Find The Right Remote-Controls

Acoustic Research Universal Smart Remote ARRU449

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

Logitech Harmony One

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

Philips Prestigo SRU8010

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, Programmable, LCD backlight, Multi-brand compatibility

Hercules Tunes Explorer Wireless remote control

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

Logitech Harmony 1000

Though it lacks real multiroom capabilities and may not offer quite the flexibility of competing high-end tablet-style remotes, the swanky Logitech Harmony 1000 can be programmed by the average consumer, which saves the cost of hiring a home installer to program it.

Specs: Infrared/radio, TV, DVD player, DVR, VCR, Learning

Logitech Harmony 670

The Logitech Harmony 670 may not be the coolest-looking universal remote, but it's one of the easiest to use, especially for DVR users.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, Audio system, PC multimedia, Back-lit buttons, Color-coded buttons

Belkin TuneCommand AV

The Belkin TuneCommand AV offers nearly identical features to Apple's iPod AV connection kit but costs $30 less, making it a better bargain for people who watch a lot of iPod video on their TVs.

Specs: Radio, 120 ft

Monster Home Theater Controller 100

The Monster Home Theater Controller 100 universal remote arguably offers a superior design to competing models from Logitech and Harman Kardon, but it's comparatively pricey.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, Amplifier, Cable box, LD player, Projector, DVD player, AV receiver, Plasma panel, PC multimedia, Satellite TV system, PIP function, Programmable, Back-lit buttons

Monster Cable Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300

While the RF-capable Logitech Harmony 890 does much of what the Monster Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300 does for significantly less money, the Monster is the superior remote.

Specs: Infrared/radio, 130 ft, Programmable, Back-lit buttons

Harman/Kardon TC 30

Essentially a high-end Logitech Harmony remote sold under the Harman Kardon name, the excellent TC 30 delivers a larger color screen but maintains Harmony's same great features and ease-of-use.

Specs: Infrared, Learning, Programmable, LCD backlight

Logitech Harmony 720

The combination of a color screen, a battery charger dock, and a sleek design makes the Logitech Harmony 720 one of the company's best universal remotes to date.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVD player, Audio system, Back-lit buttons

Nyko Intelligent Remote 360

With Microsoft's better-designed Xbox 360 remote available for just a few dollars more, there's no reason to own the Nyko Intelligent Remote 360.

Specs: Infrared, TV, Game console, Learning, Back-lit buttons

Logitech Harmony 890

While it isn't perfect, the Logitech Harmony 890 should be near the top of your list if you're in the market for a sub-$400 RF remote that can operate equipment that's hidden behind cabinets or closet doors.

Specs: Infrared/radio, 100 ft, Programmable, Back-lit buttons

Philips RC9800i

The attractive, feature-rich Philips RC9800i is one of the first universal remotes to incorporate Wi-Fi wireless networking--but we hope some of its more annoying shortcomings will be improved upon with future firmware upgrades.

Specs: Infrared/radio, Audio/video components, LCD display, Built-in speaker

Universal Remote Control R2-Mini Remote-N-Go

If you're looking for a cheap but functional TV remote that's small enough to fit on your keychain, the Universal Remote Control R2-Mini is just the ticket.

Logitech Harmony 550

The PC-programmable Logitech Harmony 550 universal remote control offers a sleek design, an impressive feature set, and a manageable price tag.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, DVD player, Audio system, Learning, LCD display, Back-lit buttons

Logitech Harmony 520

At less than $100, the sleekly designed Logitech Harmony 520 is a relative bargain among PC-programmable remotes--if you don't count the two other nearly identical Harmony models.

Specs: Infrared, TV, DVR, VCR, DVD player, Audio system, Learning, LCD display, Back-lit buttons

Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote (Xbox 360)

A sleek design, an impressive feature set, and a manageable price tag make the Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote an excellent choice for Xbox 360 owners.

Specs: Infrared, TV, VCR, DVD player, AV receiver, Game console, Back-lit buttons

Ten Technology NaviPod for the original iPod

Ten Technology's NaviPod does double duty as a remote control fit for on-the-go tuning or at-home listening.

Specs: Infrared, Digital player

Ten Technology NaviPod for the 3G iPod

Ten Technology's NaviPod does double duty as a remote control fit for on-the-go tuning or at-home listening.

Specs: Infrared, Digital player