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Hisense AX5125H Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3
Reviewed Jan 05, 2024 at 11:54 am
Latest change: Writing modified Aug 30, 2024 at 09:05 am
Hisense AX5125H Picture
N/A
Mixed Usage
N/A
Dialogue/TV Shows
N/A
Music
N/A
Movies

The Hisense AX5125H is a more affordable 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar. It comes with a subwoofer to improve bass reproduction as well as two satellite speakers to bring a more immersive and life-like feel to multi-channel content. You can easily stream audio from your phone to the bar via Bluetooth. It doesn't come with as many sound enhancement features as more premium models on the market, like room correction, so it can sound a little different depending on the room you're listening in.

Our Verdict

N/A Mixed Usage

The Hisense AX5125H is good for mixed usage. This mid-range bar offers a versatile performance, with a clear and accurate reproduction of everything from voices in your favorite TV shows to instruments in your favorite songs. Rear satellites bring a more immersive and life-like feel to multi-channel content, and there's even support for height content like Dolby Atmos. Its sound isn't quite as impressive as what you get with more premium models, but it does well for the price.

Pros
  • Bass and treble adjustments.
  • Gets loud.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
Cons
  • No room correction.
N/A Dialogue/TV Shows

The Hisense AX5125H is very good for dialogue-heavy TV shows and podcasts. Thanks to its discrete center channel, this 5.1.2 soundbar reproduces voices with great clarity and accuracy. You can even use its Voice preset to bring more detail to dialogue in the mix. However, when it comes to podcasts, you're limited to streaming over Bluetooth.

Pros
  • Dialogue enhancement tool.
  • Bluetooth support.
Cons
  • No Chromecast or Apple AirPlay support.
N/A Music

The Hisense AX5125H is good for music. This soundbar has a pretty even and balanced sound suitable for listening to many different genres, as voices and lead instruments are reproduced with clarity and accuracy. The bar gets loud without a lot of compression at max volume. Plus, thanks to its bass and treble adjustments, you can customize its output a bit. It lacks more premium features like room correction, though, so it can sound a little different depending on the acoustics of your space.

Pros
  • Bass and treble adjustments.
  • Gets loud.
Cons
  • No room correction.
N/A Movies

The Hisense AX5125H is good for movies. This 5.1.2 soundbar supports many audio formats commonly found on both streaming platforms and Blu-rays, including Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos content. Its two rear surrounds spread sound into the space around your couch for a more immersive, life-like feel. Up-firing drivers built into the bar are designed to bring a feeling of height to Atmos content. It does well for the price, but it can't simulate as much height as more premium models.

Pros
  • Dialogue enhancement tool.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
Cons
  • No room correction.
  • N/A Mixed Usage
  • N/A Dialogue/TV Shows
  • N/A Music
  • N/A Movies
  1. Updated Aug 30, 2024: Updated Stereo Dynamics results with new methodology from Test Bench 1.3. Added text to Audio Latency: ARC, and Audio Latency: Optical boxes.
  2. Updated Aug 28, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench Update 1.3. If applicable, we've retested stereo sound based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, we've expanded our audio latency tests to the following boxes: Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical. You can see the full changelog here.
  3. Updated Jan 05, 2024: Review published.
  4. Updated Dec 20, 2023: Early access published.
  5. Updated Nov 22, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
  6. Updated Nov 20, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  7. Updated Nov 09, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
  8. Updated Nov 02, 2023: The product has won our suggestion poll, so we'll buy and test it soon.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

This soundbar is available in Black. You can see the label for our tested model here.

Let us know in the forums if you encounter another version of this soundbar.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Hisense AX5125H is a mid-range 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar. It's an affordable alternative for those who want a bar with satellites and Atmos support at a more affordable price than more premium models like the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar or the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. You won't find as many sound enhancement features, and its soundstage performances aren't quite as impressive as the higher-end models, so you don't get the same life-like feel. Still, it's a good option for those shopping on a budget.

See also our picks for the best soundbars under $500, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best budget soundbars.

Vizio M Series M512a-H6

The Hisense AX5125H and the Vizio M Series M512a-H6 are similarly priced 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbars. The Vizio is the better option, largely thanks to its improved stereo soundstage performance. It also has a few more sound enhancement features and better latency performance.

