Sideclick is an attachment for any model Fire TV or Fire TV Stick remote, that provides eight universally programable buttons which allow you to control your TV and other A/V equipment using one remote. The device came to be through a successful Kickstarter project and is now starting to ship to the thousands of backers that contributed to the campaign. I had a chance to review the prototype last year, but now that I’ve used the final product, I can pleasently say it’s the best purchase a Fire TV owner can make, if they want to reduce the number of remotes they use, without losing any Fire TV functionality. Read on for my full review as well as how you can enter to win one of two Sideclick remotes that I’m giving away.
When you purchase the Sideclick starter kit for the Amazon Fire TV, you’ll receive one Sideclick remote, an attachment clip made for the Fire TV voice remote, an attachment clip made for the Fire TV Stick non-voice remote, and two AAA batteries needed to power the Sideclick. The single voice remote clip works with both the new and old voice remote, while the non-voice remote clip is used only for the Fire TV Stick non-voice remote. In the kit, you get everything you need to immediately use the Sideclick with any Fire TV or Fire TV Stick remote, regardless of which model you own. The Sideclick starter kit has a retail price of $29.99 and is available at SideClickRemotes.com or through Amazon, once stock reaches Amazon’s fullfilment centers. Orders of $50 or more ship for free through Sideclick’s website, but if you’re just ordering one unit, and don’t mind waiting a bit longer to receive your Sideclick, you’re better off ordering from Amazon to avoid the $5 shipping fee charged by Sideclick’s website.
The idea behind the Sideclick’s detachable clipping mechanism is that, when the time comes to upgrade your streaming device, you’ll only need to purchase a new compatible clip and continue using the same Sideclick remote, instead of having to purchase an entirely new starter kit. Sideclick currently offers clips for all Roku remotes, the Nexus Player remote, and the previous generation Apple TV remote. Clips for other streaming devices, like the new Apple TV voice remote, are in the works. The clips on their own cost between $7.99 and $9.99.
Programming the Sideclick remote to work with your devices is very easy and flexible. Thanks to some clever button detection that puts the Sideclick remote into learning mode when you press the POWER and B buttons simultaneously, there is no need for a dedicated learning button, meaning all eight buttons on the Sideclick can be assigned to replicate the function of a remote you currently own. Once the Sideclick is in learning mode, indicated by a flashing LED, you simply press the Sideclick button you want to program, point it at any stock remote you own, and press the button on the stock remote that you want the Sideclick to replicate. The icons printed on the Sideclick remote’s buttons are just a suggestion since any button can be assigned to any function you wish. You can also use the Sideclick to control multiple devices by using different remotes to program the Sideclick remote’s buttons.
The fit and finish of the Sideclick remote is top notch. The clip hugs the Fire TV remote perfectly with enough force to prevent any sliding during use, but not so much force that it’s difficult to remove the clip. The design has been improved to now use only a single clip, instead of two clips like on the prototype, without compromising stability. The Sideclick remote compliments the Fire TV voice remote better than than the non-voice remote, mostly due to the size of each remote relative to the Sideclick. For Fire TV Stick owners with the non-voice remote, I would suggest considering the PiggyBack Remote by Mission Cables, as long as you’re okay with fewer programmable buttons and the slight awkwardness of having buttons underneath the remote.
Functionally, the Sideclick remote works great. It worked with every IR device in my A/V cabinet without any issues. It even worked well with one particularly troublesome device I have which seems to use an unusual IR pattern that has tripped up other IR learning remotes I’ve used in the past. Sideclick worked perfectly in tandem with with my FLIRC USB receiver, allowing me to directly trigger Fire TV functionality, like putting the Fire TV to sleep, or advanced functions within apps like Kodi. The soft rubber buttons on the Sideclick feel responsive, and while you do feel a nice click when they’re pressed, I do wish the click was more audible, but that’s just a personal preference.
Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend the Sideclick remote to anyone looking to reduce the number of remotes they have to use with their Fire TV or Fire TV Stick. The universal remotes that can control the Fire TV, like the Logitech Harmony remote, come with sacrifices, like losing the ability to use voice input, not to mention a hefty pricetag. If the Fire TV is the primary device of your home entertainment setup, it doesn’t make sense to replace the remote you use the most with a universal remote that can’t fully replicate the Fire TV remote’s functionality. By adding additional functionality to the remote you use most, Sideclick streamlines your remote control use without compromising any of your Fire TV’s features.
