Logitech Harmony 300i universal remote review

Final thoughts and rating

Programmed to our four devices, the Harmony 300i worked exactly as expected; performing all of our chosen actions without a hitch.

Like all new remotes, it can take a while to remember where individual buttons are located, but the remote feels comfortable to use and its ability to replace up to four others certainly has appeal.

The features that haven't made the cut - including an LCD display and multiple activity-based buttons - are likely to be missed by more advanced users, but for beginners looking for a simple all-in-one solution the Harmony 300i is, for lack of a better term, right on the button.

Judging by the prominence of the Watch TV activity button, this is a remote geared toward TV addicts looking to consolidate their TV, set-top receiver and DVD controllers in a single, easy-to-use device.

For that purpose it fits the bill. There are cheaper universal remotes on the market, but you'll be hard pushed to find one that's as stylish or as easy to configure as the Harmony 300i.

The last remote you'll ever need? Probably not, but it's a fine remote to start with.

The Good

Costs under £30
Easy to setup and configure
Comfortable in use

The Bad

Controls only four devices
Activity-based commands are limited to Watch TV

HEXUS Rating

Logitech Harmony 300i

HEXUS Where2Buy

The Logitech Harmony 300i remote can be purchased from Amazon.co.uk at a cost of £26.90.

HEXUS Right2Reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.

Login with Forum Account

Don't have an account? Register today!

got a sneaky look at one of these a month ago when logitech rep came into work, was pretty impressed that they took £10 off the price with only removing the pretty useless screen.

the only reason this doesnt sell well is that people compare these to some £5 universal remotes, and even though this is 101% better they still dont even consider it.

Cozwin
took £10 off the price with only removing the pretty useless screen.

Not sure I would agree the screens are useless. I only have the basic model with a screen. The screen shows four commands at a time ( with the option to move to more screens with more commands ) But without this screen alot of commands for my amp and TV would not be accessible.

I think this new £30 model will be over looked compared to cheaper universal remotes as it doesn't really offer much more. But for someone who has a small home cinema kit with DVD player etc , this £30 remotes doesn't offer enough control compared to the cheapest model with a screen that can be had for £45.

i have a harmony remote (one with the screen) and its awesome … i do agree with Cozwin though, to many people compare these to your standard Universal remotes which is a shame, i would have no problems recommend harmony to anyone, wicked bit of kit, especially with todays technology when pretty much everything needs a remote …. :)

When will they make one of these with Media Centre controls!? Just add bluetooth capability to the remote with a dongle and they would sell like hot cakes.

DeludedGuy
When will they make one of these with Media Centre controls!? Just add bluetooth capability to the remote with a dongle and they would sell like hot cakes.

You can add media control commands to the higher models I believe.

Also why would you want bluetooth in a remote control ?