Device based - Most universal remotes sold today are device based. When using this type of remote the user presses a button associated with the desired device to control and then uses the remaining buttons to control that single device. To start controlling another device the user presses a different device button and the remote then starts sending command to the new device. Typical mode buttons on this type of remote might be labeled "TV", "DVD", "Receiver", etc. An example of a device based remote is the Home Theater Master line of remotes.

Activity based - Some universal remotes work on the concept of activities. Instead of the user controlling each device individually they instead focus on the 'activity' that they want to perform. For example they might want to 'Watch a Movie', 'Listen to Music', or 'Watch TV' When a particular activity is selected the universal remote may send out the necessary command to various devices to turn on and to configure device to accomplish the desired activity.