As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this article, I’ll provide my top five recommendations on the best remotes for NVIDIA Shield TV you can get right now.
My goal? To help you find the best remote control for NVIDIA Shield to meet your needs and maybe clear up the clutter of other remotes adorning your coffee table.
Universal remote options for NVIDIA are, however, somewhat limited. This is because NVIDIA Shield requires a Bluetooth signal to control the box, not infrared (IR). This means that many remotes out there can’t do it.
The good news is that some of the best universal remotes on the market can control NVIDIA Shield.
The following are the five best remotes you can get for NVIDIA Shield TV or TV Pro:
- #1 – Premium Pick: Sofabaton X1S
- #2 – Budget Universal: Sofabaton U2
- #3 – Replacement: NVIDIA TV Remote
- #4 – Basic Budget: WeChip G20 Remote
- #5 – Budget with Keyboard: WeChip
OK, let’s dive in.
SHIELD is Getting Better
While it not as popular as Apple TV or Roku yet, Android TV is definitively a fan favorite of the technical set.
Many who like to run Android TV typically go with NVIDIA SHIELD with Chromecast 4K built-in as their streaming media device of choice.
NVIDIA recently made SHIELD faster and added support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
They also put Google Assistant right inside the box for voice control. Plus, the new NVIDIA® Tegra® X1+ processor with a 256-core NVIDIA GPU with 2 GB RAM, NAS access, and Plex Server capabilities make this a beast for streamers and gamers alike. [There is also a robust library of games included with the box itself and via Android.]
The remote is getting better too. Read on for a brief history lesson if you are interested in learning about the remote that ships with Shield TV.
Can I Use a Universal Remote on My NVIDIA Shield?
Judging from the chatter out in the NVIDIA forums, the early generation of the remote left a lot to be desired.
However, NVIDIA redeemed itself when the company released a significant upgrade to the NVIDIA Shield with a vastly improved remote way back in 2019.
Since then the remote has won over many Shield TV users. The main problem I have with this is that the remote just adds one more remote to the pile you are using for your other devices. A question that I often get asked is – will a universal remote work with NVIDIA shield?
The short answer is Yes. Some universal remotes can be used to control the NVIDIA Shield. However, they need to be able to support the control of Bluetooth devices. Many universal remotes only support RF/IR devices and won’t work with Shield at all.
In this post, I’ll give you the low down of what I feel are the best remotes for NVIDIA Shield. Up next!
#1 – Premium Pick: Sofabaton X1S
First, let me start by saying, I just purchased this remote over Amazon Prime Day and while I’m just getting under the hood, I’m already a big fan!
The SofaBaton X1S is a universal remote control that can be used to control your TV, streaming media players, Blu-Ray player, surround sound setup and other devices. In fact, it will control over 500,000 devices from 5,000 brands, which means it will most likely control everything you own today.
The all-in-one remote has customizable activity buttons for easy access to your most commonly used functions. For example, a “Watch TV” activity can be set to power on your TV, change over to your cable box, turn on your surround set up, and even dim Philips Hue smart lights if you have those.
It also comes with two IR blasters in the box that you can use to control closed cabinet devices. The X1S also has a built-in wireless hub which allows you to connect up to 15 devices via Wi-Fi so they can be controlled by the remote. You can even control your entire setup using your smartphone via the Sofabaton app.
Sofabaton X1S Video Review
Video Credit: Kpaceguy#2 – Budget Universal: Sofabaton U2
I recently tested the Sofabaton U2 Universal Remote alongside my preferred high-end X1 model. Though the X1S remains my top choice, the U2 is an impressive upgrade from the U1, effectively replacing 15 infrared and Bluetooth device remotes. Its extended IR signal range delivers excellent responsiveness and compatibility with various devices.
The U2’s programmable macro feature provides great customization options, and the ergonomic scroll wheel design makes it easy to switch between devices. The only limitations I’ve encountered are the lack of support for wireless or Wi-Fi devices and a slightly dimmer OLED display. For those not willing to invest in the X1 model, the U2 is a reliable and more budget-friendly alternative.
While I haven’t tested this myself yet with NVIDIA Shield TV, several customers have reported it works just fine.
