The Best 2020 Home Theater Remote Harmony Elite vs Ultimate One

[@jameslester6785]

I have the original Harmony One. I have had it for 20 years. It still works great and is still on the original battery! If it's not broken don't fix it seems to apply.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

It's sad they don't keep products in the life cycle longer when they're simply better than newer models. This happens across the board with electronics.

[@jameslester6785]

@@dr.emilschaffhausen4683 Completely agree. Planned obsolescence is real.

[@aurelios69]

Got one barely used, elite complete, in box for 20€. May be one of my best bargains ever

[@markt9564]

Harmony Elite is awesome. I use it for all my equipment.

[@kenguie]

So harmony remotes are supposed to learn other remote activities easily. What do you think about that feature? I have a remote for my Hampton bay ceiling fan. I was hoping a harmony elite would add to what I can control in my living room by learning that remote along w controlling my Apple TV, lg tv, and sonos speakers, bar, sub, surrounds individually. Is this possible? I also want to replace my shades soon w automatic shades. Probably lutron I believe. In any case, does it sound like this remote can control everything? Thanks, great video!!!

[@COGuyStuff]

It works with Lutron, all my dimmers and fan switches are Lutron. It can learn any ir commands. If the fan is rf though, no, unless it’s already in the harmony database.

[@kenguie]

@@COGuyStuff thanks! Taking a closer look. The fan does look rf. Appreciate the response!

[@mattgiunt]

Harmony 350 button remote sent me running to harmony Ultimate remote. Buttons failed after first year usage and I switched those button failed commands to other buttons.Drove me crazy. Love the Ultimate one and after two years no button failure.

[@TheMetalmachine467]

I love my harmony remote better than the magic remote that comes with the lg cx I've had it a while now glad to see it is still the top one I'm sure they will come out with a new one soon

[@ColinAverill]

Could I have details on why? What's your setup? I got an LG CX and I'm trying to decide if I want to get the Elite.

[@chrismonterubio9475]

Nice rundown on each remote. I have an ultimate that I got for my mom to use for her home theater that I set up for her. Once we got through the initial “how do I do this?” phase, it works very well for her setup. I had a harmony one remote for my home theater that has been in use for close to 12 years, and now have some devices that it just cannot control. Just upgraded to the elite for my setup, and it was super easy to setup. The fun part is going to be adding in home automation as it gets integrated in. All in, they are both great remotes.

[@Marzen216]

Thanks for a great rundown on features and real life usage issues. I now know the Harmony series is NOT for me. What do you think would be a great remote for PJ (on/off), AVR (vol, inputs, on/off) , Shield Tv (D-pad, enter & back buttons) for mostly Plex & KZbin TV watching? Thanks

[@nathanielturgeman5821]

I wonder, did you ever find a solution that worked for this kind of setup? I have the Logitech Harmony Ultimate and there's plenty it can't control...

[@kaktusenkoo1035]

Thx man, very useful info. I have the hub, using my phone with the app but I'm shopping for a physical remote. I'm leaning towards the elite. If I don't need touch screen what would you advice? my setup includes an Nvidea shield tv pro, a Philips android smart tv, an android tv box, a marantz 6015 receiver, Hue light bulbs

[@COGuyStuff]

The one without the screen is called the companion

[@jarekk1986]

Hi there, great review. Just to ask is there any chance to use any button on ultimate to turn on/off hue lights. Can we map them or something? I can get ultimate for 70€ but not sure can i control hue bulbs with ultimate remote, thanks

[@COGuyStuff]

Not a button, you need the elite for that. But you can use them in routines or control them through the device screen.

[@1forlexus27]

Looks like I’m way late to post a comment but great video. Also I own a harmony ultimate like the one in your video. Would it be able to control a Firestick via Bluetooth if I bought a harmony hub? I like the remote but can’t control my Firestick.

[@COGuyStuff]

Yes, I use one too.

[@Carlosization1]

I love the Alexa integration!!!

[@t5jerry]

1 screw and I'm TOTALLY satisfied 😱😱😱

[@godfather1116]

I have the Harmony Elite - Battery life is not as good though, prob. in need of replacement already.

[@COGuyStuff]

I'm getting slightly more than the Ultimate, same usage.

[@onecarwood]

I have an LG TV and I can't figure out how to get it to turn on everything but have Netflix or any other app be the thing it runs. I can only get the things to turn on and off not actually pick an app like Apple TV or Prime or Netflix on start up.

