Do you have a media cabinet that looks like a tangled mess of electronics, or do you find yourself needing to point your remote at an awkward angle just to change the volume? Infrared (IR) signals require a direct line of sight, which can be a major limitation in a modern home setup. An IR remote extender, also known as an IR repeater kit, is the simple solution to this common frustration.
These clever devices pick up the signal from your remote and transmit it to your hidden components, whether they’re in a closed cabinet or even in another room. This guide will help you find the perfect IR extender to declutter your space and restore seamless control over your entertainment system, from simple single-device solutions to powerful whole-home systems.
Our Top Picks for IR Remote Extenders
- BAFX Products IR Remote Control Extender or Repeater Kit
- BAFX Products All-in-One Infrared IR Repeater Kit
- 9ft 3.5-5v Infrared External IR Remote Extender Cable
- IR Infrared Remote Extender Repeater XL – Nextronics
- StarTech.com Wireless IR Remote Control Extender
- Nextgen IR Remote Repeater 100 ft Range Extender Kit
- ICESPRING Infrared Repeater System IR Repeater Kit
- ENSIGEAR IR Repeater Kit, IR Remote Control Extender
- WiiM Voice Remote for WiiM Mini and Pro Audio Streamer
- J-Tech Digital ProHD 4K IR Repeater Kit
BAFX Products IR Remote Control Extender or Repeater Kit
For those with a multi-component home theater system, the BAFX Products IR Repeater Kit offers a powerful and expandable solution. This kit is designed to help you create the A/V setup of your dreams by allowing you to place up to eight IR-controlled devices completely out of sight. You can finally hide your cable box, DVD player, and Roku in a closet, close the door, and still maintain full remote control functionality.
The system has been improved for better performance with no lag and is now compatible with a wider range of devices, including Marantz. It works with all major brands like Sony, Yamaha, LG, and Apple. Backed by a 1-year warranty and knowledgeable USA-based support, this kit is a reliable choice for complex setups.
BAFX Products All-in-One Infrared IR Repeater Kit
If you value a simple, compact setup, the BAFX All-in-One Infrared Repeater Kit is an excellent option. This streamlined cable design helps you declutter your entertainment center by hiding devices like cable boxes and streaming sticks behind closed doors. You can choose a model that controls 1, 2, or 4 devices to perfectly match your specific needs.
Compatibility is a key strength, as it works with all IR-controlled devices, including those from DirecTV, Dish Network, Roku, and Sony. Setup is remarkably easy: plug the USB into your TV for power, attach the adhesive emitter over the device’s IR receiver, and place the receiver end where your remote can see it. This all-in-one design minimizes clutter and maximizes convenience.
9ft 3.5-5v Infrared External IR Remote Extender Cable
This 9-foot IR extender cable is a specialized tool designed primarily for specific set-top boxes. It is an ideal solution if you need to extend the IR signal for a Verizon, Cisco, PACE, or Motorola box that features an active 3.5mm IR port. The cable provides a direct and reliable connection for these compatible devices.
It is important to note that this is a targeted solution. This cable will not work with standard A/V receivers, TVs, or universal IR repeater kits. It is specifically engineered for the 38/56kHz frequency used by the listed set-top box models, making it a perfect, no-fuss accessory for those particular situations.
IR Infrared Remote Extender Repeater XL – Nextronics
The Nextronics IR Remote Extender XL is built for situations where you need more reach. With an extra-long 25-foot cable between the emitter and receiver, this kit allows you to control a device that is located a significant distance from your primary viewing area. The extended range offers greater flexibility in your room layout.
This simple repeater kit requires a 5V USB connection for power, which can be sourced from a TV, set-top box, or a wall adapter. It includes one emitter and one receiver, providing a straightforward solution for controlling a single device that is far away or tucked in a hard-to-reach spot.
StarTech.com Wireless IR Remote Control Extender
When you need to control a device in another room entirely, a standard wired extender won’t suffice. The StarTech.com Wireless IR Extender solves this by converting the IR signal to radio frequency (RF), which can travel through walls and floors. It boasts an impressive range of up to 330 feet, offering whole-home control.
This system is perfect for managing a cable box or other IR device located in a basement media closet from your upstairs living room. By eliminating the need for long cables snaking through your home, this wireless extender provides a clean and highly effective solution for complex multi-room setups.
Nextgen IR Remote Repeater 100 ft Range Extender Kit
The Nextgen IR Remote Repeater offers a 100-foot range, making it a strong candidate for extending control throughout your home. It helps streamline your entertainment center by allowing you to hide various IR-controlled components. A unique feature is its ability to extend TV power and volume control to certain streaming device remotes.
This means you can potentially use your Chromecast remote or Alexa Voice Remote to control your TV’s basic functions from another room. It is compatible with most standard AA and AAA battery-operated remotes, providing a versatile way to increase your command over your home theater system from a distance.
ICESPRING Infrared Repeater System IR Repeater Kit
For larger home theater systems, the ICESPRING Infrared Repeater System is a capable hub that can control up to 10 devices right out of the box, and is expandable to 12. This kit is designed to manage a comprehensive array of A/V equipment kept behind closet doors or in a closed cabinet, from amplifiers and receivers to Blu-ray players.
It comes with a broadband remote control and features a wide frequency range, ensuring compatibility with almost all electronic appliances on the market. This product amplifies the IR signal, allowing you to fully conceal your components without sacrificing any functionality from your existing remotes.
ENSIGEAR IR Repeater Kit, IR Remote Control Extender
The ENSIGEAR IR Repeater Kit is built for scalability and robust performance. This system allows you to operate up to 32 A/V components located behind closed doors or walls, making it suitable for very advanced home theater or smart home installations. Its dual-sensor receiver helps ensure reliable signal pickup.
