X1S Universal Remote, All in One Universal Remote Control with Hub & APP, One-Touch Activities, Compatible with 60+Devices, IR/Bluetooth/WiFi/Alexa/Google Assistant, Raise to Wake

I purchased the X1S in September of 2024. This is the second Sofabaton X1 I've had; I bought the first X1 version a little more than a year ago, and I have been very, very pleased with both models. I use the X1S for our main sound and video system, and the original X1 with an auxiliary TV. The codes for operating several hundred thousands of devices from several thousand brands are easily download from Sofabaton's data base, or the codes from your original remote controls can be learned by the X1S. A relatively simple scripting language lets you control and operate multiple devices with one operation or "activity", so the multiple remote control devices that you would normally have to use with the various devices in your A-V setup can all be consolidated and run on one remote, the X1S, with the press of one button. The setup is relatively easy. The device is well made and feels solid in your hand. After the X1S was configured and programmed, it has operated flawlessly for the past seven months -- this has also been the case with my original X1. The X1S remote controls your various A-V devices by communicating with a "hub" using RF signals, so the remote does not have to be pointed at the device; it can be pointed anywhere, and it has an impressive range. I recently did a major equipment and carrier switch involving one of my A-V setups, replacing several Comcast cable boxes for internet, phone, and tv, with one Xfinity unit. I simply added the Xfinity box to the main "activity" I'd programmed into the X1S, which automatically included the new device into the existing program and continued to function normally with no further requirements. I am sincerely impressed with Sofabaton's products. I could ask for the moon, I suppose, but I really can't think of much more I would want in a remote control device. Having said that, I do have one suggestion that I think would make the X1S an even more flexible device, which is to add an If-Then construct to the scripting language. Here's an example of how such a construct might be used: you can easily switch input sources from within an Activity, for example, from cable tv, to Netflex, or Youtube, etc. However, depending on your equipment, the key bindings for doing things like navigating up, down, right, and left, for example, may use different codes for different devices -- the arrow keys used when watching cable TV may use one set of codes, whereas if you switch to watching Netflix within the same Activity, there is no way to also automatically switch the navigation key bindings from those used by cable TV, to those needed by Netflix. The workaround is to create separate Activities for live cable tv and streaming sources. This is a wish list item; it would be nice to have, but it doesn't impact my general satisfaction with this product.

SofaBaton X1S — A Home Automation Powerhouse With Huge Potential Ahead The SofaBaton X1S has quickly become the command center of my entire home. I work with home-theater and home-automation equipment every day, and I’ve used more universal remotes over the years than I can count. Nothing I’ve touched matches the versatility, multi-protocol reach, and practical real-world capability this remote delivers. With IR, RF, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi support, this isn’t just a universal remote — it’s a universal controller. ⭐ What I Control With the X1S Here’s what this thing currently runs in my home: • Every TV in multiple rooms • A full home-theater projector setup • Room lighting and LED lighting • Motorized blinds, mini-blinds, and window shades • Smart AC, fans, and a bathroom heater • RF outlets for appliances • My router (rebooted through an RF plug) • My entire surveillance system • My home-security system — including arming/disarming Once everything was set up, it stopped feeling like “a remote” and became the central control hub for my whole smart-home ecosystem. ⭐ Remote + App = Total Control The handheld remote and the SofaBaton app mirror each other perfectly. The app works like a second remote, giving you full control even when the physical unit isn’t nearby. It’s fast, smooth, and extremely helpful in multi-room setups. ⭐ Suggestions for Future Versions (X2 / X3) The X1S is impressive, but a few additions would push it into legendary territory. 