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I tested Samsung’s Dolby Atmos soundbar and sub combo, and it’s still the best mid-range model on the market

3:00 pm | November 23, 2025

Samsung HW-Q800F: two-minute review

The Samsung HW-Q800F is the 2025 edition of Samsung’s yearly Dolby Atmos soundbar-sub combo, and it proves that the South Korean giant maintains a firm grip on the home theater throne.

This 5.1.2 channel soundbar shakes things up a bit by bundling in a far more compact and sleek-looking subwoofer, which is far easier to integrate into your TV setup. Good news though – there’s been no sacrifice on power, with 400W and 11 speakers powering this combo.

And I really felt every ounce of power the Samsung HW-Q800F had to offer. I experienced truly imposing, yet agile and clean bass, which made grandiose movie scores that touch more immersive and booming sound effects even more impactful. This is also one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars I’ve tested, with precise mapping of on-screen action and expansive imaging, taking my favorite movies to the next level.

Of course, you won't get the full surround sound experience that something like the Samsung HW-Q990F will provide, solely due to that model's inclusion of rear speakers. But the Q800F comes in at a far cheaper price-point, and the option is there to add rears if you'd like. Also, the sound you do get out of the box is already highly impactful, expansive, and engrossing.

Anyway, it's not only movies the Q800F excels with. This soundbar is also fairly gifted in the music department, and supports streaming over Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite tracks via Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and the like. Bluetooth 5.3 is also available, alongside the regular connectivity methods like HDMI eARC and digital optical.

You’ll find an HDMI input port on the soundbar, which supports passthrough at 4K at 60Hz. As a gamer, I was hoping for this to be raised to 120Hz for 2025, though this is a fairly minor complaint in the grand scheme of things.

Beyond connectivity, there are so many excellent features to uncover on the Q800F. You’ve got some returning characters like Q-Symphony, which can integrate a compatible TV into your soundbar system, as well as SpaceFit Surround Pro for room calibration, and Active Voice Amplification for enhancing dialogue in movies or TV shows.

This time out, Samsung’s added Moderate Bass, though, which disables the sub and lets the main soundbar pick up those low frequency sounds. That’s pretty handy if you’re temporarily short on space, for example.

Combine that with an excellent array of sound modes, a nifty companion app, and support for a range of formats – of course including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X – and the Q800F offers just about everything you could want from a mid-range soundbar.

Design-wise, the real highlight is that new, compact subwoofer, but you’re also getting that typical Samsung quality, with a durable main bar that uses a classy metallic grille and LED display. Sure, the overall package isn’t as flashy as some models, but the smaller sub makes for an upgrade over 2024’s Samsung HW-Q800D (I'm not sure why Samsung skipped over E, but it did).

Set-up is sensationally straightforward – it's plug and play, with no pesky in-app requirements, no awkward pairing issues, and very few wires. The sub instantly connected to the soundbar the moment I hooked it up to the power, I didn’t even have to do anything. And there’s a physical remote included here that is as sleek and easy-to-use as ever.

At the end of it all, the Samsung HW-Q800F is a stellar soundbar that hits just about all of the right notes. It offers wonderful performance for Atmos movies and music, its new sub is a considerable upgrade design-wise and still packs phenomenal low-end output, and there are tons of features to take advantage of. It’s also regularly available at a modest price (more on that below), making it a top value option. As a result, its easily up there with some of the best soundbars around.

Samsung HW-Q800F review: price and release date

Officially priced at $1,099 / £799 / AU$1,099
But unlikely to set you back that far in the real world
Launched in 2025

The Samsung HW-Q800F is the 2025 edition of Samsung’s mid-range combination of a full-length soundbar and an accompanying sub, coming one year after the HW-Q800D, which I also reviewed. It sits a level below the Samsung HW-Q990F, which comes bundled with rear speakers, but as a result, will set you back a bit more.

Initially, the Samsung HW-Q800F launched with a list price of $1,099 / £799 / AU$1,099. That’s $100 / £50 more than last year’s model in the US and UK respectively, but no different in Australia. Having said that, you’re unlikely to pay anywhere near that much now, even though this is a very recent release. I’m seeing it sell for less than $750 / £600 / AU$800 with various reputable online retailers.

Ports underneath the Samsung HW-Q800F — (Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q800F review: specs

Dimensions	Main soundbar: 43.7 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches / 1110.7 x 60.4 x 120mm; subwoofer: 9.8 x 9.9 x 9.8 inches / 249 x 251.8 x 249mm
Speaker channels	5.1.2
Connections	1x HDMI input, 1x HDMI eARC, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X	Yes / Yes
Sub included	Yes
Rear speakers included	No

Samsung HW-Q800F review: features

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Q-Symphony available with compatible Samsung TVs
4K passthrough, but still not at 120Hz

There’s a truly exhaustive set of features to uncover on the Samsung HW-Q800F, which builds nicely on what its predecessor had to offer. It again takes up a 5.1.2 speaker configuration, but this time offers 400W of power, as opposed to the Q800D’s 360W. There’s a new, compact sub too, but I’ll speak more about that later.

Of course, there’s full support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, alongside the usual Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby 5.1 and DTS: HD-Master Audio. You can also connect to the soundbar in a whole host of ways – through the typical HDMI eARC method, but also via digital optical, Bluetooth, or over Wi-Fi.

You’ll discover an HDMI in port on the soundbar as well, which supports 4K passthrough, but as we saw last year, only at 60Hz. Some gamers will be frustrated by the lack of 120Hz support, which can be used for silky 120fps gameplay in titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Nintendo Switch 2. I hope Samsung upgrades this in 2026, but until then, gamers will have to access 120Hz via a compatible TV’s own HDMI ports.

Admittedly, that’s a pretty small con given the wide range of options available with the Q800F. SpaceFit Surround Pro can effectively calibrate the soundbar and sub combo based on your room’s acoustics, there’s a voice enhancement mode, EQ and sub level adjustments, and a bass enhancement option.

All of last year’s sound modes are back and all work brilliantly too. These include: Standard; Adaptive; Surround; and Game. If you were wondering, adaptive harnesses AI in order to assess on-screen content and deliver tailored audio – I mainly stuck with this throughout my testing time.

Something new for this generation of Samsung soundbars is Moderate Bass, which deactivates the sub and leaves the soundbar to handle lower frequencies on its own. That's useful if you’re short on space.

If you’ve got a compatible Samsung TV from 2022 or later, you’ll be able to access some features a little easier via your TV menu. But you’ll also get access to Q-Symphony, which makes use of your TV’s built-in speakers, and combines them with your soundbar and sub for an even more powerful and expansive listening experience.

Features score: 4.5/5

Person holding phone with SmartThings app beside the Samsung HW-Q800F — (Image credit: Future / Aardman Animations)

Samsung HW-Q800F review: performance

Great Atmos with precise audio positioning
New sub offers exceptional bass output
Ultra-clear dialogue, clean treble, and impressive musicality

Much like its predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q800F is a standout performer in the sound quality department. It harnesses the might of 11 speakers and has a high maximum power output of 400W spread across the soundbar and new compact sub. And that high-power performance was incredibly evident to me, with Samsung’s combo delivering impactful, sometimes even room-shaking sound.

