Last updated: October 7, 2026
The best remote for a Samsung Smart TV in 2026 is the Samsung SolarCell Remote (BN59-01385/01432 series) if your TV supports it — it recharges via ambient light or USB-C, so you may never buy batteries again — while a standard infrared universal remote is the smarter pick for older sets or tight budgets. The right choice depends on your TV model year, how much you use voice control, and whether you’re replacing a lost remote or upgrading from a basic one.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Samsung Remote
Most “best remote” lists skip the details that decide whether a remote will even work with your TV. Before comparing models, check four things:
- Your TV’s model year and series. Samsung’s Bluetooth Smart Remotes only work with TVs that have Bluetooth — generally 2016 and newer QLED, Crystal UHD, and lifestyle (Frame, Serif, Terrace) models. Older TVs and some entry-level models are infrared-only.
- Bluetooth vs. infrared. Bluetooth remotes don’t need line of sight, support voice control, and pair automatically. Infrared remotes must point at the TV but work with essentially every Samsung set ever made and cost far less.
- Voice control. Only Bluetooth remotes with a microphone button (SolarCell, Smart Remote, Smart Touch Control) can trigger Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant on the TV.
- Power source. SolarCell remotes charge from room light or USB-C. Standard Smart Remotes use two AA batteries lasting roughly 6–12 months. Basic IR remotes use two AAA batteries lasting about a year.
The Contenders, Compared
| Remote | Connection | Voice | Power | Battery life | Typical price range | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung SolarCell Remote (BN59-01432 series) | Bluetooth + IR | Yes | Solar panel + USB-C | Months per charge; no disposable batteries | $30–$60 | 2022+ Samsung TVs; IR works broadly |
| Samsung SolarCell Remote (BN59-01385 series) | Bluetooth + IR | Yes | Solar panel + USB-C | Months per charge | $25–$50 | 2021+ models |
| Samsung Smart Remote (BN59-01357 / 01270 series) | Bluetooth + IR | Yes | 2× AA | ~6–12 months | $25–$45 | 2016–2023 smart models (varies by sub-model) |
| Samsung basic IR remote (BN59-01199 / 01301 series) | Infrared only | No | 2× AAA | ~12 months | $10–$20 | Nearly all Samsung TVs |
| Universal IR remote (replacement, no programming needed) | Infrared only | No | 2× AAA | ~12 months | $8–$15 | Pre-coded for Samsung; no learning required |
| Programmable universal remote | IR + sometimes Bluetooth/RF | Varies | AAA or rechargeable | Varies | $20–$80 | Most brands; app-based setup |
The key nuance: SolarCell and Smart Remotes emit an IR signal simultaneously, so they can power on and control almost any Samsung TV — but Bluetooth pairing, voice, and the smart pointer features only work on compatible models.
Best Pick by Situation
You have a 2022 or newer Samsung TV
Buy the SolarCell Remote. It arrived in the box with most recent Samsungs, so if yours is lost or broken, a like-for-like replacement keeps voice commands, the app shortcut buttons, and ambient-light charging. Expect to top it up via USB-C only a few times a year in a dim room.
You have a 2016–2021 Samsung smart TV
Match the original Smart Remote generation for your series — check the model number printed inside the battery cover of any existing Samsung remote you own, or look up your TV’s code in the settings menu (Settings → Support → About This TV). The BN59-01385 SolarCell version also works on many 2021 sets if you want to ditch batteries.
You have an older or basic Samsung TV
A $10–$15 infrared universal remote pre-coded for Samsung is the practical answer. No pairing, no app, no Bluetooth — point and press. You lose voice control, but the TV likely doesn’t support it anyway.
You have a wall-mounted Frame or a TV in a cabinet
Bluetooth pairing solves the line-of-sight problem entirely. This is the one scenario where paying more for a genuine Smart Remote clearly beats a cheap IR replacement — IR repeaters and awkward pointing angles get old fast.
You want one remote for TV plus soundbar and cable box
Try the Samsung remote’s built-in universal control first (Settings → General → External Device Manager → Universal Remote). It covers most major soundbars and set-top boxes. If your setup is more complex, a programmable universal remote in the $30–$80 range is worth it.
Shortcut Buttons: A Detail Worth Checking
Recent SolarCell remotes ship with dedicated streaming app buttons — and the exact apps printed on them vary by region and revision. If you never use the printed services, the buttons are just wasted space; they can’t be remapped. Some buyers prefer the slightly older revisions with different app labels. If this matters to you, check the product photos of the specific revision before buying rather than assuming all SolarCell remotes are identical.
Pairing a New Remote in 30 Seconds
- Turn the TV on (the remote’s IR signal handles power even without pairing).
- Point the remote at the TV and hold Return and Play/Pause together for 3–5 seconds.
- Wait for “Pairing complete” on screen. If it fails, move within 1 meter, remove USB dongles from the TV (they can interfere), and retry.
- If pairing still fails after a TV restart, the remote generation may be incompatible with your TV — check compatibility before blaming the hardware.
Ownership Realities
What wears out first on Samsung remotes is consistent across generations: the rubber around the directional pad, the volume rocker mechanism, and the battery-door clip. SolarCell remotes avoid the second-most-common failure — corroded battery contacts from leaking alkalines. If you buy an AA/AAA remote, use name-brand alkaline or lithium batteries and remove them if the remote will sit unused for months; a $2 battery leak can kill a $40 remote.
SolarCell charging is slower than people expect: a fully depleted unit can take an hour on USB-C or several days in indirect light to reach full charge. Keep it face-up near a lamp rather than in a drawer.
One common mistake: buying a lookalike “Samsung-compatible” smart remote that mimics the shape but lacks genuine Bluetooth firmware. Voice and pairing often work erratically or not at all. For Bluetooth models, genuine Samsung or clearly authorized replacements are worth the modest premium; for IR-only use, third-party remotes are reliably fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a new Samsung remote work on an older Samsung TV?
Yes for basic functions — every Samsung smart remote also emits infrared for power, volume, and channel control. Voice, pairing, and smart features require a Bluetooth-compatible TV, generally 2016 or newer.
My remote stopped working — is it dead or just unpaired?
If the TV responds to power but nothing else, it’s likely an unpairing issue, not hardware failure. Re-pair with Return + Play/Pause before buying a replacement.
Can I use the SmartThings app instead of a physical remote?
Yes — the SmartThings app on iOS and Android controls compatible Samsung TVs over Wi-Fi, including a touchpad and keyboard. It’s a solid free stopgap while you wait for a replacement.
