
Pros
- Works seamlessly with YouTube TV on Fire TV devices
- Customizable buttons for quick access to YouTube TV, Prime Video, Netflix, and more
- Backlit keys make it easy to use in the dark
- Rechargeable battery eliminates the need for disposable batteries
Cons
- More expensive than standard Fire TV remotes
Where to Buy It
Upgraded Alexa remote for Fire TV devices includes a remote finder and backlit buttons.
Video Review
Video Credit: The French Glow#4. Roku Voice Remote Pro – Best for Roku
Key Features
- Device Control: Works with all Roku devices and Roku TVs.
- Technology: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct.
- Voice Assistant: Roku Voice Control built-in.
- Battery Type: Rechargeable via USB-C.
- Smart Features: Private listening, customizable app shortcuts, hands-free voice control.
Next on my list of best remotes for YouTube TV is something for the Roku users out there. If you’re using a Roku TV or Roku streaming device, the Roku Voice Remote Pro is a must-have upgrade. Unlike the standard Roku remote, this model features voice search, private listening, and hands-free control.
This remote is perfect for watching YouTube TV, live sports, and premium content on Roku. It’s rechargeable, eliminating the need for batteries, and has customizable shortcuts for easy access to favorite apps.
Pros
- Rechargeable battery-no more disposable batteries
- Voice control lets you search YouTube TV and other apps hands-free
- Private listening feature via headphones
Cons
- Only works with Roku devices
Where to Buy It
​#5. Google Chromecast Voice Remote – Best for Google TV
Key Features
- Device Control: Compatible with Google Chromecast and Google TV.
- Technology: Bluetooth and IR for reliable connectivity.
- Voice Assistant: Built-in Google Assistant for hands-free control.
- Battery Type: Uses AAA batteries for easy replacement.
- Smart Features: Dedicated YouTube button and customizable Google TV shortcuts.
For Google TV users, the Google Chromecast Voice Remote is a good choice for controlling YouTube TV, live TV streaming services, and exclusive originals. It features Google Assistant integration, making it easy to use voice commands to search movies, change live channels, and control playback speed.
The remote is designed specifically for Chromecast with Google TV, ensuring seamless integration with apps like YouTube Music, Prime Video, and Netflix Hotel. Its simple layout, featuring a purple d-pad and dedicated YouTube button, provides quick access to your favorite content.
Pros
- Minimalist design with simple controls
- Google Assistant makes navigation effortless
- Quick access to YouTube TV, live TV streaming services, and movie search
- Works with multiple apps, including YouTube Music
Cons
- No backlit buttons for low-light viewing
- Limited to Google TV and Chromecast devices
Where to Buy It
#6. SofaBaton U3 – Best Budget LCD Remote
Key Features
- Device Control: Compatible smart TVs, streaming devices, and room gear
- Technology: IR, Bluetooth/BLE, and learnable 433/315 MHz RF
- Display: 2.4-inch LCD with physical buttons
- Battery Type: 1200mAh rechargeable battery with USB-C charging
- Smart Features: Macros, device-dependent voice, and optional R1 repeater
The SofaBaton U3 is the button-style pick among the best remotes for YouTube TV when the service runs through a compatible smart TV or streaming box. Its 2.4-inch LCD sits above physical controls, and the 1200mAh battery charges over USB-C.
It handles compatible IR, Bluetooth/BLE, and learnable 433/315 MHz RF commands without a Wi-Fi hub. Air Mouse and Google voice depend on the connected Bluetooth device, so check your exact television or streamer before buying; I have not completed a hands-on U3 test yet.
Pros
- Physical buttons surround a 2.4-inch LCD
- Rechargeable 1200mAh battery with USB-C charging
- Controls compatible IR, Bluetooth/BLE, and learnable RF gear
- Macros handle supported multi-step routines
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or smart-home hub
- Voice and Air Mouse support are device-dependent
- Not personally hands-on tested yet
Where to Buy It
#7. SofaBaton X1 – Best Value Hub Remote
Key Features
- Device Control: Compatible TV, streamer, receiver, and soundbar through the hub
- Technology: Hub-based IR, Bluetooth, and limited Wi-Fi support
- Display: 2.0-inch OLED with scroll wheel
- Battery Type: 1050mAh rechargeable battery
- Smart Features: One-touch activities, Alexa, Google Assistant, and two IR blasters
The SofaBaton X1 earns the final spot among the best remotes for YouTube TV for a multi-device room where the app runs on a compatible TV or streamer. Its hub coordinates supported IR, Bluetooth, and limited Wi-Fi gear through device and activity modes.
