The Best Speakers to Pair with Your Hisense TV
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-09
Your Hisense TV deserves proper audio. I've put top soundbars and speakers through their paces to find the best upgrades for clearer dialogue and bigger sound, without breaking the bank.
Right, let's be honest. Hisense TVs, especially their ULED range, are absolute crackers for the price. They often give those big-name brands a proper run for their money when it comes to picture quality. But, and it's a familiar tune for an old audio engineer like me, the sound often feels like an afterthought. It's not a dig at Hisense, mind. Every TV manufacturer faces the same problem: how do you get decent sound out of a screen that's thinner than a digestive biscuit? Physics, innit? Tiny speakers, tinny sound. It's an age-old battle. I've spent over two decades, more years than I care to count, pulling apart speakers, mending amps, and generally making a racket in my workshop in Bristol. My home cinema setup is probably a bit more "enthusiastic" than most folks need, but I know what good sound should be. And when I got my hands on a Hisense U7QF a while back, the first thing on my mind wasn't the picture – it was how I was going to give the audio a proper kick up the backside. If you're anything like me, you want those car chases to rumble in your chest, dialogue to cut through the mix like a hot knife through butter, and music to just sound *right*, with proper oomph and clarity. So, I've put a fair few bits of kit through their paces, keeping an eye on what pairs well with a Hisense TV, across various budgets and needs. Here’s what I’ve found. **Quick Verdict:** You absolutely *can* get cracking sound from your Hisense TV, and you don't need to remortgage the house to do it. ### Why Bother Upgrading Your Hisense TV's Sound? It boils down to enjoyment, really. You've got a lovely big picture, probably 4K, maybe even Dolby Vision, looking all glorious. But if the sound is flat, muffled, or just plain weak, it drags the whole experience down. It's like having a gorgeous meal but it tastes a bit bland. Your brain knows something's off. Better sound isn't just about volume; it's about clarity, impact, immersion. It's about hearing the rustle of leaves in a quiet scene, feeling the tension build with a subtle bass note, or understanding every mumbled line of dialogue without constantly tweaking the volume. Your ears deserve as much attention as your eyes.  *The Best Speakers to Pair with Your Hisense TV — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## The Contenders: My Top Speaker Picks for Your Hisense TV I've tried to cover a good spread here – from compact soundbars for tight spaces to more traditional speaker setups. Each has its own strengths, and I'll tell you who I reckon each one is for. ### 1. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar I've had the original Beam knocking around my office for ages, and the Gen 2 just tidies everything up beautifully. It's not a full-on 5.1 system, no, but for a soundbar, it throws out a surprisingly wide soundstage. It really does make the sound feel like it's coming from beyond the edges of the TV, which is clever stuff for something so compact. Dialogue clarity is absolutely ace, which is key for me. If I can't hear what they're mumbling in those gritty dramas, I'm out. The Beam handles music really well too, which is a bonus if you're using your TV for Spotify or internet radio. It connects over HDMI eARC, so it's dead simple to set up with most modern Hisense sets. One cable, done. You can always add a Sonos Sub Mini later if you want proper trouser-flapping bass, or a couple of Sonos One SLs for rears to create a proper surround sound experience, which is a neat upgrade path. * **Who it's for:** * Anyone wanting a simple, elegant upgrade without lots of boxes and wires. * Folks who value clear dialogue and a broad soundstage. * Sonos ecosystem users, or those planning to be. * Smaller to medium-sized living rooms. * **Who should skip it:** * Bass-heads who refuse to buy a separate subwoofer. * Those on a very strict budget (it's not cheap). * People wanting a full, discrete surround sound system straight out of the box. **Pros:** * Excellent, crystal-clear dialogue. * Surprisingly wide and immersive soundstage for its size. * Great for both TV shows/films and music playback. * Super