6 Best TV Remotes for the Elderly

Quick Picks: Best TV Remotes for Elderly Seniors

Best Programming Features
Flipper Big Button Universal TV Remote

This streamlined remote features just six essential buttons, but also offers a slide-away panel that provides additional programming options. Plus, you can program “favorite” channels to have the remote only flip through the pre-chosen channels.

Best Big Button TV Remote
Universal Big Button TV Remote

This simple universal TV remote features just six large, prominently displayed, brightly colored buttons that provide all the core feature an elderly individual might want.

Best Multi-Device Remote
GE Big Button Universal Remote

This TV remote offers the ability to control multiple devices, making it great for accessing DVD players, VCRs, etc. While there are more buttons than most seniors will need, the channel and volume controls are large and displayed prominently.

Have you held a TV remote closer to light to make out which of the small, difficult to push buttons is the right one? Senior-specific remotes fix this issue with bright, contrasting buttons and simple designs.

The best TV remotes for seniors bring autonomy to their most common form of entertainment. 

What Kind of TV Remotes are Best for the Elderly?

Television offers the elderly access to news and entertainment, helping to keep boredom and alleviate feelings of isolation.

With seniors watching an average of 3 to 4.5 hours of television a day, (or more depending on other entertainment options available), it’s essential that TVs are accessible and easy-to-use for seniors.

The right TV remote control can make it much easier for older individuals to use their television and bring entertainment to their home.

Most TV remotes for seniors are specifically designed to be:

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to program
  • Have large buttons
  • Backlit
  • Simple, with only essential buttons present

Television remotes allow seniors to stay in one spot, rather than getting up all the time, to change channels, turn up the volume, and power off the TV. They also tend to have large, backlit buttons instead of a plethora of small buttons like a traditional remote control.

Having fewer buttons makes memorizing the button locations simpler for those who cannot see well.

Many TV remotes for seniors are lightweight and fit within the palm of a hand. This allows for one-handed operation to keep things simple

Programming can often be the trickiest part of a remote. Many remember spending hours punching in different codes, trying to make the remote communicate with the TV.

Most senior-ready TV remotes scan pre-programmed codes when you begin the programming and are ready in just a few minutes.

Especially for seniors who are vision impaired, a simple, big-button remote control is a great choice to help make TV watching a more enjoyable experience.

Features to Look For in a TV Remote for Seniors

Depending on a senior’s eyesight, TV habits, and dexterity, users will need to prioritize some features over others. Some TV remotes will be more complex with number pads for those who have specific channel numbers they like, while others only allow you to scroll through channels with a toggle.

Let’s dive in to understand the best features in a TV remote control for a senior.  

Large, Easy-to-Read Numbers

Larger button and label size make finding the correct button easy, even if a senior’s eyesight is poor. 

Many of these senior-friendly TV remote controls do not have a number keypad, while others can hide it when not in use. Most find number pads non-essential, and leaving them out allows the core value buttons to be larger and more prominently displayed.

Some TV remotes have multiple labels on buttons. While this increases the functions a remote control can do, it may be confusing for users who are not technically inclined.

Color Contrast Between Plastic and Buttons

Color contrast is vital to differentiate between buttons and the physical remote control. A clear distinction between the two will help seniors press the right button at the right time and be easier for those with vision impairments. 

Some TV remotes only have the power button a distinct color, but others separate the volume and channel buttons by color as well. This can help, especially when learning a remote, to ask the user to push the yellow button rather than the one labeled power

button colors

Easy to Press + Large Buttons

Some people may repeatedly push down a TV remote button in order to get it to work properly, but this is not something any senior wants to deal with. It can be incredibly frustrating, and even more so if you can’t read the button’s label in the first place.

By making TV remote control buttons large and easy to press, seniors can be more confident in their selection and have more autonomy over their entertainment choices. 

Seeking out products with simple, large, and easy-to-press buttons is an overarching necessity when shopping for seniors – whether you’re shopping for a coffee maker, microwave, or a remote control!

Simplicity

Depending on a senior’s technical savvy, it may be good to opt for a more straightforward, no nonsense TV remote control. 

