As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This SofaBaton X1S review is based on weeks of testing in my home, including comparisons with the older X1 and discontinued Harmony remotes.
Universal Remotes Are My Jam
Since then, I’ve partnered with SofaBaton and they have graciously sent me every product in their universal remote line-including the updated X1S remote. The Sofabaton X1S is designed to unify your streaming boxes, Blu-ray players, game consoles, and sound systems and more with one universal controller.
The X1S upgrades go beyond looks—it’s faster to set up, easier to use, and more responsive. Features like raise-to-wake, a better app, and smarter button placement make it feel like a real step up from the original.
In the rest of this SofaBaton X1S review, I’ll review the pros and cons of this remote, include detailed specifications, and break down how it compares directly to the older X1 and even Logitech’s flagship Harmony Elite.
Key Takeaways
Here’s what my Sofabaton X1S review revealed after testing and comparing the SofaBaton X1S vs X1 vs Harmony line:
- Compared to the X1: The X1S is faster, easier to set up, has a better button layout based on user feedback, adds raise-to-wake, and includes a remote finder.
- Compared to the Harmony Elite: The X1S lacks advanced smart home support-but it’s the best remote you can buy today.
- Final Verdict: If you’re tired of juggling remotes, the X1S is the smartest universal solution still in active production.
Meet the SofaBaton X1S
Let’s kick off my Sofabaton X1S review with an overview of this remote along with the pros and cons.
The SofaBaton X1S is a refined universal remote that controls up to 60 devices across IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi protocols – including TVs, soundbars, Blu-ray players, streamers, game consoles, and even air conditioners. It’s built around a compact hub and includes dual IR blasters for 360-degree coverage, making it ideal for hiding gear inside a media cabinet or under a coffee table.
Compared to the original X1, the X1S features:
- Raise-to-wake motion sensor for quicker access and ease of use
- Faster, cleaner app setup with better navigation and fewer hiccups
- Improved button layout and subtle design upgrades for daily comfort
- Feels more polished than the original X1 without overhauling the hardware
- Smart home features are limited to basic voice control and power toggles.
You can start Activities using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and control Philips Hue lights (on/off only), but there’s no support for dimming, color control, HomeKit, or routines.
The SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote includes a hub and app for advanced multi-device control, offering a seamless replacement for Apple TV and other home entertainment systems.
Whether you’re powering on a Sony TV, switching to a Fire TV Cube, or juggling legacy devices with IR codes, the X1S offers the best balance of flexibility and simplicity I’ve seen in years.
What I Like
- Controls up to 60 devices across IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
- SofaBaton app is faster and much easier to use than before
- USB-C charging and solid battery life
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Strong performance for complex AV setups and multiple rooms
What Could Be Better
- Smart home support is limited to on/off commands (no dimming or scenes)
- No touchscreen interface
- Requires hub for most functions
- Voice control depends on an external smart speaker
SofaBaton X1S vs X1 vs Harmony Elite
Controlling a home entertainment system with multiple remotes can be a hassle—but the SofaBaton X1S was designed to fix that. It improves on the original X1 with smoother IR, better design, and broader compatibility, including Wi-Fi and IR devices.
The following Sofabaton X1S Review Table breaks down how it stacks up to the original X1 and Logitech’s last great remote:
Last update on 05/16/2025 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Setup & Real-World Sofabaton X1S Review
Next up in my Sofabaton X1S review, we’ll tackle the setup and I’ll tell you about my personal experience with using this remote.
If you’ve ever tried setting up a universal remote for a home theater system, you know how tedious it can get-especially with multiple input devices, IR codes, and power settings that need to stay in sync.
Thankfully, the entire setup process on the X1S is a major leap forward from the original X1. The updated SofaBaton app walks you through adding devices like your Vizio TV, Dish TV Joey, or even an air conditioner, using either a model number or brand search.
Once added, you can assign each to an Activity like “Watch TV” or “Movie Night.” During my testing, I had no problem syncing a Sony TV, an Amazon Fire TV Cube, and an older AmazonBasics soundbar. Power commands, input switching, and volume controls all synced properly after the first attempt.