[@COGuyStuff]

Devices don’t work like that except TVs with dedicated buttons on the remotes. The services pay the tv makers for the button access and the codes are not available outside the original remote.

[@onecarwood]

@@COGuyStuff I have figured out how to get Netflix and Prime to run from Start up but I am having trouble with navigating in the apps. Is this what you mean? Is there a way around this? It seems like there has to be or the Harmony remote isn't universal and is worthless other than turning on and off things.

[@CenturioGaius]

@@onecarwood not quite sure if I get your problem right. The Netflix app is on your TV and the problem is, the remote turns on the TV but not the app? If that's the case, you could add a sequence, or steps in the activity on your harmony. I think you can do that in the activities configuration. If you have a activity "watch Netflix" or whatever, go to "adding devices and activities" (sorry, don't know the English menu) Choose the activity Add a step Now it gets annoying. You have to ad the steps you have to do on your TV to start the App, like Menu Right Right Select For example And you might add a delay and figure out how long it has to be. That should work. You also can add a sequence to the touchscreen that could be started after the activity, or, if your watching TV and want to switch to Netflix without navigating manually. Settings again, remote and hub, key settings?, Activitysettings on the screen, choose activity and there you can add a sequence. Basically the same way as the other one. So I hope that was helpful and I got you problem right. Otherwise this is just a long and useless comment

[@onecarwood]

@@CenturioGaius it’s so convoluted and pretty shitty app that only gets you some of the way there. The biggest problem is when you finally get everything to work it doesn’t always and it’s so many different levels deep it’s easier just to have a couple remotes. I finally got everything working and it’s so complicated that kids can’t use it. Piece of tech that was taken some of the way there but feels like it was then abandoned. A $200 fucking piece of useless plastic.

[@JoelSc14]

Hey, I thought you looked familiar.... ahh, from the scooter side, lol. (16es).. say, do you think the elite or 950 is still a good purchase option today ?? was down to a hopper 3 remote, and a pronto pro for a bazillion years. now another new tv, receiver, media player, within the last few weeks, and i'm loosing the remote battle again. The pronto works well, but super old. shiny can be good, setup will be from the desktop mostly. Thanks !!

[@JoelSc14]

well, picked up the elite yesterday, wow is this a breeze to setup compared to the old days. tablet on the side of the chair, and had a few devices up and running in no time.

[@GayleGrantDocGrant]

My eyes and dexterity are not the best..if I purchased an iPad mini, would I be able to use this like the remote itself? Thanks

[@COGuyStuff]

Yes any android or iOS device

[@niravniel561]

Hi, thanks for the video, do you happen to know if it can be connected to MI Box S ? I need a button for the voice assistance of Google, does this remote has it?

[@COGuyStuff]

Yes harmony works with all the android boxes. But it does not have a mic.

[@adamm6733]

Is there a trick to setting up Harmony to control PC; specifically wake/sleep? Also, just got the Facebook Portal TV...is this thing event compatible w/ Harmony?

[@COGuyStuff]

Sorry I have no idea to either

[@adamm6733]

@@COGuyStuff Re: FB Portal, Harmony app says “not supported” because the device/remote communicates via BT using my WiFi/Eth connection. I know Harmony supports BT...my only guess is it does so only with establishing a connection connection, not for BT remote commands. Please let me know if I’m missing something... Re: PC/media device, I CAN get it setup and working, but sleep/shutdown breaks the connection and disables the driver and I have to manually disable the driver and re-pair Harmony. Also, only BT connection seems or work, USB can connect to PC for power and to download the Harmony desktop software, but USB connection doesn’t allow for remote command unless BT is connected. Ive heard FLIRC and sending/setup of magic packets could work but haven’t been able to find anything definitive. Please let me know if you’ve heard otherwise...

[@COGuyStuff]

It does ip control and direct Bluetooth, if the device you are connecting to has a driver for it. And like I said I have no idea about either of those device uses. Never tried.

[@Be4givN]

I got a Companion with Hub and am trying to add the 950 remote to the same hub. Hub is in LR with 950, and Companion is in the BR. Devices and Activities different on each remote, set up using the desk top software, not the cell phone app, though I do have the cell phone app. Can't get the Companion to work, and the hub keeps syncing, swapping one remote settings for the other. Should I uninstall the cell phone app because I think it is the one initiating the syncing? I first set up the Companion and hub then did an upgrade to add the 950. Don't know what I did wrong or how to fix things.

