Users have mixed reactions to LG’s Magic Remote, particularly regarding features such as design and visual appeal. However, design aside, the remote is one of a kind, and it comes with several cool features that can make watching TV more enjoyable.
But is LG the only brand offering the magic remote, or are there other Smart TV models with a similar remote control?
Well, you won’t find a TV remote with the exact same functionalities as LG’s Magic Remote. However, several Smart TV models do offer remotes with similar functionalities.
TV remotes that are similar to LG’s Magic Remote
The LG Magic Remote may be unique, but you can find several other Smart TV brands that offer remotes with similar features. Below is a look at them:
1. Samsung
Samsung is one of the top Smart TV brands that offers a remote with similar features to the LG Magic Remote.
The Samsung Smart “One Remote” comes with the following cool features that are similar to the Magic Remote:
- A pointer system: Some models of the Samsung One Remote come with a pointer system, similar to the Magic Remote’s mouse-like pointer system.
- Voice control: The remote features voice control functionality powered by Samsung’s Bixby virtual assistant. Some Samsung Smart remote models also support additional virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Universal control: Samsung’s One Remote is compatible with multiple Samsung Smart TV models and various connected devices, including gaming consoles, sound systems, home cinema systems, Blu-ray players, TV boxes, and more.
2. Roku
Roku is another excellent option to consider if you’re looking for an alternative to LG’s Magic Remote.
The brand offers several models of Voice Roku remotes, which feature voice commands powered by Roku’s virtual assistant and can also be paired with other virtual assistants.
Some models of Roku Voice Remotes (Voice Roku Remote Pro and Voice Roku Remote Pro 2nd Edition) also support hands-free voice commands, something that is not available in most smart remotes.
Another notable feature of the Roku Voice Remote is its universal control capabilities. The remote is designed to control all Roku Smart TVs, Roku streaming devices, and Roku audio devices.
As a bonus feature, some models of the Roku Voice Remote have a voice-activated remote finder feature, which can be handy if you misplace your remote control.
3. Sony
The RMF-TX611E is the closest remote control to LG’s Magic Remote offered by the Sony brand.
It does not have a mouse and scroll button feature, but it is a voice control remote that supports voice commands via Google Assistant. It is also universal and will control several models of Sony’s Smart TVs.
The RMF-TX611E also features some notable functionalities not found in LG’s Magic Remote, including motion-activated backlit buttons that make it easy to use the remote in low-light conditions.
4. TCL
TCL offers a Touch TV Remote Control that has similar capabilities to LG’s Magic Remote control.
It has a voice control function powered by Google Assistant. It is also designed to be universal and is compatible with multiple TCL Smart TV models.
The remote control also comes with several bonus functions not found in the LG Magic Remote, such as a touch panel (replacing a physical keypad) with haptic feedback that mimics real tactile feedback.
It also features a fingerprint recognition capability, allowing you to customise the content accessible to different viewers on your TV.
Design-wise, the TCL Touch Remote Control also has an edge. It comes with a slim, stylish, and modern-looking metal frame that is more attractive than the Magic Remote.
Other TV remotes similar to the Magic Remote
Apart from these Smart TV remotes, you can also find other third-party TV remotes that are similar to LG’s Magic Remote.
For example, the Dupad Story G20S Voice Remote Control features several functions similar to those found in the Magic Remote. These include:
- A gyroscope-powered air mouse feature.
- Voice input feature: The voice control does not support virtual assistants, but can enter words into search boxes or chat with friends during games.
- Universal control: compatible with several smart TV models, Android TV boxes, PCs, projectors, and other devices.
Top features of LG’s Magic Remote
The LG Magic Remote has several features designed to enhance your viewing experience. Below is a look at the top ones:
1. A mouse-like feature
One of the coolest features of LG’s Magic Remote is its pointer system, which allows the remote to function like an “air mouse.” The pointer works uses a gyro-sensor, which detects hand movements and translates them into cursor movement on the screen.
The remote’s mouse-like feature is a handy functionality that offers more seamless navigation compared to the D-Pad navigation offered by most TV remotes.
2. A scroll wheel
In addition to the gyro-sensor pointer system, LG’s Magic Remote comes with a scroll wheel, just like the one found on computer mice.
The scroll wheel (which also works as the OK button when held down) makes it easy to browse through web pages, the menu, the Smart Home entertainment guide, and content in your streaming apps.
3. Voice Control
LG’s Magic Remote features Voice Mate, an AI-powered voice recognition technology that enables you to control your TV using voice commands.
You can perform several commands with the Voice Mate feature, including:
- Watching TV – adjusting volume, changing channel/programme.
- Configuring your TV – Selecting input source, adjusting settings, setting sleep timer, etc.
- Voice command shortcuts for apps installed on your TV.
- Searching for information, programmes, or videos on the Internet.
4. Gesture control
Gesture control is another notable feature available in LG’s Magic remote. It allows you to control your TV by drawing gestures with the remote control.
To use the gesture control feature, you need to aim the magic remote at your TV, press and hold down the scrolling wheel (OK button), and then draw your desired gesture.
5. A built-in NFC module
The latest models of LG’s Magic Remote come with a built-in NFC (Near Field Communication), which allows you to connect your NFC-enabled smartphone to your LG TV.
With the NFC feature, you can transfer data between your TV and your smartphone. For example, you can play your TV audio on your smartphone or share photos, videos, audio, and other media from your smartphone to your LG TV.
5. Universal control
LG’s Magic Remote is designed to be a universal remote control. It is compatible with most LG Smart TV models that use a webOS operating system.
Some users have also reported success in using the magic remote to control other Smart TVs and devices.