Hisense AX5125H Review: Immersive Sound on a Budget

In Brief

Hisense’s AX5125H aims to provide an immersive home cinema setup at a reasonable price. This 5.1.2 system comprises a soundbar, a subwoofer, and two satellite speakers, promising Dolby Atmos compatibility without breaking the bank. Although it is not perfect, it manages to surprise in several areas.

Virtual surround technologies can be effective, but true Atmos speakers and dedicated rear channels remain hard to replicate. By integrating as many speaker modules as possible, Hisense follows a strategy similar to products like the Samsung HW-Q935D or LG S95TR. The result is a straightforward combination: a soundbar with upward-firing drivers for Atmos and a pair of rear surround speakers (which do not include their own Atmos drivers).

Ease of use is the main priority here. Hence, there is no built-in Wi-Fi (beyond Bluetooth), no dedicated mobile app, and few technological flourishes—aside from EzPlay, which enables a straightforward coection between the soundbar and Hisense TVs.

Construction

Minimalist yet functional, the AX5125H soundbar is by no means a luxury item, though it avoids any glaring shortcomings. Measuring 920mm in length, it fits neatly under most televisions sized between 42 and 65 inches. Thanks to its height of 60mm and depth of 90mm, it remains one of the most compact models in its category.

Entirely black in finish, the soundbar stays subtle without being dull. It features ribbed side panels, a metal grille at the front, and a fabric top surface. Weighing 2.9kg, it offers decent build quality and no visible screws.

The subwoofer takes on a more conventional rectangular design, and its relatively large dimensions (214 × 294 × 304mm) hint at a robust low-frequency presence. It should have no issues delivering solid bass, although its size might be difficult to accommodate in very small rooms.

Lastly, the two rear satellites are as compact as one could reasonably expect. They share some design cues with the soundbar, such as subtle ribbed detailing, and remain unobtrusive in most living spaces. The only real challenge is positioning them at the back of the room with access to power sockets. Despite the appearance of their top grilles, these satellites do not include upward-firing Atmos drivers. As a result, you can safely tuck them on a shelf or bookcase without affecting overhead audio effects.

Accessories

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Hisense includes a remote control (with batteries), an optical cable, an HDMI cable, and the hardware required to wall-mount both the soundbar and the surround speakers.

Connectivity and Wireless

Although it appears fairly simple, the AX5125H actually provides a respectable range of coection options. You get one HDMI 2.1 input (supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM), one HDMI eARC port, an optical (Toslink) input, and a USB-A port for charging external devices or playing audio files. This USB-A port, alongside Bluetooth, also serves as the means for carrying out firmware updates. The only missing piece is a 3.5mm analogue input.

On the flip side, things are much sparser when it comes to network connectivity. There is no Wi-Fi or Ethernet port, which means no onboard access to streaming services or other coected protocols. The Bluetooth 5.3 module offers only the basics—no quick pairing, no multipoint, and no advanced codecs. Somewhat surprisingly, there is no companion app provided by Hisense for this product.

User Experience

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With no dedicated app, the AX5125H relies entirely on its built-in interface and the supplied remote. Thankfully, this limitation is mitigated by a comprehensive front display—rather than just LEDs—which clearly indicates modes, inputs, and the volume level. The only caveat is that the front grille can obscure parts of the display if viewed from an angle, making certain characters difficult to read. Overall, though, it is still more user-friendly than simple LED indicators.

Basic touch controls on the soundbar allow you to toggle power, select inputs, and adjust volume. Most features, including rear-chael settings, require the remote. Fortunately, the remote is both intuitive and thorough, offering straightforward access to everything you need.

If you own a Hisense television, EzPlay lets you control the soundbar with your TV’s remote control. The soundbar’s menus then appear directly on the TV screen. It might not be transformative, but it does make day-to-day usage simpler.

Audio Performance

In essence, the AX5125H is a 5.1.2 setup, which meets Dolby Atmos’s minimum specification. There are nine drivers in total, with six located in the soundbar: one full-range driver on each side, two dedicated to the centre chael, and two upward-firing units for Atmos. Unlike some models that feature side-firing transducers, the AX5125H relies heavily on its separate rear satellites for surround effects.

Beyond simple bass/treble and rear-chael levels, users can switch between seven EQ presets using the remote. They are fairly basic, with the Cinema mode typically providing the best overall results.

Overall Sound Signature

The AX5125H strikes a respectable balance, steering clear of the boomy or overly flashy approach some entry-level systems adopt. Its tonal character is reasonably even, although there is a noticeable boost in the lower frequencies, adding a dash of warmth to its sound.

Bass Response

Thanks to the subwoofer, the lower end of the spectrum is surprisingly full, delivering solid depth and noticeable impact. While it may not extend all the way to a subterranean 20Hz, it is more than adequate for a typical living room. As with many subwoofers in this price range, it can sound more resonant than precisely punchy, with a bit of port-induced rumble at louder volumes.

Mids and Highs

The midrange and treble remain coherent, without straying into harshness or dullness. However, the higher frequencies are not exceptionally refined, and some distortion may creep in at very high volumes. Though hardly a deal-breaker, it shows the AX5125H is not designed for reference-level loudness.

The rear satellites focus on reproducing surround effects rather than deep bass, keeping their limitations in check. They align well with the soundbar’s frequency response, yielding a cohesive overall presentation.

Sound Spatialisatio

The AX5125H aims to provide immersive audio, assisted by upward-firing Atmos drivers in the soundbar and the two rear satellites. While it does not reach the same enveloping heights as premium systems like the Samsung HW-Q935D or LG S95TR, it still manages to create an engaging listening environment at a significantly lower price point.

The upward-firing drivers produce noticeable Atmos effects—particularly when it comes to height cues—although it is the surround satellites that help reinforce the three-dimensional feel. It’s not on par with more elaborate speaker arrays, but it is nonetheless convincing for an affordable system.

Horizontally, the soundstage is also quite expansive, thanks to effective tuning of the rear speakers. Even without side-firing drivers in the main unit, the AX5125H does a solid job of projecting sound around the room. Stereo content may feel less spacious, likely due to the bar’s standard width, but the system generally performs admirably.

A dedicated centre chael ensures dialogue is delivered with clarity, making voices easy to pick out in most films and TV shows. A touch more brightness might have given even greater articulation, but speech is rarely overshadowed by music or effects.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Generally well-balanced sound
• Strong bass extension for the price
• Convincing surround performance, including noticeable Atmos effects
• HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM) and broad audio format compatibility
• Straightforward, intuitive setup

Cons

• Treble can be imprecise; slight distortion at high volumes
• Limited overall power output
• Bass can become more resonant than punchy at times
• Some display characters are difficult to read at certain angles

Conclusion

While it does not boast an abundance of advanced features or connectivity, the Hisense AX5125H stands out for its simplicity and efficiency. Easy to install and operate, this home cinema bundle offers an impressively immersive soundstage, courtesy of its Dolby Atmos drivers and dedicated rear speakers. For those seeking a satisfying cinematic experience at a modest price, the AX5125H is well worth considering.