Giveaway
To thank AFTVnews readers for being the top source of contributors in Sideclick’s Kickstarter campaign, Brett and Jenn Epstein, the husband and wife team behind Sideclick, have given me a pair of extra Sideclick Fire TV Starter Kits which I’ll be giving away at the end of the week during my podcast livestream.
To be eligible for the first Sideclick, simply reply to the first comment below and say something nice about Sideclick or AFTVnews. You must enter your email address, which will remain private, in the comment form, so that I have a way to contact you. Only one reply to the first comment, per person, is allowed. I will check my server logs for duplicates and disqualify those who reply more than once.
To be eligible for the second Sideclick, simply tweet something nice about Sideclick or AFTVnews. You must include
You’re welcome to enter both giveaways to double your chance of winning. You do not have to watch the podcast to win. You’re also welcome to make additional comments below that are not a reply to the first comment. Additional comments, which are not a reply to the first comment, will not disqualify you.
Update
Congratulations to Scott, who won first giveaway, and to Laura, who won the second giveaway. Both winners have been contacted and have already replied with their shipping address. You can see the drawing take place in the 37th episode of the AFTVnewscast.
@AFTVnews
AFTVnews
The giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered.
Giveaway Entry
It’s not hard to come up with something nice to say about AFTV News. Put simply, it rawks! Not only is it chock full of timely, valuable information, but it’s saved me a chunk of dough on items like bluetooth keyboards, accessories, and apps. The reviews are thorough and unbiased, and the how-to guides are a freakin’ goldmine. If I was on a desert island (that had WiFi) and my browser got stuck on a single site, I would hope it’d be AFTVnews.com.
Thanks for being such an informative site AFTVnews! Without this site I would have never known about the Sideclip. Plan on getting one in the future.
Im a new user of the fire tv, when i say its easy, i mean i finally found something the wife now says yes to!!! And i mean the first electronic device haha, if it wasnt for me finding @AFTVNEWS, i would have been lost! I love the way the box just works! Offers a ton of features and doesnt need a lot of set up! Family approved kids love it and so does everyone else! Now please make me the winner :) thanks so much for this gift, i am appreciative! :)
So glad I have a great resource like yours to read unbiased information. Glad you’re part of the Amazon team too!
Finally no need to carry all my remotes when watching TV. Great article AFTVNews! Glad I read here so often to come by such great products
I can’t wait for mine too be delivered. I’ve been super pumped since they first announced it.
Aftv news is awesome. Side click looks cool too
This site is awesome. Thank you for doing the hard work so we don’t have to. We cut the cable and went with the 4k set top a month ago. Ever since I stumbled upon your site, it has been my go to for anything I’ve needed. I am especially grateful for the amazing guides. Your Kodi guide allowed me to confidently cut the cable. Great job man.
This is my go-to site for all things Fire TV!
thanks for all the great info on this site!
AFTVnews is the best site for information related to Amazon devices. The Sideclick looks like a very nice addon.
I check this site daily. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date on all aftvnews.
I would’ve never imagined a blog specifically dedicated to one specific streaming video box would become essential reading, but that’s just what AFTVnews has done. Thanks so much, Elias, for everything you’ve done over the past couple of years, and for making my Fire TV so much more useful!
My only source for Fire TV info!
AFTVnews is the first dedicated blog about Fire TV and it’s features. This blog is now become a reference guide for those who want to try to get more out of Fire TV/Stick other than the basic Amazon prime contents.
I love the podcast feature because it just gives the summary of the entire week findings of AFTVNews in single episode…
Really appreciate the effort that AFTVNews putting on this blog..
Looking forward for more tips and tricks with new finds for Fire TV and it’s siblings.
The SideClick Remote looks great, and it’s an Excellent accessory that adds functionality to the FireTV remote.
I was going to buy one, so if I get one for free would be very happy!
Elias, I really Appreciate your review of this product!
AFTVnews is simply the best site for info not only for Fire TV, but for all Amazon propietary products.
Thank you!
AFTVnews is the first site I check every day and several times throughout the day. Thank you for all the information. This sidekick looks interesting. It is a great idea.
