Logitech R400 vs. R500 vs R800: Complete Comparisons in 2023

Logitech is a Swiss company that specializes in making peripheral devices for computers and office equipment. You may be familiar with Logitech-branded computer keyboards, mice, and portable speakers.

However, not many people know that Logitech also produces presentation pointers. Since Logitech developed competencies in Bluetooth, USB, and wireless-networked peripherals, it only made sense for them to enter the presentation pointers space.

When shopping for Logitech presentation pointers, three models, in particular, stand out – the R400, R500, and R800, which we will review in this article.

R400 has the shorter remote range comparing to R800 which is up to 100 feet. R800 is more advanced with a LCD screen setting timer, displaying battery, while R500 is working best with MacOS

Comparison Table

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Logitech R800	100 feet (30 meters) 2 x AAA batteries Wireless with USB receiver Windows OS PowerPoint, Prezi, PDF, Google Slides	Check Price On Amazon
	Logitech R500	65 feet (20 meters) 1 x AAA battery Dual Connectivity- Bluetooth or Wireless with USB receiver Windows, Mac, iOS, Android PowerPoint, PDF, Keynote, Prezi, Google Slides	Check Price On Amazon
	Logitech R400	50 feet (15 meters)  2 x AAA batteries Wireless with USB receiver Windows OS PowerPoint, Prezi, Google Slides	Check Price On Amazon

From this comparison chart, you will notice one thing – all three models are highly capable devices in their own right. Operating range and compatibility are where you will see some minor differences.

How do you decide which model to get? First, let’s review them!

Presentation Pointer Reviews

1. Logitech R400 Presentation Pointer

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Overview: One-touch controls, bright red laser pointer

Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

The Logitech R400 provides you with a bright red laser pointer that works at distances up to 50 feet (15 meters).

The slide controls are designed to be one-touch, meaning you could just press a button to go forward or backward. Some users have found problems with the lack of left/right controls though, as it uses a Page Up/Page Down button for navigating.

The device works with a 2.4GHz wireless receiver that must be plugged into a computer USB port. As an added bonus, all customers receive a cushioned carrying case together with the product.

One downside is it is only designed to work with Windows-based operating systems, namely Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. However, some MacBook users claim they have been able to use it on their computers.

Another shortcoming is the R400 does not have the ability to play videos in presentations. Having said that, the pointer boasts an ergonomic design and weighs just over 2 ounces (57g), making it a decent buy for its price.

Pros

• Lightweight – 2 ounces
• Ergonomic design
• Affordable price
• One-touch controls

Cons

• Shorter range than the other two models
• Only designed for Windows operating systems
• Lack of video-playing ability

2. Logitech R500 Presentation Pointer

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Overview:

• Red laser pointer
• Designed to work with PowerPoint, PDF, Keynote, Prezi and Google Slides

Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

The Logitech R500 Presentation Pointer is a highly compatible, advanced presentation remote. It was designed to work with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android operating systems.

Furthermore, it is compatible with most of the popular presentation software – From PowerPoint to Prezi, Google Slides, Keynote and PDF, this device is meant to function in a large variety of settings.

For connectivity, Logitech has offered users two choices with this model – either connect it with your computer using its wireless USB receiver, or use Bluetooth. It also comes with an app that allows you to track battery life, set a presentation timer and customize the buttons’ functions.

Past customers found the controls easy to use, while the textured grip provides a great fit. The R500 also weighs at a light 1.9 ounces (54 grams).

One gripe some people had was the buttons started wearing out after a few years. Nevertheless, the red laser pointer is popular with many, and its range of 65 feet (20 meters) is sufficient for most settings.

Overall, we were impressed with this model’s compatibility with most software, operating range, and presentation timer, making it a great purchase.

Pros

• Textured grip
• Good operating range of 65 feet
• Compatibility with most operating systems and presentation software
• Presentation timer

Cons

• Buttons may wear out after years of intensive use

3. Logitech Professional Presenter R800

Rating: 4 / 5

Overview:

• Green laser pointer
• Operating range of 100 feet

Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

At 100 feet (30 meters), this model offers the highest operating range of the three.

Its green laser pointer makes it easy to see on most screens, while the one-touch controls are rather intuitive. Connectivity is via a wireless, plug-and-play USB receiver. Weighing at 2.5 ounces (70 grams), it fits quite comfortably in your hand.

The device is only designed to work with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10, so this may be an issue for those who frequently need to present from an Apple or Android device.

The R800’s slightly hefty price point may be another downside for some users. However, it is compatible with many presentation software, including PowerPoint, Prezi, Google Slides and PDF, while Keynote requires some tweaking on your computer’s System Preferences.

We found the LCD timer to be a nifty feature, allowing you to see a countdown of your presentation’s remaining time without being too obvious. We also liked the timed alerts at ten minutes, five minutes and two minutes remaining. The timed alerts cannot be programmed differently, but we think it is still a solid feature to have.

Given the advanced features and range of the Logitech Professional Presenter R800, our verdict is that it’s highly recommended for those who use mainly Windows to present.