A key benefit is that it allows IR signals to pass through solid doors or walls, so a direct line of sight to your components is not required. The built-in confirmation LED on the IR receiver provides visual feedback that your command has been received. With one IR receiver input and four emitter outputs, it offers a solid foundation for a large, hidden system.
WiiM Voice Remote for WiiM Mini and Pro Audio Streamer
While not a traditional IR extender, the WiiM Voice Remote offers a modern approach to controlling your audio. This remote upgrades your listening experience by adding voice control via Alexa for your WiiM streamers, allowing you to search for music and control playback with your voice without an extra Alexa device.
It pairs easily with your WiiM Mini or Pro through the WiiM Home app. The remote also features four music preset buttons for one-touch access to your favorite songs, radio stations, or podcasts. It provides tactile control for play/pause, track skipping, and volume, blending traditional remote functions with modern voice assistance.
J-Tech Digital ProHD 4K IR Repeater Kit
J-Tech Digital is known for producing reliable A/V accessories, and their ProHD 4K IR Repeater Kit is designed to handle modern high-definition systems. This kit is built to ensure that your IR control system does not become a bottleneck in a 4K home theater setup, providing reliable signal transmission for all your hidden components.
It typically includes a main repeater unit with multiple emitter outputs, allowing you to control several devices simultaneously. The kit is engineered for broad compatibility with various brands and types of IR-controlled equipment, making it a solid and future-proof choice for users who want a trusted brand name for their extender needs.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an IR Remote Extender for Your Home
I’ve been in the situation where my entertainment center is tucked away in a closet, and my standard remote just wouldn’t work. That’s what led me to the world of IR remote extenders. These handy gadgets pick up the infrared signal from your remote and rebroadcast it, so you can control your devices from another room or through an obstruction. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? Let me walk you through what I look for.
First, consider the type of system you need. The most common is a simple repeater kit, which usually consists of an IR receiver (you place this where you sit), an IR emitter (you stick this over the IR sensor on your device), and a control unit that connects them. If you have multiple devices hidden away, look for a kit with several emitters. For a more advanced setup, some systems use a blaster that can broadcast the signal more powerfully throughout a room, which is great for controlling components not in a direct line of sight.
Next, think about compatibility and connectivity. Most extenders use a standard 3.5mm jack to connect the receiver and emitters, which is pretty universal. However, you need to make sure the extender works with the specific infrared language of your devices. The good news is that most modern IR remote extenders are designed to be compatible with a huge range of electronics, from TVs and cable boxes to soundbars and streaming devices. It’s always a good idea to double-check the product specifications against your gear.
Another crucial factor is range. How far does the signal need to travel? Basic kits might cover 30 to 50 feet, which is plenty for most homes. If you’re trying to control a device in a basement from a second-floor bedroom, you’ll need a model with a longer range. Remember that walls and floors can weaken the signal, so it’s often wise to get an extender with a little more range than you think you’ll need.
Finally, pay attention to power and installation. Many repeater kits are powered via a USB connection, which is convenient if your TV or media console has a USB port. Others might use a wall plug. Consider which is tidier for your setup. Installation is generally straightforward—it’s mostly about placing the receiver where you want to use the remote and carefully attaching the emitters to your hidden devices. A little bit of planning goes a long way in creating a seamless, hidden entertainment system that responds perfectly to your every command.
FAQ
What is an IR remote extender and how does it work?
An IR remote extender is a device that solves the problem of not being able to control your electronics when they’re out of sight. It works by using a small receiver unit that you place in the room with you. This receiver picks up the infrared signal from your standard remote. It then sends that signal, usually via a wire, to a base unit. The base unit then uses little sticky emitters that you attach directly to the IR sensors on your hidden devices (like your TV or cable box) to replicate the command. It’s like giving your remote’s signal a direct wire to follow.
Will an IR extender work with all my devices?
In most cases, yes. IR remote extenders are designed to work with any device that uses a standard infrared remote control. This includes the vast majority of TVs, DVD/Blu-ray players, soundbars, satellite receivers, and cable boxes. They essentially act as a middleman, passing the signal along without altering it. However, they will not work with devices that use RF (Radio Frequency) or Bluetooth remotes, as those are completely different technologies.
Can I use one extender for multiple devices?
Absolutely. This is one of the main advantages. Most IR extender kits come with multiple emitter heads—often two, four, or even eight. You can connect each emitter to a different device hidden in your cabinet or closet. When you press a button on your remote, the receiver doesn’t know which device you’re targeting; it just sends the signal to all connected emitters. The correct device will respond because you’re using its specific remote, just like if all the devices were sitting in front of you.
How difficult is it to set up an IR extender system?
I found the setup to be surprisingly simple. It’s generally a plug-and-play process. You connect the receiver to the main control unit with the included cable, then plug the control unit into a power source (like a USB port on your TV or a wall adapter). Next, you place the small, sticky emitter ends directly onto the IR sensor windows of each device you want to control. The most time-consuming part is usually managing the wires to keep everything looking neat, but the technical part is very straightforward.
What’s the difference between an IR repeater and an IR blaster?
This is a common point of confusion. In many consumer products, the terms are used interchangeably, but there is a technical difference. An IR repeater kit, which is what I’ve been describing, uses physical wires to connect the receiver to the emitters. An IR blaster often refers to a wireless system that uses a powerful transmitter to broadcast the IR signal throughout a room without wires. For most home setups where your devices are in one central location (like a media cabinet), a wired repeater kit is the simpler and more reliable choice for your home.