Best Third-Party Apple TV Remotes: Ditch the Frustrating Siri Remote for These Better Alternatives

For most Apple TV users frustrated with the Siri Remote, the Function101 Button Remote is exactly what you need. We've recommended it to hundreds of frustrated Apple TV users, and the feedback is consistently glowing: "Why didn't I buy this sooner?"

The Function101 remote feels like what Apple should have made in the first place. It features a traditional button layout that makes sense, comfortable ergonomics, and works immediately out of the box with every Apple TV model ever made. The substantial build quality with velvet-textured backing and responsive buttons makes it feel premium without the premium price.

What Daily Life Looks Like: You grab it (easily, because it's actually findable), press the button you want (confidently, because they're clearly labeled), and your Apple TV responds immediately. Navigation feels natural and predictable. Volume control just works. You'll forget you ever had problems with Apple TV remotes.

Complete Feature Set:

• Traditional button layout with tactile feedback
• Dual connectivity options: infrared ($29.95) or Bluetooth ($39.95)
• TV volume control compatible with 100+ brands
• Standard AAA battery power lasting 6+ months
• Pre-programmed for all Apple TV models

While you'll lose Siri voice control, most people rarely use it anyway. If you really need voice features, you can keep your Siri Remote handy or use the Apple TV app on your phone.

For users with complex entertainment setups who want to eliminate the "remote shuffle," the SofaBaton X1S represents the pinnacle of universal remote technology. This sophisticated hub system doesn't just control your Apple TV—it orchestrates your entire entertainment experience.

One-Touch Automation: The X1S excels at creating custom "activities" that control multiple devices simultaneously. Press "Watch Apple TV" and the system automatically powers on your TV, switches to the correct input, starts your soundbar, adjusts volume to your preferred level, and launches the Apple TV interface—all with a single button press.

Professional-Grade Capabilities:

• Controls up to 60 devices via infrared, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
• Smartphone app for intuitive setup and advanced programming
• Voice integration with Alexa and Google Assistant
• Massive device database with 500,000+ supported models
• Custom macro programming for complex command sequences

Investment Considerations: The initial setup requires 30-60 minutes but the smartphone app guides you through each step. While it's priced at $149, it replaces multiple remotes and transforms chaotic device management into seamless automation. This is ideal for serious home theaters or households where multiple people need to operate entertainment systems without frustration.

For budget-conscious users who still want professional-grade features, the Inteset INT-422 delivers exceptional value by focusing specifically on streaming device control while including advanced capabilities typically found in expensive remotes.

Smart Streaming Design: The remote's top features four pre-programmed buttons specifically for popular streaming platforms: A (Apple TV), B (Xbox), C (Media Center), and D (Roku). This streaming-first approach makes it perfect for cord-cutters who primarily use streaming services but occasionally need universal control.

Premium Features at Budget Price: Despite costing under $30, you get backlit buttons for dark room viewing, learning capability for unsupported devices, and macro programming that combines multiple commands into single button presses. The velvet-textured backing and solid construction feel surprisingly premium for the price point.

Complete Capabilities:

• Four dedicated streaming device buttons with pre-programming
• Backlit button system with adjustable timeout
• Learning mode for devices not in the 100,000+ code database
• Macro programming for complex command sequences
• Volume and channel lock functionality
• Custom button labeling capability

Perfect For: Cord-cutters who primarily stream content, budget-conscious users who want professional features, and anyone seeking a significant upgrade from basic universal remotes without breaking the bank. While it's infrared-only and requires line-of-sight operation, it provides 80% of premium remote functionality at 20% of the cost.

The SofaBaton U2 represents the sweet spot between basic universal remotes and comprehensive hub systems, offering sophisticated control capabilities with smartphone app integration at a reasonable $49 price point.

App-Driven Simplicity: What distinguishes the U2 is its modern approach to universal remote setup. Instead of hunting through code books or memorizing complex programming sequences, the SofaBaton smartphone app guides you through visual setup processes. The app even provides troubleshooting assistance when devices don't respond as expected.

Practical Advantages: This remote excels for users wanting universal control without hub system complexity. It reliably manages 15+ devices, and the app makes adding new equipment virtually painless. When you upgrade your TV or add streaming devices, programming takes minutes rather than hours of trial and error.

Modern Features:

• Visual smartphone app setup with step-by-step guidance
• Support for 6,000+ brands with regular database updates
• Custom macro programming for personalized command sequences
• Backlit buttons with smart auto-dimming
• Extended infrared range for reliable room coverage
• Cloud backup and sync for programming protection

Best Applications: Perfect for households with moderate device complexity (5-15 components), users comfortable with smartphone integration, and anyone wanting Harmony-style functionality at accessible pricing. The U2 proves that modern universal remotes can be both powerful and user-friendly.

For households that frequently switch between gaming and media consumption on Apple TV, the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller provides an elegant dual-purpose solution that excels at both functions.

Professional Gaming Integration: The DualSense delivers professional-grade gaming control for Apple Arcade and compatible titles while seamlessly handling media navigation. The analog sticks provide precise control for video scrubbing, while the face buttons manage all standard remote functions. Advanced haptic feedback enhances gaming experiences significantly beyond what traditional remotes offer.

Premium Build Quality: This controller offers build quality that exceeds most dedicated remotes, featuring contoured grips, balanced weight distribution, and premium materials designed for extended use. Unique features include a built-in microphone for voice commands and game chat, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening without additional adapters.

Technical Excellence:

• Seamless Bluetooth pairing with Apple TV
• USB-C charging with 12+ hour battery life
• Motion controls supporting gyroscope and accelerometer gaming
• Customizable button mapping through Apple TV settings
• Native support for Apple Arcade and streaming apps

Best Use Cases: Ideal for gaming households, users wanting premium build quality, families sharing Apple TV for various entertainment types, and anyone frequently switching between gaming and media. While the gaming controller layout may feel unfamiliar initially for media-only users, and it costs more than dedicated remotes, it provides unmatched versatility for dual-purpose entertainment.