[@BlackBourbonFamily]

You review cigars too? Great video!

[@edventscher8204]

Hi , i have an old harmony 650 can it work with the hub just as an ir blaster like the companion remote?

[@JohnMcGing1]

Our cable box usage, all our streaming, including Plex, - we use the "physical" media buttons all the time. Not sure how you can deal with DVR or streaming media without a pause, fast forward, rewind and play button. Also, while the no screen Companion handsets are nice, the lack of light is an issue. In a dark room, at least the screen of the One, Ultimate One and Elite lets you be able to work the thing. We've been using old school Harmony Ones, but they get janky and hate it when my wife points away before the activity completes. Actually had an almost never used Ultimate One in my spare box as we tried it and spouse hated it. Have an Elite on the way, the use of the hub should handle the not pointed right issue for the entertainment center and maybe sell the spouse; then maybe the Ultimate One might find a home in the bedroom. (Same problem there, miss the boxes and get complaints.) I was surprised that after 2 or more years in a box, the Ultimate One battery was solid in terms of no visible degradation and charged up over night fine. Find me a remote that takes a Harmony One (for size, buttons, fit and feel) and that works with a hub and I'd sell my first born :)

[@masonanders3354]

InstaBlaster.

[@marklloyd4153]

I watch your motorcycle videos . Big fjr fan up in the villages. I like the Harmony 900 the best .

[@MaestroPrep]

Wow, Bryan, great review as always!! I haven't seen you in a few years now!! (Heart Attack, so no more cigars for me...sigh... I was a long time sub at CO) I think the last video I saw of yours was you putting up a big canopy in your back yard... Great to see a new thinner, more grey you ( it happens to us all brother)!! Then a hurricane hit as I recall... Hope all is well with you and yours!! Thanks for the great content!

[@johnbinion7802]

Glad to see your still with us .

[@Hailde_phoraw]

Great video but i need to know where you got your shirt lol

[@helpaholic]

My harmony has back lit. Buttons 🤘

[@ashcountach1684]

Logitech is not going to be making remotes anymore although they will be supporting the software. I bought two elites this week and the prices are already going up so if you want one now is the time to get them. My media center is under a staircase so I use the hub and IR blasters there and use the remote IR for my TV's. For each device you can select which IR blaster you want to use, either the hubs, remote, or both.

[@COGuyStuff]

Yep scalpers hit fast

[@interestedtech1]

@@COGuyStuff I just picked up an Elite to replace my 700. I was thinking maybe i need a back up. I am having trouble finding Elites for a reasonable price. Do you think a new Ultimate one would be a good back up. Just looking for advice.

[@COGuyStuff]

Take what you can get

[@interestedtech1]

@@COGuyStuff thank you for suggestion. Was thinking same

[@CenturioGaius]

Two things I noticed, I wouldn't agree. Today I had to replace the battery on my ultimate, and it's not just remove the screw, take out the battery and put the new one in. The case of the ultimate is pretty hard to open and you have to be careful not to scratch or break anything. the connection between the "chip" and the touchscreen is on the side. So if you use a tool to separate the case, you have to be careful not to damage this connection, otherwise the touchscreen is useless. And the original battery is glued underneath a "case" you can't remove. So it's a little bit delicate, but it works if you are careful. A basic instruction is on the Logitech page. The second thing is your comment about the usefulness of the touchscreen and if you need one because it's just for starting activities. Don't forget, you have all functions or commands of all of your equipment on that screen. If you have to change a setting on your audio receiver for example you don't have to grab the original remote. I hope this makes sense, my english is not that good when it comes to describing. But otherwise, a informative video. Since my battery is done, I was wondering if the pretty expensive elite is worth it. Well, I changed the battery...

[@dalemacdonald201]

Great comprehensive real life review. Thank you very much. One thing I haven't seen answered, does the Elite remote emit IR by itself, or does it only come from the hub?

[@COGuyStuff]

From the hub and emitters is standard but you can set any device to use the remote if you need to.

[@brnmaull]

Great video man! Thank you for doing the comparison. I'm going to get the elite because I still us physical media and I like where the buttons are better. I already got the hub because I just wanted to get my hands dirty with trying to use it. But it was pretty easy but uts a little bit of a pain esp. Going through the tv guide you have to look down on phone or tablet to make sure you are hitting right button.

[@COGuyStuff]

Glad I could help!

[@GayleGrantDocGrant]

I have the ultimate from Harmony..is it possible to purchase additional blasters for this device..I need ideally 3 and they only give us 2 with the remote. Thanks!