Vizio V Series V51x-J6

The Hisense AX5125H is better than the Vizio V Series V51x-J6 since it supports Dolby Atmos content, which is increasingly common on various streaming platforms and Blu-rays. The Hisense is better built, too, with 4k passthrough, which is helpful for gaming. However, if you don't watch much Atmos content, you may find that the Vizio is the better deal of the two since its surround performance is quite similar to the Hisense.

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

The main difference between the Hisense AX5125H and the Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 is the number of height channels. While the Hisense has two up-firing channels built into the bar to simulate height with content like Dolby Atmos, the Vizio relies on front-firing channels to perform a similar function. Still, there isn't much difference between the two's overall immersive feel. The Vizio ranks higher because it has more sound enhancement features and offers better latency.

LG S75QR

The LG S75QR and the Hisense AX5125H are both mid-range 5.1.2 soundbars with Dolby Atmos support. The Hisense offers a better low-frequency extension, so you notice more thump and rumble in the bass range. However, the LG has more sound enhancement features. Depending on your preferences, you may prefer one over the other.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

The bar has a simple all-black design. You plug in the cables at the back of the bar, and they enter straight-on, which makes them easy to set up.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Locked
Enclosure
Locked

The rectangular sub has a simple look as well. The speaker is in the front, and the port is at the back. It's raised up on four plastic pegs.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
Locked

The satellites have a rectangular design that suits well with the bar. Their speaker is located in the front, while the sides are closed off with plastic. Though the top is also covered by the metal grille, these satellites lack up-firing drivers.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width Lock" (Lock cm)
Height Lock" (Lock cm)
Depth Lock" (Lock cm)

The bar is wide and likely won't fit between the legs of a 65" TV stand. Still, it's not very tall, so you don't have to worry about it blocking your screen unless your TV sits flush on your table.

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width Lock" (Lock cm)
Height Lock" (Lock cm)
Depth Lock" (Lock cm)

The sub's size is roughly equivalent to an average desktop computer. It connects to the bar wirelessly.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width Lock" (Lock cm)
Height Lock" (Lock cm)
Depth Lock" (Lock cm)

The satellites also connect to the bar wirelessly, which gives you a lot of flexibility when placing them in your living room.

Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Locked
Bar Brackets Included
Locked
Mountable Satellites
Locked
Satellite Brackets Included
Locked

You can mount both the bar and the satellites to the wall using the included brackets.

N/A
Design
Build Quality

The Hisense AX5125H has a good build quality. The bar and the satellites have a similar construction: mostly made of plastic, which feels quite solid and durable but not very premium. The metal grille at the front helps to protect the drivers inside. There's fabric wrapped tight across the top of the bar, which can collect dust over time, but overall, it feels decently solid. Meanwhile, the sub is made of a material that seems like melamine. The back and the port are made of plastic, and it also features a metal grille in the front.

Design
In The Box

  • Manual
  • Remote with 2x AAA batteries
  • Mounting brackets and screws
  • HDMI cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • Optical cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • 2x straight power cables (for sub and bar) (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • 2x L-shape power cables (for rears) (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • Wall mounting template

Sound
N/A
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Channels
5.1.2
Tested Preset
Locked
Slope
Lock
Standard Error
Lock dB
Low-Frequency Extension
Lock Hz
High-Frequency Extension
Lock kHz

The Hisense AX5125H has a great stereo frequency response. Overall, the bar's sound is quite even and balanced, resulting in a clear and accurate reproduction of voices and lead instruments across the range. Its sub brings the punch in the bass, though it audibly struggles with the deeper thump and rumble in tracks like Stay from the Interstellar soundtrack. Details like voices and instruments aren't quite as clear as what you get with more premium bars, but it still performs well for the price.

It's worth noting that this bar comes with two virtual surround modes called 'Pure' and 'Pro'. These modes upmix stereo content to play from all the bar's channels. The 'Pro' feature brings more sound from the satellites than the 'Pure' mode. Additionally, 'Pure' is the default setting on the bar. Our results represent the bar's performance with 'Pure' on since it subjectively provides a better listening experience than with the virtual surround feature turned off. Notably, you get a clearer separation of sounds in the space around you for a more immersive and life-like feel. It's not as impressive as what you get with more premium bars, though, as sound feels like it's coming from the front and the sides separately, rather than creating an enveloping all-around experience.