The majority of seniors do not need to cycle through the TV input or change the system’s formatting. Instead, limiting the buttons to power, volume, and channels to give them the necessities and nothing more. 

simple TV remote

For choosing channels, decide whether a number pad or just an up/down switch is best, as senior-specific TV remotes come with both of those options. If a senior watches just a few channels, opt for the super-simple version.

In order to keep designs super simple, many TV remotes for seniors don’t have input switch buttons, as this is often a source of confusion for older seniors.

The downside is that many of these remotes don’t offer the ability to switch between multiple devices — the remote will usually control only the TV or only a cable box (although there are a couple of remotes on this list that can do both).

Optional, But Handy, Features

The following features are not found on every senior-specific TV remote control. Instead, usually only high-end models include them. But, depending on the media and entertainment center set up and vision ability, they may be well worth having. 

Backlit Buttons

Often, seniors watch TV in their rooms with the lights dimmed. This poorly lit situation makes it extra difficult to see the remote, so a backlit remote control helps. 

Backlighting also emphasizes color contrast if there is one. Choosing a backlit, contrasted remote control for those who watch TV in dark areas is recommended.

Multi-Device Control

Not all seniors just watch the evening news and game shows. With the new technology and streaming services, getting seniors access to more media can go a long way to keeping them entertained.

Some senior remotes can control multiple devices, allowing them to use their DVD player, Roku device, or Amazon Fire Stick from the comfort of the couch. 

In fact, many television remotes that come included with newer smart TVs will feature easy-press buttons that can take a senior instantly to the home screen of their favorite streaming service.

Take note if the device automatically powers up all the devices programmed to it when you hit the power button, or if you have to go one at a time. Depending on the number of devices, this could cause confusion. 

Wrist Strap

A wrist strap can keep a TV remote control comfortably secure on a wrist for access at any time. This is helpful for seniors who have poor eyesight or tend to lose things into the couch cushion. 

Consider attaching the remote control with a strap or lanyard to an overbed table if they often watch TV in bed. 

Best TV Remotes for Seniors

Some TV remote controls for seniors will be bare-bones, allowing the user to turn on the TV and change the volume and channels but nothing more. Others have more advanced technology, including voice-activated searches or hidden number keypads

Whichever you choose, we recommend the following six TV remotes for their size, simplicity, and reliability. 

1. Fire TV Stick Remote Control

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick combines all the major streaming services into one clear and simple design with a straightforward remote control.

Uncluttered by excessive buttons, this TV remote control has dedicated power, volume, and mute buttons for your TV and other receivers.

Best Voice Remote
Fire TV Stick streaming device with Alexa built in, includes Alexa Voice Remote, HD, latest release

Fire TV Stick

Voice-controlled streaming media hub

Simple, limited buttons with voice-activated Alexa – plus enables access to several streaming services.

With the remote, users will have access to Alexa and simply say out loud what they would like to watch. This makes finding your favorite show, channel, or station easy. Consider this feature if the senior user has difficulty seeing buttons or words on the television – a voice-activated remote control could be a game-changer!

The Fire TV Stick comes linked with your Amazon account and can scan for your TV on its own. This is a great option for those who are not technologically inclined because it is mostly ready upon arrival.

In addition in allowing seniors to access tons of fantastic streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, the Fire TV Stick can be used to, through voice commands, check the news, see the weather, listen to music, check the time, and more!

fire stick for elderly

Key Features

  • Access to streaming channels such as Netflix, Prime Video, HBO, Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, Youtube, and more
  • Dedicated power button
  • Voice-control search with Alexa
  • Dedicated power and volume buttons
  • Clear, uncluttered face

Product Specifications

  • Size: 38 x 142 x 16 mm
  • Weight: 43.4 grams without batteries
  • Batteries: 2 AAA (included)

Pros

  • Access multiple streaming services for diverse viewing
  • Comes pre-programmed to your amazon account
  • Apps and games can be added for additional entertainment
  • Voice control can be handy for those with poor dexterity

Cons

  • All-black remote control and buttons may be difficult to see
  • Buttons are fairly small
  • Tactile circle controller may take some time to get used to
  • Not a universal remote, so won’t work with an existing cable box

2. Universal Big Button Remote Control

Incredibly simple, the Universal Big Button Remote has the necessities and nothing extra. It has six buttons: two for volume, two for channels, on/off, and mute. 