1. Customizable App Launch Buttons Instead of preset paid streaming buttons found on many remotes, fully customizable quick-launch buttons would be incredible. Let users create one-touch buttons for: • Tubi • Plex • YouTube • Smart-home scenes • Security toggles Physical buttons, a scroll-wheel menu, or a quick-launch panel would make this remote the most customizable in the industry. 2. Custom Icons for Activities A simple icon library — or lightweight custom icon uploads — would make navigation clearer and faster. ⭐ 3. App Interface & GUI Usability The hardware is outstanding. The app works, but the GUI would benefit from a more modern, intuitive design. Certain parts still resemble older universal-remote interfaces that became more complicated than they needed to be. Improvements that would help: • Cleaner layout • More intuitive navigation • Streamlined activity setup • Touch-friendly UI elements • Faster access to common functions Professional note: I think the visual approach used by Channels DVR is an excellent example of a clean, user-friendly smart-home interface. For context: I’ve used the SofaBaton U2 for years and recommended it constantly. The X1S is a major step forward, and the app now has room to evolve to match the hardware’s sophistication. ⭐ 4. Base Station Improvements The base station works very well for protocol management, but future releases could offer: • A more compact design • Additional mounting options • A higher-end model with extended range New Suggestion: A secondary wireless IR blaster would be extremely useful. If devices are spaced farther apart than the included IR-blaster cable can reach, users are forced to rely on RF/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi alternatives. A wireless IR module — connecting via Bluetooth, RF, or Wi-Fi — would allow IR control in rooms or cabinets without running long cables. This would dramatically increase flexibility for multi-room and multi-rack setups. ⭐ Final Thoughts The SofaBaton X1S is the most capable and forward-thinking universal remote I’ve ever used. It controls entertainment systems, lighting, blinds, HVAC, appliances, networking equipment, and even security systems — all from one controller. If you’re building a smart home and you want a single device that brings everything together, this is it. I’ve followed SofaBaton since the U1 croudfunding days, and with just a few refinements — customizable buttons, a modernized GUI, and expanded base-station options — the next generation could completely redefine the smart remote catagory. It has been my pleasure writing this review and making suggestions looking forward to the next release.

I had to replace an old Harmony hub, and there are not too many options with a hub like this that can sit in an enclosed equipment cabinet. Thought I would give the X1S a try. The good: Remote is nice overall. Good size, ergonomics, just enough keys so it is not confusing to operate. Each key is easily mapped to a command in the app, and like the Harmony products it supports short and long press. Setup is fairly easy, and the equipment database seems large. My system just has a Sony receiver, an Apple TV a Tivo and Samsung TV. Startup / shutdown seem quicker than the Harmony and more consistent. I have had this remote for about 3 weeks now and so far so good. Battery life is excellent on the remote, and I much prefer a rechargeable remove versus one that takes AA or a coin cell. The not as good. I would not say anything about this remote system is bad, but there are some things to note that might make setup take a bit longer. Not all of the remote commands on the devices I selected worked. For example, my Sony STR DH790 power commands did not work. All of the other once I needed did. Fortunately learning commands is easy with the X1S, so I added power on / off commands that worked. The X1S allows you to 'repair' commands by learning but I added two extra commands. Also with my TiVo and Apple TV the infrared commands on the navigation button (up, left, right, down, select) seemed a bit more sluggish than the original remotes. With the TiVo I repaired the track pad commands which seemed to improve things. On the Apple TV I selected Bluetooth remote instead of infrared and it made a world of difference. To do this you will need to pair the Sofabaton with the Apple TV, but the software app guides you through this. Overall I would recommend this remote. It is definitely worth the roughly $200 I spent in my opinion. Just note that it takes a little bit of effort to get everything just right. I give it four starts - it it did not require setup tweaking it would certainly be a 5.