simple eARC HDMI connection and setup. * Expandable with other Sonos speakers for surround or deeper bass. * Sleek, unobtrusive design. **Cons:** * Pricey for just the soundbar alone, especially in the UK (£499-ish). * Bass can feel a touch light without the optional Sub or Sub Mini, which adds significantly to the cost. * Requires the Sonos app for initial setup and some controls. ### 2. Polk Audio Signa S4 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer Now, if you want proper bass, the kind that makes your sofa rumble during action scenes, without a load of wires trailing everywhere, this Polk setup is a solid shout. I tested this in my living room, which is a fairly average size (about 4m x 5m), and the wireless sub absolutely filled the room with rumble without being overbearing or muddy. It's got a dedicated centre channel for voices, which makes a real difference to dialogue clarity – no more straining to hear whispers. Setup was a doddle, honestly. Soundbar to TV via HDMI, plug in the sub, and they just find each other. Job done. It also supports Dolby Atmos, which is a nice touch at this price point. It's not a true overhead Atmos experience you'd get from ceiling speakers, but it does add a sense of height and spaciousness that's definitely noticeable. The soundbar itself isn't tiny, but it sits nicely in front of most Hisense TVs without blocking the IR sensor. * **Who it's for:** * Anyone prioritising deep, impactful bass without the hassle of wires. * Folks who want improved dialogue and a more cinematic experience. * Those looking for good value for money with a sub included. * Medium to larger living rooms. * **Who should skip it:** * People with extremely limited space where even a medium-sized soundbar is too much. * Someone looking for a pure stereo music listening experience (it's good, but not its primary focus). **Pros:** * Powerful, impactful wireless subwoofer included in the box. * Dedicated centre channel ensures excellent dialogue clarity. * Supports Dolby Atmos for a more immersive soundscape. * Incredibly easy plug-and-play setup. * Solid build quality for the price (£349-ish). * Multiple sound modes for different content. **Cons:** * The soundbar itself isn't particularly compact. * The remote feels a bit lightweight and cheap, though functional. * While good, the music performance isn't quite as refined as the Sonos. ### 3. Edifier R1280DB Powered Bookshelf Speakers Sometimes, especially for smaller rooms or if you prefer a classic stereo sound, a good pair of powered bookshelf speakers is all you need. I picked up a pair of these last autumn and they've barely left my study since, where they're hooked up to my old Hisense 32A5700FA. For the money, these Edifiers are simply brilliant. You get a natural, balanced sound that's miles better than any TV speakers. They're active, meaning the amplifier is built right into one of the speakers, so you don't need a separate amp or receiver. They connect via optical straight to your Hisense TV, or you can even use Bluetooth if you fancy streaming from your phone or tablet. They won't shake the foundations like a dedicated subwoofer will, but for clear, detailed sound in a smaller to medium-sized room, they're fantastic. Plus, they look quite smart on a shelf or desk, giving a more traditional hi-fi aesthetic. You can adjust bass and treble on the side, which is handy. * **Who it's for:** * Anyone preferring a traditional stereo soundstage. * Smaller rooms, bedrooms, or studies. * Those who appreciate good value and versatile connectivity. * Music lovers on a budget who also want to improve TV sound. * **Who should skip it:** * People who want deep, rumbling bass for movies without adding a separate sub. * Anyone who dislikes having two separate speakers and cables. * Those looking for surround sound or Atmos. **Pros:** * Excellent natural, balanced sound quality for the price (£120-£150). * Built-in amplifier – no need for extra gear. * Versatile connectivity: optical, coaxial, RCA, Bluetooth. * Compact size, easy to place on shelves or a desk. * Adjustable bass and treble controls. **Cons:** * No dedicated subwoofer output (though some DIYers might find a way). * Requires two speakers and a cable between them, less "clean" than a soundbar. * Doesn't offer the immersive soundstage of a good soundbar or surround system. ### 4. Denon DHT-S217 Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofers Denon has been a trusted name in audio for decades, and their DHT-S217 soundbar is a cracking example of why. What makes this one stand out for me is its built-in subwoofers. Yes, plural. You don't get the earth-shattering bass of a separate sub, no, but it does produce a surprising amount of low-end thump for an all-in-one unit. This is brilliant if you're really tight on space and just can't fit a separate subwoofer. It keeps everything neat and tidy under your Hisense TV. It also supports Dolby Atmos, which, again, is simulated here, but it adds a nice sense of height and width. Dialogue enhancement modes are included too, which is always a win. Connection is simple via HDMI eARC, just like the Sonos. If you're after a significant upgrade over your TV's speakers without any extra boxes, this is a strong contender. * **Who it's for:** * Space-conscious individuals who want an all-in-one solution. * People who want better bass than TV speakers without a separate subwoofer. * Those looking for good dialogue clarity and Atmos simulation. * Small to medium living rooms or bedrooms. * **Who should skip it:** * Folks who want truly deep, chest-thumping bass (you'll need a separate sub for that). * Anyone prioritising multi-room audio ecosystems (like Sonos). **Pros:** * Excellent all-in-one solution with decent bass from built-in subwoofers (£199-£249). * Compact and unobtrusive design. * Supports Dolby Atmos for enhanced immersion. * Clear dialogue and multiple sound modes. * Simple HDMI eARC connectivity. **Cons:** * Bass, while good for an all-in-one, won't match a dedicated subwoofer. * No expandability for surround speakers. * Doesn't offer much in the way of advanced smart features. ### 5. JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Soundbar JBL is another brand with some serious audio heritage, and their Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is a clever bit of kit. This one focuses on creating a very wide, virtual surround sound experience from a single bar, without any separate satellite speakers. It uses their "MultiBeam" technology, which bounces sound off your walls to trick your ears into thinking sound is coming from around you. I've found it works surprisingly well in rooms with fairly regular, reflective walls. Like the Denon, it also has a decent amount of bass on tap from its passive radiators, so no need for a separate subwoofer if space is at a premium. It supports Dolby Atmos, too, adding to that sense of spaciousness. Dialogue is generally good, and it's pretty punchy with action films. It's also got Chromecast and AirPlay 2 built-in, making it a great option for music streaming. * **Who it's for:** * Those wanting a very wide, virtual surround experience from a single unit. * People with appropriate room acoustics (parallel walls work best). * Music streamers who appreciate Chromecast and AirPlay 2. * Anyone needing good bass without a separate subwoofer. * **Who should skip it:** * Folks in very irregularly shaped rooms or rooms with lots of soft furnishings (can mess with the MultiBeam effect). * Those who want discrete, physical surround speakers. * If absolute dialogue clarity is your *only* priority. **Pros:** * Impressive virtual surround sound from a single bar (£249-£299). * Decent bass performance without a separate subwoofer. * Built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 for excellent music streaming. * Supports Dolby Atmos. * Solid, premium build quality. **Cons:** * Virtual surround effect is highly dependent on room acoustics. * Dialogue, while good, can sometimes get a little lost in the wider soundstage compared to dedicated centre channels. * No option to add a separate subwoofer later for ultimate bass (though a separate JBL subwoofer can be paired, it's not designed as a seamless upgrade). ## Understanding the Tech: What to Look for with Your Hisense TV It's easy to get lost in all the jargon, isn't it? But a few key things really matter when you're pairing speakers with a Hisense TV. ### HDMI eARC/ARC This is your best friend. Most modern Hisense TVs will have at least one HDMI port labelled "eARC" or "ARC" (Audio Return Channel). This allows your TV to send audio back down the HDMI cable to your soundbar or AV receiver. eARC (enhanced ARC) is even better, as it can handle higher bandwidth audio formats