I'm not certain any Roku remote is any better than any other. Before you consider a 3rd party remote, remember that the only way to use a non-Roku remote is via Infrared (IR), and no model of Roku Stick works with IR. Any other version of a Roku player works with IR remotes, so keep that in mind.
Logitech used to sell high quality remotes under the Harmony brand name. But they dropped out of that market a couple of years ago. Without getting into the home automation systems with touchscreen remotes, and not certain there's any one company that offers a remote more durable than a standard Roku remote. Also remember that any IR remote will not have the same full functionality of a Roku voice remote (voice control, earphone plug for remote listening).
I will add that I still have an old Roku 2 XS that is 10+ years old now. While it's been in a drawer for a number of years, I just pulled the remote out and it still looks and seems to work fine. But it's a Bluetooth, not WiFi Direct, remote so can't be paired with any current Roku. It was the only model of remote that ever used Bluetooth, so not compatible with anything but a 2 XS.
Thank you, I am only partially sensitive to the "no model of Roku Stick works with IR" detail. For my Dad, I think a not-stick Roku will be better, aka *with* an IR-based remote. A new setup will give me time to work on solving the problem for when the new remote goes bad, 😱 .
cfg83
I downloaded the Roku app on my iphone and the app includes a virtual remote. All of the functions, including voice, work seamlessly. The only functions not available are TV controls. (on/off, volume, and mute). This virtual remote can be paired with all Roku streaming devices on your home wifi network.
Phan12 wrote:This virtual remote can be paired with all Roku streaming devices on your home wifi network.
Just to clarify. The Roku app on a phone or tablet is not "paired" with a Roku. They can reach and control any Roku it finds on the local network. Both devices (Roku and phone) must be on the same private network, and there cannot be any security settings that block the devices from seeing each other. An example of the latter is any hotel WiFi network, or any other sort of public access network. The app will NOT work as a remote under those conditions.