When I threw on The Boy and the Heron, I flicked to a scene in which a horde of fish and frogs shout “JOIN US” at the protagonist, Mahito. Throughout this encounter, there’s meant to be incredibly deep, all-encompassing bass, and the HW-Q800F replicated this to great effect, with a low-end rumble rippling through our testing space.

It was a similar story with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Top Gun: Maverick. The sound of jet engines firing up was truly seismic – the bass response was almost sizable enough to make me feel as if I was in the cinema. This movie is also a great test for Atmos, so I continued watching until Tom Cruise flew the jet up and overhead, and the impression of height genuinely impressed me.

Sure, the verticality you’ll get from genuine overhead speakers will take things to another level, but the up-firing speakers onboard undoubtedly performed their role to a high standard.

We recently called in one of my favorite movies of all time, The Mask, in 4K UHD, so naturally I tested that with the HW-Q800F as well. And this soundbar seamlessly nailed every task this chaotic film threw at it. The roar of thunder at the beginning came through with ferocious force, the high-pitched shatter of windows had a real bite to it, but never sounded tinny or uncontrolled, and dialogue between Stanley and Tina was unbelievably clear.

Atmos performance was again impeccable, and the general positioning of speech and other sounds was top-class. When Tina sits down at the back of Stanley’s bank to ‘open an account’, her voice is placed with pin-point precision. When some mob B-rate gangsters play air hockey in the background of a scene, the smack of the puck sounded distant yet well-defined, just as it should be.

So, when it comes to movies, you’re getting awesome performance here, but I was wondering if the same case would apply for music. I started with a couple of tracks using the Atmos format, and was not disappointed. In Dream of Arrakis by Hans Zimmer, the attack of percussion in the intro was full of intent, and swept right across the soundbar.

Deep bass, which is reminiscent of an increasingly racing heartbeat, had some real punch to it, and deeply immersed me into the track. Meanwhile, haunting artifacts weren’t lost at all, and felt well positioned in the backdrop of the track. Percussion was also incredibly well positioned, and distorted vocals had phenomenal width, demonstrating the seriously expansive sound of the HW-Q800F.

Even with basic stereo format music, the soundbar performed very well indeed. 12 O.C Riddim by M-High demonstrated the new subwoofer’s talents in the deep bass department, with agile, low-reaching performance. Even All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix, I was struck by subtle percussion, tonally accurate and energized electric guitars, and clean, defined vocals. Sure, channel separation won’t compete with some of the best stereo speakers, but I still got a very enjoyable listen here.

Whatever content you’re consuming, the Q800F is well-equipped to deliver optimum quality. The SpaceFit Surround Pro feature optimized the soundbar’s sound for the acoustics of our testing space, while the various sound modes all had a clearly differentiated approach, with Adaptive my general go-to. I was partial to Surround, too, which whips up an even wider soundstage.

Of course, you won’t get the ultimate surround sound experience due to the lack of rear speakers, which would create genuine wrap-around sound. If you want those, you’ll have to splash out a fair amount more on the Samsung HW-Q990F, or separately purchase SWA-9500S speakers. Even without these, though, the Q800F plates up the expansive, deep, and well-rounded performance we’ve come to expect from Samsung’s home theater technology.

Sound quality score: 5/5

Side profile of Samsung HW-Q800F

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q800F review: design

Soundbar looks the same, but sub is greatly refined
Not the most aesthetically pleasing model on the market
But build quality is undoubtedly strong

The Samsung HW-Q800D was almost indistinguishable from its predecessor, but this time around, Samsung has endeavoured to make the generational change a lot more apparent.

It's done this by bundling a new, compact subwoofer, which is so much easier to fit into your setup than the previous tall block that was included. You still get that great low-end performance too, so you don’t have to sacrifice substance for style.

The main bar itself has remained the same, and it's fairly standard stuff. It's got a nice metallic grille with an easy-to-read display on the front, but you’re getting the traditional black bar. If you want something with a little more style, the retro-style Marshall Heston 120 or sleeker Sonos Arc Ultra might be better options.

Still, you’re getting strong build quality from this soundbar and sub combo – both units have a sturdy feel and don’t look cheap or plasticky. I’m also a fan of the straightforward physical controls on the soundbar and the slim remote, which is packaged in.

Design score: 4.5/5

Samsung HW-Q800F's new compact subwoofer — (Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q800F review: setup & usability

Simple wireless plug and play setup
Easy-to-use remote and companion app
No sub pairing problems this time out

I was delighted with how easy the Samsung HW-Q800F was to set up and use. I simply plugged the soundbar and sub into the power, and connected the main bar to the Samsung S95F via its HDMI eARC port.

There was no complex pairing process to complete, the sub was pre-paired with the soundbar, and the two worked in tandem right out of the box. I’d had some minor trouble with the Q800D, so it was satisfying to get a hassle-free setup this time out.

Unlike some rivals, Samsung is still packing a physical remote with its soundbars, and the one I received with the Q800F worked as expected, allowing easy control over volume, sound modes, sub level, and more.

I did also use the SmartThings app, though, which grants control over all of that, as well as EQ adjustment, voice amplification, and room calibration, among other things. The app was simply laid out and navigating the various menus never caused me any confusion.

Its also worth flagging that the Q800F has an inbuilt mic that can be used with Amazon Alexa or Google voice assistants – there’s even a handy button to activate or deactivate this on top of the bar.

Setup & usability: 5/5

Person pressing button on the remote control of the Samsung HW-Q800F — (Image credit: Future / Aardman Animations)

Samsung HW-Q800F review: value

Slight price bump over predecessor…
…but widely available on sale for a great price
A whole lot of quality right across the board

Even though the Samsung HW-Q800F has a $100 / £50 (no change in Australia) over its predecessor, I really don’t think it matters very much.

Firstly, you’re getting more power in a more compact, sleek overall package. And crucially, you’re almost certainly not going to meet the list price of $1,099 / £799 / AU$1,099.

Yes, even months after release, I’m already seeing the Q800F sell for less than $750 / £600 / AU$800, with plenty of availability too. And when you consider the fact that you’re getting a fantastic soundbar and sub combo, which packs awesome Atmos, brilliant bass, and a broad feature-set, I think you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Realistically, the HW-Q990F is still going to cost hundreds of dollars and pounds (etc.) more than the Q800F for some time – and although that system is the superior package for surround sound, those seeking a cheaper option will surely be satisfied with the capabilities of the Q800F.

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q800F?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Exhaustive sound enhancement options, Atmos and DTS:X support, HDMI passthrough only at 60Hz.	4.5/5
Sound quality	Fantastic clarity across all frequencies, epic Atmos for movies and music.	5/5
Design	Soundbar itself doesn’t quite ooze style, but the new compact sub is a hit, with a neat remote and physical controls.	4.5/5
Setup & usability	Plug and play setup, seamless soundbar and sub pairing, easy to control.	5/5
Value	Regularly on sale for a very modest price considering the overall quality available here.	4.5/5

Buy it if...

