Last Updated: November 24, 2018 (Refresh Now)
Logitech Harmony Smart Control Black
Last Updated: November 24, 2018 (Refresh Now)
7.4
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
1000
Old Reviews
557
Unverified
79
Spam Test
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Yes
WIFI
Review Analysis - 364 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Remote
184harmony, remotes, ir, hub, universal
+76%
-24%
" ... Then the remote can be used without thinking. ... You'll need to download both harmony skills and set up your voice commands again. ... Adding Harmony to your smart home (this will require a hub. ... I use Echo Plus) then allows you to control everything on your universal remote by voice. ... The new universal remote is Bluetooth whereas many electronics are RF. ... You can purchase a second IR blaster if needed. ... The harmony hub is plenty cool without Alexa, but if you are on your way to making a smart home, this is a fun add. ... "
" ... As a 10+ year Logitech Harmony user, I find this product to be in line with my expectations of previous Harmony remotes. ... As with the other Harmony remote products I used, the setup is divided into devices and activities. ... Even with fewer buttons, I found this remote to be very capable. ... Missing from the Harmony 650 is the ability to select a component and control it directly but the Harmony app replaces this functionality and I rarely used it. ... The IR hardware is actually very reliable and having it emit from the Hub and separate IR emitter is a big bonus. ... I do have a cabinet that hides the entertainment system, so I do require a way to broadcast the IR commands inside the cabinet. ... I have the Hub sitting on top of the cabinet for TV commands while the separate IR emitter sits inside the cabinet. ... For the remaining compartments in my cabinet, I used an old IR repeater system that simply repeats the IR commands with the IR receiver in the range of the Harmony IR emitter. ... For voice commands, I've added Harmony as an Alexa skill. ... "
" ... Back in the 1990's I tried out several "universal" remotes. ... I love the remote that came with the Hub. ... Logitech has created a universal remote that actually satisfies the consumer's need while keeping it relatively straight forward. ... "
" ... The Harmony Hub with Remote Control is the most awesome remote control device. ... "
" ... I've had the Harmony 650 for so long and it was my favorite remote. ... "
" ... I have had several Harmony remotes before this system. ... But this system that eliminates the need to aim the remote at the device, is what sold me. ... "
" ... I've owned several Logitech harmony remotes in the past. ... "
" ... It works pretty darn well, and is much more reliable than any Harmony remote I have tried in the past. ... "
Device Compatibility
143alexa, control, harmony, echo, app
+79%
-21%
" ... The app will take you through the set up of the devices and allow you to group devices together so that they turn on or off together. ... You'll need to download both harmony skills and set up your voice commands again. ... Adding Harmony to your smart home (this will require a hub. ... I use Echo Plus) then allows you to control everything on your universal remote by voice. ... "
" ... It found each of my devices quickly. ... For voice commands, I've added Harmony as an Alexa skill. ... "
" ... Each combination of devices you want to turn on is called an Activity. ... If you select to turn on the Amazon Fire TV, it will automatically assume you need to turn on the TV and Receiver as well. ... It will ask you what input is used on the TV and Receiver. ... Once I ran the set up a couple of times, it was able to turn on the TV, Receiver, DVR, PS3, Xbox One, and my Amazon Fire TV flawlessly (including changing the TV and receiver to the correct input channels). ... All you have to do is download the Harmony Skill and link your Harmony account with Alexa. ... For instance, I can say "Alexa, turn on the Fire TV" and it will turn everything on that I need to watch the Fire TV. ... A great product for those with countless devices and remotes in their entertainment system. ... "
" ... Works great connected to Amazon Echo and Google Home devices. ... "
" ... It’s awesome, was also able to get the Samsung TV built in Plex app with this device. ... "
" ... I then bought this one so I can control my AV setup with Alexa. ... "
" ... This is the second one I have purchased, hoping to make the home theater work with Alexa. ... "
" ... like watch TV . ... "
Ease of Use
70program, intuitive, easy to setup, easy to set, easier
+86%
-14%
" ... The activity setup is a bit more involved but also fairly simple. ... "
" ... Setting up the hub was a little tricky. ... "
" ... Simple setup and programming the activities via the app was a breeze. ... "
" ... It was fairly easy to program, but it takes time to get it right. ... I would buy this again in a minute because it makes the A/V system so easy to operate. ... "
