Logitech Harmony: what are the alternatives?
With the Logitech Harmony devices you get a variety of good universal remote controls. This practical tip shows you which alternatives there are to the products.
Affordable alternatives to the Logitech Harmony
- The Essence from the manufacturer One For All is with 15 to 18 euros significantly cheaper than the competition from Logitech. For the price, however, you have to make a few cuts in terms of operation and functionality.
- The universal remote control is quick and easy to set up. Press the "Magic" button and hold the transmitter in the direction of the desired device. TVs, receivers for satellite, cable and DVB-T, set-top boxes as well as DVD and BluRay players are recognized.
- You can operate several devices at the same time without having to switch the channel on the remote control. You can choose between Essence 2, Essence 3 and Essence 4. The number stands for the number of controllable devices. Since the surcharge is low, we recommend Essence 4.
- For the price of 9.99 euros, the Hama 4 in 1 also plays in the lower price segment. However, you won't get much more than a replacement remote control here.
Remote controls in the middle price segment
- The One For All Simple can also communicate with amplifiers, home theater systems and projectors. Due to the proximity sensor, the buttons on the remote control light up when you approach the device.
- Again, you have the choice between the Simple 2, Simple 3 and Simple 4 series. The costs are between 18 and 25 euros.
- The One For All Smart Control goes one step further. You can use the Watch TV, Watch Movie, and Listen to Music buttons to perform certain commands. With "Watch TV" you can start, for example, TV, DVD player and the home cinema system at the same time.
- However, comfort comes at a price. You pay around 38 euros for the One For All Smart Control 5 and 43 euros for the One For All Smart Control 8.
High-end alternatives to the Logitech Harmony
- Only the One For All XSight is currently in the upper price segment. The universal remote control offers a touch color display and thus significantly more functions.
- Among other things, you can create user-defined commands and program your own station lists on the remote control. The favorites give you quick access to the most watched channels.
- Both the XSight Light and the XSight Plus are no longer available.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to correctly set up a universal remote control.