The 2.0-inch OLED, backlit buttons, one-touch activities, and Alexa or Google Assistant support make it feel closer to the old Harmony approach. I own this earlier X-series model; the X1S is the newer revision, while the X1 remains a useful lower-cost hub option when you find it available.
Pros
- Hub controls compatible equipment without aiming the remote
- One-touch activities coordinate multi-device routines
- Backlit buttons and a 2.0-inch OLED
- Works with supported Alexa and Google Assistant activities
Cons
- Earlier model than the X1S and X2
- Initial app and activity setup takes time
- Wi-Fi device support is limited
My Sofabaton X1
Where to Buy It
Video Review
How I Tested These Remotes
To find the best remotes for YouTube TV, I used the remotes I own and checked current documentation for newer picks. I tested navigation and setup across Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast; the SofaBaton X1 needed app and hub setup, while the U3 recommendation is based on current compatibility and feature documentation.
Shortcut buttons and voice commands were another key factor. The Alexa Voice Remote Pro launched YouTube TV instantly, while the Google Chromecast Voice Remote performed well for channel-list navigation. Build quality varied—Roku’s purple fabric tag stood out, and the SofaBaton X1 handled the television, streamer, and audio gear through hub-based activities.
After thorough testing, these remotes proved their value for watching local news, live TV streaming services, and free movies. Whether streaming the Al Yankovic Story or browsing exclusive rewards, choosing the right remote makes all the difference.
FAQ
What are the best remotes for YouTube TV?
The best remotes for YouTube TV include the SofaBaton X2 for multi-device control, the Alexa Voice Remote Pro for Fire TV, and the Roku Voice Remote Pro for Roku users. Each offers intuitive navigation, voice assistant support, and customizable buttons, making them ideal for watching YouTube TV across different streaming platforms.
Can I use a universal remote for YouTube TV on Roku?
Yes! The best remotes for YouTube TV on Roku devices include the SofaBaton X2 and Roku Voice Remote Pro. The SofaBaton X2 works across multiple platforms, while the Roku Voice Remote Pro offers hands-free voice control, private listening, and rechargeable batteries, making it an excellent choice for Roku TV and streaming players.
Does YouTube TV work with Alexa?
Yes! The best remotes for YouTube TV with Alexa support include the Alexa Voice Remote Pro and SofaBaton X2. Fire TV users can say “Alexa, open YouTube TV” for hands-free access. The Alexa Voice Remote Pro also features customizable shortcut buttons and backlit keys, making navigation even easier in low-light settings.
Which remote is best for smart TVs with YouTube TV built-in?
The best remotes for YouTube TV on smart TVs depend on compatibility. The SofaBaton X2 supports most major brands, while Roku TV users should opt for the Roku Voice Remote Pro. Fire TV Edition users get the best experience with the Alexa Voice Remote Pro, offering voice control and dedicated streaming shortcuts.
Can I use my phone as a remote for YouTube TV?
Yes, the YouTube TV mobile app allows you to control streaming from your mobile device, but a physical remote offers better convenience. The best remotes for YouTube TV, like the SofaBaton X2, Alexa Voice Remote Pro, and Roku Voice Remote Pro, provide faster access, voice commands, and tactile buttons, improving the overall viewing experience.
Best Remotes for YouTube TV: Conclusion
The best remotes for YouTube TV depend on your setup. If you use multiple streaming devices, the SofaBaton X2 is the best option. Apple TV users should consider the Function101 Remote, while Fire TV users benefit from the Alexa Voice Remote Pro.
For Roku users, the Roku Voice Remote Pro offers voice search, private listening, and easy access to YouTube TV, Netflix Hotel, and live events. The SofaBaton U3 is the button-style universal alternative, while the SofaBaton X1 adds hub-based activities for a multi-device room.
Whether you’re part of the Roku community, watching individual programs, or streaming live TV, having the right remote ensures a seamless experience for the entire family. From cord stream setups to those using a cable box, the right source device enhances every aspect of streaming.
📚 Read Next: Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen vs 2nd Gen
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