Well, the Sofabaton X1S is a work in progress ... On the positive side, the hand-held remote is well made and the simplicity of the layout might work for most streaming devices that you want to control with the X1S. However, if you want to use the Sofabaton X1S to control your Over The Air (OTA) recorder, note that the hand-held lacks a record button - as well as other transport controls. Perhaps Sofabaton's work-around for the lack of the record/transport buttons is that the device would be selected using the scroll wheel, and that one would actuate the button sequence using the scroll wheel / select actuations. For my ChannelMaster CM-7500, DVR+, OTA recorder, starting a recording using the X1S requires a bit of effort to scroll to the RECORD selection, followed by a press of the scroll wheel. Most of the confusion comes when you want to STOP the recording, which you do by scrolling and selecting STOP. However, the DVR+ wants you to confirm that you really want to STOP the recording, so a dialog appears on the TV screen asking for a CONFIRM. You then need to scroll to the OK selection and hit it to dismiss the dialog. At this point, perhaps you might think that the recording is over and you can watch OTA TV, but the OK actuation opens another dialog on the TV screen asking if you want to start a another recording. You then need to dismiss the dialog by scrolling to and hitting the EXIT selection. Otherwise, you need to wait a few minutes for the dialog to time out... At this point, I'm really irritated with Logitech for their abandonment of the Harmony remote, which had working RECORD/transport control buttons on the hand-held, as well as other features for easily dismissing the DVR+ dialogs. Another issue with the X1S is that each device as displayed on the hand-held's screen is listed as the manufacturer and not the model number (or preferably, a user-assigned name). Maybe there is a way to rename the device, but I did not find it. x1s-display.png For example, my media system includes a Sony XBR television, a Sony Blu-Ray DVD player, and a Sony Soundbar. Why must the Sofabaton X1S identify these devices using the name: "Sony" for all three devices? If you need to go to extended controls for the Sony Soundbar (like the rear speaker volume, for example), you need to remember which of the three "Sony" selections is for the Soundbar - before scolling to the control and selecting via the scroll wheel press. It is clear - that IF one can successfully configure the X1S, the best way to use it is for routine selection of devices for a desired activity as well as simplified configuration and control of your media system. The Sofabaton X1S is not practical for control of additional device features provided by the component's hand-held remotes that came with each component. In other words, using the scroll wheel for selection of these detailed commands is impractical. One might ask: what is the real purpose for the Scroll wheel and its display - given the issues with device naming and the actions required to select using the thumbwheel? Use of the original Remote I don't often record OTA signals on my ChannelMaster DVR+. When I would want to, I would use the DVR+ hand-held remote control - to set up and start a recording. The DVR+ remote would also be used to fast-forward through commercials or to go back in a recording to replay. This approach is superior to trying to use the X1S scroll wheel... In other words, don't think that the X1S will allow you to stop using your old hand-held remote that came with the component, in this case, the ChannelMaster DVR+ ... Problems with Learning from another Remote The control code database for the Sofabaton X1S covers many components from numerous manufacturers, but there are instances where you may not find a device for your component in the database. For such cases, Sofabaton offers a learning feature that is used to record control codes from an existing hand-held IR remote. Unfortunately, the recording of control codes from the hand-held (IR-only) remote can be affected by many factors, which can make the recording of IR commands unreliable. For example, I plan to use a model: UHDS-401A, HDMI switch (manufactured by OREI), for selecting HDMI sources in my system. The Sofabaton database includes other OREI devices, but not the UHDS-401A, so I tried to record the IR control codes using the "Code Learning" feature. I think that the UHDS-401A hand-held remote sends multiple control messages in rapid succession whenever a button is pressed, and the X1S hub does not do an adequate job of finding the button-press message's beginning and end. The X1S records a corrupted version of the IR control message, and for the UHDS-401A remote, any attempt to use the recorded IR message will be unreliable. The recorded IR signal may work perhaps 50% of each attempted actuation, which is not acceptable for reliable control of a devices' button selection. Also, the configuration of a set of IR control codes for some non-existing device's IR remote, requires that you start with some other (unrelated/different) device in the Sofabaton database. Rather than provide some simplified tool to define user-entered button names with recorded codes, Sofabaton requires that you must find some other device/remote in the database, which you would then edit to assign recorded IR control codes to pre-existing buttons provided for that selected device. For the OREI, UHDS-401A, I decided to start with the UHDS-402A (which is in the database) and to edit the buttons with reciorded IR codes. So, for selection of the "In 1" HDMI input, I need to edit the button named "Up" by recording the IR code, while pressing the button for that function on the UHDS-401A IR remote. Instead of allowing the user to change the name of the button to "In 1", I must refer to the button selection as "Up", because I can't edit the button name! I need to maintain a table somewhere else (like an EXCEL spreadsheet), so that I know what button name corresponds to which functional selection on the actual HDMI switch. Because the recording of the IR codes would have been corrupted anyway, it is evident that I could not have used the modified X1S UHDS-402A device from the database to reliably control an OREI, UHDS-401A switch. The only recourse I had to go with was to find some other similar, OREI device in the database that might control the switch. With a bit of research, I