A better means of accessing the activity buttons is through the Harmony Smartphone app. The app can be accessed on both iOS and Android devices, but not on tablets. However, the app, in general, is quite clunky and rudimentary. Furthermore, the whole process of waking up the phone, sliding the lock screen, entering the passcode, accessing the app, and then entering the command is long and tedious. Using the remote directly is a lot more convenient, especially since the RF activation means you can use it from anywhere in your home.
My biggest beef with this universal remote control is the installation process. In fact, I found the setup process to be infuriating. You can only set it up in combination with a smartphone. Upon configuration with an iPhone, I was annoyed that several functions were misplaced and it required extensive sorting to arrange all the devices accurately.
Considering how complex the installation is, this remote control will be a terror for anyone over the age of The Logitech Harmony Elite is the most advanced and exclusive offering in the series of Logitech Harmony universal remote controls. If you only care about features and functionality, this are undoubtedly the best universal remote control on the market.
The only reason it comes lower in my recommendations is that it costs several times as much as the other remotes.
Like the other Logitech Harmony remotes, this one comes with a two-piece design so you can seamlessly control your entertainment devices and Smart Home features like lights, blinds, etc.
However, the remote is a lot more advanced. It comes with a touchscreen feature, has fully-backlit keys, and can be used to control as many as 15 devices together. Furthermore, the Harmony app can be used on any smartphone or tablet out there, and it is extremely user-friendly. One of my favorite features is the screen. In other Harmony devices, there are three Activity features available for 6 activities. You trigger different activities by long pressing these buttons. This feature was much criticized at the time.
With the Logitech Harmony Elite, the screen can accommodate as many activities as you like. Additionally, you can add Favorites to these activity commands. This makes the whole process of surfing through TV or navigating your devices a lot easier and more efficient. The Harmony app can sometimes seem superfluous since the remote pretty much covers all the features, activities, favorites, etc, that you need.
One of my major concerns with the other Harmony devices is that they lack backlighting. The Logitech Harmony Elite addresses that issue and the remote has proper backlit buttons for visibility. However, this comes at a major cost — the battery. The other devices had an extremely powerful battery backup that went for 9 months to a year easily. However, this device has a terrible battery. On the other, the battery can last for 3 days, maximum. You have to keep charging it, which can be frustrating.
The Logitech Harmony series is the benchmark for universal remote controls. However, in recent years, the Amazon Fire TV Cube has been offering the Logitech Harmony remotes some stiff competition because of its voice-activation features and Alexa compatibility.
You no longer have to bother with long sets of commands. I am also extremely pleased with its ability to listen. The sheer intelligence of this device has me awestruck. The cube comes with inbuilt infrared emitters. They blasts infrared signals to your whole room so you can control the device from virtually any spot or angle.
It can perform a lot of extremely detailed functions through voice activation. This is a major misstep for Amazon. If you want to control all your home functions purely through voice-activation, this device is perfect for you. Another major disadvantage of the Amazon Fire TV cube is its compatibility. This cube only functions with Fire TV. It cannot control other similar source devices like Apple TV or Roku.
The Logitech Harmony devices are known for their complicated setup processes. Over the years, with the proliferation of voice-activated apps and devices, it will become extremely useful. If you want a cheap budget universal remote, the Logitech Harmony is your best option.
It is programmed by connecting the device to the internet via a computer, either a Mac or Windows. This remote also features Activity functions like all the other Harmony devices. There are three different parts to the remote. The top part is the LED screen. The central part of the remote has the directional pad, and the bottom part has video transport controls and a digit keypad.
The buttons are also backlit so you can see them clearly in the dark. To install and set up the remote, you have to connect it to the computer and install the relevant software which can be downloaded from the website.
On the downside, you'll need to keep your old remotes even ones that aren't smart around for many functions. Read our Fire TV Cube review. Now we're getting into big spending universal remote control territory. The main draw of the Elite remote control over the Harmony Companion is its screen and for most users it's just not worth it. The touch screen makes this remote control more versatile than cheaper models with buttons, especially for calling up favorite channels or the Roku app, plus the full backlighting is great.
Unfortunately, the touch screen and backlighting suck a lot of battery power so you and your family will need to remember to park the smart remote in its dock regularly.
Read our Logitech Harmony Elite review. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about.
When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. David Katzmaier. Jump to details. In order to pair it successfully with your TV, you will need to select and enter a specific code. It also works with non-smart TVs if you own an older television set. These remote controls are well-known for their ease of use — they offer users a cursor-like pointing feature along with a handy scrolling wheel.
A more affordable option for anybody looking for a universal remote for their LG smart TV. Again, this remote features specific buttons that will take you through to Netflix and Prime Video — and in a nice touch, a pair of the required AAA batteries come included.
This universal remote from BCE is a great budget option for anyone with a Samsung television, which includes older, non-smart models. Both the Elite and the Companion have dedicated smart home controls, so you can dim the lights easily, and you can also use Logitech's app to control everything if you happen to lose your remote. If you're looking for something a little different, the Caavo Control Center is an inventive universal remote that acts in many ways like a super-smart HDMI switcher.
It also has its own universal voice search, so you can search across multiple devices and services for the program you want. We look to see how easy things are to set up, and once everything is up and running, how quickly and accurately the remote can send commands to all of our devices.
We also take into consideration the feel of the remote in our hands, as well as the ease with which we can reach all the buttons. Michael A. Included in this guide: 1. The best universal remotes help control the clutter on your coffee table by consolidating all of your remotes — for your TV, your cable box, your soundbar, and more — into one device.
Logitech Harmony Elite. Specifications Devices Controlled: Favorite Channels: Smart Home Controls: Yes. Mobile App: Yes. Alexa-Enabled: Yes. Size: 7. Weight: 5. Reasons to avoid - Heavier than previous version - Expensive. Logitech Harmony Smart Home Controls: No. Mobile App: No. Alexa-Enabled: No.
Size: Weight: 7. Reasons to avoid - Somewhat involved setup - Nonrechargeable battery. Caavo Control Center. Specifications Devices Controlled: 4.
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