Best TV Remote for Visually Impaired
Universal Big Button TV Remote - EasyMote | DT-R08W. Backlit, Easy Use, Smart, Learning Television & Cable Box Controller, Perfect for Assisted Living Elderly Care. White TV Remote Control

Universal Big Button

Big, glowing backlit buttons

Simple and easy-to-use, this remote control is a favorite for it’s large, brightly lit buttons.

These buttons can also be customized to mimic a previous TV or cable box remote. This makes it a great choice for transitioning seniors from an older, bulky remote to a simpler remote control. 

This remote’s buttons are incredible large and have a powerful backlight that seniors adore. What’s more, the buttons have unique shapes, making them easy to identify by feel alone. This is an especially handy feature for those with vision impairments.

To set up, users simply need to make sure their TV’s infrared is on, and the universal remote control will automatically sync up when turned on. If there are any issues, the USA-based customer service is available to answer any questions.

This product also includes a sturdy wrist strap, which may be a good choice for those who tend to misplace items like the TV remote control. The EasyMote comes in either white or black.

Key Features

  • Simple, 6-button interface
  • Can learn custom commands
  • Backlit buttons with unique identifiable shapes
  • 90-day warranty
  • Simple set up
  • Wrist strap

Product Specifications

  • Size: 5 x 2.25 x .9 inches
  • Weight: 2.25 ounces
  • Batteries: 2 AAA

Pros

  • Backlit buttons are easy to see in the dark or for those with poor vision
  • 6 large, bright green buttons allow for quick memorization of their locations
  • Wrist strap can be attached to wrist or bedside table for easy retrieval
  • Universal remote control — works with a cable box

Cons

  • Remote control only connects to one device, so users with both a TV and cable box or DVD player will need a second remote

3. Flipper Big Button

The Flipper Big Button is designed specifically for seniors. It can connect multiple devices, allowing the use of just one remote control for all media products.

Best Programmable Remote
Flipper Big Button Universal TV Remote - Seniors, Elderly - Simple, Works TV & Cable - Favorite Channels - Learning - Supports IR Devices

Flipper Big Button

Simple remote with optional advanced programming features

Simplified remote with favoriting option, allowing seniors to automatically click through to favorite pre-saved channels.

Anyone with impaired vision will enjoy the clear six buttons on the top. These big buttons are brightly colored and very easy to identify.

This universal remote controller is aptly named Flipper, as the bottom slides down to reveal numbered buttons and other programming essentials. The great thing is, these extra buttons and programming options can be covered to keep them out of the way for seniors who would be overwhelmed by them. 

A caregiver can easily slide the panel and make programming adjustments that an elderly users can enjoy.

One of the most impressive functions of this big button remote is the ability to set “favorite” channels. Once favorite channels are set, when the user clicks the up and down channel buttons, the remote with flip between the programmed favorite channels, skipping other channels that the user does not care about.

This enables a senior to work with a smaller selection of TV channels they truly enjoy, rather them requiring them to waste time flipping through each and every channel in existence.

Lastly, the Flipper Big Button also has a lock feature to prevent any accidental reprogramming. So, once it’s set up, you can lock it in and be assured it is safe until your next visit. 

Key Features

  • 6 Main buttons
  • Hidden number keypad when needed
  • Connects with multiple devices
  • Lock feature keeps programming 
  • US-based customer support
  • Ability to program favorite channels
  • Universal remote control

Product Specifications

  • Size: 7 x 2.5 x 2 inches
  • Weight: 3 ounces
  • Batteries: 2 AAA batteries (not included)

Pros

  • Different colored buttons great for users with poor vision
  • Hidden keypad allows for increased customization without cluttering remote face

Cons

  • Volume and channel buttons are horizontally located, rather than the traditional vertical orientation.

4. GE Big Button

The GE Big Button remote connects to two devices with a comprehensive code library for quick programming. 

Best Multi-Device Remote for Elderly
GE Big Button Universal Remote Control for Samsung, Vizio, Lg, Sony, Sharp, Roku, Apple TV, TCL, Panasonic, Smart TVs, Streaming Players, Blu-Ray, DVD, 2-Device, Silver, 33701

Multi-device remote with basic controls

This relatively simple universal remote control gives prime real estate to the volume and channel buttons.

