Hisense 5.1 Soundbar Review: Budget Atmos Verdict
A Best Buy customer summed it up bluntly: "Hard to believe $349 buys this much performance for movies." The Hisense 5.1 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers (Renewed) comes with Dolby Atmos capability, dedicated rear speakers, and a wireless subwoofer, all in a package often selling far below premium rivals. Based on cross-platform sentiment, this system earns a 7.8/10—strong for immersive movie audio, but held back by quirks in usability and rear channel performance.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy if you want affordable true 5.1 surround, but be aware of rear speaker and auto-power issues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent movie immersion with Dolby Atmos | Rear speakers can be too quiet or static-prone |
| Easy Roku TV integration and single remote | Annoying power-on/off jingle with no mute option |
| Deep, room-rumbling bass from wireless sub | Limited surround speaker range before signal drops |
| Quick, straightforward setup | No separate volume control for sub/rears on older models |
| Strong value compared to pricier competitors | Occasional random shutdowns or auto power-on |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “true 5.1 surround sound with Dolby Atmos” and “wireless rear speakers for immersive audio.” While many buyers agree with the core promise, the depth of realism varies. A Best Buy reviewer noted: "Dolby Atmos sound well worth it for movies that have it" and described being impressed by directional effects in Top Gun Maverick. Likewise, Trustpilot feedback described “fantastic surround capabilities” with noticeable overhead effects, especially on Netflix movies.
However, several users challenged the “true immersion” line. One Walmart customer found: “Surround sound speakers need the volume to be increased… Once this has been increased, the sound is amazing”, implying that out-of-box tuning undermines the claim. Others, like a Reddit thread participant, mentioned rear speakers feeling “too quiet” and lacking independent volume adjustments—unless obscure remote commands were used.
Another big-sell feature is the “wireless subwoofer delivering robust low-end frequencies.” Reality mostly aligns here. Best Buy shoppers repeatedly praised the “phenomenal” bass, saying it made their rooms “rumble,” especially in action scenes. Yet Consumer Reports’ lab tests detected a “bit prominent and somewhat boomy” low end, which in smaller rooms can overshadow midrange clarity.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Movie enthusiasts across Reddit, Best Buy, and Walmart consistently called out how much cinematic immersion the Hisense 5.1 delivers for its price. For medium-sized, symmetrical rooms, buyers said this system “fills with good surround sound” without complex calibration. Families enjoyed Dolby Atmos effects: one Best Buy parent shared, “My 2 yr old was jumping and cheering… the thunder made our movie room rumble.”
Gamers and streaming fans also benefit. A Best Buy user running Dolby Atmos-enabled games on PS5 reported “a full range of sound including hearing things above you.” Roku TV owners find integration seamless—no extra remotes, immediate sync via HDMI eARC.
Roku compatibility and simple plug-and-play assembly are also repeatedly cited positives. Setup stories include “had it done in 5 minutes” from Walmart reviewers and “power on and enjoy” per Best Buy.
Common Complaints
Rear channel performance is the most frequent pain point. Best Buy buyers commented on rear speakers cutting out beyond 15 feet, static issues, and underwhelming volume. One stated, “The wireless rear speakers have a lot of static and white noise… I’ve had to unplug them so I could stand watching TV.” In bedroom spaces, flashing blue lights from rear units were called “annoying” and a sleep disruptor.
Second on the complaint list is usability quirks: persistent jingle at startup/shutdown with no disable setting, occasional random power-ons, and mismatched AI EQ mode selections. One owner wrote, “In a dark bedroom, that light source is annoying… wakes her up every time.”
Bass balance divides opinion. While most love the rumble, Consumer Reports criticized Atmos performance as lacking depth, even with widened stage. In small rooms the sub’s boomy profile was occasionally overwhelming.
Divisive Features
AI EQ mode creates split reactions. Many casual viewers find it “best performance for different programming,” while more critical ears claim it misjudges content types. Wireless convenience is celebrated—no messy cables—but distance limitations lead some to wish for wired reliability. The physical mounting system also splits users: robust sound quality meets “cheap, delicate” anchors that some replaced immediately.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot indicators show “minimal deception in reviews” for these renewed units, with over 90% assessed as genuine and high quality. That’s unusual for refurbished electronics, suggesting relatively safe buyer ground if purchased from reputable sellers.
Longevity stories are more mixed. Best Buy feedback after a month of daily use reported “no issues so far,” but Reddit accounts note quirks emerging over time—like sync confusion with HDMI ARC or random shutdowns. Those with static-laden rears often resort to unplugging rather than seeking warranty fixes, though Hisense’s support team did respond with adjustment tips (e.g., holding ‘surr’ button to modify rear volume, dimming lights via remote).
Alternatives
Users often compare this Hisense system to LG and Vizio equivalents. One customer returned a “comparable LG setup” due to popping issues and preferred the Hisense’s “more dynamic” performance and cleaner bass integration. Conversely, a critical reviewer advised, “The Vizio units are just much better and have less lag to adjust” when avoiding quirks like unwanted auto-on behavior.
Another notable swap case involves Bose 900—despite superior build, it failed with DTS playback. That buyer found the Hisense AX5125H’s Atmos and DTS:X decoding “far superior” for physical media.
Price & Value
Renewed listings for this model range widely—eBay shows $148.96 to $212 depending on condition, far below the new unit’s prior $349 retail. The combination of Atmos, rear speakers, and wireless subwoofer at sub-$200 pricing is repeatedly called “worth every penny” by satisfied owners. Resale prices appear stable in the refurbished market, likely due to consistent demand for affordable true 5.1.
Community buying tips emphasize matching your TV’s connection: those without eARC sometimes opt for the cheaper HS5100, avoiding features they can’t fully exploit. Check wireless distance needs before purchase—rear dropouts were more frustrating in larger rooms.
FAQ
Q: Do the wireless rear speakers need a power cord?
A: Yes, they connect wirelessly for audio but still require AC power. Multiple buyers reminded others to plan outlet placement.
Q: Can I control it entirely with my Roku TV remote?
A: If connected via HDMI eARC, yes—volume and power sync seamlessly according to several Roku TV owners.
Q: Is there a way to turn off the startup/shutdown sound?
A: No official mute exists. This jingle was a top annoyance, especially in bedrooms, waking sleeping partners.
Q: How far can the wireless speakers be placed?
A: Many users report signal degradation or static beyond ~15 feet. Placement within that range preserves clarity.
Q: Does it fully support DTS audio from Blu-rays?
A: Yes, it decodes DTS:X, unlike some higher-end bars such as Bose 900 which downmix to stereo.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want budget-friendly, true 5.1 cinema audio in a small to medium room, especially for Roku TV integration. Avoid if your setup demands flawless rear channel presence over long distances or you’re sensitive to startup sounds. Pro tip: Learn the hidden remote commands for adjusting rear volume and dimming lights—they solve two of the most persistent complaints.