N/A
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Locked
Suggested Bass Setting
Lock
Suggested Treble Setting
Lock
Slope
Lock
Standard Error
Lock dB
Low-Frequency Extension
Lock Hz
High-Frequency Extension
Lock kHz

This soundbar comes with bass and treble adjustments to help you customize its sound. If you prefer a more neutral sound with stereo content, lower its bass to -1 and up its treble to +3. The resulting sound is more even and balanced, with less punch in the bass and more brightness in the treble.

N/A
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
Lock dB

The Hisense AX5125H has a decent stereo soundstage. We tested with the 'Pure' virtual surround mode on, which means that the satellites played sound in addition to the bar. However, the bar doesn't have any tricks to fill the gap between it and each of the satellites, resulting in a slight gap. Focus is good, so sound effects are traced to accurate locations in the soundstage. However, sound effects sometimes come from inaccurate positions in the soundstage, which takes away from the life-like feel.

N/A
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
Lock dB SPL
DRC @ 90dB
N/A
DRC @ Max Volume
Lock dB

This bar gets loud enough to fill larger and more open rooms with sound. There isn't much compression present at max volume, except in the lowest frequencies, which aren't going to sound too obvious with the vast majority of content.

N/A
Sound
Center
Localization
Locked
Slope
Lock
Std. Err.
Lock dB
SPL @ Max Volume
Lock dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
Lock
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
Lock

This 5.1.2 soundbar comes with a discrete center channel designed to improve vocal quality in the mix. The channel's frequency response is quite even and balanced, especially in the mids where most vocals are reproduced, though the roll-off in the treble makes the detail in some voices a little less clear.

N/A
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Locked
Slope
Lock
Std. Err.
Lock dB
SPL @ Max Volume
Lock dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
Lock
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
Lock
7.1 Rears
Locked

The Hisense AX5125H comes with two discrete rear speakers that create a clearer and more life-like feel with 5.1 content. Sound effects stretch into the space around your room, making it seem like the action is happening all around you. For example, the Live Aid concert scene in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) takes on an immersive feel as music and crowd sounds play all around you. Effects are clearly represented, though bright details are less noticeable due to the roll-off in the treble range.

N/A
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Locked
Slope
Lock
Std. Err.
Lock dB
SPL @ Max Volume
Lock dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
Lock
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
Lock

The Hisense AX5125H has two up-firing channels designed to ricochet sound off the ceiling to simulate height in content like Dolby Atmos. These channels have a warm frequency response, and the extra bass emphasizes booming scenes like explosions.

Subjectively, the bar's performance with Atmos content is pretty good. Thanks to its rear speakers, sound effects stretch into the space around your couch for a more life-like feel. There's good separation, too, so each sound is clear and distinct. However, the bar can't simulate much height, as sound only stretches about the level of your head. Effects like helicopters flying overhead seem to be coming from the sides rather than over your head.

N/A
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
Locked
Dialogue Enhancement
Locked
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Locked
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Locked
Bass Adjustment
Locked
Treble Adjustment
Locked
EQ
Locked
Surround Level Adjustment
Locked
Rear Level Adjustment
Locked
Height Level Adjustment
Locked
Virtual Surround
Locked

The Hisense AX5125H doesn't have as many sound enhancement features as more premium bars on the market. For example, it lacks room correction, so it sounds a little different depending on the unique acoustics of your space. You can make up for this a bit thanks to its bass and treble adjustments, which give you some control over the bar's sound. You can choose between several EQ presets, including 'News', which enhances dialogue. Various virtual surround modes allow you to create a more immersive sound, even with stereo content, by using all the bar's channels. 'Pure' is the default, and 'Pro' brings even more sound from the bar's satellites. You can also turn them off if you prefer stereo sound.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
Locked
HDMI Out
Locked
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
Locked
Full HDMI In
Locked
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
Locked
RCA In
Locked
USB for Files
Locked
Ethernet
Locked
Subwoofer Output
Locked

You can connect the bar to your TV using an HDMI or Optical connection. An AUX port is on hand if you want to wire devices to the bar for audio playback, and there's even a Full HDMI In port for those who want to use the bar as a hub between devices.