" ... This is by far the best one and easiest to setup. ... "
" ... Easy to setup and controls all my media center from one remote and the companion app on my Android is perfect. ... "
" ... The app made setup really easy. ... "
" ... Easy to use and works as advertised - Like most things in life, you could live without this, but it makes life a lot easier after setup (which is very easy to do initially or if you need to make changes). ... "
Controls
70remote, press, activity, commands, activities
+61%
-39%
" ... Volume changes my surround sound, arrow keys navigate the fire stick,etc. ... "
" ... For voice commands, I've added Harmony as an Alexa skill. ... "
" ... It also is smart when you use the buttons as well. ... "
" ... I have no issues turning it off, as long as its on the main menu, but I still have to use my PS4 controller to turn the device on. ... "
" ... Now it does everything with one shortcut button press or can be voice activated via Echo Dot. ... "
" ... I like the fact that you can push one button and everything turns on and off. ... "
" ... Google assistant integration lets you easily power off, change activies, and adjust volume with voice commands. ... "
" ... It controls everything inside the cabinet perfectly. ... It's very well laid out and isn't overburdened with buttons you'll rarely used. ... I have it located in complete line of sight with the TV it must control. ... "
Apps
68alexa, harmony, integration, remote, control
+62%
-38%
" ... Setting up the devices with the Harmony app is simple. ... Missing from the Harmony 650 is the ability to select a component and control it directly but the Harmony app replaces this functionality and I rarely used it. ... I have found that the Harmony app is great for setting the system up but a few things hold it back from functioning as my main remote. ... For voice commands, I've added Harmony as an Alexa skill. ... Each favorite channel set up in the Harmony app will be migrated into an Alexa "scene" and not all of these scenes carried over during the Alexa discovery process. ... "
" ... All you have to do is download the Harmony Skill and link your Harmony account with Alexa. ... It allows you to set the commands through the Alexa app. ... "
" ... It’s awesome, was also able to get the Samsung TV built in Plex app with this device. ... "
" ... I then bought this one so I can control my AV setup with Alexa. ... "
" ... Easy to setup and controls all my media center from one remote and the companion app on my Android is perfect. ... Added all my media center equipment with step by step guide from the Android app, easy to setup and works amazingly well. ... "
" ... A little confusing with the app but after I figured it out it works amazing! ... "
" ... The app made setup really easy. ... "
" ... -- Mobile app replicates every control button for your devices ... -- Integrates with Alexa, so you can say things like, "Alexa, turn on CNN" or "Alexa, fast forward the TV" or "Alexa, less volume on the TV" ... -- No Google integration (Google Assistant, Google Now, Google Home) ... "
Setup
65harmony, easy to setup, initial, complicated, instructions
+86%
-14%
" ... The activity setup is a bit more involved but also fairly simple. ... "
" ... Setting up the hub was a little tricky. ... Hooking the Harmony Hub up to Alexa was very smooth. ... "
" ... Simple setup and programming the activities via the app was a breeze. ... "
" ... Setup wasn't horribly complicated - just took patience. ... "
" ... Setup was straight forward, I started off with using my computer but jumped over to using the iPhone to complete the setup. ... "
" ... Setup was easier then using the archaic windows app like the 650 and I like that the remote is RF, so you no longer need to keep the remote pointed at your equipment while it powers everything on or off. ... "
" ... This is by far the best one and easiest to setup. ... "
" ... Setup takes 5 minutes right out of the box. ... "
Software Platform
61app, harmony, integration, hub, control
+67%
-33%
" ... You'll need to download both harmony skills and set up your voice commands again. ... "
" ... Missing from the Harmony 650 is the ability to select a component and control it directly but the Harmony app replaces this functionality and I rarely used it. ... "
" ... All you have to do is download the Harmony Skill and link your Harmony account with Alexa. ... It allows you to set the commands through the Alexa app. ... For instance, I can say "Alexa, turn on the Fire TV" and it will turn everything on that I need to watch the Fire TV. ... "
" ... It’s awesome, was also able to get the Samsung TV built in Plex app with this device. ... "
" ... I then bought this one so I can control my AV setup with Alexa. ... "
" ... This is the second one I have purchased, hoping to make the home theater work with Alexa. ... "
" ... Google Assistant on my phone works seamlessly with the Harmony Hub. ... "
