harmony pro vs elite logitech

Harmony Pro vs Elite: A-List Logitech Remote Comparison

In Comparisons by Tim Brennan

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this article, we will weigh the pros and cons of the Harmony Pro vs Elite premium smart home universal remote controls from Logitech.


Harmony Pro vs Elite: DIY vs Professional Installer

The Logitech Harmony Elite has for a long time been Harmony’s top-of-the-line premier remote to control both entertainment and smart home devices. Recently, however, the company has introduced a new more expensive option called Harmony Pro that purports to be a cut above the Elite.

logitech harmony pro versus elite 2019

Harmony Pro Must Be Purchased From a Professional Installer

So what’s the difference?

The Harmony Elite is Logitech’s top of the line remote that lets you control both home entertainment and smart devices. It is a complete DIY solution that you purchase and install yourself.  The Harmony Pro requires that you purchase the remote from a 3rd-party reseller who sets everything up for you. 

Is the Harmony Pro worth paying nearly double the price? Let’s take a look.

Side-By-Side Quick Comparison Table

Here are the key differences at a glance. We will also provide more detailed specifications for both remotes later in the post.

Top Pick
Logitech Harmony Elite
Logitech Harmony Pro
Best for Most
Premium Turnkey Solution
Logitech Harmony Elite Remote Control, Hub and App - Discontinued by Manufacturer
logitech harmony pro vs elite 2019
Color
Black
Black with Silver Tip on Base
Dimensions
7.56 x 2.13 x 1.14 in
7.56 x 2.13 x 1.14 in
Weight
5.78 oz
5.78 oz
LCD Touchscreen
1.5 inches (diagonal), 65,000 color screen, 128 x 128 pixels
1.5 inches (diagonal), 65,000 color screen, 128 x 128 pixels
Device Control
15
20
Favorite Channels
50
50
Available from
Amazon and Other Retailers
Certified Professional Installer
Standard Warranty
1 Year
2 Years
IR Kit
2 Mini Blasters, 0 IR Emitter Covers, 0 Precision IR Cables
2 Mini Blasters, 8 IR Emitter Covers, 2 Precision IR Cables
Multi Zone Audio
Battery
Lithium-Ion rechargeable, replaceable
Lithium-Ion rechargeable, not replaceable
Top Pick
Logitech Harmony Elite
Best for Most
Logitech Harmony Elite Remote Control, Hub and App - Discontinued by Manufacturer
Color
Black
Dimensions
7.56 x 2.13 x 1.14 in
Weight
5.78 oz
LCD Touchscreen
1.5 inches (diagonal), 65,000 color screen, 128 x 128 pixels
Device Control
15
Favorite Channels
50
Available from
Amazon and Other Retailers
Standard Warranty
1 Year
IR Kit
2 Mini Blasters, 0 IR Emitter Covers, 0 Precision IR Cables
Multi Zone Audio
Battery
Lithium-Ion rechargeable, replaceable
Logitech Harmony Pro
Premium Turnkey Solution
logitech harmony pro vs elite 2019
Color
Black with Silver Tip on Base
Dimensions
7.56 x 2.13 x 1.14 in
Weight
5.78 oz
LCD Touchscreen
1.5 inches (diagonal), 65,000 color screen, 128 x 128 pixels
Device Control
20
Favorite Channels
50
Available from
Certified Professional Installer
Standard Warranty
2 Years
IR Kit
2 Mini Blasters, 8 IR Emitter Covers, 2 Precision IR Cables
Multi Zone Audio
Battery
Lithium-Ion rechargeable, not replaceable

Last update on 02/17/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Harmony Elite: Logitech’s Premier DIY Home Automation Solution

The Logitech Harmony Elite [see it at Amazon here] is one of the best remotes that you can buy today to control both your entertainment and smart home devices.

Undecided with Matt Ferrell does a nice job reviewing the Harmony Elite in this YouTube Video.

I’m excited about the death of universal remote control codes too, Matt.


Control Entertainment and Smart Home Too

Home entertainment devices include things like your Smart TV, Cable TV/satellite, DVR, Roku/Apple TV/FireTV, Xbox/Playstation, soundbar, and other audio components. You can consolidate all of the remotes for these devices [up to 15] down to a single Harmony Elite remote. In addition, the Harmony will allow you to control your smart home devices these include smart lights, smart plugs, smart locks, smart thermostats, smart blinds, Bluetooth speakers, and much more.

