best logitech harmony alternatives

9 Best Logitech Harmony Alternatives for 2026

In Remotes: Other by Tim Brennan

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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Views: 8,156

In this post, I explore the best Logitech Harmony alternatives you can get right now.


The Best Replacements for Harmony

logitech harmony alternativesLet me start by saying there is no perfect universal remote. It doesn’t exist, never did—like unicorns and fairy dust.

After many years of development, Logitech Harmony came close… but many customers still complained about difficulty with setup, especially for the higher-end models like Elite and Companion.

After Logitech announced last year that its popular line of Harmony remotes is being discontinued, several of you have asked for alternative recommendations.

I was mystified as to why Harmony discontinued the line in the first place. According to the recent Smart Remotes Segment Study, Statistica expects a steady growth rate of 5.94% CAGR year over year well into the future. Were the Harmony remotes more trouble than they were worth from a support standpoint?

In this article, I thoroughly analyze the best Logitech Harmony alternatives, along with the pros and cons of each. I will also give you mine based on ease of use, setup, and functionality.  I have tested all of the remotes outlined in this post.


Logitech Harmony Alternatives Comparison Table

The following table shows my top choices for the best Logitech Harmony alternatives.

  Editor’s Choice Runner Up Best App Best Voice Button Pick
Product Image
Product SofaBaton X2 SofaBaton X1S BroadLink RM4 Pro Fire TV Cube SofaBaton U3
Technology IR, Bluetooth, RF, Wi-Fi IR, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi IR, RF, Wi-Fi Wi-Fi, HDMI-CEC IR, Bluetooth, RF learning
Home Theater Compatible whole-room gear Compatible whole-room gear Compatible IR/RF gear Compatible Fire TV room Compatible direct-control gear
Smart Home Alexa, Google, Home Assistant Alexa and Google Alexa, Google, IFTTT Alexa No Wi-Fi smart-home hub
Devices 60+ Up to 60 Unlimited compatible devices Fire TV plus compatible gear Compatible IR, Bluetooth, and RF gear
Voice Alexa and Google Alexa and Google Alexa and Google Alexa Google voice on compatible Bluetooth devices
Power Rechargeable with dock USB-C rechargeable USB powered hub AC powered streamer 1200mAh rechargeable; USB-C
Display Color touchscreen Small display App only TV interface 2.4-inch LCD
Macros / Activities Yes Yes App scenes Alexa routines One-touch macros
Setup Medium Medium Medium Easy Medium; app required
Hub Required Yes, included Yes, included The product is the hub The product is the streamer No; optional R1 repeater
  Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

#1 – Editor’s Pick: Sofabaton X2

Disclosure: I am a Sofabaton brand partner, and Sofabaton sent me the X2 to evaluate. I set it up recently and have been testing it daily.

The Sofabaton X2 is the closest thing on the market to a true Harmony replacement and is now my top pick on this list. The full color touchscreen replaces the OLED found on the X1S and makes activity switching faster and more visual, while the underlying hub still controls IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi devices side by side.

Setup is the same Sofabaton flow refined further. One-touch activities behave the way Harmony users expect: select “Watch Movie” and the X2 powers on the TV, switches inputs, sets the soundbar volume, and hands control to the streaming box in a single tap. Alexa and Google Assistant integration are built in, and the touchscreen layouts are fully customizable from the companion app. After living with both the X1S and the X2, I now reach for the X2 every time.

A fair warning that applies to all Sofabaton remotes: setup takes some patience. Power users who spent hours configuring Harmony activities will feel right at home. Casual users who expected plug and play may struggle until activities are dialed in.

Pros

  • Full color touchscreen replaces the OLED on older models
  • Works with Alexa and Google Assistant out of the box
  • Single remote replaces several across IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi devices
  • Customizable activity layouts and touchscreen controls

Cons

  • Premium price compared to single-purpose remotes
  • Initial activity setup takes patience to dial in
  • Amazon reviews skew low because the setup curve trips up casual buyers

Editor's Choice
SofaBaton X2 Universal Remote
$359.99

SofaBaton X2 lets you command your entire home entertainment system with an intuitive touchscreen remote.

Buy from Amazon
08/01/2026 09:33 pm GMT

Video Review

Here is my SofaBaton X2 unboxing over on @TecTimmy. Click the “Watch on YouTube” link in the video if you prefer to watch this over there.


#2 – Runner Up: Sofabaton X1S

Brand new this year, the Sofabaton X1S Universal Remote comes closer to the Harmony paradigm than others on my list of best Logitech Harmony alternatives.

It is a powerful, easy-to-use remote control supporting IR & Bluetooth & Wireless devices. Like Harmony, one-click Activities let you select an activity such as “Watch Movie” to automatically turn on the power and switch the device to the correct input. While there is no docking station, but the battery life is amazing at three months.

The customizable app setup is better than the Harmony app. And the Sofabaton companion app that runs on your mobile devices is super intuitive. A Find Lost Remote feature makes it easy to locate your remote when it slides down into the bowels of your easy chair. Alexa integration was just added, and they are working on Google. The X1S remains an excellent Harmony alternative for buyers who want most of the X2 capability at a lower price.

