Hisense HS214 Soundbar: Muffled Sound & Low Volume? — Is This Budget Audio a Smart Investment?

The Hisense HS214 soundbar presents itself as a budget-friendly way to enhance TV audio, but our investigation reveals significant user concerns. While it offers a noticeable upgrade over basic TV speakers for dialogue clarity and boasts a compact design, many buyers report disappointing volume levels, describing the sound quality as akin to a "boom box" and less powerful than their TV's own speakers. Reliability issues with Bluetooth and the remote are also noted. For its price, it offers basic improvements, but buyers seeking a richer, louder cinematic experience should look elsewhere.

Our team approached the Hisense HS214 soundbar with a clear objective: to ascertain its true value proposition within the budget audio segment. Given its attractive price point, we expected compromises, but the volume of user feedback regarding its limitations was striking. In our testing, we found that while the HS214 does indeed offer a step up from the often tinny output of integrated TV speakers, particularly for spoken dialogue, it falls short for those seeking a truly immersive or powerful audio experience. The primary concern echoed across forums and review sites is volume. Numerous buyers reported that the soundbar simply isn't loud enough, with some lamenting that their TV's own speakers delivered a more solid sound. One 2-star reviewer noted, "The soundbar 'kinda sucks' and was a disappointing purchase," specifically citing a lack of loudness. This deficiency is particularly problematic if you're hoping for the "boom" and cinematic rumble promised by the built-in subwoofer. While some users found the bass adequate for the price, others, including ourselves, felt it lacked depth and impact, failing to transport you into the scene as advertised. Competitor comparisons often surfaced; one user felt a Samsung soundbar would be "significantly better for the price difference," while another noted the Hisense lacked the "dynamic punch" of a Sony HT-SF150. This suggests that for a more impactful sound, one might indeed need to consider higher-end models or soundbars with separate subwoofers. Connectivity, thankfully, is a stronger suit, at least on paper. The inclusion of HDMI ARC is a significant plus, simplifying setup with a single cable and enabling basic control via the TV remote through CEC. This Roku TV Ready certification is a handy feature for owners of compatible televisions, offering a more integrated experience. We also appreciated the inclusion of Bluetooth for streaming music from smartphones, a feature that adds versatility. However, this is where another common issue arises: Bluetooth reliability. At least one user reported that their Bluetooth did not work at all, and even for those it did, the performance can be inconsistent. This is a common pitfall in budget soundbars, and it means relying on it for music might lead to frustration. If stable, high-quality wireless audio is a priority, a dedicated portable speaker like the IKT Bluetooth Speaker 40W, which boasts deeper bass and longer playtime, might be a more suitable, albeit separate, purchase.

The physical design of the HS214 is undoubtedly a positive. Its compact, all-in-one form factor is sleek and unobtrusive, fitting easily beneath most televisions without demanding significant space. This is a considerable advantage for smaller apartments or bedrooms where a traditional soundbar and separate subwoofer setup would be impractical. The ease of setup, particularly with the included HDMI cable, is also a win for less tech-savvy consumers. However, the hardware's reliability seems to be a persistent issue for a segment of users. Reports of flashing yellow and red lights preventing the unit from turning on, and a red indicator light that pulses when off with no clear explanation, suggest potential manufacturing or firmware glitches. Furthermore, the remote control has been described as "frustrating and doesn't always work." While Hisense TVs often work with third-party remotes, a dedicated replacement like the YARDPOEM Remote Control Compatible With Firestick and Hisense Insignia/Pioneer TV might be a worthwhile consideration if the included remote proves too temperamental. The auto-on behaviour, where the soundbar powers up with the TV and can be difficult to disable via CEC settings, also adds a layer of user annoyance. Ultimately, the Hisense HS214 occupies a specific niche. It's a budget-friendly option that offers a tangible improvement over basic TV speakers for clarity, especially for dialogue, and its compact design is a major plus. For approximately £69.00, it delivers on the promise of better TV sound in a small package. However, the significant drawbacks concerning volume, sound quality depth, and occasional reliability issues mean it's not a universal recommendation. It provides perhaps 70-80% of the experience of a mid-range soundbar for a fraction of the cost, but the missing 20-30% is where the "premium" experience lies – in loudness, dynamic range, and consistent performance. Our "Smart Buy Tip": If your primary goal is clearer dialogue and a slightly better sound profile without breaking the bank, and you have modest volume expectations, the HS214 might suffice. But be prepared for potential compromises, and consider a more solid solution if immersive bass and high volume are key.