The curved back of the TV remote controller sits pleasantly in hand, while the channel and volume buttons are connected for simple adjustments. 

This is the only remote on our list with a separate TV button and cable button, allowing you to easily switch back and forth between both your TV and cable box.

In addition to volume buttons, channel buttons, a number pad, and mute, this universal remote also offers buttons for:

  • Previous channel
  • Sleep
  • Input

Key Features

  • Large volume and channel buttons and number keypad
  • Curved back
  • Connects to two devices
  • Tactile buttons with rocker buttons for volume and channel controls
  • Option for “auto” programming that doesn’t require you to put in codes to connect

Product Specifications

  • Size: 1 x 2 x 5.75 inches
  • Weight: 2.4 ounces
  • Batteries: 2 AAA (not included)

Pros

  • Buttons have plenty of spring to assure user they have been pressed 
  • Users especially appreciate the “last channel” button
  • Great tactile feel
  • Universal remote that can work with an existing cable box

Cons

  • Power button only turns on one device at a time
  • Some buttons may not work if you use the auto programming set up – you may have to put in a code for full compatibility

5. Tek Pal TV Remote

The Tek Pal Remote is a small, large-button TV remote control that is easy to hold at just under three inches wide. 

Simplest Remote for Seniors
Tek Pal - Large Button TV Remote Control

Tek Pal Remote

Just basic controls to keep thing simple

Clean, simple buttons with backlights and intuitive shapes.

Six large, backlit buttons are easy to see and use in this universal remote control. Each has a different shape, making it easy for users with poor eyesight to differentiate between the power button and the volume or channel buttons. 

The simple shapes and core functionality make this one of the top easy to use TV remotes for the elderly

Key Features

  • 6 clearly labeled buttons with different shapes
  • Palm-sized remote control for easy holding
  • Buttons light up when pressed

Product Specifications

  • Size: 5.5 x 2.75 x 1 inches
  • Weight: 5 ounces (with batteries)
  • Batteries: 2 AAA (not included)

Pros

  • Small size makes it easy to hold with frail hands
  • Curved shape allows user to differentiate between front and back of remote
  • Different shaped buttons allow user to determine which button it is through touch

Cons

  • Program directions are in small print
  • Some users accidentally reprogrammed the remote control when holding down buttons

6. LittleTiger Mini

The LittleTiger Mini Learning Remote Control is a simple, palm-sized remote. It has eight buttons to scan through the channels and change the volume.

LittleTiger DC 3V Mini Learning Remote Control RM-L7 Universal

LittleTiger Mini

The battery compartment is easy to pop open so that most users can easily switch them when they run out of juice. As a no-frills option, it gives users a clean interface and nothing more.

This universal remote control can actually learn new functions, so if there is a certain command or function an individual often uses, you can program it to a certain button.

Key Features

  • Learning ability pulls information and functions from old remotes
  • 8 Multi-use keys
  •  Color contrasted power button for accessibility

Product Specifications

  • Size: 5 x 2 x 0.8 inches
  • Weight: 2.30 ounces
  • Batteries: 2 AAA (not included)

Pros

  • Learning remote can have buttons be programmed for specific functions
  • Once programmed, it works perfectly
  • Palm-size is great for one-handed operation

Cons

  • Round remote makes it difficult to differentiate between front and back
  • Non-traditional button placement
  • Some find the “learning” programming to be frustrating, although all note that once it’s set up, it’s great

Remote control preference may lean heavily on what a user is used to and their specific needs. Do you have a favorite senior-specific remote? If so, share below in the comments!

Last update on 2022-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2 thoughts on “6 Best TV Remotes for the Elderly”

  1. I have elderly parents and they struggling with switching between live tv and set top boxes on hdmi connections.

    Can you get a remote that allows you the option to switch between hdmi inputs and live tv. Just by pressing a button. Ie: there is a separate button for live tv and a separate button for hdmi 1 and a separate for hdmi 2.

    They then press a button and it takes them straight there without Navigating through the menu screens.

    Reply

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