Logitech Harmony 688 (silver)

Pros: Even people afraid of typewriters can work this remote

Cons: takes a bit of effort to work out initial bugs

Summary: This remote is actually intelligent! It actually knows the state of your devices to get you to what you want to do. For example, if you accidently switch your TV to the wrong input and end up with static on the screen, you can just hit the "watch TV" button and it will set it back right. Try getting any other macro-based remote to do this with a one-button push. With other remotes, you have to program all your macros and they are limited. This remote actually only needs a handful of macros because of its intelligence. For example, I used to need 18 macros for my set up. This remote does it in five. And with my previous remote, if my macro accidentally didn't work, I'd have to manually get myself out of it. This remote will actually notice it didn't work and will fix it. And if it doesn't, just hit the button again. If all else fails - which it hasn't yet for me - it actually has a troubleshooter that will ask you yes or no questions to get your setup back and working. There is no better remote for the money. Cons, the buttons are somewhat crammed, but considering the advantage of being able to handle the remote with one hand, this is acceptable. It will take you a full day to work out the kinks during initial set up, give or take an hour depending on your set up. But once it's working, it is a dandy. This is also the most flexible universal remote I've ever seen. You can seemingly make unlimited macros (identified as "activities" with this remote), but you really won't need as many as you think, if you're used to traditional macro-based remotes. You can name the activities what you want (like, "play Xbox" or "listen to XM," etc.). It would be nice if you could set the buttons to beep when you push them so as to confirm it accepted it, but that is minor. After having two previous expensive name-brand universal remotes prior to this one, neither was as intelligent or sleek or user friendly. If you're looking for a remote that even people afraid to set the clock on their VCR can work, then this is it.