You can read my full Sofabaton X1S review here. Here is my new-in-the-box X1.

logitech harmony alternatives sofabaton

My Sofabaton X1 Universal Remote

Pros

  •  Dedicated team of developers means remote will improve over time
  •  Cool LCD screen is very Harmony-esk
  •  Alexa integration to Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for Voice Control
  •  Battery holds charge for three months

Cons

  •  There are some software bugs that need to be ironed out
  •  Activities are complex to figure out at first
  • Occasional app crashes require restart

Video Review

Here’s an unboxing I did of the x1 over on my YouTube channel. Please subscribe!


If you don’t mind navigating your home theater and smart home using an app instead of a physical remote, Broadlink is an inexpensive way. In effect, it gives you much of the same functionality as some of the most expensive remotes on my list at a fraction of the cost. You connect everything to the Hub and then use the app to navigate your devices. Alternatively, you can use your voice with Alexa or Google Home.

Broadlink even provides support for IFTTT (if this then that ) recipes allowing you to truly automate certain tasks, like turning on the lights at dusk, arming an alarm when you leave home, turning on an A/C unit when a room reaches a certain temperature or turning on the morning news shortly after you get out of bed. This is a bit tricky to set up for the less technical set but offers a lot of value for very little money.

Pros

  •  Controls smart home and home theater devices.
  •  Supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control.
  •  IFTTT support.
  •  Can create sophisticated routines to automate key functions.

Cons

  •  Limited support for RF chip sets (315 MHz or 433 MHz only) so check your devices before you buy.
  •  App can be a bit clunky.
  •  Customers report issues with Android Go compatibility.
  •  Learning curve, especially for those less technically inclined.

Video Review

Paul Hibbert gives his usual bang-up review of this hub. Ooh, the Zigbee!!


#4 – Best Voice Control: Fire TV Cube

I love my new Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen and have used my other remotes far less since I bought this. Fire TV has become my go-to streaming service because of this device. I use it as my launchpad for Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, HBOMax, and Amazon Prime Video.

You can say: Alexa, Watch Mr. Beast on YouTube,” and she opens up YouTube to Mr. Beast’s channel. If I say, Alexa, Show me, Agents of Shield on Netflix, she will open to the last episode I left off on in my Netflix account.

Very cool.

You can also use many of the smart home features of Alexa using the Cube. For example, you can dim lights and lower blinds, get news and weather updates on the TV screen, and much more. It will be interesting to see if devices like this will ultimately replace physical remotes in the long term.

Not a substitute for a traditional remote, yet, but close….real close.

Pros

  •  Completely control your home entertainment experience using Alexa.
  •  Adjust volume, access content, pause/rewind fast forward your favorite shows using your voice.
  •  Functions as an Echo smart speaker with limited commands (link to commands list below).

Cons

  •  Alexa only, does not work with Google Home or Siri.
  •  Requires its own HDMI cable – sold separately.

Video Review

Here is an unboxing video of my Fire TV Cube at my Tec Timmy YouTube channel. Please subscribe!


#5 – Budget LCD Remote: SofaBaton U3

At a Glance

  • Control: Compatible IR, Bluetooth/BLE, and learnable 433/315 MHz RF gear.
  • Power: 1200mAh rechargeable battery with USB-C charging; around three weeks per charge.
  • Display: 2.4-inch LCD with wake-on-lift.
  • Voice / Air Mouse: Device-dependent on compatible Bluetooth devices; no Wi-Fi hub.

Overview

The SofaBaton U3 is my pick if you want a modern alternative to an aging Harmony remote without stepping up to a hub-and-touchscreen system. It supports compatible IR and Bluetooth devices, can learn compatible 433/315 MHz RF commands, and can keep up to three compatible Bluetooth devices connected at once.

For the best Logitech Harmony alternatives, the U3 makes sense for simple setups with a television, soundbar, streamer, and other compatible equipment. Its one-touch macros can combine everyday steps such as powering on the TV, selecting the right input, and setting the soundbar volume. The rechargeable battery, USB-C charging, and 2.4-inch LCD make it a current direct-control option.

The tradeoff is that it is not a true Harmony Elite replacement for every home theater. The U3 has no Wi-Fi hub for broader smart-home control, and IR devices need line of sight unless you add the optional R1 repeater. It is best for readers who want a physical, button-first universal remote for compatible living-room gear.

Pros

  • Supports compatible IR, Bluetooth/BLE, and learnable RF devices.
  • One-touch macros simplify regular TV and audio routines.
  • Rechargeable with USB-C charging and a 2.4-inch LCD.
  • Optional R1 repeater can reach compatible hidden IR gear.

Cons

  • No Wi-Fi hub or broad smart-home control.
  • Device profiles and Bluetooth features need compatibility checks.
  • Setup still takes patience in the SofaBaton app.
SofaBaton U3
$129.99
SofaBaton U3 adds rechargeable button-first control without requiring a Wi-Fi hub.
Buy from Amazon
08/03/2026 09:05 pm GMT

#6 – Budget Universal: Inteset 4-in-1

The Inteset 4-in-1 universal remote is a great budget option on my list of Logitech Harmony alternatives if you want to control your entertainment experience primarily. It will only do IR, but it does it well. All of the buttons are backlit (LED), and you can use it to control your favorite streaming devices like Apple TV and Roku, and Nvidia Shield, as well as many other A/V devices.