#3 – Best Replacement: NVIDIA TV Remote
The latest generation NVIDIA Shield remote is next on my list of the best remotes for NVIDIA Shield. It has some great features that make it a solid option for any power SHIELD TV user.
While earlier versions of this remote had problems that led to many negative reviews and feedback, the company has since addressed these problems. Deservingly so, the updated remote has earned many raving fans over at Amazon and out of the forums.
Its backlit buttons light up on wake, and you can use voice search with Google Assistant to find new movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos. You can also use the “Find Lost Remote” feature to locate your lost remote and the IR blaster to control your TV. Plus, it connects to your SHIELD TV using wireless Bluetooth so you can control SHIELD even if it’s inside your entertainment center. It won’t control all of your home theater equipment, though, so it is not a true “universal remote” like Sofabaton in that sense.
Still, if you primarily use Shield for your entertainment, this is a great option.
#4 – Basic Budget Pick: WeChip G20 Remote
OK, I get that two of my top three best remotes for NVIDIA Shield picks are a bit pricey, and maybe you really do want to replace your NVIDIA remote with something more affordable. After digging deep into the forums, reading multiple reviews, and surveying Amazon, I found this gem.
Customers have overwhelmingly positive things about using this remote with NVIDIA and Android TV. It includes a button in the center of the remote for voice control with Google. “Hello Google, Watch Netflix.” This is great because it can help to address the issue some customers report with the ‘OK Google’ lag they experience with Android TV.
Another nice feature is the battery meter that will tell you when the two required AA batteries are low. If you are going with the option, I suggest purchasing rechargeable batteries to help you save some coins.
That said, this option will not let you consolidate multiple remotes, create activities, or control smart devices like the Sofabaton remotes. See my top two picks if you want all that too.
WeChip G20Video Review
Hip-IO does a nice job reviewing the remote. If you want to see this remote up close, check out this video:
Big Buck Bunny! Excellent choice for the demo, my friend.
#5 – Budget Pick with Keyboard: WeChip 2.4G
Last on my list of the best remotes for NVIDIA Shield is the Wechip 2.4K Keyboard Remote.
For the money, I think I like this budget remote better than the G20. They both have solid customer reviews, but the wireless keyboard is worth its weight in gold for my YouTube watching alone. But I’m not willing to give up my Sofabaton remote for this little guy. Maybe I should break down and get a wireless keyboard to use with my TV. I digress.
This remote has three really cool features as far as I can tell. The first is that it ships with a detachable wireless keyboard. Yes, the fact that it can detach means yet another remote for the coffee table, but functionally this is nice.
Second, and I cannot attest to how well it works but cool in theory is the in-air fly mouse capability that lets you use the baton to move the cursor around the screen by waving it in the air.
Finally, the device is plug-and-play. You plug in the included USB receiver and the remote can reach the TV from up to 10 meters out. As Ham from Toy Story would say to his pal Buzz Lightyear, “Impressive wingspan!”
Best Remotes for NVIDIA SHIELD TV: What Do You Think?
This is where I will ask you to weigh and let me know if you found this article helpful.
What do you think of my picks for the best remotes for NVIDIA Shield TV or TV Pro? All the remotes here will work with both devices, regardless if you have one or both of them.
Will you bite the bullet and go with the Rolls Royce Sofabaton X1S, or do you want to replace the existing NVIDIA Shield remote that your dog chewed up?
Either way, I hope you will please leave me a comment below and let me know.
Also, if you liked this article, would you mind giving it a quick share on social media? You can use the colorful social buttons up at the top of this page. Thanks so much!
You Might Also Like
If you enjoyed this article about the best remotes for NVIDIA Shield and/or Android TV, you might also like some of these posts:
- 5 Best Remote Apps for NVIDIA
- 9 Best Remotes for Xbox One
- 5 Best Remotes for Sling TV
- Sofabaton vs Harmony
- 15 Best Universal Remote Apps for Android
Tim Brennan is a technology blogger and hosts the @TecTimmy YouTube channel. He writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. A graduate of Northeastern University School of Journalism, he has written about technology for 30 years. Tim lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for a fun take on all things tech.