sofabaton comparison chart universal remote

Sofabaton Comparison Chart: X2 vs X1S vs U2 (2026)

In Home Theater & Audio by Tim BrennanLeave a Comment

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If you’re looking for a SofaBaton comparison chart, this universal remote control update breaks down every current SofaBaton remote side by side-so you can quickly see which model is best for your setup.


Every SofaBaton Remote Compared

sofabaton comparison chartBetween this smart home blog and universalremotereviews.com, I’ve tested and written about SofaBaton remotes more than almost anyone else publishing today. One of my most-read posts over at universalremotereviews.com was a Harmony comparison chart breaking down the Harmony Elite against competing universal remotes.

Industry demand for universal remotes continues to grow, according to Verified Market Reports.

Now that SofaBaton has finally released the X2, the lineup has matured in a meaningful way. With the legacy SofaBaton X1 and U1 remotes now discontinued, there are five active SofaBaton remotes that still matter. They are:

  • SofaBaton X2
  • SofaBaton X1S
  • SofaBaton X1
  • SofaBaton U2
  • SofaBaton U2 Backlit

The differences between them are often subtle, but important. That’s why it was time to build an updated SofaBaton comparison chart that clearly shows what each remote does well, where the limitations are, and which one makes sense depending on your budget and setup.


SofaBaton Comparison Table

SofaBaton X2
SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Touchscreen, Powerful Hub, One-Touch Activities, Custom APP, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/RF/WiFi Devices, Works with Alexa&Google Assistant&Home Assistant10
SofaBaton X1S
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub, Improved Scroll, Smart Remote All in One with Customize One Touch Activities, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/WiFi Devices10
SofaBaton X1
SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote with Hub and App, All-in-One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customize Activities, Control Up to 60 IR/Bluetooth/WiFi Devices10
SofaBaton U2
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Control (with Backlight) with APP and Macro Buttons, Extended Infrared Range, Raise-to-Wake, Compatible with IR & Bluetooth Devices, All-in-one Smart Universal Remote10
SofaBaton U2 Backlit
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Upgrade Backlit Button,Improved Scroll, All in One Universal Remote Control with App Control, Custom Macros, Compatible with Smart TVs,Sound Bar and DVD10
Best For
Advanced smart homes & AV power users
Harmony Elite-style universal control
Mid-range hub setups
Budget Universal Control
Budget Universal with illuminated Buttons
Control Methods
IR, RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
IR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
IR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
IR, Bluetooth
IR, Bluetooth
Backlit Buttons
Voice Assistant Support
Alexa, Google
Alexa, Google
Alexa, Google
Smart Home Standards
✔ Broad smart-home support
✘ Limited (Hue, Sonos, select IP)
✘ Limited (Hue, Sonos)
Smart Home Integrations
✔ Wide ecosystem support
Hue, Sonos, Select IP devices
Hue, Sonos, Select IP devices
Screen Type
Color Touchscreen
Color LCD (non-touch)
Color LCD (non-touch)
Standard Button Panel
Standard Button Panel
Screen Size
2.4″
2.0″
2.0″
-
-
Hub Included
Activities / Macros
✔ Advanced
✔ Limited
✔ Limited
Rechargeable Battery
✔ USB-C
Smartphone App
IR Learning
Price
$359.99
$199.99
$99.99
$66.49
$69.99
SofaBaton X2
SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote Control with Touchscreen, Powerful Hub, One-Touch Activities, Custom APP, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/RF/WiFi Devices, Works with Alexa&Google Assistant&Home Assistant10
Best For
Advanced smart homes & AV power users
Control Methods
IR, RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Backlit Buttons
Voice Assistant Support
Alexa, Google
Smart Home Standards
✔ Broad smart-home support
Smart Home Integrations
✔ Wide ecosystem support
Screen Type
Color Touchscreen
Screen Size
2.4″
Hub Included
Activities / Macros
✔ Advanced
Rechargeable Battery
Smartphone App
IR Learning
Price
$359.99
SofaBaton X1S
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub, Improved Scroll, Smart Remote All in One with Customize One Touch Activities, Compatible with IR/Bluetooth/WiFi Devices10
Best For
Harmony Elite-style universal control
Control Methods
IR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Backlit Buttons
Voice Assistant Support
Alexa, Google
Smart Home Standards
✘ Limited (Hue, Sonos, select IP)
Smart Home Integrations
Hue, Sonos, Select IP devices
Screen Type
Color LCD (non-touch)
Screen Size
2.0″
Hub Included
Activities / Macros
Rechargeable Battery
✔ USB-C
Smartphone App
IR Learning
Price
$199.99
SofaBaton X1
SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote with Hub and App, All-in-One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customize Activities, Control Up to 60 IR/Bluetooth/WiFi Devices10
Best For
Mid-range hub setups
Control Methods
IR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Backlit Buttons
Voice Assistant Support
Alexa, Google
Smart Home Standards
✘ Limited (Hue, Sonos)
Smart Home Integrations
Hue, Sonos, Select IP devices
Screen Type
Color LCD (non-touch)
Screen Size
2.0″
Hub Included
Activities / Macros
Rechargeable Battery
Smartphone App
IR Learning
Price
$99.99
SofaBaton U2
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Control (with Backlight) with APP and Macro Buttons, Extended Infrared Range, Raise-to-Wake, Compatible with IR & Bluetooth Devices, All-in-one Smart Universal Remote10
Best For
Budget Universal Control
Control Methods
IR, Bluetooth
Backlit Buttons
Voice Assistant Support
Smart Home Standards
Smart Home Integrations
Screen Type
Standard Button Panel
Screen Size
-
Hub Included
Activities / Macros
✔ Limited
Rechargeable Battery
Smartphone App
IR Learning
Price
$66.49
SofaBaton U2 Backlit
SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Upgrade Backlit Button,Improved Scroll, All in One Universal Remote Control with App Control, Custom Macros, Compatible with Smart TVs,Sound Bar and DVD10
Best For
Budget Universal with illuminated Buttons
Control Methods
IR, Bluetooth
Backlit Buttons
Voice Assistant Support
Smart Home Standards
Smart Home Integrations
Screen Type
Standard Button Panel
Screen Size
-
Hub Included
Activities / Macros
✔ Limited
Rechargeable Battery
Smartphone App
IR Learning
Price
$69.99

