The list of the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021 has been growing continuously as more models are being introduced in the segment. They allow users to control electrical devices and appliances that come with a remote controller. Users can access and operate all of their IR and RF devices via their smartphones. The IR/RF smart home hubs have superseded physical universal remote controls and replaced them with smartphones apps.
What is a Smart IR/RF Remote Controller?
In simple terms, a smart IR/RF remote controller turns your smartphone into a remote for different devices. It is a smart hub that facilitates the control of multiple electrical devices, fixtures, and appliances. Traditionally, there is a dedicated remote controller for each device. Users require a separate remote for AC, DVD player, window blinds, fans, TVs, etc. A smart IR/RF remote controller enables the control of all or most devices from a single point. The hub is accompanied by an app that users must install on a smartphone. They can select their appliances from the database of the app to command them through their smartphone. The app will provide the same functionalities as the remote that comes with the device. Users can switch devices on or off or access other functions and features. The IR/RF smart home hubhas integrated infrared and radio frequency modules for receiving and transmitting signals to electrical devices and appliances. A few blasters may only have either an IR or an RF module, limiting the number of products compatible with them.
An IR/RF smart home hub has Wi-Fi capability and must be connected to a wireless network for Internet access. It enables users to control their appliances remotely through the app. They can operate any device, even when they are at work or shopping. Traditional devices that don’t have smart features can also be accessed from any place via the smartphone app. Users can set schedules and timers for turning the devices on or off as desired. Several smart IR/RF remote controllers support voice assistants, facilitating voice control of devices.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Smart IR/RF Remote Controller
Here are a few things that buyers may consider to choose the right smart IR/RF remote controller for their appliances.
Devices Supported
Buyers must consider the devices supported by a smart IR/RF remote controller. Some models may only work with limited electrical devices like fans and lights, while others may support thousands of appliances, including ACs, fridges, projectors, and TVs. Users should choose a model that is compatible with their devices or appliances.
Communication Protocols Supported
While the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021 work with both IR and RF devices, some models may not. It will depend on the frequency supported by them. IR blasters only support IR frequency and will be compatible with appliances or devices controlled using IR remotes and not RF ones. Similarly, RF blasters only work with RF-controlled devices and not IR ones. Most users will find anIR/RF smart home hubsuitable. Individuals who specifically want to operate either IR or RF-controlled devices may consider dedicated IR blasters or RF blasters.
Voice Assistant Compatability
Many modern IR/RF smart home hubs are compatible with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Home, and Siri and also work with IFTTT. They allow users to control their household devices and appliances through voice commands, even if the device by default does not have the same capability. These IR/RF blasters for home automation can make residences truly smart without requiring the homeowner to replace their traditional devices. However, the voice assistants supported may differ from one smart IR/RF remote controller to another. Users may want to consider a model that works with their preferred voice assistant.
Additional Features
Buyers may want to look for a few additional features when choosing a smart IR/RF remote controller. They may want to pay attention to the maximum number of devices that it supports. Some models may work with four devices, while others can be used to control several dozen devices at a time. Scheduling and timer capability are other features that may be handy in an IR/RF smart home hub.
The Best Smart IR/RF Remote Controllers of 2021
If you are searching for the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021, here are a few great picks.
#1. MoesGo Wi-Fi RF IR Universal Remote Controller
MoesGo Wi-Fi RF IR Universal Remote Controller is a decent option among the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021. This new version features IR and RF, whereas the older versions were only IR blasters. It supports IR 38 KHz and RF 433 /315 MHz frequency bands. Users can control infrared devices like HVACs, fans, DVD players and TVs, and set-top/TV boxes, as well as RF appliances like lights, switches, and motorized curtain roller blinds with this IR/RF smart home hub. MoesGo Wi-Fi RF IR Universal Remote Controller is one of the RF blasters that enables control of multiple 433MHz RF devices simultaneously. The smart IR/RF remote controller has integrated 2.4G Wi-Fi for enabling remote access. Users have to download the Smart Life/Tuya app to operate their IR/RF home appliances from anywhere with this IR/RF smart home hub, be it an office or a mall. MoesGo Wi-Fi RF IR Universal Remote Controller is compatible with Alexa and Google Home and can be operated with voice commands. It is one of the best IR/RF blasters for home automation. An older IR-only version is also available for residents searching for only IR blasters.
#2. BroadLink IR/RF Smart Home Hub-WiFi IR/RF Blaster for Home Automation RM4 Pro
BroadLink IR/RF Smart Home Hub-WiFi IR/RF Blaster is one of the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021. It enables remote control of home appliances and gadgets via the BroadLink smartphone app. Users can command RF devices like motorized window shades, light switches, and projectors and IR-controlled devices like ACs, TVs, players, streaming boxes, and home entertainment systems. The smart IR/RF remote controllerworks in RF ranges of 305~335MHz and 430~440MHz and is compatible with more than 50,000 IR devices. However, this IR/RF blaster for home automation does not support rolling code devices, only fixed code ones. BroadLink IR/RF Smart Home Hub is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to issue voice commands for operating the supported devices. It connects to a 2.4G Wi-Fi network for accessing the Internet. The smart IR/RF remote controller enables users to access their appliances from anywhere via the BroadLink app on their smartphones. BroadLink’s RM4 Pro also supports IFTTT.
