Hisense AX5100G review 2024: authentic surround sound

The Hisense AX5100G is the latest attempt by the Chinese company to produce an affordable soundbar that is still able to give an audio performance that belies the price tag it carries. This method has been successfully pulled off in the past with televisions, so why shouldn’t it work with Dolby Atmos home theater audio systems.

There is no denying the quality of the surround sound that is provided in this setting. When everything is set up and running, there is no denying that the surround effect is more pronounced with the Hisense system than it would be with a system that did not include rear channels. This is because Hisense includes rear speakers in the system. However, the AX5100G’s chances are completely ruined by its wonky tone, its subwoofer’s tendency to drone rather than punch, and the lack of a Dolby Atmos effect, which is noticeable only because it is absent.

Hisense AX5100G Specifications

Hisense AX5100G: Design

It’s silly to think that much planning went into a system like this, and it’s even more silly to think that it did when you’re shopping on the cheap end of the market. And yes, the AX5100G hasn’t been so much planned as put together. That’s not a knock on the Hisense, by the way. It’s a perfectly good TV.

The soundbar part is a neat 60 x 920 x 90 mm (HxWxD), which means it will fit under any TV that doesn’t sit too low on its stand and can go with screens from 43 to 58 inches. If your TV is bigger than that, this speaker might not look like it has enough to offer. It is made of a mix of textured plastic and perforated metal. Its sides are nicely rounded, and it is even a little bit touchable. The fit and finish are also of the highest quality. You can buy this soundbar from its official website

Hisense AX5100G: Remote

The remote control gives access to the various settings, so let’s describe them by looking at the remote. There is a source button that allows you to switch between inputs, while the Bluetooth button allows you to pair the soundbar with a phone or tablet for easy music playback.

The Surround button allows you to turn surround sound on and off, and the EQ button switches between music, movies, news, sports, night vision and gaming settings. The center controls allow volume up and down, plus play, pause and skip functions if Bluetooth or USB inputs are used to play music.

Sound Quality

There’s not much point in beating around the bush: the Hisense AX5100G doesn’t sound very good. Tonally, it’s all over the place. Rhythmically, it has two left feet. The Dolby Atmos effect – virtualized, of course, rather than the result of angled speaker drivers – is so slight as to be non-existent. And not only do the three system elements (soundbar, subwoofer, rear speakers) share little in terms of tonality, they barely get along in terms of integration.

Thin and zizzy are rarely encouraging words when it comes to audio equipment, but with the exception of the subwoofer they are entirely applicable here. Somehow, the Hisense soundbar manages to sound energetic and powerful despite its lack of actual tweeters,

Final Words

The Hisense AX5100G comes with a ton of features for the price that you pay for it. What it does not provide, however, is a pleasurable way to take in musical performances.

Hisense AX5100G review: The good and The bad

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