If you’re searching for a great universal remote that can help you reduce the clutter on your coffee table without breaking the bank, then the family of Logitech Harmony models are probably what you are looking for.
The Logitech Harmony 650, 665, and 700 are recognized as leaders in the budget universal remote space.
All three models have much in common. Ease of setup is Logitech’s trademark and all these models include setup software and a USB cord. Just plug your remote in and the software takes your from there.
With Logitech the days of searching for manuals to find your device codes and hoping they still work with your new remote or over. The folks at Logitech have already done the hard work for you.
The Harmony models are compatible with over 200,000 home theater devices.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com
About the Logitech 650
The 650 is far and away the best budget universal remote available on the market today. Here’s a look at all the features of the 650.
These are common to all three remotes we’re considering except for a few minor differences in the 665 and 700.
Set-Up
As well as letting your Logitech remote identity all your devices, you can set up sequences of commands. This allows you to turn your receiver, turn on your TV, and switch the receiver to the TV input with the press of a single button.
This feature is a great addition that allows family members or roommates that don’t know all the ins and outs of your Logitech Universal Remote just know the one button they need to press to watch their favorite program.
The setup software includes a Web Wizard that walks you through a simple set up process.
Harmony devices do not require any control codes so all you have to do is connect the remote to your computer and let the Web Wizard enable you to control settings for virtually every electronic device on the market.
One feature that makes things a lot easier for everyone is the ability to upload icons for favorite TV stations. There are hundreds of channels available but probably little more than a handful that you watch all the time.
The icons really help to get to what you want with the least possible hassle.
During setup, you can also program buttons that perform different functions or one button that performs several functions at once. For example, you can program one button to turn on your TV, DVD player, and then start playing the disk already in the player with the click of one button.
Should you need any help you can order expert set up at checkout at Amazon.
During setup, the Harmony software automatically maps obvious functions to the default keys – pause to pause, play to play, and so on – but you are given the option to customize anything your care to.
Contextual areas on the LCD screen can also be customized to your preference.
I have seen a couple of reviews that said these remotes aren’t for someone who doesn’t know much about home entertainment systems because even with the setup software, the process can be technical and time-consuming.
However, if you’ve used anything older than the Harmony series, I don’t see how setting up a Logitech 650, 665, or 700 can be considered difficult or confusing.
You can use the 650 to control up to eight devices. As with the 665 and 700, the Logitech 65 work best when you have a line of sight to your devices.
If you need to control devices located in different rooms or behind closed cabinets, you probably should check out the Logitech Harmony Elite or the Logitech Ultimate Home.
Features
While the 665 and 700 may be what suits your unique needs and preferences, by and large, the Logitech 650 can’t be beaten for price and features.
Here’s a run-down of the 650’s features:
- Harmony Remote Software – offers instructional help to guide users through a series of question-and-answer steps to accomplish a task.
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) – searchable list of customer questions with answers provided by the Harmony 650’s support center.
- Support Button – specific online help for the page you’re on.
- Controls up to eight devices. AA batteries required (Polaroid AA batteries recommended).
- Excellent bright screen to show favorites icons and commands for worry-free navigation.
- LCD Size – 1.5″ Diagonal
- LCD Screen – 65,000 Color
- Memory Amount – 2 MB
- Memory Type – Flash
- One-touch Activity buttons like “Watch My DVDs” to automatically switch select devices to the right settings.
- Infrared remote
- IR Transmission Range – Up to 50 ft
- System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6 or later, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10.
- Compatible with 225,000+ devices from 5000+ brands, including all you own or may add later.
- Dimensions – 10.79 x 1.61 x 5.75 in
- Weight – 6.7 ounces
- Lithium-Batteries included in equipment
- Color – silver
- Warranty – 1 Year (2 Years for Europe)
Except for its color scheme (gray with black buttons), the Harmony 650 shares the same button layout and chassis as with the less expensive Harmony 600 and the more expensive Harmony 700.
The remote has three main areas. The top section is dominated by its color LCD screen. At the mid-section is a five-way directional pad, volume and channel controls, and basic DVR keys
About the Logitech 665
The Logitech Harmon 665 is virtually the same as the 650 with one exception. The 650 can control eight devices and the 665 can control up to ten.
Since the Logitech Harmony 665 is an updated model there are a few minor changes that address bugs or frequent issues that popped up with the 650.
However, the Logitech website offers little information as to what changes were made beyond the addition of two devices so the much lower price of the 650 probably makes it your best option.
About the Logitech 700
The only real difference in the 700 is that it comes with two rechargeable AA batteries. These can be recharged by leaving them in the remote and plugging it into a wall outlet.
You also have the option to use a third-party rechargeable battery brand or regular AA batteries as well.
The Harmony 650 doesn’t come with rechargeable batteries but before you let that be a deal killer, you can buy your own rechargeable brand and still have money left over with the difference in price.
It should be noted that Logitech has discontinued the 700. List price for the 700 is probably higher than the 650 0r 665 because of lack of availability.
Which One to Choose?
The Harmony 650 doesn’t come with rechargeable batteries but before you let that be a deal killer, you can buy your own rechargeable brand and still have money left over with the difference in price.
Whatever Logitech Harmony device you purchase, it will never be out of date. Logitech has a device database of 375,000+ devices from DVRs, to HDTVs, to VCRs, to lighting controls all of which are have codes automatically updated by Logitech.
Choosing between the three Logitech Harmony models should be a real issue. However, the price point and the fact it is newer, make the Harmony 650 the clear winner in my opinion.
It’s cheaper than the older 700 and for most people being able to control ten instead of eight devices doesn’t make the 665 more appealing.
Before you decide which Logitech remote to purchase, be sure and check the specs on Amazon.
Things to look for include: The number of devices that it can control (early versions of the Harmony 700 can control only six or seven devices) and technologies supported (RF, IR or both)
All three of these remotes work best when you have a line of sight to your devices. If you need to control devices located in different rooms or behind closed cabinets, you probably should check out the Logitech Harmony Elite or the Logitech Ultimate Home.
Should you want to have voice controls the Logitech Ultimate Home and Logitech Harmony Elite offer the option of letting you control your devices with a mobile app or Alexa.
Though the screens on the 650,665, and 700 are attractive and fully functional, you will also need to consider the other higher-end models for a full-color touchscreen.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Valid prices are those listed on Amazon.com