You’re looking for the ultimate value package
Considering this soundbar-sub combo is regularly on sale for a lot less than its official price, I think it's a fantastic value package. You’ll struggle to find a Dolby Atmos soundbar with this much power, this much quality, and this many features for less than $750 / £600 / AU$800.

You want awesome Atmos for movies and music
I was very impressed with the Dolby Atmos effects available through the HW-Q800F. It mapped on-screen action with incredible accuracy, made instruments sound as if they were playing in the corners of our testing room, and generally whipped up pleasingly expansive sound.

Don't buy it if...

You want the ultimate surround sound experience
Due to the lack of rear speakers – at least out of the box – the Samsung HW-Q800F won’t give you the most full surround sound experience out there. If you want the best of the best in this regard, I’d consider spending more on the spectacular Samsung HW-Q990F or purchasing rear speakers separately.

You’re after something with style
Although you get great build quality from the Samsung HW-Q800F, alongside a new compact sub, I’d be lying if I said this bundle was the prettiest thing I’ve seen. The Marshall soundbar below, and even the Sonos Arc Ultra have more going for themselves in the looks department.

Samsung HW-Q800F review: also consider

	Samsung HW-Q800F	Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6	Marshall Heston 120
Price	$1,099 / £799 / AU$1,099	$649 / £449 / AU$899	$999 / £899 / AU$1,799
Dimensions	Main soundbar: 43.7 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches / 1110.7 x 60.4 x 120mm; subwoofer: 9.8 x 9.9 x 9.8 inches / 249 x 251.8 x 249mm	Main soundbar: 37.5 x 2.6 x 4.4 inches / 950 x 64 x 110mm; subwoofer: 8.3 x 15.3 x 15.3 inches / 210 x 388 x 388mm	43.3 x 5.7 x 3.0 inches / 1100 x 145 x 76mm
Speaker channels	5.1.2	3.1.2	5.1.2
Connections	1x HDMI input, 1x HDMI eARC, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3	1x HDMI eRAC, digital optical, Bluetooth 5,3	1x HDMI input, 1x HDMI eARC, RCA Stereo, RCA Mono (sub out), USB-C, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X	Yes / Yes	Yes / Yes	Yes / Yes
Sub included	Yes	Yes	No
Rear speakers included	No	No	No

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6
Although it’s missing Wi-Fi streaming and has a 3.1.2 channel configuration, the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is a great value soundbar and sub combo. It packs in good sound quality, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, an easy setup process, and a brilliant companion app. Considering I’ve seen it on sale for less than $500 / £350 / AU$600, that’s a whole lot of bang for your buck. Read our full Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review.

Marshall Heston 120
Here’s something different in just about every sense. Marshall’s debut soundbar is an all-in-one model, meaning it doesn’t come with a separate sub, but it sure doesn’t skimp on bass. It puts up a deep, immersive, and expansive audio performance that seriously impressed me, hence the award of a five-star rating. It offers great Dolby Atmos for movies and music, and comes with all the connectivity options you could want. It's quite pricey, especially if you want to add the Heston Sub 200 for additional low-end power, but for the premium look and audio on offer, I think it's still a top option. Read our full Marshall Heston 120 review.

How I tested the Samsung HW-Q800F

Tested intensively across multiple hours
Used in our TV testing space at Future Labs
Trialled Dolby Atmos movies and music among other formats

To test the Samsung HW-Q800F, I spent hours watching movies, listening to music, and exhausting all of its available features at the Future Labs TV testing space. During this time, I had the soundbar hooked up to the sensational Samsung S95F OLED TV, which opened up a bunch of exclusive options, such as Q-Symphony.

I used the various sound modes on offer while watching movies – predominantly in Dolby Atmos via 4K UHD Blu-rays on the Panasonic DP-UB820 – but I did also watch some non-Atmos content to assess quality across the board. On top of that, I made use of Tidal Connect to assess the soundbar’s capabilities with Dolby Atmos and stereo mixes of some tunes I’m deeply familiar with after regularly testing with them.

More generally, I've tested tons of soundbars here at TechRadar – everything from ultra-cheap options like the Hisense HS214 through to pricier models like the Marshall Heston 120. Crucially, I also reviewed and lived with last year’s Samsung HW-Q800D soundbar, so I’ve personally experienced the difference made by upgrading to the 2025 edition of Samsung’s soundbar and sub combo.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed: November 2025

I tested Samsung’s Dolby Atmos soundbar and sub combo, and it’s still the best mid-range model on the market

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Soundbars Televisions | Tags: Dolby Atmos, DTS, TV | Comments: Off

Samsung HW-Q800F: two-minute review

The Samsung HW-Q800F is the 2025 edition of Samsung’s yearly Dolby Atmos soundbar-sub combo, and it proves that the South Korean giant maintains a firm grip on the home theater throne.

Samsung HW-Q800F review: price and release date

Officially priced at $1,099 / £799 / AU$1,099
But unlikely to set you back that far in the real world
Launched in 2025

Samsung HW-Q800F review: specs

Dimensions	Main soundbar: 43.7 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches / 1110.7 x 60.4 x 120mm; subwoofer: 9.8 x 9.9 x 9.8 inches / 249 x 251.8 x 249mm
Speaker channels	5.1.2
Connections	1x HDMI input, 1x HDMI eARC, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X	Yes / Yes
Sub included	Yes
Rear speakers included	No

Samsung HW-Q800F review: features

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Q-Symphony available with compatible Samsung TVs
4K passthrough, but still not at 120Hz

Features score: 4.5/5

Samsung HW-Q800F review: performance

Great Atmos with precise audio positioning
New sub offers exceptional bass output
Ultra-clear dialogue, clean treble, and impressive musicality

Sure, the verticality you’ll get from genuine overhead speakers will take things to another level, but the up-firing speakers onboard undoubtedly performed their role to a high standard.

Sound quality score: 5/5

Side profile of Samsung HW-Q800F

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q800F review: design

Soundbar looks the same, but sub is greatly refined
Not the most aesthetically pleasing model on the market
But build quality is undoubtedly strong

The Samsung HW-Q800D was almost indistinguishable from its predecessor, but this time around, Samsung has endeavoured to make the generational change a lot more apparent.

Design score: 4.5/5

Samsung HW-Q800F review: setup & usability

Simple wireless plug and play setup
Easy-to-use remote and companion app
No sub pairing problems this time out

I was delighted with how easy the Samsung HW-Q800F was to set up and use. I simply plugged the soundbar and sub into the power, and connected the main bar to the Samsung S95F via its HDMI eARC port.

Setup & usability: 5/5

Samsung HW-Q800F review: value

Slight price bump over predecessor…
…but widely available on sale for a great price
A whole lot of quality right across the board

Even though the Samsung HW-Q800F has a $100 / £50 (no change in Australia) over its predecessor, I really don’t think it matters very much.

Firstly, you’re getting more power in a more compact, sleek overall package. And crucially, you’re almost certainly not going to meet the list price of $1,099 / £799 / AU$1,099.