[@COGuyStuff]

Yes just search amazon

[@DerekBCook]

With that music, I would expect you to cut something up and start toasting! LOL! Thanks for the video. I had a credit some time ago I used on the Harmony remote and it is still sitting there unopened. This motivates me to set it up, upgrade or not.

[@COGuyStuff]

Rock on!

[@rusdov]

Did they work properly with your x900h? As i know elite can't work with x950g via BT, only by IR through hub and responding time from TV was awful - about 3 seconds. Could you please test? I've just waiting my order with x900h and looking for a new harmony remote for my devices.

[@COGuyStuff]

It works perfectly. It uses the network connection

[@tonylively579]

Thanks for the review it was really helpful.

[@Jensdh]

I just sold my logitech devil device. This remote has been a strain on my relationship with my girlfriend for a year!

[@GregJones-kt1zr]

Can you tell me does the elite work a blue tooth dvr? I switched to a 4K dvr and it has a blue tooth remote, my harmony ultimate is only ir.

[@COGuyStuff]

It has Bluetooth yes. You can look the model up to see if it’s compatible

[@ThaMonkeyClaw]

Does the Elite still suffer from the IR lag (changing channels/volume/etc) that the Ultimate One does?

[@COGuyStuff]

none here

[@ThaMonkeyClaw]

@@COGuyStuff Have you noticed any lag with your older Harmony One remote? Mine tends to be slightly delayed compared to the OEM remotes for my equipment when using channel/volume/guide browsing/etc.

[@COGuyStuff]

No lag here. I've shown it in vids.

[@jhue73]

@@ThaMonkeyClaw not sure about the ultimate but on my 665 you can adjust the lag/delay. so thats probably why yours is doing that.

[@alexcapone3284]

Does the Play/Stop, Forward/Rewind buttons on the Ultimate remote intended to control DVRs? If so, the placement on the Ultimate is a huge design flaw and I definitely need the Elite. It's also a shame with the delay in Smartthings lights. I am hoping Smarthings can implement local control which would fix this issue.

[@AdmiralBison]

I dream one day there will be a true Universal remote controller that lives up to its name. + doesn't need a hub + can send blue tooth, IR, wifi network 2.4, 5.0, 3G-4G-5G + walky-talky, Siri, Alexa, Cortana, Occusync, UHF, VHF, Morse code, echolocation, smoke signals etc... + both a touch screen that rivals smart phones and ample well designed physical buttons with haptic feedback + doesn't need a cradle and can be charged with a USB-C cable and conductive. + It can "listen and learn" what new remotes you use. Oh heck let it even have a built in control pad with the d+pad, 2 x thumb sticks, triggers, bumpers buttons, share feature, speakers, motion controls and rumble.

[@kc2dc444]

Hey now, just because I still use a bluray doesn't mean I'm old school! Sometimes, the only or best way to get the best picture and sound (dolby atmos etc) is with a disc!

[@COGuyStuff]

Thanks for proving my point ;) Nope there are multiple ways, like the way many of us do it. Rip the disc, run plex on a NAS and everything is instant and digital. 100% the same file.

[@fallofmanbrand]

great video bro

[@adamblais8365]

Minor note: the remotes without buttons have a maximum number of activities they can launch. For example the Harmony Companion has max 6 activities. If you want the ability to map more than 6 activities to the remote, you need the Ultimate or Elite.

[@mavava1]

Great video, thanks

[@Analyzer52]

Battery life in the Ultimate One is junk remote is always dead when sitting and doing nothing.

[@COGuyStuff]

Neither one has great battery life. That’s why you keep it in the cradle each night.

[@Analyzer52]

@@COGuyStuff Shouldn’t have to do that, all that does is reduce the life cycle of the battery. Logitech needs to use better batteries in all these remotes.

[@COGuyStuff]

Lol I agree more would be better but this is the design of the product. These were made many years ago

[@geraldslonaker3289]

I've had 2 ultimates for 3 years and put them in the cradle every night from day one. If I forget (very rare) it still lasts for a couple of days no problem

[@Analyzer52]

@@geraldslonaker3289 mine dies sitting on the coffee table in the basement doing nothing. They have been making this long enough now that there should be a battery upgrade by now. Look how long your cell phone battery last compare to these. The biggest complaint about these is the battery life

[@kellyj5389]

Interesting.

[@npirzkal]

Turn your bass down! :-)