Did you know that you can use these remotes with IFTTT to start activities based on your location and even time of day?  For example, you could have an “I’m home” activity that automagically triggers your outside and inside lights to turn on, a smart thermostat be set to a certain temperature, door to unlock, and TV to tune to your favorite news program when you arrive within 1000 feet of your home from work.  Learn more here ? 5 Magical Things You Can Do With Logitech Harmony and IFTTT.


Set Activities for Complete Automation

But here’s where the magic happens. You can use the Elite to set up activities like Watch a Move or Say Goodnight. For example, you tap the “Say goodnight activity on the Elite’s touchscreen, the activity could turn off your media components, turn off some lights and dim others, lock the door, lower your smart blinds, activate a nighttime sound machine, and lower the heat. Also, if you have Alexa or Google Home you can fire that same “Say goodnight” command off with your voice. So, it’s basically Star Trek, here and now [minus the beaming around sadly].


Harmony Pro: Turn-Key Home Automation Solution for Advanced Setups

harmony pro vs elite

When we first heard about the Harmony Pro, we immediately thought it would be overkill for most home users. One of the main benefits of the Elite and other Harmony remotes that they are super easy to set up using the intuitive myHarmony software wizard. However, it does serve a purpose for those who have complex setups, are looking to control more than 15 devices, or just don’t want to deal with any of the hassles of set up.

Full disclosure, we did not purchase the Harmony Pro remote, as it seemed silly because it is so close to the Elite. We have done extensive research, however.

Everything Elite Can Do

First and foremost, the Pro can do everything the Elite can do. In fact, the Pro and Elite remotes are identical, save for the gray tip on the base of the Pro. The main benefit of the Logitech Harmony Pro vs Elite is that you get a certified professional to do the installation.  You also get to add five additional devices bringing the total number of devices the remote can control to 20.

harmony pro versus elite

Additional Hardware But Nearly Identical Remote and Hub

Extra IR hardware is supplied to support more complex setups. These include two Precision IR Cables and eight emitter covers which Logitech says will help you control more equipment behind closed cabinets. Interestingly, the weight and dimensions of the remote and Hub and identical for both products. According to Logitech’s own specifications, even the model numbers for both the Pro and Elite remote and hub and the same:

  • Pro Remote Model Number: N-R0010
  • Harmony Elite Remote Model Number: N-R0010
  • Pro Hub Model Number: O-R0004
  • Harmony Elite Hub Model Number: O-R0004

Pro Battery Not Replaceable

Also of note, the battery on the Elite is replaceable, but the one on the Pro is not. This seems kind of lame, but I suppose Harmony thinks that if you can shell out the money for this extra service, replacing a remote when it dies won’t be a problem.

Multizone Features A Bit Buggy at the Present Time

A word of caution if you are looking to use Pro to support a multi-zone audio environment. There is a fair amount of chatter in the forums by professional installers saying that the feature is difficult to implement and limited at what it can do at best. We suggest you discuss any multi-zone audio plans with your installer to ensure they can achieve them before you make the purchase. It is likely Logitech will get these bugs ironed out soon, but this is the current state of the Pro for this feature as of today.


Interactive Comparison Table

Use the Next and Previous links at the bottom of the table to cycle through all the features. To see the specifications for a specific feature just type a keyword into the Search box above the table. For example, for Sonos speaker compatibility, enter Sonos into the Search field.

Swipe Icon

On mobile devices, swipe right/left to view the full table.