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q800F?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Exhaustive sound enhancement options, Atmos and DTS:X support, HDMI passthrough only at 60Hz.	4.5/5
Sound quality	Fantastic clarity across all frequencies, epic Atmos for movies and music.	5/5
Design	Soundbar itself doesn’t quite ooze style, but the new compact sub is a hit, with a neat remote and physical controls.	4.5/5
Setup & usability	Plug and play setup, seamless soundbar and sub pairing, easy to control.	5/5
Value	Regularly on sale for a very modest price considering the overall quality available here.	4.5/5

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Samsung HW-Q800F review: also consider

	Samsung HW-Q800F	Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6	Marshall Heston 120
Price	$1,099 / £799 / AU$1,099	$649 / £449 / AU$899	$999 / £899 / AU$1,799
Dimensions	Main soundbar: 43.7 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches / 1110.7 x 60.4 x 120mm; subwoofer: 9.8 x 9.9 x 9.8 inches / 249 x 251.8 x 249mm	Main soundbar: 37.5 x 2.6 x 4.4 inches / 950 x 64 x 110mm; subwoofer: 8.3 x 15.3 x 15.3 inches / 210 x 388 x 388mm	43.3 x 5.7 x 3.0 inches / 1100 x 145 x 76mm
Speaker channels	5.1.2	3.1.2	5.1.2
Connections	1x HDMI input, 1x HDMI eARC, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3	1x HDMI eRAC, digital optical, Bluetooth 5,3	1x HDMI input, 1x HDMI eARC, RCA Stereo, RCA Mono (sub out), USB-C, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X	Yes / Yes	Yes / Yes	Yes / Yes
Sub included	Yes	Yes	No
Rear speakers included	No	No	No

How I tested the Samsung HW-Q800F

Tested intensively across multiple hours
Used in our TV testing space at Future Labs
Trialled Dolby Atmos movies and music among other formats

Read more about how we test
First reviewed: November 2025

I spent a month testing the new Roku Pro Series (2025), and it’s a solid upgrade on an already high-value TV

3:00 pm | November 15, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: HDMI, TV | Comments: Off

Roku Pro Series TV (2025): One-minute review

The original Roku Pro Series TV impressed me when I reviewed it in 2024, and I remain impressed with this updated version Roku released in 2025. The differences between the two, ultimately, are somewhat minor – you can’t really tell a difference at a glance, other than it having larger support feet – but the improvements in audio and picture quality make it worth it.

I actually appreciate that the Roku Pro Series (2025) is mostly the same in a lot of ways. Its shadowbox design might seem strangely thick for TVs these days, but it has benefits when it comes to wall-mounting and sound quality. The port selection is the same, though at least the HDMI ports that support a faster refresh rate are visibly marked this time around. The Pro Series (2025) comes with Roku’s best remote control as well.

Just like last year, I consider the Roku Pro Series to be among the best TVs in this price range. It’s certainly a step up from the still good Roku Plus Series. Now, it doesn’t have quite the brightness and deep contrast of really premium TVs, but it does support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range, not to mention uses a mini-LED backlight with local dimming.

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Price and release date

Roku Pro Series TV (2025) remote control — The Roku Voice Remote Pro allows for hands-free voice support (Image credit: Future)

Release date: June 2025
55-inch: $899.99
65-inch: $1,199.99
75-inch: $1,699.99

The Roku Pro Series TV (2025) is a refresh of the Roku Pro Series TV (2024) I reviewed last year, with just a few (but welcome) upgrades. Even so, the Pro Series TVs are priced the same as last year's models at all screen sizes.

Launch prices for the Roku Pro Series TVs sit between the TCL QM6K and TCL QM7K, two other value-priced series of mini-LED TVs. They are also comparable to the launch prices for the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED series TVs. All three of those TV lineups have seen discounts in 2025, and we expect to see the same for the Roku Pro Series (2025) as we head into the holiday shopping season.

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Specs

Screen type:	QLED with mini-LED
Refresh rate:	120Hz
HDR support:	Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:	Dolby Atmos
Smart TV:	Roku TV
HDMI ports:	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 1.0

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Benchmark results

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Features

Roku Pro Series TV (2025) inputs — Connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support (Image credit: Future)

Smart home support
Hands-free voice control
Roku Smart Picture Max

The feature-filled Roku Pro Series (2025) offers much of what you would expect from a TV these days, such as Apple AirPlay support and the ability to connect Bluetooth headphones and speakers. It also works with multiple smart home ecosystems such as Roku Smart Home, Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home.

HDR support includes Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive. The TV’s Hands-free voice control, accessible through the remote, is also pretty nifty, especially since you just have to be in the remote’s vicinity and don’t have to press the microphone button for it to hear you.

One key upgrade from last year’s Roku Pro Series is the addition of Roku Smart Picture Max. This feature, like Dolby Vision, adjusts the picture quality on a scene-by-scene basis. It will also change picture modes as well as color, sharpness, and contrast on a scene-by-scene basis. That’s pretty cool, and, interestingly, one of those things you don’t really notice the benefits of until it’s turned off.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that you can set it to automatically turn on when powering up an external source, such as a gaming console or Blu-ray player.

Features Score: 4/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Picture quality

Roku Pro Series TV (2025) showing image of ceramic kettle — Adjusting the TV's settings to the Brightest option in the Picture setup menu will more than double its brightness to an impressive 1,700-1,800 nits (Image credit: Future)

Improved color accuracy with good brightness
Good contrast and motion handling
Very minor vignetting

Having tested several TVs in this budget price range, it’s hard to get too impressed with the results. And when I got the Roku Pro Series TV (2025), it felt like more of the same. But my main TV is last year’s version, and the performance is very similar.

The Pro Series (2025) TV’s Peak HDR brightness, measured on a white window pattern covering 10% of the screen, was 821 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 841 nits in Standard mode. And it hit 375 and 390 nits, respectively, in those same modes when we measured fullscreen brightness.

Those results were at the default settings for those picture modes, and would be considered average for a budget mini-LED TV. We ran a second round of measurements with the Brightest setting selected for each mode, however, and the peak HDR brightness results more than doubled to 1,752 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 1,818 nits in Standard mode. That’s a significant difference, and a big benefit when viewing in a room with bright lighting.

The TV’s color gamut coverage of 96.9% UHDA-P3 and 80.6 BT.2020 is also quite good, although we’ve seen similar results from mid-range mini-LED TVs such as the TCL QM8K. One improvement, revealed by our benchmarks, is the new Pro Series’ color accuracy: Last year’s model sat at 3.9, while this year’s is 2.6 (the closer to 0 the better).

In terms of actual viewing, the images that this screen produces are crisp and vibrant. Roku has worked to minimize blooming and it seems to have paid off as images looked clean and defined even with very strong contrast and color. And the TV does a good job with motion handling: While watching NFL games, I could clearly make out all the players and how they moved across the field.

The colors pop the way they should when watching something like Coco (a favorite animated movie for testing color). And the TV’s handling of high dynamic range allows for wide contrast levels, including being able to make out details in the shadows.

Now, I can’t say that the picture quality is any better than the TCL QM6K I recently reviewed, though it does have less vignetting at the corners than that TV. Of course, that’s to also say that the Roku Pro Series does suffer from very minor vignetting, although it’s so minor that I would have to point it out for most other people to notice it.

