Without a remote, Apple TV wouldn't be nearly as powerful. The Apple Siri remote, not surprisingly, is our favorite. The official solution has a touch trackpad on the top to navigate through menus, fast forward, rewind, and otherwise control content. There are other remote options available, however.
Best Overall: Apple TV Siri Remote
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Everyone with an Apple TV should buy this remote when a replacement is necessary. Yes, third-party solutions are available, but those are typically more difficult to learn. Besides, this is the remote Apple supports, which means it will always work with the latest Apple TV software.
The Siri Remote features a glass touch surface with an accelerometer and gyroscope built-in alongside Bluetooth connectivity, a long-lasting rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and as the name suggests: Siri. The remote is comfortable to hold, and the buttons are easy to feel and satisfying to click. The top of the remote is matte and textured while the back is shiny and smooth. There are also physical buttons for volume, Siri, and the main menu.
Being the best remote for Apple TV doesn't mean this product is perfect. As we noted in our original Apple TV 4K review, a better choice for some might be to use the free Apple TV Remote app for iOS. Regardless, the physical remote is noted for "avoid(ing) the problem that plagues every other multipurpose controller on the market: death by a bazillion buttons." Plus, a replacement is expensive.
If you need to replace your Apple TV remote, most will no doubt select an identical replacement.
Runner Up: Logitech Harmony Elite
Acting as the central hub, the touchscreen for the Logitech Harmony Elite allows you to access all sorts of different devices, including Apple TV, a gaming console or cable box, and more. Featuring a full-color touchscreen, use this remote control to assign up to 50 favorite channels, adjust volume, fast-forward or rewind using gestures and more. In total, this premium controller works with over 270,000 devices.
If you're only looking for a remote for your Apple TV, this one probably isn't your ideal choice. At its price point, it simply isn't worth it. If you're looking for a universal remote, however, this is every bit the remote you should at least consider.
If you want a universal remote control that can do absolutely everything and you don't care about the price,
Best Value: Logitech Harmony Smart Control
Like the remote above, the Logitech Harmony Smart Control works with over 270,000 devices including cable TV boxes, Apple TV, Roku, Sonos, Amazon Fire TV, Phillips Hue, Xbox One, PS3, and TV-connected PC or Mac. Unlike the other model, this one is relatively inexpensive by comparison.
The Logitech Harmony Smart Control gets the job done. Again, however, if you're only looking for a controller for your Apple TV, it might be wiser to stick with Apple's official Siri remote.
The Smart Control lets you control all of your smart devices, including your Apple TV, from either the remote itself or your iPhone, using the companion app.
Best All-in-One Solution: Caavo Universal Remote & Smart Home Hub
The Caavo Control Center lets you control everything connected to your television when you have an external streaming media player such as Apple TV. It provides an all-in-one solution for Cable/Sat TV, soundbars (Vizio, Sonos, Bose, etc.), game consoles (Xbox, PS4), DVD/Blu-Ray, and AVRs. You can connect up to four devices plus a soundbar. The Caavo supports the latest in home theater tech: 4K HDR, UHD, and Dolby Atmos. Available in the United States only.
If you're looking for a one-and-done solution for your television, check this one out. Otherwise, this could be, as many of the other options, more than you need.
When you're ready to take your living room entertainment solution to a new level.
Bottom line
When you're looking for a replacement for your faulty Apple TV Siri Remote, stick with what you know and get another Siri Remote. The Siri Remote has a glass touch surface and is easy to hold. The physical buttons are both satisfying to click and intuitive.
Though there are all-in-one remote solutions out there on the market, if you're only looking for a remote for your Apple TV, this is no doubt the one to stick with and get. Though not perfect, the official remote is the best one for Apple TV.
