The Best Siri Remote Alternatives for the Apple TV

Do you hate the Siri Remote for the Apple TV? You’re not alone. Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives you can buy.

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The Siri Remote for the Apple TV is one of Apple’s most polarizing products. It’s small and the trackpad can finicky, but mostly people don’t like that thanks to its symmetry and lack of backlighting, it’s extremely difficult to navigate in the dark.

Fortunately, there are a number workarounds for the Siri Remote. You can use the Apple TV Remote app and control your Apple TV straight from your iPhone or iPad. If you have a wireless gaming controller for an Xbox One and PlayStation 4, you pair it with your Apple TV and use it instead. (To pair your console controller with your Apple TV, follow these steps.) Or you can get a third-party remote that supports that Apple TV.

If you’re looking for an alternative for the Siri Remote, we’ve rounded up your best options below.

The SevenHugs Smart Remote U is a great universal remote with an intuitive touchscreen. It’s optimal for more advanced users who want to control their other devices, like a soundbar or receiver, in addition to their Apple TV.

This is another universal remote for most advanced users. In addition to your other home theater gadgets, the Harmony 950 can also control your other Google Home or Alexa smart home devices.

You can use an Xbox One controller as a replacement for the Siri remote. (Follow these instructions to pair the controller with your Apple TV.) 

You can use an PS4 controller as a replacement for the Siri remote. (Follow these instructions to pair the controller with your Apple TV.) 

The Nimbus is a Bluetooth gaming controller that’s mainly used with iPhones and iPads — it’s designed for more serious mobile gamers. It can also be used with the Apple TV. 

The Horipad Ultimate looks and feels like a traditional Xbox One controller, but it’s slightly more affordable. It also is compatible with the Apple TV.