" ... All work as it should and work great with Alexa. ... "
Product Reliability
43harmony, ago, remote, logitech, decade
+42%
-58%
" ... It worked once and then kept screwing up. ... "
" ... Have only had the device for about a week, but it has been an annoying week at best. ... Mine may be going back as at this point I consider the product defective for what it is supposed to do. ... "
" ... The challenge with the new ones is to get it working within a decade. ... "
" ... Unfortunately I am one that is also having connection issues with it constantly dropping out and requiring restarting. ... "
" ... After a few hours to setup, it still isn’t working. ... "
" ... It consistently failed to turn my amplifier on with my system, however. ... "
" ... Update: Logitech asked me for input on the Harmony and I gave it to them. ... That was about a month ago and have not heard anything back. ... Then if you have constructive criticism, or have anything critical to say, it completely shuts them down. ... "
" ... After hours of fiddling, I gave up and returned it. ... "
Resolution
29amazon fire tv, fire, directv, xbox one, av receiver
+97%
-3%
" ... An example of what you can do: make a group called "Fire Stick" to include your TV, sound system, and the fire stick. ... "
" ... Once I ran the set up a couple of times, it was able to turn on the TV, Receiver, DVR, PS3, Xbox One, and my Amazon Fire TV flawlessly (including changing the TV and receiver to the correct input channels). ... "
" ... I use it to control my LG TV, Dish DVR, Roku, Apple TV, AV Receiver and Kinivo HDMI switch. ... "
" ... I have set up this Harmony Smart Control to control a Samsung TV, Samsung Sound Bar, Amazon Fire TV, Dish DVR, and Sony DVD Player. ... "
" ... I use this to control an apple tv, two HD TVs, TV back lighting, and other stuff. ... "
" ... Use it to control my tv, receiver, fire stick, and xbox one. ... "
" ... Here is the home theater components I have - Receiver, Projector, Amazon Fire Stick, DVD Player, and an Lutron Light. ... "
" ... I have it on the middle shelf of my TV stand, with the TV directly above, the ROKU, cable box, and media center on the same level and an XBOX and Stereo underneath and in front of it. ... "
Price
28buy, worth, waste, sale, money
+68%
-32%
" ... Just as described great for the price ... "
" ... For a product that integrates your home entertainment system with the rest of your smart devices at this price point, incomparable. ... "
" ... I was skeptical, but perfection all around. ... "
" ... I think this one is much better and cheaper. ... "
" ... This was worth the price just to eliminate that aggravation. ... "
" ... This is a great buy and even better when it goes on sale! ... "
" ... amazing price and value! ... "
" ... What a bargain! ... "
Ports
23hub, receiver, input, hdmi switch, inputs
+65%
-35%
" ... Once I ran the set up a couple of times, it was able to turn on the TV, Receiver, DVR, PS3, Xbox One, and my Amazon Fire TV flawlessly (including changing the TV and receiver to the correct input channels). ... "
" ... I use it to control my LG TV, Dish DVR, Roku, Apple TV, AV Receiver and Kinivo HDMI switch. ... "
" ... I have an AGPTEK 3 to 1 HDMI switch that needed a bit of learning from the original remote, but it was so painless that I didn't mind. ... "
" ... Hub adds one more device to your setup. ... "
" ... it really works with all the devices i have, even the obscure optical input splitter I have. ... "
" ... The receiver has six HDMI inputs, which are currently connected to the following: Tivo, NVIDIA Shield, Kodi HTPC, RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi 3, Wii U, and Blu-ray player. ... "
" ... Flawlessly handled switching devices and HDMI inputs for different activities. ... "
" ... It was easy to input the various units to control, but it took a while to sync the proper tv hdmi input to the proper activity. ... "
Network
23hub, ir signal, house, wifi, walls
+70%
-30%
" ... RF typically needs line of sight to work. ... "
" ... My next task is to get an IR signal to turn on the TV. ... "
" ... The blaster works like magic, somehow hitting all the devices, bouncing signals all over the room. ... "
" ... The IR signal bounces around and hits both well, even in a super open floor plan like our house has. ... "
" ... Especially important if you have more than one of any device on your network. ... "
" ... We have 2 - one for each setup in our house. ... "
" ... I have these on every TV in my house. ... "
" ... Have multiple in the house for different rooms. ... "
Capacity
18room, living room, bedroom, home theater, wifi
+100%
" ... I would take it wherever it was needed, all over the house: bedroom, den, Home theater etc. ... "
" ... This is a great tool for the home entertainment center! ... "
" ... I've had all my devices in a hall closet for years now and have used various 'blasters', etc. ... "
" ... "Living Room - Xbox" or "Master Bedroom - Fire TV". ... "
