Tired of juggling five different remotes just to watch a movie? The SofaBaton X1s is designed to fix exactly that.
Why the SofaBaton X1s Stands Out
1. True Hub-Based Performance
Unlike basic universal remotes that require line-of-sight pointing, the X1s utilizes a central Hub. The remote talks to the hub via RF/Bluetooth, and the hub blasts commands to your devices via IR, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. This means you can tuck your equipment away in a closed media cabinet and still control everything flawlessly.2. Fully Functional App Control
One of the biggest functional upgrades with the X1s system is its companion app. It isn’t just for configuring the remote! You can actively use your smartphone or tablet as a secondary remote control to fire off macros or operate your devices without reaching for the physical Baton.3. Customized One-Touch “Activities”
Instead of manually turning each device on and switching inputs, you can program one-touch Activities. Hit “Watch Movie,” and the X1s will power on the display, turn on the receiver, set the correct HDMI input, and dim the lights automatically.What We Like
- Powerful hub-based control (no pointing required)
- App works as a standalone remote control
- Excellent database of 500,000+ devices
- Sleek, backlit physical remote with a scroll wheel
Things to Consider
- Initial configuration takes some time
- Advanced macros require a bit of patience to perfect
The Verdict: A Worthy Harmony Successor?
The SofaBaton X1s has solidified its place as the “top-tier” option for users who want to move on from the discontinued Logitech Harmony line. While it doesn’t quite match the Harmony Elite’s premium touch-screen experience, it wins on modern connectivity (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) and battery life.The Core Specs
- Device Support: 500,000+ devices across 6,000+ brands.
- Connectivity: IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi (IP Control).
- Battery Life: Up to 45 days on a single USB-C charge (a massive lead over Harmony).
- Screen: Non-touch OLED display with a physical scroll wheel for navigation.
What the Experts Love
- The Hub is the Hero: Because it’s hub-based, you don’t need line-of-sight. You can hide your AV gear in a cabinet, and the hub (plus the included IR blasters) will handle the signals.
- Reliable Macros (Activities): Once configured, the “Activities” (e.g., Watch Movie) are highly reliable. The X1s is smart enough to remember which devices are already on, preventing that annoying “power-cycling” loop when switching between Netflix and Gaming.
- Functional App: Unlike the U2 model, the X1s app is a true secondary remote. If you lose the baton in the couch cushions, your phone is a fully capable backup.
- Backlit Physical Buttons: The ergonomics are widely praised. The buttons are tactile, backlit, and positioned logically for one-handed use.
The “Niggles” & Trade-offs
- Setup Learning Curve: While the app has improved, it still requires patience. Programming complex “Inter-device delays” (e.g., waiting 5 seconds for a projector to warm up before switching inputs) can take some trial and error.
- No Touch Screen: Navigating the small OLED screen with the scroll wheel feels slightly “retro” compared to modern smartphones or the old Harmony Elite.
- Single-Room Solution: The hub is powerful, but it’s generally designed for one room. Controlling a second zone or a TV in a different room requires creative placement or a second hub.
Comparison: SofaBaton U2 vs. X1s
| Feature | SofaBaton U2 | SofaBaton X1s |
| Control Method | Direct IR / Bluetooth | Hub-Based (RF/Wi-Fi/IR) |
| App Function | Setup Only | Setup + Remote Control |
| Line-of-Sight | Required for IR | Not Required (Hub blasters) |
| Activities | Limited Macros | Advanced Automation |
| Smart Home | No | Alexa / Google Home |
Who Should Buy It?
- The “Media Room” Power User: If you have an Apple TV, an AV Receiver, and a TV/Projector, the X1s is the best value-for-money way to unify them.
- The Smart Home Enthusiast: It integrates with Home Assistant, Alexa, and Google Assistant, allowing you to trigger “Movie Night” via voice.
- The Harmony Refugee: If your old Harmony hub is dying, the X1s is the most painless transition available in 2026.