Infrared and RF Remote Controls

The Bottom Line: The Logitech Harmony 700 delivers the bulk of the Harmony One's excellent feature set and ergonomics at a lower price point.

Specs: Infrared

The Bottom Line: The Logitech Harmony 900 is, hands down, the best universal remote control we've ever tested.

Specs: Infrared, Back-lit buttons

The Bottom Line: The Philips Prestigo SRU8015 universal remote offers relatively easy setup and good control flexibility, but it's sabotaged by a poorly implemented scroll-wheel control.

Specs: Infrared, TV, Amplifier, CD player, MD player, Projector, DVD/DVR/VCR, Audio system, Home control, Satellite or Cable, 33 ft, Learning, Programmable, LCD backlight, Battery level indicator

The Bottom Line: The Logitech Harmony 1100 is an excellent touch-screen universal remote that corrects most of the shortcomings and frustrations of its predecessor, but its high price will relegate it to high-end home theaters only.

Specs: Infrared/radio

The Bottom Line: The Logitech Harmony 510 is a good PC-programmable universal remote, but you should opt for one of the two nearly identical Harmony models instead.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVD player, Audio system, LCD display

The Bottom Line: The URC Digital R50's successful combination of good ergonomics, solid design, and easy programmability makes it a good alternative to Logitech Harmony universal remotes.

Specs: Infrared, Audio/video components, TV, DVD player, VCR, Cable box, Satellite TV system, 49 ft, Learning, Programmable, Macro function

The Bottom Line: The Acoustic Research Universal Smart Remote works well once you've managed to set it up, but it cannot replace the easy-to-use experience with that of a Harmony remote.

Specs: Infrared, TV, Amplifier, CD player, Projector, AV receiver, DVD/DVR/VCR, Satellite or Cable, Upgradable, LCD display

The Bottom Line: While it's missing an RF option, Logitech's Harmony One is one of the best--if not the best--universal remote we've ever tested.

Specs: Infrared, Learning, Back-lit buttons

The Bottom Line: Philips' superb Prestigo SRU8010 will appeal to TV-centric users looking for a universal remote that's both affordable and easy to set up.

Specs: Infrared, TV, Amplifier, CD player, MD player, DVD player, DVD/DVR/VCR, Satellite or Cable, 23 ft, Learning

The Bottom Line: The Hercules Tunes Explorer Wireless lets you access your digital music library from across the room--but whether or not you find that useful is another issue.

Specs: Radio, PC multimedia