Picture quality score: 4/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Sound quality

Roku Pro Series TV (2025) rear panel subwoofer — Larger speaker chambers on the Pro Series (2025) allow for higher volume levels and a greater sense of spaciousness (Image credit: Future)

Good, soundbar-level audio
Lacks bass
Decent audio fine-tuning features

I’ve spent a bit of time not only listening to the audio from shows and movies but also plenty of music on this TV. Like the previous version, the Roku Pro Series TV (2025) has very good audio for a TV. It’s good enough that you probably won’t feel the need to get a soundbar unless you want surround sound, spatial audio, or a subwoofer. It’s as good as a basic soundbar, and that’s high praise for a TV.

The internal chambers for the speakers on the new Roku Pro Series are actually bigger than the previous version, allowing for a little higher volume and a greater sense of space to the sound. They’re also pushed out a little wider for a better soundstage. It’s not night and day, as last year’s version was very good, too, but I appreciate that Roku is constantly trying to improve the TV’s audio.

As far as the frequency range goes, there’s a lot of good and some bad. The high end is decent enough that I feel like I can hear plenty of detail whenever I’m listening to music, while the mid-range has a richness to it that not only gives music and background scores a fullness, but also helps highlight dialogue.

The low end, unfortunately, is very lacking, though this is far from a surprise. When I watched an action scene in a movie with lots of explosions (or anything where there’s a lot of bass), it felt a bit lacking since that low-end information is basically missing. Batman punching through an explosion in his Batmobile in The Batman just doesn’t hit the same when you don’t feel the 18-wheeler turn off or explode.

The soundstage does have good imaging, meaning I could clearly hear where the audio is intended to be (left or right, close or far away). It doesn’t quite have the width of an external home theater sound system, but, for something built into the back of a TV, it’s fairly impressive.

Lastly, I do want to mention that there are some solid audio-related settings available. For one, you can adjust its audio output based on whether it’s mounted against the wall or not. There are also treble and bass EQ sliders.

On top of that, there are various sound presets, including a dialog and night mode, both of which I feel are important. The former boosts where the human voice sits to make dialogue more intelligible (looking at you, Christopher Nolan) and the latter flattens the dynamic range so that there aren’t any unexpected loud or quiet parts when watching at night.

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Design

Roku Pro Series TV (2025) support feet being installed — No tools are required to install the TV's support feet (Image credit: Future)

Shadowbox design allows for flush mounting
Cable management in the back with marked HDMI 2.1 ports
Remote has hands-free voice support

When I reviewed last year’s version of the Roku Pro Series TV, one of my favorite aspects was its shadowbox design. Since the 2025 version is virtually identical, the shadowbox design remains. Looking at its side profile, it’s thicker than most TVs these days. That might sound like it looks unwieldy, but it’s still an attractive TV.

More importantly, when hung, this shape sits flush against the wall the way a picture frame would, making for a more attractive installation. Compare that to most TVs that are tapered in the back and look like they’re hanging off the wall. It’s a design choice that I really appreciate.

From the front, you have very thin bezels around the TV except along the bottom, where it’s around half an inch in height, enough to showcase the Roku logo. The screen itself does have some reflectivity, but it’s not any worse than any other mid-range or budget TV I’ve seen.

Design-wise, the back of the TV is a little more interesting. First, the lower back is indented in such a way to allow you to run all the cables from the ports and power down the middle while still keeping the TV flush against the wall if mounted. Plus, there are strategically placed straps to keep the cables from sticking out.

As far as ports go, there are four HDMI connections, two of which are version 2.1 that allow 120Hz refresh rates from external sources such as a gaming console. And, unlike last year’s version, they’re marked. There are also USB-A and USB-C ports, LAN (for a wired Ethernet connection), optical digital audio out, and an antenna input. Besides the marked HDMI ports, I appreciated the extra USB so I could keep the charging cable for the remote plugged in.

Speaking of the remote, it’s the same second-gen Roku Voice Remote Pro that not only allows for hands-free voice support – you can talk to it with a wake word (“Hey Roku”) like you would an Amazon Echo – but has two reprogrammable buttons so you can have a shortcut for an app that you might open all the time that isn’t already on the remote.

Design score: 5/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Smart TV and menus

Roku Pro series TV main Roku interface — Roku has one of the cleanest and easiest to navigate smart TV interfaces on the market (Image credit: Future)

Tile interface layout
Plenty of free or Roku-specific content
Lots of picture settings available for fine-tuning

Smart TV interfaces generally come in two flavors: a grid of tiles and a banner plus mixed content. The former basically organizes the home screen around an arrangement of app tiles, and you navigate to the app you want. The latter generally has a rotating banner that highlights a specific movie or show, along with rows of different content including app tiles but also specific media from within your subscribed apps.

Roku uses the tile layout, and I like it. It’s a little less busy and has a cleaner look, though you do have to open the apps to browse. However, Roku does have some suggested content at the top now, as well as a “What to Watch” tab that showcases rows of specific media, including a “Continue Watching” row.

Like most smart TV makers, Roku offers free, ad-supported content. Of course, there’s the Roku Channel, but there’s now also the Howdy by Roku app that is paid for ad-free viewing, but is very low-priced. There’s also a Sports tab with some free content available.

As far as the actual TV settings go, I appreciate that all settings are integrated into the Roku OS, though that’s not unusual these days.

Even better is the fact that I can adjust settings for different inputs, even renaming them, as well as connect different Bluetooth devices like headphones. There are plenty of settings that one can play with for picture quality to adjust HDR (or turn it off entirely), different motion-related settings for sports, local dimming and micro contrast, and all sorts of color and color-temperature settings. You can do quite a bit of fine-tuning.

Smart TV & menus score: 5/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Gaming

Roku Pro Series TV (2025) showing a game image from Dead Island 2 — An ultra-low 9.3ms input lag in Game mode results in smooth and responsive gaming (Image credit: Future)

4K 120Hz support
Automatic switching to console input and gaming picture mode
No FPS counter

Roku has not forgotten about gamers with the Pro Series. There isn’t a special TV menu when in game mode like I see on some other TVs, but there is support for 4K 120Hz input on two of the TV’s HDMI ports.

When turning on a next-gen console, the TV can automatically switch to that input (a setting you have to enable). The TV will also automatically switch to Game mode, which adjusts the picture settings.

The things that make the Roku Pro Series TV (2025) good for gaming are mostly what make it good for other types of media. The TV does well with sports, so it’s no surprise that it can handle fast-moving objects on the screen, whether it’s playing a sports game like NBA 2K25 or a shooter. Even something like Dead Island 2, where you’re running around and trying to dodge zombies, requires good motion handling.

The TV’s good brightness, along with solid HDR and color, really helps games to pop. Measured input latency is also an ultra-low 9.3ms in Game mode, which results in highly responsive performance.

Gaming score: 4.5/5

Roku Pro Series (2025) review: Value

Roku Pro Series TV (2025) accessories on wood floor — The Roku Pro Series (2025) accessories kit (Image credit: Future)

Good price for what’s offered
Plenty of solid competition
Cheaper Plus series mini-LED model available

At around $1,200 for the 65-inch model I tested, the Roku Pro Series is affordably priced, although it faces stiff competition from other budget and mid-range mini-LED TVs.

