Logitech's Harmony Elite Remote Control ($350) is the latest top-of-the-line edition in the company's line of universal remote controls. Preceded in that way by the Harmony Ultimate - which launched at the same price - the Harmony Elite boasts a new remote and cradle, and the remote can finally be...

On the surface, there's nothing particularly glamorous about a universal remote. It's simply a device that controls multiple electronic gadgets, like your TV and Blu-ray player, so you don't have to keep track of and juggle multiple remotes. No big deal, right?

The Logitech Harmony has always been the kind of remote you wouldn't want to stuff in between the couch cushions. Besides being able to control a plethora of AV devices, these controllers look good enough to leave right in the middle of the coffee table.

You've just got home. You've had a long, boring day. It's cold and dark outside. You just want to curl up on the sofa, turn up the heating, dim the lights and relax with some Netflix or mood music. The Logitech Harmony Elite will do all that at the touch of a single button.

Beautifully designed and easy-to-use remote; Smart home and AV system control in one; Excellent device support; You can use your phone as well

ZigBee and Z-Wave support requires extra box; Minor touchscreen issues; No Apple HomeKit support

Now, don't misunderstand my title and wonder why I gave this remote 4 stars. In terms of the Harmony Elite remote it IS the BEST! Excellent build quality, great ergonomics and easy to operate.

If you're hastily upgrading your home theater setup in preparation for the Super Bowl , or just looking for a key addition to tie your myriad A/V devices together, then it might be time to consider Logitech's Harmony Elite universal remote.

Activities automate your routines; Compatible with loads of devices; Polished design and feel

It's very expensive; Can't launch into most video apps; Occasional missed commands

Value for money (on special discount)

Harmony still has some drawbacks with software; eg. only one set of Favorites channels; which may not be relevant to the device or situation

A great remote. We did have problems initially setting up the remote that we had to source an answer from the internet (others had same problem). Things were not as intuitive as our previous Harmony remote. Great that there is an app that goes with it.

It works great. I upgraded from a much older IR-only Harmony remote. The hub makes it all a much easier experience using the remote no matter what orientation. The price you pay is for the extensive database Logitech maintain of all the command codes.

You need to be a full blown engineer to set this thing up because all the software is rubbish and does not work very well. You will need a desktop PC if you need to teach the remote unique devices that are not in the Logitech database. Be prepared for stupid popup windows that like appearing.