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$15 replacement lets you ditch your awful Apple TV remote

Updated Dec 8th, 2022 1:25PM EST
Image: Maren Estrada for BGR

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When Apple finally released the first Apple TV 4K, Apple fans were so excited. The updated Apple streaming media player is great, but there was really only one new feature that most people cared about: the new Apple TV remote replacement. That’s right, Apple’s latest models have a new Siri remote that replaces the horrendous one from Apple’s earlier Apple TVs.

But wait, there’s even more good news. You can get the new Siri remote on its own to use with any Apple TV set-top box you already have. Plus, it’s discounted right now if you hurry.

There’s just one problem though, and I’m sure you can guess what it is. The new Siri remote is way too expensive. $59 for a little tiny remote control?! The new remote looks cool and all, but I’m going to go ahead and pass. Even while it has a slight discount on Amazon, it still costs $55.

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Spending another $55-$59 just to get rid of Apple’s God-awful remote is a pretty big kick in the pants. The good news is that there’s an awesome Apple TV remote replacement you can get instead called the aarooGo Remote Control for Apple TV.

And it only costs $14.99 on Amazon!

Are you in the market for a new Apple TV 4K anyway? If that’s the case, the new Siri remote is a great perk. The new Apple TV 4K is actually discounted right now at Amazon, so it’s a good time to get one with Apple’s new remote. In fact, the Apple TV 4K is on sale for $99 today, which matches the lowest price ever!

But if you already have an Apple TV, you might not want to buy a whole new box just for the remote.

The Best Apple TV remote replacement I’ve found

Everyone loves Apple’s incredible designs. Apple has repeatedly shown that it considers every last detail when designing a new gadget.

It goes without saying at this point that Apple sets the bar across the industry for every single one of its product categories, and the company’s rivals always copy Apple’s work.

From smartphones and tablets to desktop computers, laptops, and even the Apple Watch, nearly all of Apple’s designs are beloved and shamelessly copied.

That’s why it’s still so astonishing to Apple fans that the company managed to create the single worst remote control that has ever existed. But today, I have some good news: there’s finally an Apple TV remote replacement that doesn’t stink and doesn’t cost a whopping $59.

It’s called the aarooGo Remote Control for Apple TV and it’s just $14.99 on Amazon!

What makes it great?

Touchpads are awesome. They provide a magnificent way to interface with so many different kinds of devices. The list of products to which that applies is a mile long… but remote controls are not on it.

The Apple TV’s previous-generation Siri remote is a constant source of frustration for Apple fans all around the world. The touchpad is horrendous because it clicks with almost no pressure applied at all. That causes people to misclick constantly, which is so frustrating.

Everyone hates that little black Apple TV remote. Needless to say, that’s why Apple finally redesigned the Siri remote back in 2021.

Basically, the aarooGo Remote Control for Apple TV is an Apple TV remote with no touchpad. That’s pretty much the only thing you need to know.

The new AarooGo replacement remote has physical buttons for every Apple TV function except for one, and that’s the Siri button.

Siri is great on the Apple TV, of that there is no doubt. But I’m willing to bet every single previous-generation Apple TV owner reading this right now will happily ditch Siri to get a remote that isn’t a nightmare to use. Plus, you can always use the Remote app on your iPhone if you want Siri.

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Key details

First of all, the aarooGo remote doesn’t have a horrible touchpad. This inexpensive little replacement remote also works with every single Apple TV model.

Here’s the list of Apple TV models that are supported:

  • 1st-generation Apple TV (model number A1218)
  • 2nd-generation Apple TV (A1378)
  • 3rd-generation Apple TV (A1427 or A1469)
  • Apple TV HD 32GB and 64GB (A1625)
  • Apple TV 4K (1st-Generation) 32GB and 64GB (A1842)
  • Apple TV 4K (2nd-Generation) 32GB and 64GB (A2169)
  • Apple TV 4K (3rd-Generation) 32GB and 64GB (A2737, A2843)

The bottom line is if you have a streaming media player with an Apple logo on it, this remote will work.

When it comes to TV functions like power, volume, and mute, all the major brands are covered. On top of that, the setup is wonderfully simple.

Apple TV remote replacement programing chartThe aarooGo Remote Control for Apple TV comes with a chart that lists all major TV brands, and you can see it above. There are two buttons shown next to each TV brand. Find your TV manufacturer and hold down the two corresponding buttons until the LED on the remote turns solid red.

If your TV brand isn’t on that chart, you can contact the manufacturer for help or just try each of the button pairs until you find the one that works.

It should go without saying that this awesome little Apple TV replacement remote is a must-have. Every single Apple TV owner out there who has the old monstrosity of a remote needs this accessory. And as I mentioned, it only costs $14.99 on Amazon.

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More info about the aarooGo Remote Control

Here are some key takeaways if you’re considering the aarooGo Remote Control for Apple TV as your Apple TV remote replacement:

  • This is a replacement remote control that works with Apple TV players
  • Get rid of the old touchpad Siri remote that everyone complains about so much
  • Compatible with all Apple TV models
  • The remote includes five TV buttons in addition to the menu controls and select button: Power Input/Source, Volume up/down, and Mute
  • This remote does not include a Siri button or support voice control
  • Powered by two AAA batteries (not included)
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Other good options

If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated and don’t mind spending another $10, we’ve got an awesome alternative to the aarooGo Remote.

The Function101 Remote for Apple TV is an even more capable Apple TV remote replacement. It has more buttons so it’s even more versatile and capable. Plus, it has slightly better build quality so it feels sturdier in your hand.

You’ll find all the navigation buttons you might need, including buttons you won’t find on the aarooGo remote or Apple’s own Apple TV remote. Plus, this remote has more buttons to control your TV. It might be the only remote you need!

If you’re interested in the Function101 Remote for Apple TV, now is a great time to get one. This model retails for $40, but it’s on sale for $29.95 right now!

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Also, the Besia Universal Remote is a great option for anyone looking to spend as little as possible.

For just $10.99, you get all the controls you need to use your Apple TV without having to deal with that horrendous touchpad from the old remote. Plus, you can control the power and volume of on your TV.

Just like the other options in this article, the Besia model works with every Apple TV model that has been released so far.

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Maren Estrada Deals Editor

Maren Estrada has been the Editor of BGR Deals since it launched in 2013. She has more than 20 years of experience testing more than 1,500 products, and reviewing a wide range of consumer electronics including mobile devices, smart home products, computers, and home appliances.

Previously, she was a leading consultant specializing in copywriting, product development, and new product launches.