Keep up the good work both, making the Fire TV the best platform for streamers!
Love the site, check it daily. I would miss alot of the fire tv features if it wasn’t for all the updates here.
Great product with a very maticulously review to go with it. Great post once again. I have no less than 6 remotes on my coffee table. Gonna get one regardless. Love the fact that this couple came up with the idea & prototype for the amount of ever growing cord cutters.
AFTV rules!
Sideclick looks absolutely fantastic! Thanks AFTV News for keeping us up-to-date!
AFTVnews is one of the sites I check every day. It’s cost me a little bit of money here and there [1] but I keep coming back. :)
I’m looking forward to my Sideclick arriving. Another one would be useful since I use multiple remotes in different rooms to control the same FireTV (with the HDMI distributed to the different rooms).
[1] I supported the Sideclick Kickstarter reboot based on what I read here. I hadn’t made up my mind before then.
Thanks for your excellent FTV coverage!
I have learned so much valuable info from aftvnews.com. Thank you for all your hard work!
Sideclick simplifies control of TV/Media Streamer setups. Less remotes, less clutter.
cool device, love to have it
Sideclick is now on my Amazon wishlist.
Wicked cool!!!
AFTVNews has been my go to for not only FireTV related news but Amazon as a whole. The articles on this site have kept me informed and saved me money with the various free apps and deals that I never would have spotted on my own. I find myself visiting daily and often multiple times a day. I know of nowhere else that tracks all things FireTV and Amazon as well as Elias does. Simply because of this site, I’ve bought 6 FireTV devices for my family and myself. I don’t own a Sideclick yet but have seriously considered buying one to try out. Good luck everyone!
I’m excited that we have this new product for the fire. It’s a much needed solution!
Sideclick seems like a great project, successfully brought to life by a husband and wife – go small business and entrepreneurship! Aftvnews has always helped me with any queries (things seem to move so quickly in the market!) And I like how they highlight worthwhile projects and actively suggest people donate to hard working individuals behind the scene. Good karma there buddy :)
I listen to the podcast every week and read all you articles.
Only website I go to get all the latest information about the Amazon Fire TV. Thanks and Keep it up!
I love all the great content on aftvnews
What a great idea brought to you by a great websight.
AFTVnews is set as my default homepage! It’s my one-stop source for all Fire TV related news. Thank you and the AFTV community for helping make this site what it is today.
It’s refreshing to see a an innovative product come along now and then that actually adds value to the Amazon Fire TV, Sideclick looks like one of these products. I read your very detailed review Elias (as usual!) but I do have 2 questions if you could kindly investigate:
1. Is the ink on the Sideclick’s icons at least as durable as the Fire TV remote (which seems to be high quality compared to other remotes)
2. Are there any future plans to make the buttons light up (or at least glow in the dark?) Keep up the good work!
No better site to stay updated on all things Amazon Fire than AFTVnews. Thanks for all you do.
I read AFTVnews every day!!
i want to try this sideclick clip for my fire tv remote
something nice about Sideclick or AFTVnews. Just kidding with you Elias, this is a wonderful website. Thank You Jenn and Brett, Sideclick is a nice idea. I look forward to receiving one.
I will cherish it
I’m excited about sidekick reducing my stack of remotes on my couch arm. Thanks AFTVnews for all your updates.
and I did try to type sideclick.
I check the AFTVNews site several times a day. It is the best source on the Internet for, well, news about the Amazon Fire TV. I’ve picked up several tips on how to get the most out of my Fire TV Stick, as well as info on the latest apps available for the TV Stick. Also, the weekly AFTVNews show is a great listen. Keep up the great work!
This is one of only 4 websites I follow every day. This website has gotten me plenty of free apps, shown me how to install Kodi, and shows me any important apps that launch. I’ve been a daily user since before the name change.
AFTVNEWS is my one and only source for all things regarding my fire tv sticks and other related news. Elias is very knowledgeable and I really try and catch his podcast live! He takes the time to thoughtfully answer each question to the best of his ability. His articles and guides are very detailed and easy to follow. I love being the one in my circle that has the latest info first! Elias only reviews products he believes are helpful to his followers. We (the community) trust his recommendations.
I must check AFTVnews at least a dozen times throughout the day. Elias is the man.