N/A
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Locked
Dolby Digital
Locked
Dolby Digital Plus
Locked
Dolby TrueHD
Locked
DTS
Locked
DTS:X
Locked
DTS-HD MA
Locked
PCM Channels
Locked

The Hisense AX5125H supports lots of audio formats. It can playback common surround sound formats like Dolby Digital as well as lossless and object-based formats like Dolby Atmos. We found that it can only support up to 5.1 PCM channels, even though the manual states that it can playback up to 7.1 PCM channels.

N/A
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Locked
Dolby Digital
Locked
Dolby Digital Plus
Locked
Dolby TrueHD
Locked
DTS
Locked
DTS:X
Locked
DTS-HD MA
Locked
PCM Channels
Locked

Similarly, the bar can playback lots of audio formats commonly found on streaming platforms and Blu-rays via Full HDMI In. You can watch surround sound formats like Dolby Digital as well as lossless and object-based formats like DTS:X. Again, the bar only supports up to 5.1 PCM channels over this connection.

N/A
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Locked
DTS
Locked
PCM Channels
Locked

The bar can playback Dolby Digital and DTS content over Optical. These are the two most common surround sound formats, which you'll likely come across on both streaming platforms and Blu-rays.

N/A
Connectivity
Audio Latency: ARC
- SAMPLE -
Get Insider Access for videos & test results
Hisense AX5125H ARC Latency Video Sample
PCM-2.0 ch
Lock ms
PCM-5.1 ch
Lock ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
Lock ms
Dolby Digital
Lock ms
Dolby Digital Plus
Lock ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
Lock ms

The latency over ARC connectivity is decent. PCM formatted audio's latency isn't especially high, but latency with Dolby formats is high enough that you may need to compensate for it with your TV or app settings to avoid audio/visual mismatches.

N/A
Connectivity
Audio Latency: HDMI In
- SAMPLE -
Get Insider Access for videos & test results
Hisense AX5125H HDMI Latency Video Sample
PCM-2.0 ch
Lock ms
PCM-5.1 ch
Lock ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
Lock ms
Dolby Digital
Lock ms
Dolby Digital Plus
Lock ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
Lock ms

The Hisense AX5125H's HDMI In latency performance is satisfactory. PCM formats have lower latency, which isn't too bad for audio/visual lag, though you might notice it in dialogue-heavy scenes. On the other hand, Dolby formats like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos exhibit higher latency, meaning you're likely to notice some delay between the audio you hear and the visuals on screen. That said, some apps and TVs compensate for latency differently.

N/A
Connectivity
Audio Latency: Optical
- SAMPLE -
Get Insider Access for videos & test results
Hisense AX5125H Optical Latency Video Sample
PCM-2.0 ch
Lock ms
Dolby Digital
Lock ms

The optical audio latency is decent. Optical latency is higher for PCM and Dolby Digital formats than via HDMI In and ARC. It's high enough that you'll encounter audio/visual mismatches with your media, but some TVs and apps can mitigate that.

N/A
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
Locked
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Locked
4k Max Refresh Rate
Locked
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Locked
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Locked
8k Max Refresh Rate
Locked
HDR10 Passthrough
Locked
HDR10+ Passthrough
Locked
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Locked
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
Locked
FreeSync Passthrough
Locked
G-SYNC Passthrough
Locked
ALLM Passthrough
Locked

This soundbar can passthrough many common resolutions and refresh rates when you use it as a hub between devices like a TV and a gaming console. You can enjoy a high-quality image with clear and crisp text on your screen. Plus, the bar can passthrough some variable refresh rate technologies for a tear-free gaming experience. That said, our max refresh rate result at 4k is dependent on the device you use. We got to 120Hz with an Xbox but only to 60Hz with PS5 and a PC.

N/A
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Locked
Wi-Fi Playback
Locked
Chromecast built-in
Locked
Apple AirPlay
Locked
Spotify Connect
Locked

The Hisense AX5125H is Bluetooth-compatible, so you can wirelessly stream audio from your mobile devices to the bar.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
Locked

A display on the front of the bar shows various settings as you adjust them. For example, you can keep track of the input you're on and which EQ preset you're using.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

On top of the bar, a few controls let you adjust the bar's most basic settings. You can power it on/off, change the input, and adjust the volume.

Additional Features
Remote

The Hisense AX5125H doesn't have a companion app, so you'll need the remote to control its settings. The device has a simple design that makes it easy to find various controls.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
Locked
Google Assistant
Locked
Apple Siri
Locked
Microphone Mute
Locked