found that the OREI, HDA-934 device, which is available in the Sofabaton database, does reliably control the UHDS-401A, HDMI input selection. However, the HDA-934 device does not support control of other button presses available on the UHDS-401A IR remote... Note: I found during the process for defining an activity, that it may be possible to change the name for the button; however, I was not able to test the renaming capability, because of a non-recoverable communication issue. The Last Straw While I was working on the X1S activity configurations, I ran into numerous issues with hub communication, where the WiFi connection between my cell phone and the hub would disconnect. After many tries to reconnect and finish the activity configurations, the X1S hub eventually refused to communicate with my cell phone over the WiFi network. I felt that my only recourse was to do a factory reset of the X1S hub and to start over with the configuration. I went to the Sofabaton website and sent a chat message to Sofabaton support, asking how I could do a factory reset for the X1S hub. The chat was not active, but my support request message was sent, and I got an email back a day or so later: reset-x1s-hub.png Unfortunately, from the response from Sofabaton, performing a factory reset of the X1S hub, requires that you connect to the hub via WiFi, so that you can actually send the factory reset command. In my case, I could not connect via WiFi to the hub, so a factory reset was not an option. Note that the X1S hub did appear to work with whatever I had previously configured, so, for example, I could control my Apple TV with the Sofabaton X1S hand-held remote. The Bluetooth connection between the hub and hand-held apparently worked just fine, but the WiFi connection to my cell phone would not... Comment: The X1S hub includes a button to initiate Bluetooth pairing. It would make sense for the button to also function as a means to initiate a factory reset - by pressing and holding the button for say, 20 seconds. This way, the hub could be reset to a controllable state - without having to depend upon a WiFi communication link with the hub to issue the factory reset. I finally decided that the Sofabaton X1S was no longer worth the effort and that it was time to send it back to Amazon for a refund...

A lot of people wondered if this would be the replacement for the no longer available Harmony Elite and I would say no, it's much better than the Harmony in my opinion. It's easier to setup with your devices, it doesn't have that annoying vibration like the Harmony, and the battery last a lot longer on a charge. I have two Harmony Elites that I don't use, the X1S just makes more sense to me. Setup is easy, you just pair the remote to the hub and start inputting your devices. Right now it's limited on the WiFi devices it can control but it also has Bluetooth and IR. You can setup short or long press on any of the physical buttons to have different controls on the same button. Just with the basic setup is very versatile but it can also learn commands from the native remote of your device. Customer service is excellent, I tend to get frustrated setting up new devices and start sending emails with questions before I really take the time to study it and figure it out. They have been very patient with me and always helped, never just telling me to read the instructions, they always give an easy to understand explanation of how to get it setup the way I want. The scroll wheel failed on mine a few months after the warranty ended. They requested I send a short video demonstrating the problem and shortly after I sent the video, they shipped out a brand new remote free of charge. It was already out of warranty and they replaced it free anyway, to me that's excellent service! Having limited time due to an upcoming business trip, I didn't think I would get the replacement setup before I left but it turns out, all I had to do was press and hold the off and back button for about 10 seconds and it paired to my original hub. All the device and activity information is in the hub! What I thought I wouldn't have time for took just 10 seconds! Overall, I'm really impressed with both the device and the support, they are planning to release a new product in the not too distant future and I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Due to the end of support for my reliable, 12-year old Logitech Harmony One remote, I have been forced to look for a new one. I want intuitive tech. I want to take whatever it is out of the box, and be able to just start using the primary functions of the device, learning the nuances of it as I go. I don’t want to download the manual, or use the help section of the company’s website. And, I definitely don’t want to call or email customer support. I want “no muss, no fuss”. I expect a lot from my tech, because I’m willing to pay up to get the good stuff. This product is one of the least intuitive pieces of tech I have ever used. With my Harmony One, some tinkering was necessary to get devices controlled properly when using a macro. That said, the remote just worked. With the X1S, the macros require specific device instructions and tweaks that I would expect of professional gear, but not consumer-oriented tech. The build is good, if a bit light. I like my tech with a little heft to it to make it feel solid. The overall feel and use of the X1S is clean and smooth. It’s a good physical device. I do not like the scroll wheel. All of the other directional input is provided by the circular directional pad. Why would anyone want the most important function of the remote - using the macros to turn on everything in the correct mode with the correct inputs - to be a physically different process than the way you do everything else? There are profiles for many devices in the X1S database. Much to my dismay, the one for my Hisense 55A6H TV was glitchy, and needed a lot of fine tuning. I have given the X1S a fair test run, but at the end of the day, it is just a pain in the butt to use. When I get home from work at the end of the day, I don’t want to mess around with my remote to get my entertainment center to work properly. I just want it to work. Tech is fun for me, or, at least, it is most of the time. The SofaBaton X1S is no fun at all. I give it 2 stars. I would give it 1 star based on the software. The good physical quality of the X1S gets it an additional star.

