Overview
The Broadlink RM5plus serves as a versatile central hub for managing your home’s infrared devices. Designed as an all-in-one smart remote, this smart remote consolidates control of TVs, air conditioners, fans, and set-top boxes, supporting over 5,000 devices. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, enabling voice commands for effortless operation. Despite its advanced capabilities, the RM5plus hub maintains a compact and unobtrusive design, fitting easily on shelves or nightstands without cluttering your space. Users can enjoy convenient centralized control while maintaining a neat environment, making it a practical addition to both small apartments and larger homes seeking smart home functionality.
Features & Benefits
This IR controller offers extensive functionality that goes beyond basic remote control. The Broadlink app lets users operate appliances from anywhere, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency even when away from home. With customizable scenes and automation, daily routines such as movie nights or leaving home can be managed with a single tap. Older or uncommon devices are accommodated through a manual IR learning feature, expanding compatibility. Timers and schedules allow for automatic operation to save energy, while hands-free voice control simplifies interactions. Overall, the combination of remote access, automation, and learning flexibility provides a practical and streamlined smart home experience.
Best For
The RM5plus hub is ideal for homeowners looking to centralize IR device management without replacing existing appliances. Tech-savvy users who integrate Amazon Alexa or Google Home will find the voice features particularly useful. Individuals managing multiple devices in different rooms can benefit from its ability to control numerous appliances from a single interface. Those interested in smart automation but hesitant to invest in entirely new systems can leverage this smart remote for convenient routines. Additionally, families or professionals seeking a tidy setup without multiple remotes will appreciate the centralized control and custom scene functionality that streamlines household device operation efficiently and intuitively.
User Feedback
Reviewers frequently highlight the ease of setup and intuitive app controls as key strengths of this IR controller. Compatibility with a wide range of TVs, AC units, and other appliances receives positive attention, while some users report occasional connectivity interruptions that require minor troubleshooting. Many appreciate the practical convenience in automating everyday tasks and consolidating remote management. The ability to create personalized scenes and schedules earns consistent praise for enhancing comfort and efficiency. Although a few note a learning curve with manual IR programming, overall feedback emphasizes the device’s value for simplifying home routines and reducing the clutter of multiple remotes.
Pros
- This smart remote allows seamless control of multiple IR appliances from one central hub.
- Users can automate daily routines with custom scenes and timers for convenience.
- The device supports voice commands through both Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Remote access via the app enables control from anywhere, including while away from home.
- Manual IR learning lets users integrate older or uncommon devices without compatibility issues.
- Compact design makes placement in any room easy without cluttering space.
- Several users appreciate quick and intuitive app setup for immediate operation.
- Energy-saving scheduling helps reduce electricity usage across multiple appliances.
Cons
- Some users report occasional Wi-Fi connectivity drops that interrupt device control.
- Learning commands for certain obscure devices can be time-consuming and less straightforward.
- The compact build may feel less sturdy to users seeking a premium feel.
- Setup may confuse non-technical users without prior smart home experience.
- Not all users found the app interface fully intuitive or responsive at first.
- The RM5plus hub is less suitable for households with only one or two devices.
- Voice command recognition may sometimes fail in noisy environments.
- Limited to 10 devices per hub, which can be restrictive for larger homes.
Ratings
After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple countries, languages, and platforms, RR-AI has aggregated the ratings for the Broadlink RM5plus. Spam, duplicate, incentivized, off-topic, and exaggerated reviews were filtered out to focus only on authentic, high-quality feedback. These scores reflect both the strengths and weaknesses reported by real users across diverse settings and use cases, providing an accurate overview of this device’s performance and usability.
Setup & Installation
App Experience
Voice Control Accuracy
Device Compatibility
Automation & Scheduling
Build Quality
Connectivity Stability
Ease of Use
Remote Learning Accuracy
Energy Efficiency
Size & Portability
Long-Term Reliability
Value for Money
Suitable for:
The Broadlink RM5plus is ideal for homeowners or renters who want to consolidate control of multiple infrared appliances without replacing existing devices. Users who rely on smart home ecosystems like Alexa or Google Home will benefit from seamless voice integration, while tech-savvy individuals can leverage custom scenes and scheduling to automate daily routines. Families managing TVs, AC units, and fans across several rooms will find this device particularly helpful. Additionally, those seeking remote access via a mobile app can conveniently operate devices from anywhere, making it useful for busy professionals or frequent travelers looking to pre-adjust home settings.
Not suitable for:
This device may not be suitable for users with very limited Wi-Fi coverage or unstable networks, as occasional connectivity issues were reported. Individuals relying exclusively on extremely obscure or proprietary IR devices might face challenges with manual learning. Users expecting a premium tactile build or who require wall-mounted setups may find the compact design limiting. Additionally, households that rarely use automation or have only one or two IR appliances may not find enough benefit to justify the investment in this hub.
Specifications
- Brand: Manufactured by Broadlink, a smart home technology company.
- Model: RM5plus hub designed for universal infrared control.
- Type: Functions as a universal infrared remote hub for home appliances.
- Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi and infrared communication for device control.
- Compatible Devices: Works with TVs, air conditioners, fans, and set-top boxes.
- Max Devices: Can control up to 10 devices simultaneously.
- Voice Control: Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free commands.
- App Control: Operates via the Broadlink app for remote access and management.
- IR Learning: Supports manual UserDefine function for older or uncommon devices.
- Automation: Allows custom scenes, schedules, and timers for energy efficiency.
- Dimensions: Measures 3.35 x 2.64 x 2.05 inches for compact placement.
- Weight: Weighs 3.56 ounces for easy positioning in any room.
- Power: Powered via standard electrical connection with stable performance.
- Release Date: Officially released on May 9, 2025.
- Manufacturer: Produced by Hangzhou BroadLink Technology Co., Ltd.
- Infrared Range: Supports infrared transmission to devices within typical room distances.
- Firmware: Receives updates through the Broadlink app to maintain compatibility.
- Setup: Quick setup with app guidance for first-time users.
- Portability: Compact and lightweight design allows repositioning in multiple rooms.