The search for your Apple TV remote
Your Apple TV is on. The remote is somewhere. Between the cushions, under the couch, or in a drawer with all the other clutter. You know that feeling? The search for that one remote you need. And when you find it, it only works halfway. Or you wonder if there's something better out there.
But here's what no one tells you: choosing the right Apple TV remote isn't about the latest features or the sleekest design. It's about what you actually use . That expensive Siri Remote with touchpad? Handy for those who love tech gadgets. But for everyday Netflix watching, your iPhone with the remote app might be enough. Or a simple universal remote that also controls your soundbar.
Just like with accessories , you choose what truly suits you, not what's most expensive. Even your AirPods can control your Apple TV via Siri. Surprising, right?
Useful links
- Refurbished iPhone collection - use your iPhone as a remote
- iPad Pro refurbished - perfect as a multimedia hub with remote function
Finding the right Apple TV remote: more than just buttons
Your Apple TV is ready to go, but which remote should you choose? The answer depends entirely on how you use the device. The latest Siri Remote with touchpad sounds impressive, but is it worth the investment if you mainly watch Netflix? Perhaps not. For many users, a simpler solution often proves more practical.
The original Apple TV Remote, also called the Siri Remote from the fourth generation onwards, offers advanced features such as voice control and a touchpad. This model costs between €65 and €75 new. The touchpad makes scrubbing through videos easy, while the microphone lets you search directly for specific content. But these features come at a price: the battery needs to be charged regularly, and the sleek design easily slips between couch cushions.
Alternatives you probably already have
Before you buy a new remote, check these options first. Your iPhone or iPad works perfectly as a remote control via the free Apple TV Remote app. The screen offers a larger touchpad than the physical remote, and the keyboard makes logging in much faster. The downside? Your phone isn't always within reach, and the battery drains faster.
For users with an older Apple TV model (second or third generation), the aluminum Apple Remote is perfectly sufficient. This simple remote has physical buttons instead of a touchpad. No bells or whistles, but reliable. The CR2032 battery lasts for months, and its compact size fits in any pocket.
Universal remotes: one remote for everything
A universal remote like the Logitech Harmony can control your entire entertainment system. For families with multiple devices, this significantly reduces the number of remotes cluttering the coffee table. Higher-end models support activities that activate multiple devices simultaneously. Prices range from €30 for basic models to €250 for advanced hub systems.
Note: Not all Siri Remote functions work with universal remotes. Voice control and the touchpad are usually missing. However, they are perfectly adequate for basic functions like navigation, play, and pause.
Practical tips for daily use
Regardless of which remote you choose, these tips will make it more enjoyable to use:
- Pair multiple remotes to one Apple TV for backup
- Turn off the touchpad click sound if it's annoying
- Use the TV button to go directly to the main menu
- Double-press the TV button for recently used apps
- Press and hold the play/pause button to put your Apple TV to sleep
Lost your remote? Here are your options.
The Apple TV Remote is notorious for its disappearing behavior. Apple doesn't offer a built-in search function like the AirTag. Solutions range from low-tech (a brightly colored cover) to high-tech (attaching a Bluetooth tracker). The latest Siri Remote has a slightly thicker design that's less likely to sink between pillows.
As a replacement, consider a refurbished one. These are often 30-40% cheaper than new models and work perfectly. Be sure to check the battery condition of older models with rechargeable batteries.
Which remote suits your use?
For the movie buff who enjoys scrubbing through timelines: the Siri Remote with touchpad. For the casual viewer who primarily uses streaming apps: the iPhone app or a simple universal remote. Gamers will benefit from the latest Siri Remote because of its improved response time and touchpad for games.
Families with children are better off choosing a robust universal remote that can withstand a few knocks. Smooth Apple remotes are fragile, and repair costs quickly mount up. A €10 silicone case will prevent a lot of trouble.
Conclusion: Functionality over form
The best Apple TV remote is the one you actually use. An expensive Siri Remote that's constantly lost is less valuable than a simple app on your phone that always works. Try free alternatives like the iOS remote app before investing in new hardware. For most users, a combination of solutions seems to work best: the original remote for daily use, supplemented with the phone app for typing, and a universal remote as a backup.
Finding the perfect remote
Finding the perfect Apple TV remote doesn't have to be a headache. Start with what you already have—your iPhone with the free remote app often works just fine. Prefer a physical remote? Then a refurbished Siri Remote is a smart choice without the high price tag.
Or combine both: use your phone for typing passwords and a dedicated remote for daily channel surfing. Just like choosing accessories , it's not about the latest technology, but about what makes your life easier . That expensive remote with all the bells and whistles? Only useful if you actually use it.