For instance, the TCL QM6K is a stellar option for a mid-range TV and you can find it on sale for under $700 in the same size. The QM6K has great color and contrast, but just okay brightness and the audio is lacking.

Of course, if you like the idea of the Roku Pro but not the price, the newer version of the Roku Plus Series will get you most of the way there for a little less cash. Spending around $650 for the 65-inch version will get you a 4K mini-LED TV with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, though you’re not going to have the same audio quality, shadowbox design, or 4K 120Hz support.

The Roku Pro Series is a good value compared to the competition, though part of that is the improved audio as well as some of Roku’s unique design choices. It’s also what makes it a better value than the Roku Plus models.

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Roku Pro Series (2025)?

Roku Pro Series TV (2025) showing image from Coco animated movie — (Image credit: Future)

Roku Pro Series (2025)
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Roku Smart Picture Max, smart home, and hands-free voice support are just some of what this TV has on offer	4.5/5
Picture quality	The color accuracy is improved over last year’s model. The overall picture quality is very good, though there is some minor vignetting	4/5
Sound quality	The audio quality is good enough to skip getting a soundbar, though there’s not much bass	4.5/5
Design	The shadowbox design might be bulky, but it is ideal for mounting the TV flush on the wall	5/5
Smart TV and menus	Navigating the interface and menus is straightforward	5/5
Gaming	Supports a high refresh rate, though there are limited gaming-related menu options	4/5
Value	Improves on last year’s model, while selling for the same price	4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a TV that looks good on the wall
The shadowbox design allows this TV to look good when mounted, almost like a picture frame with a TV in it. If you plan on mounting your TV, this one sits flush against the wall and does a good job of hiding the cables in the back.

You don’t want to buy a soundbar
The audio quality is good enough that you won’t feel the need to get a soundbar. It does lack some low-end, but Roku sells wireless subwoofers that can pair with the TV.

Don't buy it if…

You want a next-level picture
The Roku Pro Series TV looks very good, but it’s not quite a premium TV. You’ll have to spend a bit more, but there’s still a level of image quality above this model.

You’re on a serious budget
This model punches above its weight, but if you’re on a budget, you’re better off sticking with the Roku Select or Plus Series, which are still pretty good TVs.

Also consider...

	Roku Pro Series (2025)	TCL QM6K	Roku Plus Series	Hisense U75QG
Price (65-inch)	$1,199	$999	$649	$1,499
Screen type	mini-LED w/ QLED	mini-LED w/ QLED	mini-LED w/ QLED	mini-LED w/ QLED
Refresh rate	120Hz	Up to 144Hz	60Hz	Up to 165Hz
HDR support	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10
Smart TV	Roku TV	Google TV	Roku TV	Google TV
HDMI ports	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	4	4 HDMI 2.1

TCL QM6K
The TCL QM6K is just as good a value and even a little cheaper than the Roku Pro Series TV, though it doesn’t have quite the audio quality or its unique shadowbox design. What it does have is a great picture quality with vibrant colors, good contrast, and minimal backlight blooming.

Read our full TCL QM6K review

Roku Plus Series
You’ll be locked to a 60Hz refresh rate and you won’t have the precision of the Pro Series, but the Roku Plus Series TVs are still an excellent value as they’re mini-LED TVs with full-array local dimming. It’s still as convenient as any other Roku device, though you won’t have the automatic picture switching, shadow box design, or updated remote of the Pro Series.

Read our full Roku Plus Series review

Hisense U75QG
Hisense's mid-range mini-LED TV is near the same price range as the Roku Pro Series, and it offers much higher picture brightness and better gaming features. Its design isn't as eye-catching as the Roku TV, however, and audio quality isn't as good.

Read our full Hisense U75QG review

How I tested the Roku Pro Series TV (2025)

Samsung QN900D showing test pattern — (Image credit: Future)

I used the Roku Pro Series TV (2025) for a month
Tested with both TV, movies, music, and games
Benchmark measurements conducted by Future US testing lab

I used the Roku Pro Series TV (2025) regularly for a month. I used it with TV, movies, music, and games. I tested the various features to see if they work as advertised. I also spent time listening to the audio as well as paying attention to the picture quality.

After spending some time with this TV, it’s my opinion that this TV is ideal for those who want a premium TV without the premium price tag as well as those who want to wall-mount a TV but hate how they look when mounted.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

First reviewed: November 2025
Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

I tested the Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 projector, and it has incredible performance and features for the price

1:19 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Theater Projectors Televisions | Tags: HDR, Mad Max | Comments: Off

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000: One minute review

The Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 is the latest, and least expensive, member of Epson's LS series of projectors. At $3,999 / £2,999 / AU$7,299, this entry-level dedicated home theater projector is notably cheaper than comparable options from JVC and Sony, yet still comes with a bevy of great features and performance to match.

Epson’s Pro Cinema LS9000 follows in the footsteps of the Epson LS12000 model that currently sits a the top of TechRadar’s Best Projectors list. The Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 aims to continue this excellence, employing the same 15-element glass VRX lens structure, laser light engine, and 3LCD technology as the LS12000.

Similar to the step-up LS12000, the Pro Cinema LS9000 supports 4K 120Hz signals, has relatively low input lag for gaming, and is compatible with the HDR10+ high dynamic range format. Its motorized lens shift, zoom, and focus make setup adjustments easy, and out of the box in Natural picture mode, it delivers accurate colors and a crisp image.

Even with all the great inclusions, some missing features reflect the LS9000’s entry-level status. The most glaring is a lack of dynamic tone mapping, which is also missing from the other LS series projectors that were originally released a few years ago, but is starting to show up in some less expensive home theater models. With a rated 2,200 lumens brightness (white and color), it’s also best suited for a home theater room with decent ambient light control, as opposed to a multi-purpose living space with light streaming in through windows.

Still, the Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 offers incredible performance for the price. It’s a solid projector that’s easy to set up, but still offers the ability to tweak and play with image settings that a new (or frugal) home projection enthusiast is sure to love.

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 review: Price & release date

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 on table at angle — The LS9000's 2,200 lumens brightness spec is comparable to many other home theater projectors (Image credit: Future)

Release date: July 2025
Price: $3,999 / £2,999 / AU$7,299

The Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 made its debut in July 2025 at the Audio Advice Live show in Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s the least expensive of Epson’s Pro Cinema laser projectors, coming in at $3,999 / £2,999 / AU$7,299. For comparison, the Home Cinema LS11000 retails for $4,499 (up from $3,999 when released) and the LS12000 now goes for $5,999 (up from $4,999 at release).

