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I compare the Sofabaton X1s vs U2 to help you decide which universal remote control is best for managing your smart home and entertainment setup.
Battle of the Button Bosses
I’ve spent weeks testing the Sofabaton X1s and U2 across my full stack of living room tech-from smart TVs and Fire TV to old-school DVD players and even my game console. If you’re juggling three or more remotes and dreaming of one remote to rule them all, this is the showdown you’ve been waiting for.
What makes this match-up more interesting is how different they feel in the hand and in day-to-day use. The X1s brings hub-based power and app-driven control, while the U2 keeps things simple with tactile macro buttons and no base station required.
According to Polaris Market Research, demand for universal remote controls is growing steadily-fueled by the rise in home theaters, IR devices, streaming services, and smart home integration. Both remotes reflect this trend, offering scroll wheels, OLED displays, and support for dozens of devices via IR and Bluetooth.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the key differences between these two popular models and help you choose the right one for your system.
Key Takeaways
Here are the top reasons to consider the Sofabaton X1s vs U2 for your next universal remote control:
- X1s is better for smart home integration, with app-driven voice commands, Bluetooth mode, and seamless control of multiple IR devices.
- U2 is more practical for everyday use, with longer battery life, tactile macro buttons, and excellent support for traditional media players.
- Both offer strong compatibility across game consoles, streaming services, and home entertainment devices, making them good options for replacing multiple remotes.
Specs Comparison Table
To help you decide between the Sofabaton X1s vs U2, I’ve created a side-by-side comparison focused on the most important real-world features-especially for home theater integration, smart control, and app usability.
Last update on 07/21/2025 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sofabaton X1S – Hands-On Review
At a Glance
- Type: App-connected universal remote with IR hub
- Use Case: Smart home and multi-device entertainment setups
- Display: 2.0″ OLED with scroll wheel navigation
- Voice Assistants: Alexa & Google Assistant (via app + hub)
- Ideal For: Harmony Hub replacements, power users, advanced macros
I’ve been using the Sofabaton X1S in my home for over a year, and as someone who’s reviewed dozens of remotes on UniversalRemoteReviews.com, I can confidently say this one brings real firepower. The included hub and dual IR blasters give it a range that rivals-and in some cases exceeds-the now-retired Harmony Elite.
The app setup is smooth, allowing you to group multiple devices into one-touch activities (e.g., “Watch Roku” dims my lights, powers the soundbar, and switches the TV input). The scroll wheel feels fantastic and makes switching between up to 60 devices fast and intuitive. I also love the built-in rechargeable battery, which lasts me around a week between charges with daily use.
Smart home integration is robust-Alexa and Google Assistant both play nicely when paired through the Sofabaton app, allowing voice commands for simple actions. This is my go-to remote when I want everything to “just work,” and it has earned that spot through consistent performance and versatility.
For those comparing the Sofabaton X1s vs U2, the X1s is clearly the more advanced universal remote if you want total control over your smart home and entertainment system.
Pros
- Scroll wheel and OLED make switching devices fast
- IR hub and dual blasters support hard-to-reach devices
- Voice assistant support via app
- Clean activity-based control for entire setups
- Solid rechargeable battery and USB-C charging
Cons
- App setup can be a bit slow when syncing macros
- No physical number pad (all digital)
- Requires hub for smart home control
- Occasional Bluetooth pairing retries needed
- Remote is slightly top-heavy
Where to Get It
Click the green button below to check the latest sale price on Amazon.
Control up to 60 devices with the SofaBaton X1S universal remote, hub, and app for seamless home entertainment.
Video Review
Here’s a video I did over on my @TecTimmy YouTube channel of the original X1 remote. Sofabaton just sent me out their latest X1S to test so please subscribe as I will be reviewing it soon as well.
