Does Apple offer an alternative to the Apple TV remote?

Identify your Apple TV remote - Apple Support

What works for you is personal preference. I am quite happy with the Siri Remote.

• You can try the software remote on iOS, although that is largely the same.
• You can use a universal remote with Apple TV, if you “learn it” the device.

I have had great luck using Logitech universal remotes to control my home theaters. 1 remote to control my:

• Apple TV
• TV
• HT Receiver
• DVD Player
• DirecTV box

Very simple to program (normally done in about 15-20 minutes) and once set up, they have been very very reliable.