My Sofabaton X1
The small OLED display at the top of the front gives you access to your Activities and device list. Navigation feels responsive thanks to the nubby scroll wheel and circular D-pad, and the standard remote buttons are placed logically. The remote feels like a thoughtful upgrade rather than a gadget built for engineers.
Battery life has been solid over the weeks I’ve used it, and I love that it charges via USB-C-no more digging around for a micro-USB cable.
Here is the unboxing video that I did for my first X1 remote over at my @TecTimmy YouTube channel. I’ll be unboxing the new remote and get a proper Sofabaton X1S review out on YouTube soon, so please subscribe!
Infographic: What the X1S Can Control
As part of my Sofabaton X1S review, I wanted to include a list of what the X1 can control
🟢 IR Devices: TVs, Blu-ray players, cable boxes, home entertainment systems, air conditioners
🔵 Bluetooth: Amazon Fire TV Cube, Apple TV, game consoles
🟣 Wi-Fi: Philips Hue (on/off), Sonos, Roku (limited)
⚙️ Control Types: Power, Volume, Input, Navigation, Activities
📱 Controlled via: SofaBaton X1S + Hub + Mobile App
Frequently Asked Questions
This SofaBaton X1S review wouldn’t be complete without a proper FAQ. I culled the most common questions I could find out in the forums including the r/Sofabaton subreddit and the AVS Forum.
Is the SofaBaton X1S suitable for complex home setups?
Yes. The SofaBaton X1S supports up to 60 devices across IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi protocols, making it ideal for complex systems. The included hub and dual IR blasters deliver 360-degree control, even through cabinets. Setup via the SofaBaton app is quick, and its wide code base ensures excellent compatibility with almost any home setup.
What smart home controls does it support?
In my SofaBaton X1S review, I found that it supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and basic on/off control for Philips Hue lights. It doesn’t support dimming, routines, or Sonos volume beyond simple toggles—but for basic automations, it does the job well.
Can the X1S control Fire TV, Apple TV, and traditional cable?
Yes. The X1S works with Amazon Fire TV Cube, Apple TV, and traditional cable boxes. It supports IR or Bluetooth depending on the device. You can set the correct input using the app and customize actions per next device. SofaBaton’s database includes nearly all mainstream models and allows custom mapping for any IR device.
What’s the biggest improvement over the X1?
The biggest improvement in my SofaBaton X1S review was ease of use. It’s more ergonomic, the USB-C plug extends battery life, and the setup experience in the app is much smoother overall. The scroll wheel and button layout also feel more refined.
Is the hub required for everything to work?
Yes. The hub is required for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices and expands IR coverage using dual extenders. Without the hub, you’re limited to basic IR control. It connects to your Wi-Fi network and handles background syncing with the remote, which is essential for automating multi-device activities and managing more complex setups reliably.
How does the remote feel and function day to day?
Based on my SofaBaton X1S review, it feels great in the hand thanks to its soft bottom edges and compact design. The backlit keys and scroll wheel are intuitive, and while the off button is oddly placed, it’s still one of the better day-to-day universal remotes I’ve tested.
How does it compare to other universal remotes?
The X1S isn’t as advanced as the old Logitech Harmony line in smart home integration, but it’s the best universal remote still in production. It’s easier to use, less bloated, and supports more device types out of the box. For most people, it’s the next step-and the best option-right now.
Sofbaton X1S Review: Final Verdict
If you’re still holding onto a Harmony remote from Logitech’s now-discontinued lineup, you’re not alone – but you’re also running out of time. SofaBaton’s X1S is the first remote I’ve tested that actually feels like a refined remote design – not a compromise.
It doesn’t match the Harmony Elite’s deep smart home features, but for everyday control of entertainment devices across IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, the X1S gets the job done – and looks good doing it.
If you’re building a home theater and want something your family won’t need a cheat sheet to operate, the SofaBaton X1S is the best universal remote still in production – and the only one I currently recommend.
👉 Check out the SofaBaton X1S at Amazon and see why it’s worth the upgrade.
If you liked my Sofabaton X1S review, you might also like this other article I wrote on the best Logitech Harmony alternatives. I’ll bet you can guess which universal remote is at the top of that list.
Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for a fun take on all things tech.