I’ve been waiting for Sideclick to ship, for like ever… Guys please bless me with a Sideclick and I will be forever grateful. Thanks!
The new Sideclick remote would be the perfect addition to my FireTV Remote. I can’t tell you how many times I have needed to raise and lower the volume of my TV while using my Fire stick and couldn’t find the TV remote!!!
This is an awesome idea, definitely will help cutting back on the remotes.
I remember this when it was 1st introduced. At the time I thought it was a great idea (still do if you have a gen 1 aftv.) But with gen 2 I can do everything with my TV remote except voice commands. Still though I have a 1st gen aftv & stick so Ill probably pick up one. Personally I think every modern device including htpc should be made to work out of the box but since they dont someone needs to fill the void. So kudos to these guys. Glad it worked out!
Love AFTVNEWS! Thanks for all your great reviews and guides. I check this side multiple times daily
What can I say? You have helped out on numerous occasions and simply wanted to say thank you for the hard work and dedication.
Thank you for the giveaway as well. Good luck to everyone.
Can’t say something nice about the remote cause i dont own one but i can say that i love this website and all you do for the fire tv community . . . Thanks
What can be said about AFTVNews that hasn’t been said already?
Awsome site and it’s the one-stop place for anything to do with the FireTV.
Reviews are awsome and in-depth, guides are detailed and easy to follow and the support on behalf of Elias is unquestionable.
All in all, awsome site and the only source I recommend for anyone wanting to know anything about a FireTV
Thanks AFTVNEWS, my favorite site for Fire TV News. Your site has made my experience with my Fire TV 10x better. Can’t wait to try the sideclick, and make the navigating easier.
I didn’t even know about this thing, but now I really want one!
I Love this page. Really helped me to make my Fire tv awesome.
I would like to Control my ac and tv with this remote :)
Thanks and best Regards
If it wasn’t for AFTVnews.com I would of never heard of Sideclick.
AFTVnews is the Bees Knees. Thanks for all the effort for disseminating this info for us. Sideclick is a great example of successful Kickstart .
I continue to visit aftvnews everyday for great posts and reviews such as this one; a product that would really increase the adoption of the fire tv in my household. Thanks!
wow – looks great – anything to reduce the number of remotes i need will keep the other half very happy
AFTVNews Rocks!!!
Thanks for the great work you do here at AFTVnews, I’m looking forward to getting one of these in order to make some room on my coffee table!
Thanks for all you do
Wasn’t all that interested in this Sideclick remote until this post. The fact that you can program any remotes functions to any of the buttons on the Sideclick is awesome. I just might need one of these! Thanks for giving some away!
Three or four months ago I wrote a comment for the weekly program, asking how I could eliminate some of my remote controls devices because using the AFTV was at times confusing juggling so many controls at once. The Sideclick Clip-on Universal Remote promises to solve all my problems in a magnificent solution! I am hoping that I can obtain one soon.
That’s a bit pricey but looks awesome. I’ll try for the giveaway.
Can’t wait to get my hands on a Sideclick and do away with the extra remotes. Thanks for the great review AFTVnews.
Thanks for the site with great info on the Fire TV. This sideclick looks like a great idea!
Is there a version that clips to the OTHER side of the remote?
I think the Sideclick is a great idea
I check AFTVnews daily if not hourly; it is a great source of information around FireTV. PLease keep up the good work!!!
This is awesome! AFTVNews has really made a difference in the FireTV world…and now sideclick is changing our living room experience for the better! Thanks.
Awesome idea, albeit a bit pricey at first. Love the concept of just changing adapters to mate the remotes together though. Will probably buy one if I don’t win at some point for the kitchen.
AFTVnews is well produced and covers almost anything and everything related to the Amazon FireTV. Thanks for all your hard work!
Thanks for reviewing this, AFTVNews! Always bringing your best!
this is a great site and i would like to try out the sidekick
Always informative. Thank you!
AFTV News has been an invaluable source of information to me, from the FireTV stuff to the reviews to the how-to guides to the alerts to deals that I would not have seen otherwise. Thanks for being an excellent resource and keep up the good work.
I fervently check this site daily, after gazing at the Sideclick, I know I needed that convenience in my life.
Been looking for something like this to make it easier on my wife to use the firetv.
