Broadlink Compact Infrared Smart Remote Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It

What stands out

• Supports 38kHz IR frequency for universal compatibility with most infrared appliances.
• Integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for hands-free voice control.
• Features UserDefine IR learning to capture commands from remotes not in the database.
• Enables remote on/off control via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi from anywhere.

Who it fits

Key specs for BroadLink RM5plus

Connectivity: 38kHz IR

This frequency is the standard for most older home electronics. You can use this remote with TVs, air conditioners, and fans that rely on traditional infrared signals. It does not work with Bluetooth or radio frequency devices. Check your existing remotes to ensure they use IR. This spec ensures broad compatibility with legacy gear in your living room or bedroom.

Network Interface: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi

The device connects only to standard 2.4GHz networks. It is incompatible with 5GHz bands or mesh systems that use separate channels. Ensure your router supports this band. This limitation is common for budget smart home devices. Verify your home network setup before installation to avoid connection failures. This ensures stable communication between the app and the remote hub.

Smart Home Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

You can control your infrared devices using voice commands through these major assistants. This allows hands-free operation for turning on TVs or adjusting AC temperatures. You do not need to open the app for every action. This integration simplifies daily routines. It fits well into ecosystems that already use these platforms for lighting or security control.

UserDefine IR Learning

This feature captures signals from your original remote controls. It allows the hub to operate devices not found in its built-in database. This is useful for older or uncommon appliances. You manually teach the remote new commands. This expands compatibility beyond the listed 5,000 models. It provides flexibility for unique electronics that standard universal remotes might miss.

Design and build specs

According to the listing, the BroadLink RM5plus measures 1.77 inches on each side. This cubic form factor makes it a compact hub for your living space. The device weighs 2.08 ounces. You can place it on a shelf or mount it discreetly without taking up much room. The color is white. This neutral finish helps it blend into most home decors without drawing attention.

The unit relies on 38kHz infrared technology. You need to position it so the signal can reach your appliances directly. Line of sight is required for TVs, air conditioners, and fans. The listing notes it does not support Bluetooth or radio frequency. You must ensure your devices use traditional IR commands. This limits its use to legacy electronics rather than modern smart devices with built-in Wi-Fi.

You connect it via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The listing states that 5GHz and mesh networks are incompatible. You must place the remote within range of your router’s 2.4GHz band. The app allows remote management, but the physical device itself has no display or buttons. You control everything through your phone or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. This design keeps the hardware simple but requires a stable network connection for all features to function.

Setup and everyday use guide

You connect the BroadLink RM5plus to your home network using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The listing notes that 5GHz and mesh networks are incompatible. You must also ensure your Wi-Fi credentials are thirty-two characters or fewer. Once connected, the device acts as a hub for over 5,000 infrared appliances. You control these through the Broadlink app from anywhere. This includes turning TVs, air conditioners, and fans on or off remotely. For devices not in the built-in database, you use the UserDefine IR learning function. This allows you to capture commands from your existing remote. The device supports a 38kHz IR frequency, which is standard for most legacy electronics. You can integrate the remote with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This enables hands-free voice commands for your connected devices. Daily automation is handled through scenes and timers. You can create custom routines, such as a Movie Night scene, to control multiple devices at once. The compact white unit measures 1.77 inches on each side. Its small size allows you to place it discreetly in your living space. The remote consolidates control, replacing multiple physical remotes. You manage schedules to optimize comfort and efficiency. This setup process relies entirely on Wi-Fi connectivity and infrared signal transmission. There is no Bluetooth support mentioned for direct pairing. The app serves as your primary interface for configuration and daily management.

Before You Buy This Remote

You need a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network for this device. The listing confirms 5GHz and mesh systems are incompatible. Ensure your router supports this band before purchase. You should verify that your legacy appliances use 38kHz infrared signals. This remote does not support Bluetooth or radio frequency devices. If you have modern smart TVs with built-in Wi-Fi control, this hub may be redundant. However, it remains useful for older AC units or fans lacking smart features. You can integrate it with Amazon Alexa or Google Home for voice commands. This adds convenience if you prefer hands-free operation. The compact cubic design allows easy placement near your electronics. It fits well alongside other smart home controls by bridging the gap between legacy devices and modern automation. You do not need additional sensors for basic operation. The app handles scheduling and scene creation. Regular updates may improve compatibility with new devices. Keep your Wi-Fi credentials under thirty-two characters to avoid connection issues. This device serves as a practical bridge for non-smart electronics in your home.

Check before you buy

• Confirm your Wi-Fi router supports 2.4GHz networks.
• Check if your devices use 38kHz infrared signals.
• Ensure you have Alexa or Google Home available.
• Verify Wi-Fi password is under thirty-two characters.

The product at a glance

1

BroadLink Compact Infrared Smart Remote

Best for: consolidating infrared TV and AC control

Connectivity

38KHz IR, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi

Smart Home Compatibility

Amazon Alexa, Google Home

Network Interface

2.4GHz Wi-Fi

Application

Air Conditioners, Televisions

Dimensions

1.77 × 1.77 × 1.77 inches

Weight

2.08 ounces

View on Amazon: BroadLink Compact Infrared Smart Remote Affiliate link

The Broadlink RM5plus is a white, cube-shaped infrared smart remote. It connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and supports Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This device consolidates control for over 5,000 infrared appliances, including TVs and air conditioners. You can use the app for remote management, voice commands, and scene automation. Its compact 1.77-inch design fits easily on a shelf. It suits users who want to replace multiple physical remotes with one universal hub.

Pros

• Controls 5,000+ infrared appliances via 38kHz IR
• Integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
• Supports UserDefine IR learning for older devices
• Enables remote Wi-Fi management and scene automation

Cons

• Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks
• Limited to infrared devices, no Bluetooth or radio frequency support
• Requires 2.4GHz connection, incompatible with 5GHz or mesh-only setups

Good fit if

• You want to replace multiple physical remotes with one hub
• You use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for smart home devices
• You need voice control for TVs and air conditioners

Skip if

• You only have 5GHz Wi-Fi networks available
• You need to control devices via Bluetooth or radio frequency
• You want to manage devices without an internet connection

Verdict: Broadlink RM5plus IR Smart Remote is a practical hub for users with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi who want to consolidate infrared device control through voice commands and app automation.

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