Broadlink has been making universal remotes for years, and the RM5plus is their fifth-generation model. It’s a small black and silver hub that consolidates control of up to 10 infrared devices into one system. That includes TVs, air conditioners, fans, and set-top boxes. The catch is it only works with devices using 38KHz IR protocols. If your gear uses RF, Bluetooth, or a non-standard IR frequency, this hub won’t control it.

Setup requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. It does not support 5GHz or mesh networks. Once connected, you can control your devices from anywhere through the Broadlink app. The hub covers over 5,000 IR devices from various brands, so compatibility is broad. In daily use, it replaces a handful of remotes with a single app interface. Response times are snappy, and the app is straightforward to navigate.

The main limitation is the 10-device cap. If you have a complex home theater setup with multiple components, you might hit that ceiling quickly. The RM5plus works best in a dedicated media room or living room with a focused set of devices. It’s a solid, no-fuss solution for cutting down remote clutter, provided your gear is IR-based and you’re comfortable with the Wi-Fi restrictions.