The best alternatives to Logitech Harmony universal remotes

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The Logitech Harmony, possibly the most popular universal remote still on sale, had, and still has, a strong and dedicated following. Though obviously, this following wasn't spending enough for Logitech to see any point in keeping production going.

Last week, Logitech announced that they would discontinue the Harmony universal remotes. Devices still on shelves will continue to be sold, as long as stocks last. However, no new Logitech Harmony universal remotes will be manufactured.

  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and voice control killed Logitech Harmony
  • What are the alternatives to Logitech Harmony?
  • Home Assistant has integrated with Logitech Harmony universal remotes since December 3, 2016. Currently, over 11% of those that have enabled Home Assistant analytics are using the Logitech Harmony integration, proving that it is a very popular line of devices in the community. Fortunately for those 11%, Logitech has said that it would continue to provide support and service for the Harmony remote “as long as customers are using it.”

    Fret not if you are looking for an alternative to the Logitech Harmony universal remote, for there are still devices available. After a quick explainer, I will be listing a few of these devices.

    What was the Logitech Harmony remote?

    Easy Zapper created the first Harmony remote control and began shipping it in November 2001. Easy Zapper would later change their name to Intrigue Technologies, which was bought by Logitech for US$29 million in May 2004. With the knowledge, finances, and distribution of Logitech, the Harmony remote turned into a worldwide phenomenon.

    Consumers bought Logitech Harmony remotes with the goal of having one remote to rule them all. Back in the mid-naughties, it wasn't uncommon to have a remote for a DVD player, another for a cable box, and one to control an amplifier. Add to that any remotes that might be used to control a video game console (the original Xbox and the PlayStation 2 could be equipped with a remote), and, of course, one for the television.

    A PlayStation 2 DVD remote
    The Logitech Harmony could, for example, replace a PlayStation 2 DVD remote.

    To configure a Logitech Harmony remote, a computer running Microsoft Windows or macOS is needed (though some newer models can also be set up using a smartphone). Using the Harmony Software, IR codes for over 270000 devices from 6000+ brands could be loaded on to the universal remote. And if your device wasn't yet supported by Logitech Harmony, each universal remote came with infrared learning capabilities.

    Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and voice control killed Logitech Harmony

    The question that begs to be asked is, what killed the Logitech Harmony? Personally, I think there are two factors: Just about every device in the living room has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities and integrates with Amazon Alexa or the Google Alexa. The second reason is that people generally have fewer media playing devices.

    A discontinued Logitech Harmony universal remote

    For example, sound bars have come a long way and can easily be connected to any television without using an amplifier. Additionally, HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) allows a much simpler setup where everything connects to the television's HDMI ports. Another feature many televisions have is HDMI CEC. Using it, connected devices can turn on the television without the push of a button. For example, you could cast a video to a Chromecast, and it would turn on the television automatically and have it switch to the correct external input.

    What are the alternatives to Logitech Harmony?

    While there are alternatives to the Logitech Harmony, they are few and far between. The closest in terms of looks and functionality could possibly be the NEEO universal remote. Its life began as a Kickstarter, and the company developing them has since been bought up by Control4. There is a custom component to enable integration between Home Assistant and the NEEO universal remote; however, I can't tell you how well it works as I don't own one.

    Another, more popular, alternative to the Logitech Harmony are the universal remotes from BroadLink, though these are more comparable to the Logitech Harmony Hub. The BroadLink universal remote, such as the RM4, takes commands from either an app or voice assistant, runs them accordingly. There is an official Home Assistant integration with BroadLink universal remotes.

    The BrodLink RM4 mini, an alternative to the Logitech Harmony universal remote

    The BroadLink universal remotes might be the safest bet if you value the integration with Home Assistant. Whatever you decide to go with, please ensure you research the product first, as I have read some complaints directed at BroadLink's universal remotes. There don't appear to be many changes made from the third to the fourth generation. According to reports, the BroadLink RM4 mini is a smaller and sleeker RM3 mini, and nothing more.