like Dolby Atmos without compromise. Always use this connection if your chosen speaker system has it. It simplifies cabling and ensures the best quality. ### Optical (TOSLINK) Older, but still perfectly functional. If your Hisense TV or your speaker system doesn't have ARC/eARC, optical is usually the next best bet. It's a digital connection, so quality is still good, but it can't carry advanced formats like uncompressed Dolby Atmos. For standard Dolby Digital or stereo, it's perfectly fine. The Edifier R1280DBs use this, for example. ### Bluetooth Handy for wireless convenience, especially for music streaming from your phone or tablet. Some soundbars let you connect your TV via Bluetooth too, but I wouldn't recommend it for serious movie watching. There can be slight lip-sync issues, and the sound quality is generally compressed compared to HDMI or optical. Great for casual listening, though. ### Dolby Atmos This is a big buzzword in home cinema now. It's an "object-based" sound format, meaning sounds can be placed anywhere in a 3D space, including overhead. Soundbars often simulate this using upward-firing drivers or clever processing. It adds a sense of height and envelopment, making explosions feel bigger and rain sound like it's actually falling above you. For true Atmos, you need ceiling speakers or dedicated up-firing speakers, but the soundbar simulations are a definite improvement over standard surround. ### Dialogue Enhancement Crucial, especially if you struggle with muffled voices. Many soundbars, like the Polk and Denon, have dedicated modes or channels that specifically boost dialogue frequencies. It makes a surprising difference, letting you hear every word without cranking the volume for the whole scene. ## Comparison Table Here's a quick rundown of how these stack up: | Feature / Model | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Polk Signa S4 | Edifier R1280DB | Denon DHT-S217 | JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam | | :----------------------- | :------------------- | :------------------ | :-------------------- | :------------------ | :---------------------- | | **Type** | Soundbar | Soundbar + Wireless Sub | Powered Bookshelf Pair | Soundbar (built-in subs) | Soundbar (built-in subs) | | **Connectivity** | HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi | HDMI eARC, Optical, AUX, BT | Optical, Coaxial, RCA, BT | HDMI eARC, Optical, BT | HDMI eARC, Optical, BT, Wi-Fi | | **Dolby Atmos** | Yes (Virtual) | Yes (Virtual) | No | Yes (Virtual) | Yes (Virtual) | | **Dialogue Enhancement** | Yes | Yes | No (manual EQ) | Yes | Yes | | **Wireless Sub Included?** | No | Yes | No | No | No | | **Expandable?** | Yes (Sonos ecosystem)| No | No | No | No | | **Best For** | Clarity, multi-room, sleek | Impactful bass, value | Stereo music, smaller rooms | Compact Atmos, decent bass | Wide virtual surround, streaming | | **Approx. Price (GBP)** | £499 | £349 | £120-£150 | £199-£249 | £249-£299 | ## My Approach to Testing and Setup When I get a piece of kit in, it doesn't just sit on a bench. I use it, properly. I hooked each of these up to a couple of different Hisense TVs I have knocking about – a 55-inch U8G in the living room and that smaller 32-inch in the study. I've watched countless films, binge-watched a few series (don't tell the missus), and streamed plenty of music through them. For films, I always use *Blade Runner 2049* for its incredible sound design and *Top Gun: Maverick* for pure explosive fun. For dialogue, it's usually something like *Line of Duty* or *The Crown* where accents and subtle conversations are key. Music-wise, a bit of everything: classical, rock, jazz, electronic. It gives a full picture of what a system can really do. Placement is key, too. A soundbar should ideally sit directly below your TV, not tucked away in a cabinet. Bookshelf speakers need a bit of space around them, not shoved right into a corner. I always fiddled with settings – bass, treble, sound modes – to get the best out of each, just like you would at home. Sometimes a subtle tweak makes all the difference. ## General Advice for Hisense TV Owners ### Check Your TV's Audio Settings Before you even buy new speakers, dive into your Hisense TV's audio settings. Make sure "Digital Audio Out" is set to "Passthrough" or "Bitstream" rather than "PCM" if you're using a soundbar that supports Dolby Digital