Enjoy the AFTV News site and podcast (and your previous collaboration on Cord Cutter News podcast). The Sideclick remote looks like it could solve the multiple remote dilemna, and I would love to try one out, so hoping to get picked.
This site is always loading in my phone and I check it daily for any new news. You guys do a great job at posting a wide range of topics. Keep it up :)
This is the best and most informative page for me i have learned so much from it,keep up the good work Elias.
I tweeted something nice !! LOL sideclick giveaway ! I must have one (^_^)/
Thanks AFTVnews, you always have great information and reviews. The Sideclick looks super interesting and I like how they improved the mounting bracket since the first info release.
I like the direction the sideclick is taking this. I hope they hit the “perfect” layout in both form and function with the do it yourself universal remote. I like it.
Great review as always, would love to win one
I just found AFTV news yesterday and am very impressed and now informed. I love all the information provided here, especially about KODI and other useful apps.
Thanks.
awesome website and really cool add-on for an essential part of any home media system!
Been waiting for this product to arrive since I first saw it here at AFTVNews! Cannot wait to own one!
AFTVnews has made sure I’ve been up-to-date on the little box that could, and I thank them profusely for it. Sideclick looks incredibly innovative and will be super helpful to keep my living room streamlined. Cheers!
Wow this look great, would work perfectly for my husband. Glad I found this site since cutting the cord, find useful information here about the fire TV and related cord cutting news!
aftvnews.com is a true value, a great source of news and infos on everything related to Amazon, fireTV, apps, accessories, gadgets.
A really high quality blog. I check it everyday to see if there is any new post.
I should win this because my heart is a pure as a mountain spring.
Hey, didn’t know about this one. Great companion for the remote. Thanks for the post!
A great article on what appears to be a good solution to preventing a collection of IR remotes from taking over our coffee tables. We will all now be able to enjoy coffee with our morning CBSn streams!
This seems like a great idea for those who want to condense the amount of remotes for our home theaters. I really look forward to trying the Sideclick out for myself!
Exactly what I was looking for: a way to consolidate my remotes with my beloved Fire TV remote!
something nice about Sideclick or AFTVnews
As a new Fire TV user glad I found this site…and the free offer!
Yes yes yes
Just returned the cable boxes, let’s see if this device can command the IR spells with precision and power, and lead the FTV to it’s rightful place on the throne of the TV stand.
Glad to hear that the site has become your main focus. Always getting caught up on something new each visit.
( free stuff please! )
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[ ^ Lonely FTV remote ]
I would like one
I visit AFTVnews every day! Love the site Elias!!
Thank you Elias for this giveaway and Help you provide
Love to have one. Aloha
Thanks for the opportunity to win, just tuned in for the Live Show…I learn a lot every week
;-)
Sideclick clip on – A well thought out and designed piece of kit
Very nice product and great review!
I backed the first Kickstart and the successful 2nd campaign. I am on pins &needles waiting for it. We loose the aftv remote daily because it is so small, I am hoping that problem will go away with the sideclick attached. Thank you Aftvnews for steering me to the Kickstarter Web page last year.
Comments that appear after this comment are NOT considered an entry into the giveaway. You must specifically reply to the first comment to be entered.
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SideClick Remote looks like a marvelous compliment to the FireTV remote. Appreciate its development!
Great product with a very maticulously review. Great post once again. I have no less than 6 remotes on my coffee table. Gonna get one regardless.
This is just what i need it looks fab
Can’t say something nice about the remote cause i dont own one but i can say that i love this website and all you do for the fire tv community . . . Thanks
My only source for Fire TV info!
Please Elias, I would appreciate if you delete my double post!
I’m looking forward to getting mine soon! I got in on the Kickstarter when I saw your posts. I know this isn’t an entry. I don’t need it since mine is coming soon. Thanks!
There are only 2 internet sites that I look forward to reading daily and yours is always the first I click on to read. Please keep up the good work!
I will cherish it
Nice giveaway AFTVNews! Remote looks great and would really help to reduce the number of remotes I have to keep to hand.
Hope the remote is a success as it’s a great idea.
I wish you would do one for ATV4. What an awesome website!
Does it work with Xbox one ?
AFTVNEWS rocks.. Winning the giveaway wud make it the icing on the cake.
Elias! You should do a website for the Apple TV 4! Please give me a remote! Love my FIRE TV TOO!