Pros

• The highest operating range at 100 feet
• Timed alerts at ten, five and two minutes
• LCD timer counts down to the end of your presentation
• Intuitive controls

Cons

• Only designed for Windows operating systems
• Requires tweaking to use with Keynote
• Slightly pricey

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Logitech R800	100 feet (30 meters) 2 x AAA batteries Wireless with USB receiver Windows OS PowerPoint, Prezi, PDF, Google Slides	Check Price On Amazon
	Logitech R500	65 feet (20 meters) 1 x AAA battery Dual Connectivity- Bluetooth or Wireless with USB receiver Windows, Mac, iOS, Android PowerPoint, PDF, Keynote, Prezi, Google Slides	Check Price On Amazon
	Logitech R400	50 feet (15 meters)  2 x AAA batteries Wireless with USB receiver Windows OS PowerPoint, Prezi, Google Slides	Check Price On Amazon

How to Install Logitech R400, R800 on Mac

If you are a Mac owner and have decided to go ahead with purchasing one of the above models, note that you may have to adjust some settings on your computer in order for the presentation pointer to work.

To understand why your presentation pointer’s controls seem not to work with an iMac or Macbook, you need to know the basics of how presentation pointers work. Essentially, a presenter device is merely an input device that acts as a wireless keyboard.

It just has very few keys- usually Next, Previous, Start/Stop and Blank Screen. Each button on the presentation pointer is mapped to a specific key on the computer keyboard.

Take a look at the key functions for the Logitech R400 and R800:

Source: Weibeld Notes

Some presentation software, especially on a Mac, may use different keys for navigating between slides or for starting and stopping a presentation. This makes your device appear “incompatible”.

For instance, the Preview app for viewing PDF documents on Mac fixes the key function “Arrow Right” for going to the next slide and “Arrow Left” for going to the previous slide.

There are two solutions to this problem. One is to remap the keys on your Logitech R400 and R800, which could be somewhat complicated.

Here are the remapping keys:

Source: Weibeld Notes

Remapping the presenter’s keys to new functions requires an app called Karabiner. This allows you to do re-mappings based on device as well as application. For full instructions on using Karabiner, go here.

The second solution is simpler. This entails adding new shortcuts to your Keynote app, so that your device works properly when using Keynote to present! In Keynote, your presenter’s Left and Right buttons should work normally, whereas the Start/Stop button has no response.

Firstly, go to System Preferences, then Keyboard, then clicks on the Shortcuts tab.

Select the App Shortcuts group on the left, then click the “+” button to add a new shortcut.

Select the Keynote application from the dropdown list.

In the Menu Title, type “Play Slideshow”, and in the Keyboard Shortcut section, fill in “F5” by the combination Fn-F5. Your Logitech presenter should now work in Keynote!

Users have commented that the R400 and R800 work well with PowerPoint for Mac, so if that is your preferred presentation software, you should not have to do anything.

If it still does not work, go through the steps above, but make sure to select “PowerPoint for Mac” application instead of Keynote.

How to Fix Logitech R800

If your Logitech R800 Presenter stops working, it is useful to troubleshoot the problem by ruling out the usual causes.

First, change the batteries to a set of new ones. If your presenter works fine after that, it means the problem was with the old batteries.

However, if the problem persists, plug in the USB receiver into a different port on your computer (or other computers). This will rule out problems with your computer or USB port.

Another reason for your R800 Presenter to stop working is faulty pairing with the wireless receiver. Download and install a new version of Logitech’s official Connection Utility from https://download01.logi.com/web/ftp/pub/techsupport/mouse/presenter_connection_zipped.exe.

If your device still does not work, it is advisable to contact Logitech’s support at https://support.logitech.com/ so that your problem will be resolved as soon as possible.

In cases where your presenter works but constantly gets disconnected, you are most likely experiencing signal interference from other electrical gadgets. Keep any electrical gadget 8 inches or more (20cm) away from the wireless receiver.

You could also try moving the presenter nearer to the receiver. One more method of reducing signal drops is by optimizing the location of the wireless receiver.

Try moving it around until you get a stable signal! Unfortunately, this requires a little bit of trial-and-error.

Conclusion

The Logitech R400, R500, and R800 are all highly-capable presentation pointers in their own right. While it was difficult to make a choice, we decided to go with the Logitech R500 Presentation Pointer as the top pick of the three.

We really liked the R500’s versatility with various operating systems and presentation software. Moreover, it comes with a more-than-adequate range of 65 feet and boasts a red laser pointer that is easy to see on most screens.

Its presentation timer is a great bonus feature to have, while its textured grip and lightweight make it easy to hold.

Coming in at a close second was the Logitech Professional Presenter R800, which offers the best range of 100 feet, timed alerts and an LCD countdown timer.

Its main drawback is that it’s designed mainly for Windows operating systems, limiting its potential use to Windows/ PC owners. However, the R800 is still a decent purchase overall, and we think it is difficult to go wrong if you know that it suits your needs!