#3. BONDSmart IR/RF Remote Controller
Bond is one of the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021 for fans and lights. It is a small, oval-shaped device for controlling IR and RF devices smartly. Residents can command fans, lights, fireplaces, or motorized shades from their smartphones by installing the Bond IR/RF smart home hub app. Both Android and iOS versions of the app are available. BONDSmart IR/RF Remote Controller can record and transmit radio frequency and infrared signals and will work with devices using either of these. It enables users to control up to thirty devices, like ceiling fans, from a single point of operation. Its 2,500 square foot range makes it one of the best IR/RF blasters for home automation. Alexa and Google Home Assistant are both supported by this IR/RF smart home hub. Residents can turn their devices on/off, adjust their speed, or change dimmer settings through voice commands. BONDSmart IR/RF Remote Controller currently supports fans, lights, fireplaces, and Somfy motorized shades but doesn’t yet work with appliances like TVs and ACs.
#4. BroadLink RM4 Mini IR Blaster Universal Remote Control
BroadLink RM4 Mini IR Universal Remote Control is a suitable choice for buyers of IR blasters. It records and transmits infrared signals and supports more than 50,000 IR devices, earning it a place among the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021.These appliances include ACs and HVACs, fans, lights, DVD players, projectors, and TVs. Users can command their appliances by installing the BroadLink app on their iOS or Android smartphones. The list of compatible devices is stored in the cloud and is continuously being updated as support for more appliances is added. BroadLink RM4 Mini IR Blaster Universal Remote Control has integrated Wi-Fi (2.4G) for accessing the Internet. Users can control their machines through the app remotely. They can operate devices even when they are away from home, like at the office or traveling, with BroadLink’s RM4 Mini IR smart home hub. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant while also supporting IFTTT, making it one of the best IR/RF blasters for home automation. Buyers must note that BroadLink RM4 Mini does not have an RF module and won’t work with RF-controlled devices.
#5. ORVIBO Smart Magic Cube Home Hub IR Blaster
ORVIBO Smart Magic Cube Home Hub IR Blaster is a decent product among the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021. It allows users to substitute appliance IR remotes with their smartphones through the app. More than 8,000 IR devices are supported by the hub, including ACs, fans, lights, TVs, projectors, DVD/BluRay players, and other devices that use IR remotes. Users can set schedules and timers from the app. ORVIBO Smart Magic Cube is one of the best IR blasters available today. Its 360° signaling facilitates all-around communication, while the 10-meter range ensures adequate signal strength for devices near and far. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Home Assistant, and Siri, facilitating hands-free control of devices. Buyers searching for IR/RF blasters for home automation will find ORVIBO Smart Magic Cube a suitable choice. However, it won’t work with RF-controlled appliances as it only has infrared functionality.
#6. Sonoff RF Blaster Bridge 433MHZ
Buyers who are searching for RF blasters among the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021 may consider Sonoff RF Bridge. It converts regular RF devices into smart ones by enabling remote control through smartphones via the eWeLink app. These may include RF-controlled devices like fans, lights, sockets, motorized curtains, or switches that operate in the 433MHz frequency band. Sonoff RF Blaster Bridge supports up to four 1-4 button RF devices at a single time. Users can set eight schedules or timers in total for turning the connected devices on or off, making it a great option among smart IR/RF remote controllers. It connects to a Wi-Fi (2.4G) network for enabling remote access and operation. Normal devices that don’t have smart features can be controlled via a smartphone from anywhere. The device is a suitable product for users who are looking for RF blasters. Sonoff RF Bridge does not have infrared and won’t support IR-controlled appliances.
#7. SwitchBot Hub Mini Smart Remote IR Blaster
SwitchBot Hub Mini Smart Remote IR Blaster is easily one of the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021. It enables users to command their IR-controlled devices through the SwitchBot app. Not only does it support products from over 4,000 brands, this IR smart home hub even has a “Smart Learning” mode that allows the app to mimic the function of even unlisted remote controls. Its integrated Wi-Fi (2.4G) capability enables remote access, placing it among the best IR/RF blasters for home automation. SwitchBot Hub Mini Smart Remote is one of the few IR blasters that work with Alexa, Google Home Assistant, Siri, and IFTTT. Users can control home appliances and electronic devices through voice commands. It transmits signals up to 10 meters and in 360° vertical and 180° horizontal directions. Schedules and timers are also supported by the hub, making SwitchBot Hub Mini Smart Remote one of the best smart IR/RF remote controllers of 2021. It can be paired with the SwitchBot Button Pusher for controlling mechanical switches. However, there is no support for RF-controlled devices.