Harmony Elite Harmony Pro
logitech harmony pro vs elite 2019
Wireless Technology Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b/g/n Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Remote Control Technology Infrared Infrared
Harmony Hub Yes Yes
LCD Touchscreen Yes Yes
LCD Display 1.5 inches (diagonal), 65,000 colour screen, 128 x 128 pixels 1.5 inches (diagonal), 65,000 colour screen, 128 x 128 pixels
Rechargeable Yes Yes
Voice Control with Alexa and Google Yes Yes
IR Device Control Yes Yes
Requires Line of Sight to Devices No No
Bluetooth Device Control Yes Yes
Wi-fi Device Control Yes Yes
Backlit Buttons Yes Yes
Motion Sensor Yes Yes
Go to Sleep Timer Yes Yes
Haptic Vibration Feedback Yes Yes
OS Support for Setup Windows 10, Windows 8, MS Windows 7, Apple Mac OS X 10.7 or later Windows 10, Windows 8, MS Windows 7, Apple Mac OS X 10.7 or later
Number of Controlled Devices 15 20
Number of Supported Devices 275,000 275,000
Number of Favorite Channels 50 50
Replaceable Rechargeable Battery Yes No
Harmony App for Smartphone or Tablet Yes Yes
One Touch Activities Yes Yes
FireTV, AppleTV, Roku Yes Yes
Sonos Speakers Yes Yes
Smart lights, smart blinds, smart thermostat, smart locks, smart plugs Yes Yes
Major Video Game Consoles Yes Yes
IR Blaster Kit Basic Advanced
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year 2 Years

What’s in the Box?

Harmony Elite

Logitech Harmony Elite Box

  • Harmony Remote (with rechargeable battery)
  • Charging station
  • Harmony Hub
  • 2 AC adapters
  • 2 IR mini blasters
  • USB cable, user documentation

Harmony Pro

  • Harmony Remote (with rechargeable battery)
  • Charging station
  • Harmony Hub
  • Power adapter
  • 2 IR mini blasters
  • 2 precision IR cables
  • 8 IR emitter covers
  • USB cable
  • User documentation
Want to see some additional options? Check out our handy Harmony comparison chart ? Logitech Harmony Comparison Chart: Epic 2019 Guide/Infographic. There are also lots more reviews in our Blog?.


FAQ

What is the difference in price between the Harmony Pro and Elite?

You can see the latest pricing as of this writing on Amazon for the Elite in the Amazon badge below. Click on the badge to see up-to-the-minute pricing on Amazon.

Premium Pick
Logitech Harmony Elite Remote Control, Hub and App
$390.00

Once the best luxury remote to own, the discontinued-but-still-supported Harmony Elite remains a premium option for home theater and smart home controlif you can get your hands on one.

Check Availability
02/14/2024 06:00 pm GMT

You should consult an installer for the latest pricing on the Harmony Pro. See Logitech’s Harmony Pro website for details.

How hard is it to set up the Harmony Elite on my own?

If you have basic computer skills and have installed software in the past, it is not hard at all. The general procedure is:

  1. Connect your Harmony Elite via the supplied USB to your computer.
  2. Enter make and model numbers of your devices into the myHarmony setup program.
  3. Logitech then discovers your devices based on the information entered and adds them to the remote.

Although the Elite allows you to also set up devices using your smartphone, we do not recommend you go this route.  The desktop software available for both Mac and PC makes this super simple. Customers complain about the mobile setup. Feel free to reach out to us if you get stuck.

Thanks to OmegaMan for this super helpful setup video:

Which Harmony remote is the best of the best?

This depends on who you ask and what your needs are.  We like the Elite for most setups.  If you have a more complex home theater environment, a giant house with multiple rooms of entertainment equipment or you know you want to control more then 15 devices now or in the near future, Pro may be worth a look. Otherwise, we think the Pro service is overkill for most people, especially with the multizone features on the fritz. Therefore, we can only in good faith recommend the Harmony Elite. On the flip side, if you have a simple set up, both of these may be overkill for your needs. See the next question.

Both of these remotes are too expensive for what I need? Are there other options?

Yes. Harmony has a ton of options to satisfy just about any budget requirement. Naturally, the less you spend the more features you give up. We suggest you take a look at our detailed comparison guide that compares the features for all of the Harmony remotes.


Harmony Pro vs Elite:  What Do You Think?

So what do you think of our Logitech Harmony Pro vs Elite comparison?

Do you now have a better understanding of the key differences between these two high-end Logitech remotes?

If you found this article useful would you mind giving us a share using the social media buttons at the top of this page?

Or if you could pin this pin to Pinterest even better!  Thanks!

logitech harmony pro vs elite

Either way, we would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think!


You Might Also Like

If you liked this article, would you mind sharing it using a social media button on this page? Here are also some of our other recent articles and related links.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim Brennan

Tim Brennan is a technology blogger and hosts the @TecTimmy YouTube channel. He writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. A graduate of Northeastern University School of Journalism, he has written about technology for 30 years. Tim lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.


Got Tech?

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for a fun take on all things tech.