Last update on 01/06/2026 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


SofaBaton X2 – The True Harmony Replacement

The sofabaton comparison chart places the X2 at the top because it’s the closest real Harmony Elite successor currently available and a big improvement over older SofaBaton models.

Key Specifications

  • Control methods: IR, RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Screen: Color touch screen (OLED-style clarity)
  • Power: Rechargeable battery with charging dock
  • Hub: Included, with IR blasters
  • Smart home: Broad smart home systems support

Designed for advanced home theaters, the X2 handles complex AV receiver chains, HDMI extenders, and a wide range of devices like Apple TV, Fire TV, Blu-ray players, and modern Samsung TV or Vizio TV setups. The new activity system improves source configuration and reliably selects the correct input.

In daily use, physical buttons pair well with the touch screen, while the scroll wheel, back button, and refined button layout reduce friction compared to old Harmony workflows. Battery life remains strong even with frequent voice commands and assistant integration.

Video Review

🎥 Video Credit: Cameron Gray

Where to Buy

Editor's Choice
SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote
$359.99

The X2 is Sofabaton's new flagship remote with a touchscreen, charging dock, and improved smart home control.

Buy from Amazon
01/06/2026 10:20 am GMT

SofaBaton X1S – Familiar Harmony-Style Control

In the sofabaton comparison chart, the X1S appeals most to users transitioning from an old Harmony remote who still want hub-based control without the X2 price.

Key Specifications

  • Control methods: IR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Screen: Color LCD (non-touch)
  • Power: Rechargeable via USB-C
  • Hub: Included
  • Smart home: Limited (Philips Hue integration, select IP devices)

The X1S works well with Apple TV, Fire TV, DVD players, and Bluetooth devices such as a wireless speaker. IR signal reliability is solid, and the SofaBaton app simplifies the setup process compared to earlier generations.

Assistant integration supports Google Assistant and Alexa for basic voice control, though smart home controls are more limited than the X2. For many users, the main reason to choose the X1S is familiarity-it feels closer to a Harmony Hub replacement.

Video Review

I’ve covered the X1S in depth here and out on my YouTube channel and plan a lot more content on the X2. Here’s my unboxing of the X1 model.

Where to Buy

Exclusive Deal - Save $10
SofaBaton X1S
$199.99

SofaBaton is offering my readers $10 off the X1S remote. Click below and check the box on the Amazon product page to claim it.

