Remote Controls Price Comparison
Compare 224 remote controls from One For All, Philips, Logitech and more — find the best price across top UK retailers in one place.
Remote Controls price comparison UK
Remote controls are one of those purchases that only gets attention when something goes wrong — the original snaps in half, the dog chews through it, or you've just lost it for the third time this month. What's striking when you look at the full picture here is just how wide the price spread is: from 14 £ for a basic Sky replacement to well over 48 £ for programmable multi-device units from Logitech or Savio. Most buyers, though, will find everything they need somewhere between 25 £ and 36 £.
One For All dominates this category — and for good reason. With 34 products and an average price that undercuts Philips and Samsung, they've built a strong reputation for universal compatibility without the premium price tag. Their replacement remotes for Sony, Samsung, Philips, and Telefunken TVs are consistently among the most sought-after options, particularly for households where the original remote has given up the ghost. Nedis offers a budget-friendly alternative worth considering if you're replacing a basic TV remote and don't need any bells and whistles.
The real decision most buyers face isn't about brand — it's about compatibility and setup. A universal remote that controls your TV, soundbar, and set-top box in one hand is genuinely useful; a cheap replacement that only half-works with your specific model is a waste of money regardless of the price. Infrared (IR) remains the standard for most home setups, but Bluetooth-capable models like the One For All URC 7966 open up more flexibility, especially if your devices are tucked away in a cabinet.
It's also worth noting that Logitech and Jabra sit at the higher end of the market here — Logitech averaging around 48 £ — and are aimed at users who want to consolidate control of an entire home entertainment system into a single, programmable device. For most living rooms, that level of investment isn't necessary. But if you're managing a Sky box, smart TV, Blu-ray player, and a soundbar, a proper multi-device remote pays for itself in convenience within a week.
Prices across retailers like Amazon.co.uk, Currys, and Argos can vary meaningfully on the same model — sometimes by several pounds — which is exactly where comparing before you buy makes a difference. Use MagicPrices to track price drops, particularly around Black Friday and the January sales when accessories like these often see quiet but genuine discounts.
How to Choose the Right Remote Control
One For All alone accounts for over a third of the products in this category — which tells you something about how consolidated the universal remote market has become. But more choice within a brand doesn't mean every model is right for every setup. Here's what actually matters when picking a remote.
Compatibility with your specific devices
This is non-negotiable. A replacement remote that doesn't work with your TV model is worthless, full stop. For single-device replacements, check the model number carefully — One For All's brand-specific remotes (Sony, Samsung, LG, Philips) are coded to work out of the box, but you'll want to confirm your TV's model series is supported. For universal remotes, look for a large code database or an IR learning function as a fallback. If you have a Sky box, the Sky SKY135 is the obvious choice — no setup required.
IR vs Bluetooth: does line-of-sight matter in your room?
Most remotes use infrared (IR), which means you need to point it roughly at the device — typically within 5–8 metres. That's fine for a standard living room. But if your TV cabinet has doors, or your devices are in a different alcove, IR will frustrate you. Bluetooth remotes like the One For All URC 7966 work through obstacles and around corners, at ranges up to 10–15 metres. The trade-off: Bluetooth remotes cost more and require pairing. For most setups, IR is perfectly adequate — don't pay for Bluetooth if you don't need it.
How many devices do you actually need to control?
A basic replacement remote handles one device. A universal remote like the One For All Smart Control 5 or Contour 8 can manage TV, set-top box, Blu-ray, soundbar, and more from a single handset. If you currently juggle three remotes on your sofa, a multi-device model in the 25 £–36 £ range is a genuinely worthwhile upgrade. If you just need to replace a broken TV remote, don't overspend on features you'll never use.
Button layout and ergonomics
More buttons isn't better — it's often worse. A remote with 60 buttons is harder to use in the dark and more prone to accidental presses. Look for well-spaced, tactile keys with logical groupings. Backlit buttons are a real-world convenience that's easy to overlook until you're squinting at a remote at 11pm. Weight matters too: anything over 150g starts to feel cumbersome after an hour of TV. The best remotes in this category hit a sweet spot around 100–130g.
Battery type and expected life
The vast majority of remotes here run on standard AA or AAA alkaline batteries, which last 6–12 months under normal use. That's fine for most people. A small number of premium models include rechargeable batteries — useful if you're tired of hunting for spare AAs, but it adds cost and means you need to remember to charge it. For a basic replacement remote, battery type is a minor consideration. For a high-use universal remote, a rechargeable option can save money over time.
Programmability: code-based vs learning IR
Code-based programming (entering a 4–5 digit code from a booklet or app) is the standard approach for universal remotes and works well when your device is in the database. Learning IR is the fallback: you point the old remote at the new one and it copies the signal. This is invaluable for older or obscure devices. If you own anything unusual — a vintage hi-fi, a niche projector — make sure your chosen remote supports IR learning. Most One For All models above the entry level do.
- Budget replacements (From 14 £ to 25 £) : Basic single-device replacements and brand-specific remotes. Sky's own replacement, Nedis TV remotes, and One For All's entry-level Evolve models live here. No frills, no setup complexity — ideal if you just need a working remote for one device. Don't expect backlit buttons or multi-device support at this price.
- The sweet spot (From 25 £ to 36 £) : This is where most buyers should look. One For All's Contour 8, Evolve 4, and brand-specific replacements for Sony, Samsung, and Philips all sit here. Good build quality, reliable compatibility, and enough features for the average living room. Nedis also offers solid options at the lower end of this range.
