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This easy-to-use universal remote is  off ahead of Cyber ​​Monday

I’ve been using Harmony universal remotes for over 20 years and was beyond sad when Logitech discontinued this line. Since then, many have tried to replace them, but only one other manufacturer comes close: Sofabaton.

Sofabaton makes two universal remote controls – the U2 – that you can get for more than Now $20 off at Sofabaton with code BlackFriday20 — and the X1Swhich is reduced from $230 to $152 when you combine Sofabaton’s sale with promo code BlackFriday20. The devices are designed to combine all your remote controls into one.

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I tested the U2, giving it an Editor’s Choice Award, and am currently using it in CNET’s AV lab to control my test units. I love the U2 because it’s easy to use, affordable, and easy to add other devices to the remote.

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The U2 remote control shines with its user-friendliness

The U2 remote isn’t quite as good as a Harmony or the more expensive Sofabaton X1S – which has activity combinations – but the U2 still controls almost anything you plug into it. For this purpose, the remote control has more than 500,000 devices in its database. The Sofabaton even manages to improve on Harmony by allowing you to connect the app directly to the remote via Bluetooth. No logging in and no dealing with network updates or slow connectivity. The remote control can operate up to 15 devices simultaneously, whereas the old Harmony 650 could only offer five.

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Programming the device is straightforward. After installing the Sofabaton app (iOS/Android), you can add new devices by clicking “Add” in the top right corner. There you can enter the manufacturer and model number of the device and add it to the main menu. If your device is a little more unfamiliar, you can use the manual learning mode to create your own copy of the remote control. However, make sure you have the original clicker on hand.

Why a universal remote control is a great gift

The remote feels comfortable in the hand and the indented thumbwheel – which allows you to select the device you want to control – feels natural. The remote control is also intuitive – my family was able to use the U2 without training, unlike most Harmonys.

Read more: Best universal remote control for 2024

Although you can pay a ridiculous amount of money for one of the old Harmony remotes – hundreds and hundreds – the Sofabaton U2 proves that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great remote. With its easy setup and ability to control a variety of devices, the Sofabaton U2 is the first choice for anyone looking to simplify their everyday AV system.

Are Sofabaton universal remote controls on sale after Black Friday and before Cyber ​​Monday?

The Sofabaton U2 is available for $22 off with code BlackFriday20making it an affordable price of $4. The X1S is currently $79 off, so just $152 with code BlackFridayWe expect the sale to last through Cyber ​​Monday. However, we can’t promise that they won’t sell out. So if you need a universal remote, now is the best time to grab the limited-time offer.

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