Buy from Amazon
01/07/2026 12:32 am GMT

SofaBaton X1 – Proven Mid-Range Hub Remote

The sofabaton comparison chart still includes the X1 because it remains a capable mid-range option for simpler home entertainment setups.

Key Specifications

  • Control methods: IR, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Screen: Color LCD (non-touch)
  • Power: Rechargeable via USB-C
  • Hub: Included
  • Smart home: Limited smart home controls

The X1 supports a wide range of devices, including Blu-ray players, older TVs, and Bluetooth mode accessories. Its IR codes database covers most required devices, and IR blasters help manage cabinets and closed racks.

Where it trails newer models is polish. The mobile app and code base feel older, and creating a new activity can take longer. Still, for users who want a dependable harmony replacement without paying for flagship features, the X1 holds up.

Video Review

🎥 Video Credit: TwoGuyzTech

Where to Buy

SofaBaton U2 Backlit – Budget Remote with Better Visibility

The sofabaton comparison chart separates the U2 Backlit for one practical reason: usability in dark rooms.

Key Specifications

  • Control methods: IR, Bluetooth
  • Screen: None
  • Power: AA batteries
  • Hub: Not included
  • Smart home: None

Functionally identical to the standard U2, this model adds backlit physical buttons that make a noticeable difference in home theaters. Button layout remains intuitive, and IR codes cover a wide range of devices.

If you’re choosing between the two and spot a discount coupon for a limited time, the U2 Backlit is often the smarter buy.

Video Review

🎥 Video Credit: hollywoodfrodo

Where to Buy

SofaBaton U2 Backlit
$69.99
Buy from Amazon
01/06/2026 12:17 pm GMT

SofaBaton U2 – Budget Universal with Physical Buttons

In the sofabaton comparison chart, the U2 is clearly positioned as a budget universal remote control for basic rooms and secondary TVs.

Key Specifications

  • Control methods: IR, Bluetooth
  • Screen: None
  • Power: AA batteries
  • Hub: Not included
  • Smart home: None

The U2 focuses on physical buttons, a straightforward pause button layout, and reliable IR signal output. It works well with TVs, DVD players, and basic AV receiver setups but excludes smart home controls and voice control.

Its biggest advantage is simplicity. There’s no Wi-Fi network, no hub, and no complex setup process-making it ideal for quick daily use.

Video Review

🎥 Video Credit: GoTechGeek

Where to Buy

Best Budget Universal
SofaBaton U2
$66.49

Control up to 15 streaming and home entertainment devices with the newest backlit SofaBaton U2 universal remote.

Buy from Amazon
01/06/2026 02:17 pm GMT

 

Verdict: Which SofaBaton Remote Is Worth Buying?

Based on hands-on use across different devices and real-world home entertainment setups, this sofabaton comparison chart makes the buying decision fairly clear.
sofabaton comparison chart

✅ Recommended

  • SofaBaton X2 (Top Pick)
    The main reason to buy the SofaBaton X line today. Its unfolded circle navigation, OLED-style touch screen, strong s hub performance, and reliable right input switching make it the best choice for complex setups with an AV receiver, Blu-ray player, and Philips Hue lights. If you care about key features, correct power setting behavior, and daily use polish, this is the clear winner.
  • SofaBaton X1S (Best Value Hub Remote)
    A solid choice if you want hub-based control without flagship pricing. It handles different devices well, supports assistant integration, and works reliably with most TVs released last year. It’s not built for full smart home expansion, but for a focused home entertainment setup, it still makes sense.
  • SofaBaton U2 Backlit (Best Budget Pick)
    If you just need dependable physical buttons and visibility in dark rooms, this SofaBaton U variant delivers. It won’t control electric scooters or advanced smart home systems, but for basic TVs and disc players, it’s simple, effective, and affordable.

❌ Don’t Bother (For Most People)

  • SofaBaton X1 (Unless You Find a Steep Discount)
    While still functional, its model number now feels dated. The lack of OLED displays, slower setup process, and less refined button layout mean newer options offer better value unless you find a deep discount.
  • SofaBaton U2 (Standard, Non-Backlit)
    With no full keyboard, no hub, and no lighting, it’s harder to justify when the Backlit version exists. For most users, paying slightly more for better visibility and usability is the smarter move.

For deeper breakdowns of compatible devices and edge cases, your devices article will still matter-but for most buyers, these recommendations cover the right button presses that count.

📚 Read Next: Sofabaton X1S vs X2


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