" ... We have 2 - one for each setup in our house. ... "
" ... While I have a high end Harmony for our media room, I needed something simple for other displays throughout the house. ... "
" ... I would recommend to anyone with Alexa in their house. ... "
" ... I have these on every TV in my house. ... "
Wifi
13network, wi fi, hub, signal, harmony
+54%
-46%
" ... Especially important if you have more than one of any device on your network. ... "
" ... Once the hub is connected to your home wifi it finds all the other devices connected to the same network that it could control. ... "
" ... However, it had not trouble setting up the new hub as a second hub, even though both hubs are on the same Wi-Fi network. ... "
" ... That is, the hub sending a signal faster than the device is ready to receive it. ... "
" ... for any devices on your network, it picks it up instantly. ... "
" ... I will say you must have a solidly working wi-fi network for this system to function properly. ... It has been 100% solid since I replaced my wi-fi router. ... "
Marketplace
12works as advertised, sold, amazon, 100, works
+92%
-8%
" ... I will definitely buy from them again! ... "
" ... I plan to buy another one once they're back on sale. ... "
" ... This is a big deal. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... Sorry for the rant from my original post . ... "
" ... That service cost $100, but even with the extra $100, I would buy this again. ... "
" ... THANK YOU LOGITECH ... "
" ... Works perfect and as advertised. ... "
Bluetooth
12ir, remote, hub, control, rf
+100%
" ... This Smart Control solves my RF, IR and Bluetooth needs immaculately and simply. ... "
" ... It seamless integrates various remote control technologies (IR, RF, and Bluetooth). ... "
" ... Your smartphone connects to the hub via Bluetooth, and it then shoots IR signals to your devices. ... "
" ... Connects to AppleTV as a Bluetooth keyboard, which makes it very responsible, and means you don't need line of sight. ... "
" ... I could never get my iPhone 7plus to pair, which I find unusual since it paired beautifully with my iPhone 6. ... "
" ... This was able to control the Samsung tv vs IR, instead of Bluetooth. ... "
" ... Connects to devices very easy, and easy to manage. ... "
" ... Bluetooth & IR connectivity can connect to a ton of devices. ... "
Comfort
12remote, feeling, buttons, texture, tactile
+75%
-25%
" ... The device is high quality, with a very good feel in the hand. ... I like the texture very much and it is like holding a long smooth stone, but light weight, in your hand. ... "
" ... The humble physical remote feels great on the hand, has an interesting texture on the back, and you can feel with your thumb which buttons to press: volume up, volume down, mute, direction wheel, Enter, etc. ... "
" ... The remote control alone is probably my favorite remote I've ever used, comfortable in hand and perfectly tactile buttons that have a solid click feel when pressed, but still feel soft to the touch. ... "
" ... Had the 650 but just don't love the ergonomics. ... "
" ... what a relief!! ... "
" ... I would prefer more raised, for tactile feel. ... "
" ... It's easily held in the hand and the materials feel good to the touch. ... "
" ... The buttons feel sturdy, the textured back is excellent for grip, and it's simply light and easy. ... "
Overall performance
11slow, everything, fast, well, perfect
+73%
-27%
" ... Once its open, it performs satisfactorily. ... "
" ... Overall it does a great job. ... "
" ... It is small and gets the job done. ... "
" ... Does everything fast ... "
" ... Fast response and can control everything. ... "
" ... Does the job well ... "
" ... And it does it's job! ... "
" ... perfect, finally a system that runs everything reliably ... "
Returns
11returning, return, back, ultimate, late
+9%
-91%
" ... Don’t get me started (oops, too late). ... "
" ... Here is the list of why I returned mine. ... "
" ... Too late to return it since the 30 day expired while my phone was broken. ... "
" ... Didn't work and returned it. ... "
" ... If I lived in US I'd return it in the same day (and I have never returned anything before). ... "
" ... and completely wrong. ... "
" ... I have sent it back. ... "
" ... That's what I went back to. ... "
Lagging
10seconds, sometimes, sequence, restarts, timing
+20%
-80%
" ... Randomly turns off the electronics and restarts ... the unit turns off everything as part of the test and restarts . ... "
" ... Unfortunately I am one that is also having connection issues with it constantly dropping out and requiring restarting. ... "
" ... This is slow. ... "
" ... Sometimes it is a little laggy as in 20-120 second delay between the voice command and the action. ... "
" ... Works sometimes., sometimes not. ... "
" ... Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. ... "
" ... Lots of glitches. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
WiFi: Yes
Recommendations
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