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 review: Specs

Screen sizes supported:	50-300 inches
Brightness (specified):	2,200 Lumens
HDR support:	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Optical technology:	3LCD laser diode
Smart TV:	N/A
Connections:	2x HDMI 2.1 (one with eARC), 2x USB-A (one 300mA for optical HDMI power, one 5V/2A for power and firmware), Mini USB (service), RJ45 (control), RS-232c, 3.5mm (12V trigger)
Dimensions (H x W x D):	7.6 x 20.5 x 17.6 inches (193 x 520‎ x 447mm)
Weight:	28 pounds (12.7kg)

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 review: Design & features

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 rear panel ports and controls — The projector's connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support (Image credit: Future)

Motorized zoom, focus, and lens shift
4K 120Hz support
Motorized lens cover

The Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 shares the same look as its bigger siblings, the Pro Cinema LS12000 and Home Cinema LS11000, and the high-lumen Epson QB1000 released in late 2024. The chassis is large and a bit heavy (the Sony Bravia Projector 7 weighs less, but the JVC DLA-NZ5 weighs a little more), but I find the design and its black color to look sleeker than its heft lets on. All connections are on the back panel alongside touch controls if the remote is misplaced.

The look is not where the similarities to the LS11000 and LS12000 end. Inside, the LS9000 uses the same VRX lens with a 15-element glass structure and has Epson’s 4K 3LCD design architecture with three 0.74-inch LCD panels.

As is the case with all Epson projectors, the LS9000 uses pixel-shifting technology to achieve a 4K resolution from 1080p chips. Some enthusiasts complain about this not being “True 4K” and as lesser than the use of native 4K chips, but the 4K image from the LS9000 (and every other Epson that uses pixel-shifting technology) is detailed and crisp, especially from a normal viewing distance. The chip also allows for a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz.

The laser light source is specified for 2,200 lumens of both color (IDMS rated) and white (ISO rated) light output and has up to 20,000 hours of life in all modes. This is where the LS9000’s performance separates from the LS11000 and LS12000, which are rated at 2,500 and 2,700 lumens, respectively, and partially accounts for the difference in pricing. The blue laser diode array emits light through a fixed yellow phosphor (first released with the LS12000), as opposed to a phosphor wheel, to create white light, and the laser light source and fixed phosphor allow it to run silently.

The lower lumen output makes the LS9000 more suitable for a dark room – or at the very least, a light-controlled room — than the more expensive, higher light output projectors. But as I’ll discuss below, it still delivers enough brightness for daytime viewing.

There’s a generous +/- 24% horizontal and +/- 96% vertical powered lens shift on the LS9000, along with powered zoom (a ratio of 1-1.2) and focus that can be controlled from the remote to make setup adjustments easy. The projector’s throw ratio is 1.35-2.84:1. There’s also vertical and horizontal keystone correction (+/- 30 degrees), but with the amount of lens shift available, keystone correction likely won’t be necessary (and should always be avoided, if possible, as it can negatively affect the picture).

The LS9000 is compatible with an anamorphic lens kit (sold separately) and third-party options. A memory feature allows you to save image adjustments and lens positioning for different aspect ratio setups, and the lens is also protected by a motorized lens cover that opens and closes with the power cycle.

The LS9000 supports HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+ high dynamic range, and has two HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K 120Hz. While that’s great news for gamers, the projector doesn’t support ALLM, so you’ll need to manually switch the image processing from Fine to Fast for the lowest input lag. HDMI2 also supports eARC, so if you decide to connect a streaming stick directly to the projector, you can send out audio including Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Master Audio, and DTS:X formats.

One thing missing from the Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 is dynamic HDR tone mapping. Instead, there’s an HDR Dynamic Range slider that allows you to manually adjust the brightness of the HDR image.

The projector’s remote is a bit chunky, but the keypad is backlit and has all the necessary buttons to make easy adjustments while viewing. There are dedicated buttons to call up features like Fine/Fast (for gaming), different lens memory positions, signal information, lens adjustment, and color modes.

Design & features score: 4.5/5

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 review: Picture quality

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 remote control on wood surface — The LS900 has a sizeable, fully backlit remote control with numerous buttons to make adjustments directly, bypassing onscreen setup menus (Image credit: Future)

Accurate image in Natural picture mode
HDR10+ support
No dynamic tone mapping

The LS9000 has five different picture modes — Dynamic, Vivid, Bright Cinema, Cinema, and Natural — and they are the same for both standard and high dynamic range sources. Each mode produces a watchable image out of the box, although all of them have some degree of blue tint to the grayscale, with Natural being the most accurate choice for both SDR and HDR.

The default color temperature setting of 6500K is still slightly on the blue side, but switching it to 6000K causes the color temperature to be a little too red. If you choose to do a professional calibration, you can use two different picture modes – one for SDR and one for HDR – and save them with the Image Memory setting.

Out of the box SDR measurements in Natural picture mode had an average Delta E of 2.8, with some grayscale reaching above 4 because of the blue bias. A calibration can get all dE down below 2.1, with many under 1. UHDA-P3 color gamut coverage measured 90.25%, while BT.2020 came in at 66.86%.

Brightness in Dynamic mode with my unit was 2,062 lumens, but that’s still within the measurement tolerance of ISO lumens, and due to the positioning of my projector, the image was zoomed in a bit, which causes the brightness to come down. It’s enough brightness for a watchable image in a room with ambient light (even with Natural picture mode, which is visibly less bright than other modes), but there’s a loss of shadow detail due to the light reflecting on the screen.

Where the projector really excels is when the lights are off. Colors look accurate and inviting, detail in both SDR and HDR is sharp, and the projector exhibits great contrast and shadow detail with the Dynamic Contrast setting at High Speed. The contrast isn’t as impressive as on the LS12000, which I evaluated a few years ago, but for the price, the LS9000 does an excellent job.

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 on table with laser light on and center channel speaker visible below — The LS9000 excels for dark room viewing (Image credit: Future)

The HDR image does require some tweaking at times. Occasionally, bright highlights can cause some clipping — such as when the shark cage is lowered into the water in The Meg, and we can see the bright sun refracting through the ocean water. In this instance, I adjusted the dynamic range slider from its default of 8 to 10 (which slightly backs off the scene brightness).

Through most of my viewing, I played around with the slider, not just to address high brightness clipping, but also to see its effect on image depth. Generally, I found myself setting it between 8 and 10, with the Battle of Pelennor Fields in Return of the King at 8 and day scenes during Mad Max: Fury Road at a 9 for a bit more depth. None of the adjustments were life-altering, and I wouldn’t suggest changing the dynamic range slider mid-movie, but you’ll learn your preferences. This is where dynamic tone mapping is missed.

Home theater projectors have historically struggled to provide input lag low enough for gaming, but with two HDMI 2.1 ports that are capable of 4K 120Hz, the LS9000 is screaming to be used as a gaming projector. The Image Processing menu allows you to select a setting of Fine or Fast (which provides a lower input lag). With the Fast setting and a 4K 60Hz signal, the lag measured at 20ms (it’s 44ms with the Fine setting). Unfortunately, there’s no ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), so you’ll need to manually switch the setting when you game or watch content.

Input lag is low enough on the LS9000 to satisfy a non-competitive gamer (my son still enjoyed his time playing Minecraft). During my second playthough of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which relies on dodge and parry reactions during combat, I was able to still make it through combat without issue. Someone who regularly plays first-person shooter games will likely feel a difference between the LS9000 and one of the best gaming TVs, but for the vast majority of us, the Epson will deliver a great gaming experience.