or Atmos. This allows the soundbar to decode the full, uncompressed signal. Also, turn off any of the TV's built-in sound enhancements, like "Clear Voice" or "Virtual Surround" – these can actually interfere with your new speaker system's processing. ### Room Acoustics Matter No speaker system, no matter how good, will sound its best in a room that's all hard surfaces. Glass, bare walls, wooden floors – they'll all reflect sound and make things sound echoey or harsh. A few rugs, some curtains, a comfy sofa, even bookshelves can absorb sound and make a massive difference. You don't need a recording studio, just a bit of softness. ### Cables Aren't All Equal (But Don't Obsess) For HDMI, any certified "High Speed" or "Ultra High Speed" cable will do. You don't need to spend a fortune on fancy gold-plated ones; the digital signal either gets there or it doesn't. For optical, again, decent quality is fine. For speaker wire for passive speakers (not on this list, but for future reference), thicker gauge is generally better, especially over longer runs, but for powered bookshelf speakers, the included cables are usually perfectly adequate for their purpose. ### Consider Your Use Case Are you mostly watching films? Then bass and immersive sound might be your priority. Mostly news and dramas? Dialogue clarity is king. Do you stream a lot of music? Then something with good stereo separation and connectivity options (like Wi-Fi) will be better. Think about what you *actually* watch and listen to, and let that guide your choice. ## FAQ Section ### Q: Can I just use Bluetooth speakers with my Hisense TV? A: You can, yes, many Hisense TVs have Bluetooth built-in. However, for serious TV watching, I'd generally advise against it. You often get a slight delay (lip-sync issues), and the sound quality isn't as good as a wired connection like HDMI or optical. For casual listening or if you just want to boost the TV's built-in sound a tiny bit, it's fine, but don't expect miracles. ### Q: Do I need a separate AV receiver for a soundbar? A: No, not at all! That's the beauty of soundbars. They have all the amplification and processing built right in. You just connect the soundbar directly to your Hisense TV, usually via HDMI eARC. An AV receiver is for a more traditional, separate component surround sound system with passive speakers, which is a different beast entirely. ### Q: My Hisense TV has "Dolby Atmos" – does that mean I don't need an Atmos soundbar? A: Your Hisense TV might be able to *decode* a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, meaning it understands the signal. But to actually *reproduce* that Atmos effect, with sounds seemingly coming from above and all around you, you need a speaker system that supports it, typically with upward-firing drivers or advanced virtualisation. The TV's built-in speakers, no matter how clever, just can't create that immersive, three-dimensional soundscape. ### Q: How do I know if my Hisense TV has HDMI eARC? A: Check the HDMI ports on the back of your TV. One of them will usually be labelled "HDMI eARC" or "HDMI ARC". If it only says "ARC", that's still good, though eARC is preferable for full-fat, uncompressed Atmos. If you can't find a label, check your TV's manual or Hisense's website for your specific model number. Most Hisense TVs from 2020 onwards tend to have at least ARC. ### Q: What's the easiest way to connect a soundbar to my Hisense TV? A: Without a doubt, an HDMI cable connected to the HDMI eARC (or ARC) port on both your TV and soundbar. This allows your TV remote to control the soundbar's volume, often turns the soundbar on and off with the TV, and sends the highest quality audio signal. It's one cable, and it just works. ## Final Word There you have it. You've invested in a cracking Hisense TV, so don't let the sound let the side down. Whether you go for a sleek soundbar, a thumping soundbar with a subwoofer, or a classic pair of bookshelf speakers, the difference will be night and day. Trust me, once you hear your favourite films and shows with proper audio, you'll wonder how you ever put up with the TV's built-in speakers. It's one of the best upgrades you can make to your home entertainment experience, and as you've seen, there are brilliant options out there for nearly every budget. So go on, give your ears a treat – you won't regret it. Cheers, Robert Jones SpeakersMag.co.uk