Soundbar Remote Connectivity: Infrared vs Bluetooth

Infrared remotes need line of sight

Infrared (IR) remotes have been the standard for TVs and soundbars for decades. They work by sending pulses of light to a receiver on the front of the soundbar. Because light travels in a straight line, you must point the remote at the bar, and anything blocking the path, such as a cabinet door or a drink, can interrupt the signal. This is the main limitation of IR.

IR remotes are simple and inexpensive to implement, which is why most budget soundbars still use them. They also have a long battery life because they only emit light when you press a button. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) helps standardize many consumer electronics including remote control protocols, so IR remains a predictable and widely compatible option across brands.

If your soundbar is tucked inside an entertainment center or placed behind a panel, an IR remote can be frustrating. In that situation, you may prefer a model with a Bluetooth remote or app control, or you can add an external IR repeater, though that adds hardware.

For most living rooms where the soundbar sits in the open below the TV, IR works fine. If you rarely change volume or inputs, the simplicity of IR is hard to beat.

• Requires a clear line between remote and soundbar's IR sensor
• No pairing needed, so it works instantly
• Batteries last a long time because transmission is brief
• Interference from strong sunlight or other IR sources is rare but possible

Bluetooth remotes drop the aiming requirement

Bluetooth remotes use the same wireless technology found in headphones and speakers. According to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, Bluetooth Classic operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band and uses frequency hopping over 79 channels. That means the signal can pass through most obstacles, so you don't need to aim the remote at the soundbar. You can control it from another room if the distance is within range, usually several meters, though walls can reduce that.

Bluetooth remotes also support two-way communication. The soundbar can send status back to the remote, such as the current input or volume level, which can be displayed on a small screen if the remote has one. Some remotes even include voice search or motion control. On the downside, Bluetooth remotes need to be paired with the soundbar, and they consume more battery because they maintain a constant connection.

Manufacturers that include Bluetooth remotes often also offer smartphone apps, but a physical Bluetooth remote is convenient for people who prefer buttons. The Bluetooth radio is well suited for point-to-point control, as described in the Bluetooth technology overview, which highlights Classic for streaming and LE for low-power connections. Soundbar remotes typically use Classic or LE depending on the feature set.

If your soundbar is behind a glass door or in a different component of your media console, Bluetooth is the better choice. It also works well in large rooms where you might sit far away and the soundbar is not directly in view.

Smartphone apps replace or augment the remote

Most modern soundbars, especially those with network features, offer a companion smartphone app. These apps communicate with the soundbar over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and they often provide more control than the physical remote. You can adjust the equalizer, switch sound modes, set up rear speakers, update firmware, and even control playback from your phone.

App control eliminates the remote entirely, which is useful if you often lose the remote or prefer touch controls. Apps also make it easier to fine-tune settings that are hidden in menus on some soundbars. Many apps mirror the remote's basic functions, so you can leave the remote in a drawer.

However, apps require a one-time setup and occasional reconnection. If your home network is unstable, a Bluetooth remote might feel more reliable. Some soundbars support both, letting you use whichever you prefer in the moment.

For more on controlling your soundbar with an app, see our guide to app control. If you want to extend control to your TV's remote, HDMI-CEC is another option that uses the HDMI connection, referencing the HDMI specifications for its capabilities.

How to choose: what fits your setup?

The decision comes down to your room layout, your tolerance for setup steps, and the features you value. If your soundbar is in the open and you rarely adjust settings, an IR remote is perfectly sufficient. If the soundbar is hidden or you want to control it from another room, look for Bluetooth or app support.

Also consider the other devices in your setup. Many soundbars work with your TV's remote via HDMI-CEC, and you may not need the soundbar's own remote at all. In that case, IR or Bluetooth becomes secondary.

If you already own a dedicated streaming device or smart speaker, you might prefer a soundbar that integrates with that ecosystem, but that goes beyond remote connectivity. Focus on how you actually use the soundbar: if you frequently change volume and inputs, a Bluetooth remote or app gives you more freedom.

For specific product recommendations, browse our collection of best 2.1 soundbars or best 5.1 soundbars to see which models include Bluetooth remotes or app support. You can also check best soundbars with rear speakers if you plan on a full surround setup.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do Bluetooth soundbar remotes require pairing every time?

No. Once you pair the remote with the soundbar, the connection is remembered. The remote reconnects automatically when you use it, usually with a brief delay. This is similar to pairing a wireless keyboard or mouse.

Can I program a universal remote to work with both IR and Bluetooth soundbars?

Yes, many universal remotes support IR and some support Bluetooth. Check the remote's specifications. If your soundbar has a built-in IR receiver, any IR universal remote with the right code will work. For Bluetooth, the remote must be able to pair with the soundbar and support the same profile.

Are smartphone apps better than physical remotes?

Apps usually offer more features and a better interface for adjusting EQ and sound modes. But they rely on a network connection and may have slower response times than a dedicated remote. For simple volume changes, a physical remote is often more convenient.

Why do some soundbars still use IR when Bluetooth is more flexible?

IR is cheaper to implement and consumes less power, which keeps the product price down. Also, many users already have a TV remote that can control the soundbar via CEC, so the soundbar's own remote is just a backup. The choice depends on the target market and cost balance.

Can I use my phone as an IR remote for a soundbar without Bluetooth?

If your phone has an IR blaster, you can use it with an IR app and the soundbar's code. Most flagship phones used to have IR blasters, but they are less common today. Otherwise, you would need an external IR emitter that plugs into your phone's audio jack, which is rare.