What is the best option for Mindstorms EV3 remote control for motors?
As you mentioned, the IR remote has a relatively short range. You must not direct the IR beam directly in front of the IR receiver but it is working much better if you do. If you're on the back of the receiver for example it is possible that's your signal won't be received.

I'm controlling EV3 robots over WiFi. That's working very well. I'm using the EDIMAX EW-7811UN Wireless USB Adapter that is working without any modifications on the EV3 with the latest firmware (1.09E in my case).

I think that's worth a try but depends of course on what you want to achieve.