It will not control your smart home, however. And there is no voice control support with Alexa or Google Assistant.

Pros

  •  Super affordable budget option
  •  Can program all buttons with a string of up to 15 custom commands
  •  Documentation is good (B+)
  •  Can “learn” from other remotes
  •  Includes self-adhesive labels for custom macro buttons

Cons

  • Limited to control of four devices
  •  It may take a few tries to get it to “learn” existing remotes properly
  •  Flat buttons makes to hard to know what you are pressing
  •  Macros can be a bit difficult to learn


#7 – Best for Gearheads: MX-990

Next on my list of Logitech Harmony alternatives is this space-age looking remote from MX-990.

Since Logitech announced that it would cease manufacturing Harmony remotes, the MX-990 universal remote control has become one of the more popular Logitech Harmony alternatives. This is for a good reason. The MX-990 was designed to be the remote that can control all your electronics while looking sleek and modern in your living room. It has many features, including a large color LCD screen that lets you control your entertainment experience.

The MX-990 also boasts compatibility with over 220,000 devices from 5,000 brands and six unique programmable buttons, making switching between modes easy. The remote feels solid in hand, and the button layout is probably the best among all the remotes I have tested, including Harmony. The only drawback to this remote is that it requires a technical versed in the MX-990’S proprietary software to program the remote for your devices. This is not a DIY option, which is unclear from Amazon’s sales page.

Pros

  •  People who own this remote love it.
  • Wakes up when motion is detected, saving battery life.
  •  Excellent button layout, functionality, and usability.
  • Feels solid in the hand.
  •  Customizable home screen for all your key activities.

Cons

  • Requires a URC-certified tech installer to get it to work.
  • Fees for a custom installer run around $100, plus you will need to hire them to make any changes.


#8 – For Apple TV: Function101

I recently had the opportunity to test the Function101 remote, designed specifically for Apple TV users, and review it for this blog. The Function101 remote offers a more traditional design with a straightforward button layout that many users may find familiar and easy to use.

The remote features a highly responsive directional pad, making menu navigation a breeze. Additionally, the Function101 remote is equipped with dedicated media control buttons, allowing quick access to essential functions like play, pause, and volume control.

Designed to work seamlessly with Apple TV, the Function101 remote offers a reliable alternative to the standard Siri Remote. It provides a more user-friendly experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an intuitive and straightforward remote control for their Apple TV.

Pros

  • Traditional design with an easy-to-use button layout
  • Responsive directional pad for smooth menu navigation
  • Dedicated media control buttons for quick access

Cons

  • Lacks voice control features
  • No touchpad functionality
  • Batteries not included

SEE IT AT FUNCTION101

SEE IT AT AMAZON


#9 – For Fire TV: Alexa Remote Pro

I recently bought and tested the Alexa Voice Remote Pro to compare it to the old Alexa voice remote and review it for this blog. The Pro remote outshines the old remote in three ways.

First, the remote finder feature has proven quite useful, as it emits an audible signal that helps locate a misplaced remote, saving time and frustration.

Second, the backlit buttons make using the remote in low light conditions more convenient, ensuring ease of use at any time of day. Third, the customizable numbered buttons and the dedicated headphone button for easy Bluetooth pairing have contributed to a more personalized control experience.

This versatile remote is designed for compatibility with various devices, helping to declutter my entertainment setup. Shared with the old remote, voice control capabilities offer a more effortless way to navigate through menus, making movie nights and binge-watching sessions enjoyable and easygoing.

Pros

  • Voice control for hands-free navigation
  • Remote finder to locate misplaced remotes
  • Backlit buttons for use in low light
  • Two customizable buttons for personalized control
  • Headphone button for easy Bluetooth pairing

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than the standard Alexa Voice Remote
  • Requires AAA batteries, not included
  • Limited compatibility with some Fire TV devices

Video Review

Video Credit: Triple M


Best Logitech Harmony Alternatives – Over to You

So what do you think about my picks for the best Logitech Harmony alternatives?

Were you as sad as I was when Logitech announced it would stop manufacturing Harmony remotes?

I like Sofabaton X2 for its versatility, ability to consolidate more than 60 remotes, cool touchscreen, charging dock, and crazy-good battery life. My favorite new toy right now is the Amazon Fire TV Cube. Please comment below and let me know your thoughts about your favorites or the future of universal remotes.

Oh, and if you want to see some additional remote ideas check out this post I just updated on the best universal remotes you can get this year.

Until next time, happy clicking!

Views: 8,156
About the Author

Tim Brennan is a tech blogger and the YouTuber behind @TecTimmy. He writes about smart homes at OneSmartCrib, home theater at Universal Remote Reviews, and AI tools at WriteInteractive. Tim holds a B.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and has written about technology for 35 years. He lives on the ocean in Massachusetts.

Tim Brennan
My YouTube Channel

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