All Apple TVs come with the Siri Remote, and while it's a great option, some people just don't like using it. Others may want a remote with more options and buttons or have specific preferences related to their interests, like gaming.
Luckily for you, there are other options if you feel like you want a better experience from your remote. Whether you hate the Siri Remote, lost your old one, or are just scouting out the market, these are the best Apple TV remotes you can buy.
Our guide is split into categories to make it easier for you to make a decision based on your needs, starting with the best overall, which is perhaps unsurprisingly Apple's own Siri remote, now in its third iteration and better than ever.
Quick List
Best overall
This aluminum remote is what ships with all new best Apple TVs. Use the touch trackpad on top of the remote to navigate through menus and control playback. As the name implies, you can also use Siri to pull up exactly what you want, when you want it. Just ask the voice assistant to play your favorite show, navigate to YouTube, play Apple Music, and more.
Best for channel-hopping
This remote works straight out of the box and is compatible with Apple TV, Apple TV 4K, Channel Master DVR+, and Stream+ Devices. It features easy programming, as well as universal functionality. It’s got a pretty long reach and can control your devices as long as there is a direct line of sight between them and the remote, and they’re within 30 feet.
Best for buttons
The Funtion101 Button Remote works out of box with Apple TV and Apple TV 4K. It’s designed with traditional remote-control buttons for those that prefer button control. It’s compatible with most TV sets and offers audio support for your TV, soundbar, or receiver. Its intuitive design makes navigation simple.
Best for smart home control
If you want a remote control that can do absolutely everything and price isn't a concern, the Logitech Harmony is a superb remote. It comes with the hub and the app, and functions with all of your smart devices, meaning you can not only control your Apple TV but your smart lights, thermometers, and more. It's been discontinued on Logitech's website but you can still get it used at Amazon and other select retailers.
Best on a budget
The Harmony 665 Advanced Remote Control from Logitech lets you control all your devices, including your Apple TV, from the remote itself or your iPhone, using the companion app. You can combine up to 10 old-fashioned remotes directly into this singular one, making controlling your Apple TV even easier. There's also a helpful little screen for smooth navigation.
Best for gamers
Gaming on Apple TV is so much more fun with a gaming controller, and the MFi-certified SteelSeries Nimbus + is one of the best options around. Pick up this nifty controller as the ideal partner for Apple Arcade, Apple's gaming service that comes on your Apple TV. It also comes with a cool iPhone mount, a built-in rechargeable battery (50+ hours of gameplay on one charge), tactile buttons, and clickable joysticks.
Q & A
How to control your Apple TV with the touch of a button
Note that the new Apple TV 4K comes with a USB-C remote. It features a dedicated Siri button – just like iPhone. Siri can accommodate voice recognition for up to six family members to let Apple TV 4K know who’s talking and reply with recommendations personalized just for them based off what they’ve watched.
Need to check the news, sports, weather, or anything else that can’t wait — the new Siri remote has you covered there as well, with the simple click of a button. You can also keep track of all your connected smart home accessories in the Control Center, so you never miss a beat while you’re catching up on your favorite movies and shows.
If you like using the original Apple Siri remote, then, by all means, stick with it. Or if you need to replace it, both of the updated Siri Remotes are easy to navigate and work with Siri voice control. These are the best Apple TV remotes for most people.
If you want something great for gaming, try the SteelSeries Nimbus +. It's an excellent controller that allows you to quickly tap and flawlessly connect to all of your best Apple devices, including your Apple TV. It comes with free four months of Apple Arcade too, if you have yet to try out the service.
Looking to upgrade your Apple TV? Check out these amazing Apple TV deals and where to find them.