    Broadlink RM4 pro Smart IR/RF Remote Control Hub with Sensor Cable-WiFi IR/RF Blaster for Smart Home Automation, TV, Curtain, Shades Remote, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT (RM4 pro S)
    BroadLink RM4 Mini IR Universal Remote Control, Smart Home Automation Wi-Fi Infrared Blaster for TV Air Conditioner STB Audio, Works with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
    Broadlink WiFi Smart Home Hub RM Mini 3 IR Automation Learning Universal Remote Control Compatible with Alexa
    Product
    BroadLink RM4 pro
    BroadLink RM4 mini
    BroadLink RM3 mini
    RF support
    433MHz fixed code controlled devices such as curtain/shades motor, projector and light switch
    -
    -
    IR support
    50000+ IR controlled devices such as TV, STB, DVD, air conditioner, fan, video recorder, audio and more
    50000+ IR controlled devices such as TV, STB, DVD, air conditioner, fan, video recorder, audio and more
    50000+ IR controlled devices such as TV, STB, DVD, air conditioner, fan, video recorder, audio and more
    Database
    Large IR database on the cloud, which covers 98% IR remote function and is constantly updated
    Large IR database on the cloud, which covers 98% IR remote function and is constantly updated
    Large IR database on the cloud, which covers 98% IR remote function and is constantly updated
    Price
    $49.99
    $25.99
    $19.99
    Amazon Prime
    Amazon Prime
    Amazon Prime
    Broadlink RM4 pro Smart IR/RF Remote Control Hub with Sensor Cable-WiFi IR/RF Blaster for Smart Home Automation, TV, Curtain, Shades Remote, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT (RM4 pro S)
    Product
    BroadLink RM4 pro
    RF support
    433MHz fixed code controlled devices such as curtain/shades motor, projector and light switch
    IR support
    50000+ IR controlled devices such as TV, STB, DVD, air conditioner, fan, video recorder, audio and more
    Database
    Large IR database on the cloud, which covers 98% IR remote function and is constantly updated
    Price
    $49.99
    Amazon Prime
    BroadLink RM4 Mini IR Universal Remote Control, Smart Home Automation Wi-Fi Infrared Blaster for TV Air Conditioner STB Audio, Works with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
    Product
    BroadLink RM4 mini
    RF support
    -
    IR support
    50000+ IR controlled devices such as TV, STB, DVD, air conditioner, fan, video recorder, audio and more
    Database
    Large IR database on the cloud, which covers 98% IR remote function and is constantly updated
    Price
    $25.99
    Amazon Prime
    Broadlink WiFi Smart Home Hub RM Mini 3 IR Automation Learning Universal Remote Control Compatible with Alexa
    Product
    BroadLink RM3 mini
    RF support
    -
    IR support
    50000+ IR controlled devices such as TV, STB, DVD, air conditioner, fan, video recorder, audio and more
    Database
    Large IR database on the cloud, which covers 98% IR remote function and is constantly updated
    Price
    $19.99
    Amazon Prime
    A portrait photo oif Liam Alexander Colman, the author, creator, and owner of Home Assistant Guide wearing a suit.

    About Liam Alexander Colman

    is an experienced Home Assistant user who has been utilizing the platform for a variety of projects over an extended period. His journey began with a Raspberry Pi, which quickly grew to three Raspberry Pis and eventually a full-fledged server. Liam's current operating system of choice is Unraid, with Home Assistant comfortably running in a Docker container.
    With a deep understanding of the intricacies of Home Assistant, Liam has an impressive setup, consisting of various Zigbee devices, and seamless integrations with existing products such as his Android TV box. For those interested in learning more about Liam's experience with Home Assistant, he shares his insights on how he first started using the platform and his subsequent journey.

    Comments

    1. Hello,
      I know there are some “alternatives” for the Logitech Harmony remotes, but all I found are more like alternatives for the hub only, not for the remote. I would like to know if there are any alternatives to the remote too (e.g. for Elite), becaue I don’t want to use my phone or tablet, I want to have a real remote, with programable buttons (many!), devices. Like harmony has: the remote, plus the hub, plus the Google Home capability. Is there such a thing?
      Thank you,
      Liviu

      Reply
    2. using only a hub is super terrible, I love Harmony remotes and Logitech shocked me when announcing such a bad news, Harmony is unreplaceable, it is best of all kinds, I am using 3 Harmony in 3 different rooms.

      Reply
    3. Since Harmony has unilaterally decided to trash my investment of time and money by discontinuing support and making it impossible to even log in to my account, I SWEAR FROM THIS DAY FORWARD TO NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER LOGITECH PRODUCT.
      If Logitech owns any affiliate companies, I will proceed the same.
      May Logitech follow the same path as WINK who basically lied to their customer base and paid the price.

      Reply

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