Control4 NEEO Remote Review: Sleek Design & Features

Modern smart home remotes combine sleek design with powerful functionality. These remotes feature minimalist aesthetics, touchscreen interfaces, and intuitive controls that make managing your smart home effortless. As smart home installers, we've worked with many modern remote designs. In this comprehensive review, we'll break down everything you need to know: features, battery life, pros, cons, and whether modern remotes are right for your home.

What Are Modern Smart Home Remotes?

Modern smart home remotes represent the evolution of universal remote controls. They feature sleek designs, often with touchscreens or minimalist button layouts, and are designed to control not just entertainment devices, but your entire smart home ecosystem.

Features That Make Modern Remotes Stand Out

1. Sleek, Minimalist Design

Modern smart home remotes feature clean, minimalist designs that look great in any home. They're often two-tone (dark screen with silver/light body) or all-black with sleek lines. These remotes are designed to be as beautiful as they are functional.

2. Touchscreen or High-Quality Display

Many modern remotes feature touchscreen interfaces or high-quality LCD screens that make navigation intuitive. You can see device icons, room names, and controls clearly. The interface updates dynamically based on what you're controlling.

3. Dual Communication (RF + IR)

Modern remotes use both RF (radio frequency) and IR (infrared). RF means you don't need line-of-sight - you can control devices from another room or even through walls. IR handles traditional devices that require direct line-of-sight. This combination gives you maximum flexibility.

4. Rechargeable Battery with Docking Station

No more hunting for batteries. Modern remotes typically come with sleek docking stations that charge the remote automatically when you place it down. The battery life is impressive - typically lasting 5-10 days with normal use.

5. Extensive Smart Home Control

Modern remotes can control virtually everything in your smart home:

• TVs, cable boxes, streaming devices
• Audio systems (receivers, amplifiers, speakers)
• Smart lights (Lutron, Philips Hue, etc.)
• Motorized shades and blinds
• Thermostats
• Security systems
• And much more

6. Intuitive HOME Button

The prominent HOME button makes it easy to return to the main menu or control your entire home. This simple design element makes navigation effortless, even for non-technical users.

Battery Life: What to Expect

Battery life varies by model, but here's what to expect:

Factors That Affect Battery Life:

• Screen brightness: Higher brightness drains battery faster
• Touchscreen usage: Touchscreen models use more power
• RF usage: Using RF (controlling devices through walls) uses more power than IR
• Backlight: Keeping button backlight on constantly reduces battery life
• Frequency of use: More use = shorter battery life

The good news: The docking station makes charging effortless. Most people just place the remote in the dock when they're done using it, so battery life rarely becomes an issue.

Pros: What We Love About the MX-990

Who Should Buy Modern Smart Home Remotes?

Modern remotes are perfect for:

• Homeowners who value design and aesthetics
• People who want intuitive, modern interfaces
• Those who want RF capability (control from other rooms)
• Users who prefer touchscreen or modern button layouts
• Families who want easy-to-use smart home control

You might want to consider alternatives if:

• You only need to control a TV and cable box
• You prefer using your phone or tablet
• You're on a tight budget
• You want a DIY solution without professional installation
• You prefer traditional button-heavy remotes

Common Questions About Modern Smart Home Remotes

Our Verdict

Modern smart home remotes are excellent choices for homeowners who value both form and function. They combine beautiful design with powerful functionality, making them perfect for modern homes. The sleek aesthetics and intuitive interfaces make them easy to use for the whole family.

However, they're not for everyone. If you're looking for a simple TV remote or prefer app-based control, there are more affordable options. But if you want a physical remote that looks as good as it works, modern smart home remotes are hard to beat.