Sofabaton U2 – Hands-On Review
At a Glance
- Type: IR and Bluetooth universal remote (no hub)
- Use Case: Simpler living room setups or backup remotes
- Display: 1.3″ OLED with scroll wheel
- Voice Assistants: None
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, traditional AV control, ease of use
I also own and use the Sofabaton U2, and while it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the X1s, it’s a great option for straightforward control. You still get that signature scroll wheel and OLED display, and the 8 dedicated macro buttons let you program common sequences (like “Power On” + “Input HDMI 1” + “Volume Up”) without needing an app at all.
What’s really nice is the U2 runs on two AA batteries and goes for months. It’s a no-fuss workhorse that’s especially useful in setups that don’t need smart assistant support. While I personally use the X1s for most of my gear, I’ve deployed the U2 in my office and garage setups where I just need fast, reliable IR control.
Setup is quicker than the X1s since there’s no hub, but that also means smart home routines and voice integrations are off the table. Still, if you want a budget-friendly remote that feels modern, this is a solid pick.
In the Sofabaton X1s vs U2 matchup, the U2 holds its own as a no-nonsense, budget-friendly remote for IR-based setups that don’t require voice commands or a hub.
Pros
- No hub required-just pair and go
- Great scroll wheel + backlit buttons
- 8 physical macro buttons
- Long battery life with AA power
- Pairs with TVs, soundbars, Fire TV, DVD players
Cons
- No app-based activities or voice control
- Limited to 15 devices max
- No smart home integration
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Requires line-of-sight for IR accuracy
Where to Get It
Click the green button below to check the latest sale price on Amazon.
Control up to 15 streaming and home entertainment devices with the newest backlit SofaBaton U2 universal remote.
Video Review
As you can see in the following YouTube short, I also got the latest U2 remote from Sofabaton so please subscribe for my upcoming video comparing Sofabaton X1S vs U2.
https://www.youtube.com/@TecTimmy
FAQ
What’s the biggest difference between the Sofabaton X1s vs U2?
The biggest difference in the Sofabaton X1s vs U2 comparison is that the X1s includes a smart hub for controlling Bluetooth, IR, and limited Wi-Fi devices, while the U2 is strictly IR and Bluetooth without app-based automation or voice control. The X1s is ideal for smart homes, while the U2 is more traditional.
Does the Sofabaton U2 support voice commands like the X1s?
No, the U2 does not support any voice assistants. In the Sofabaton X1s vs U2 matchup, only the X1s integrates with Alexa or Google Assistant-via the app and hub-allowing voice-based device control. The U2 is strictly button-operated and designed for simpler setups without smart assistant integration.
Which remote is easier to set up in the Sofabaton X1s vs U2 comparison?
The Sofabaton U2 is easier to set up because it requires no hub or app. You can pair devices directly using the OLED screen and scroll wheel. The X1s setup is more powerful but takes longer due to the hub, mobile app, and optional activity macros that must be configured during setup.
Can both Sofabaton X1S vs U2 control Bluetooth streaming devices like Fire TV?
Yes, both remotes in the Sofabaton X1s vs U2 comparison can control devices like Fire TV via Bluetooth mode. However, the X1s allows more advanced integration using app-based activities and voice control, while the U2 supports basic navigation functions without app syncing or routine-based automation.
Is the Sofabaton X1s worth the extra cost over the U2?
If you want smart home integration, voice control, and deeper automation, the X1s is worth the investment in the Sofabaton X1s vs U2 debate. However, if you just want to consolidate remotes for TVs, soundbars, and DVD players, the U2 may be the more cost-effective choice for your needs.
Sofabaton X1s vs U2: Conclusion
The Sofabaton X1s vs U2 debate comes down to how advanced your setup is-and how much control you really need.
- Choose the X1s if you want full smart home control, app-based activities, IR + Bluetooth coverage, and voice assistant integration.
- Choose the U2 if you prefer simplicity, want a reliable button-based remote, or need a dependable secondary option without the need for a hub.
I’ve tested both extensively as part of my work with Sofabaton, and I can honestly say they each serve a clear purpose. Whether you’re replacing a Harmony remote or just looking to clean up your coffee table, one of these will absolutely fit the bill.
📚 Read Next: Sofabaton X1S Review
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.