After swapping out my trusty Logitech Harmony for X1S , here's my one-month review: Pros: 1. Decent Phone Application: The app functionality meets expectations, providing a reasonable user experience for step. 2. Battery Life: The battery lasts for a couple of weeks with normal usage, alleviating my biggest initial concern. A big plus for a screen based remote. 3. Lightweight Design: The remote's lightweight construction is a plus, though some may prefer a weightier feel. Adding a cover can address this issue. 4. Button Backlit Feature: The backlit function proves invaluable for low-light environments, and the remote activates upon picking up, enhancing user convenience. Cons: 1. Dual OK Buttons: Adjusting to the presence of two OK buttons takes time and can be a minor inconvenience. First roller OK for Screen commands, second OK for rest. 2. Non-Replaceable Battery: I have concerns over the remote's long-term viability due to the non-replaceable battery, likely limiting its lifespan to a few years. Remote is very light, so battery is likely small too. 3. Lack of Low Battery Warning: The absence of a low battery warning system can lead to unexpected shutdowns during use, resulting in the user frustration. 4. Bluetooth Connectivity Issues: Recurrent Bluetooth connection losses with Nvidia Shield proves frustrating. I plan to switch to IR for Shield control. Harmony never had this problem. 5. Philips Hue Integration: Integration with Philips Hue faces several issues, including duplicated commands and a lack of refresh functionality 6. Incompatibility with Third-Party IR Cables: The inability to work with third-party IR cables and extensions necessitated the removal of existing setup. What if I need more or it breaks ? 7. Missing Discrete Codes: Discrete code Power on/off for XBox, Samsung TV were missing from IR database. Separate codes makes the activities more reliable, this is big out of box miss. Overall stuck with this till something better comes along. But it is serving the purpose and there is no better alternative at this price point.

I now have three SofaBaton remotes. I started with the SofaBaton U2 to replace the Logitech universal remote of the time. The SofaBaton U2 still works great so I expect the same longevity for the other two. In comparison to the U2 the process to setup devices and app usability have come a long way. Since I already had the X1 my devices already existed so getting them added to the X1S posed no real issue. I like the ability to quickly add all my Roku channels and double program the 4 custom buttons on the bottom of the remote. You can also add them as menu items of the activity. For me I put YoutubeTv as the red button short press and Netflix as long press. Yes you have to remember what the buttons are assigned but its a great feature to me. Pick up the remote click the scroll wheel to turn everything on then press one of the 4 buttons to access a channel. Efficiency. Another aspect is being able to program any of the buttons. For example I used the channel up/down and option (hamburger) button to control a bluetooth speaker in the kitchen. Now I no longer need to take the multiple remotes into the kitchen. I use the option button (long press) to turn on the bluetooth speaker. Regular mute button for the TV soundbar. Then the channel up/down controls bluetooth speaker volume. Long press mute for bluetooth speakers. Life is awesome. One button turns everything off. Something else to mention is that the bluetooth speaker wasn't in the database. I used the bluetooth speaker IR remote to program the X1S buttons. Once I verified it was working I uploaded the new device to SofaBaton so it will be available for the next person with that device. Pros: - Easy setup. - Backlite buttons. - HUB that sends IR along with bluetooth and wifi. - Customizable buttons and menus. - Macros. - Fast immediate sync to the remote as changes are made in the app. - Battery seems to be lasting. - Contacting support was quick and easy. Cons: - Built in battery - I expect the remote will far outlast the battery. - Android app has some language translations that don't match the field. Something I noticed but didn't cause me problems. It was easy to contact support and report the issue. Once devices are setup you won't be in the app again unless you upgrade devices so not a huge concern. - Price could make you hesitate but the reward of efficiency and one remote is worth it. Great product to have.