- Multi-device universals (From 36 £ to 48 £) : Universal remotes that handle 5–8 devices, often with Bluetooth alongside IR. The One For All URC 7966 and Smart Control 5 are representative. Philips' professional-grade models appear here too. Worth the step up if you're consolidating multiple remotes — the convenience is real.
- Professional and programmable (Over 48 £) : Logitech's advanced multi-device remotes and Savio's specialist range occupy this tier. Designed for complex home entertainment setups, often with app-based programming, touchscreens, or RF capability. Overkill for most households, but genuinely powerful tools for home cinema enthusiasts or installers.
Top products
- One For All TV Replacement Remotes Sony TV Replacement Remote (One For All) : The go-to choice for Sony TV owners who've lost or broken their original remote — works straight out of the box with no programming. Solid build and reliable IR performance, though it won't help if you own anything other than a Sony.
- One For All URC 7966 remote control IR/Bluetooth DVD/Blu-ray, Game console, Loudspeaker, Soundbar speaker, TV, TV set-top box Press buttons (One For All) : The most versatile option in this category — hybrid IR and Bluetooth means it works with virtually any setup, including devices inside closed cabinets. Best value for anyone consolidating multiple remotes, though the price step up from basic models is noticeable.
- One For All Smart Control 5 remote control DTT, DVD/Blu-ray, Game console, Home cinema system, IPTV, SAT, TNT, TV Press buttons (One For All) : Controls up to five devices including SAT, IPTV, and home cinema systems — a genuinely useful all-rounder for a busy living room. Setup via the One For All app is straightforward. Not the cheapest multi-device option, but the breadth of compatibility justifies it.
- Sky SKY135 remote control Sky, TV Press buttons (Sky) : The cheapest product in the category and the obvious choice if you just need a working Sky remote. No setup, no fuss. Don't bother with a third-party alternative — at this price, the official replacement is a no-brainer.
- One For All Basic Universal Remote Contour 8 (One For All) : Controls up to eight devices and sits at a very accessible price point — good ergonomics and a clean button layout make it one of the better entry-level universals. A sensible first step if you're moving away from juggling multiple remotes, though power users will quickly outgrow it.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a One For All remote work with my TV straight away?
In most cases, yes — but it depends on the model you choose. One For All's brand-specific replacement remotes (for Sony, Samsung, LG, Philips, Telefunken) are pre-programmed and require no setup. Their universal models need a quick code-entry process using the included guide or the One For All app. The code databases are extensive, covering thousands of TV models, so compatibility is rarely an issue for mainstream brands. If your TV is older or obscure, look for a model with IR learning as a backup.
What's the difference between a universal remote and a replacement remote?
A replacement remote is designed to replicate the original handset for one specific brand or model — it works immediately with no programming. A universal remote is designed to control multiple devices from different brands, requiring a short setup process. Replacement remotes are simpler and cheaper; universal remotes are more versatile. If you only need to replace a broken handset for a single TV, a replacement remote is the better choice. If you want to ditch three remotes for one, go universal.
Is it worth buying a Bluetooth remote instead of a standard IR one?
Only if your setup genuinely needs it. Bluetooth remotes work without line-of-sight, which is useful if your devices are inside a closed cabinet or in an adjacent alcove. They also tend to have longer range — up to 15 metres versus 5–8 metres for IR. However, they cost more, require pairing, and can occasionally have connectivity hiccups. For a standard open living room where you point the remote at the TV, IR is perfectly reliable and significantly cheaper. The One For All URC 7966 offers hybrid IR/Bluetooth if you want both options.
Can I use a cheap universal remote with a Sky box?
You can control basic Sky functions with a compatible universal remote, but you'll likely lose access to Sky-specific shortcuts and the guide button may not work correctly. For full Sky functionality, the Sky SKY135 replacement remote is the most reliable option — and at around 14 £, it's also the cheapest product in this category. Third-party universals like One For All do include Sky codes, but results vary depending on your Sky box generation. If Sky is your primary device, stick with the official replacement.
How long should a remote control last before needing replacement?
A well-made remote should last 5–10 years under normal household use. The most common failure points are worn button contacts (buttons stop registering presses) and cracked casings from drops. Cheap remotes with thin plastic shells tend to fail sooner. If individual buttons are becoming unresponsive before the remote is a few years old, that's a sign of poor build quality. One For All and Philips models in the 25 £–36 £ range generally hold up well; very cheap no-brand options often don't.
Are there any remote controls to avoid?
Be cautious with unbranded or very cheap remotes sold as 'universal' with no clear compatibility information — they often have limited code databases and poor IR sensitivity. Also worth avoiding: remotes marketed for specific TV brands that turn out to be generic units with a sticker. Stick to established names like One For All, Nedis, or Philips for reliable compatibility. At the premium end, check whether Logitech's higher-priced models are still receiving software support, as some older Harmony models have been discontinued.
Do remote controls work through glass TV cabinet doors?
Standard IR remotes do not reliably work through solid or tinted glass — the infrared signal is blocked or weakened. Clear glass may allow partial transmission, but it's inconsistent. If your devices are behind cabinet doors, you have two options: a Bluetooth or RF remote (which passes through solid materials), or an IR extender kit — a small device that picks up the IR signal outside the cabinet and relays it inside. IR extender accessories are available separately and are often a cheaper solution than upgrading to a Bluetooth remote.