Picture quality score: 4.5/5

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 review: Value

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 mounted on ceiling — The LS9000's 1.35-2.84:1 throw ratio allows for installations at the rear of the viewing space (Image credit: Future)

Great performance for the price
Solid gaming projector
Missing an important home theater feature

The Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 is not only the least expensive model in the LS series, it’s one of the most affordable premium home theater projectors – the JVC DLA-NP5, which is a lamp-based model, retails for $6,000, as does the Sony VPL-XW5000ES, which came out three years ago.

Not only is the LS9000 brighter than both of those projectors, it also has a collection of features neither of them has, including a high-quality laser light engine, HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K/120Hz and eARC support, an excellent lens with motorized adjustments and lens cover, zoom and image memory, and 2,200 lumens of brightness.

There are still some compromises that must be made. Its biggest flaw is a lack of dynamic tone mapping, which we’re seeing in projectors half the price of the LS9000, like the Valerion VisionMaster Pro2. The LS9000 also doesn’t have 3D support, isn’t as bright as the step-up options from Epson, and is missing ALLM for gaming. But even so, the projector delivers a detailed picture with accurate color, which looks very engaging in a dark room. Also, the 20ms input lag time and 4K 120Hz support make gaming a joy on the big screen.

Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Epson Pro Cinema LS9000?

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 on table at angle with lens cover closed — (Image credit: Future)

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Design and features	Motorized zoom, focus, and lens shift, along with 4K 120Hz and HDR10+ support	4.5/5
Picture quality	Accurate color in Natural mode, along with solid contrast, fine 4K picture detail, and low input lag for gaming	4.5/5
Value	A very good value compared to other 4K home theater projectors, most of which cost several thousands more	4/5

Buy it if...

You’re building your first serious home theater
If you’re making the jump from a basic projector to one truly designed for a 4K home theater, the LS9000 delivers an incredibly pleasing picture that rivals home theater offerings from JVC and Sony.View Deal

You also want a great gaming experience
It might not have ALLM, but the Pro Cinema LS9000 supports 4K 120Hz, and its input lag is low enough for all but the most competitive gamers.View Deal

You want HDR10+ support
Since the LS9000 doesn’t have dynamic tone mapping, watching HDR10+ content (with its dynamic metadata) will deliver the best dynamic content.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want dynamic HDR tone mapping
The LS9000, like its bigger siblings, doesn’t support dynamic tone mapping, instead relying on a manual dynamic range slider to adjust the HDR image.View Deal

You plan on watching with lots of ambient light
While 2,200 lumens is a good brightness spec, ambient light causes the image to look a bit washed out, which makes seeing shadow detail difficult.View Deal

Watching 3D movies is a priority
3D isn’t supported by the Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 (or by the LS11000 and LS12000), so you’ll need to look elsewhere for your 3D fix.View Deal

Also consider

Comparison: projectors
	Epson Pro Cinema LS9000	Epson Pro Cinema LS12000	JVC DLA-NZ700	Sony Bravia Projector 7
Price:	$3,999	$4,999	$8.999	$9,999
Screen sizes supported:	50-300 inches	50 to 130 inches	30 to 150 inches	90 to 130 inches
Brightness (specified):	2,200 lumens	2,500 lumens	2,300 lumens	2,200 lumens
HDR support	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG	HDR10, HLG
Optical technology:	Laser 3LCD	Laser 3LCD	Laser D-ILA	Laser SXRD
Smart TV:	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Connections:	2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC)	2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC)	2x HDMI 2.0	2x HDMI 2.1

Epson LS12000

The LS12000 is the step-up model in Epson's Pro Cinema projector lineup. Rated for 2,700 lumens, it has a brighter picture than the LS9000 and also supports HDR10+ high dynamic range and a 4K 120Hz refresh rate for gaming. Other than brightness, the LS9000 and LS12000 are mostly similar when it comes to features and performance.

Read our Epson LS12000 review View Deal

JVC DLA-NZ700

The JVC DLA-N700 is a big jump up in price over the LS9000, and it lacks Epson's 4K 120Hz support. At a rated 2,300 lumens, brightness is about the same, but the JVC features a native 4K display chipset and sophisticated dynamic HDR tone mapping to augment its HDR10+ high dynamic range support.

Read our JVC DLA-NZ700 reviewView Deal

Sony Bravia Projector 7

Like the JVC DLA-N700, Sony's entry-level projector is a big step up in price over the Epson, costing around $10,000. Its brightness spec is the same 2.200 lumens and it lacks the Epson's HDR10+ support. What you are getting with the Sony is 4K 120Hz and ALLM support for gaming, along with a native 4K display. It also has dynamic HDR tone mapping and Sony’s XR Processor for projector, which improves detail and clarity of images blown up to a cinematic size.

Read our Sony Bravia Projector 7 reviewView Deal

How I tested the Epson Pro Cinema LS9000

Evaluated under various viewing conditions
Measured and calibrated with professional software and hardware
I am ISF-certified and have years of experience reviewing projectors

The Epson LS9000 laser projector was connected to my ceiling mount, approximately 11 feet from an Elite Screens CineTension 3 ISF-certified CineWhite screen. Using the Epson’s zoom and lens adjustment controls, the image was adjusted to fit the 100-inch diagonal screen.

I watched a wide range of content with both ambient light from the sun and ceiling lighting during the day and a dark, light-controlled environment at night. Movies and TV shows were streamed with an Apple TV 4K from the Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu apps. I also used a Kaleidescape Strato V for high-quality movie playback, along with 4K Blu-ray discs played on an Oppo UDP-203 disc player. Games were played on an Xbox Series X.

For objective measurement testing, I used an X-rite i1 Pro 3 spectrophotometer, Murideo Seven-G 8K pattern generator, Konica Minolta LS-100 luminance meter, and Calman calibration software by Portrait Displays. Input lag tests were made with a Leo Bodnar 4K lag tester.

I’ve been testing projectors and other displays for a couple of decades, and am an ISF Level III certified calibrator.

First reviewed: November 2025
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I spent weeks testing the Hisense U65QF, and it has great picture quality for the price

8:24 pm | November 13, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: Dead Rising, Death Stranding, TV | Comments: Off

Hisense U65QF: Two-minute review

The Hisense U65QF TV joins a growing list of lower-cost mini-LED TVs that provide a striking step up in performance from doorbuster-style sub-$500 TVs.

The Hisense U65QF TV isn’t that different from other budget mini-LED TVs, such as the TCL QM6K or Roku Pro Series. Its benchmarks are mostly in line with the competition, and it also does a good job with sound – a factor I’m seeing addressed more and more in mid-range and budget examples of the best TVs.

One unique U65QF feature that sets it apart from most of its Google TV-using competition is its Fire TV interface and Alexa integration, which lets you use an Amazon Echo speaker to open apps like Netflix and perform other voice-activated tasks. Of course, if you’re not in the Alexa ecosystem, then this isn’t as big a selling point.

Overall, this is a good-performing TV that may win you over due to the simple fact that it typically sells at a lower price than its budget mini-LED TV competitors.

Hisense U65QF review: Price and release date

Hisense U65QF remote control on wooden surface — The U65QF's remote features most controls you'll need on its keypad, but lacks an input selection button (Image credit: Future)

Release date: June 2025
55-inch: $799.99
65-inch: $999.99
75-inch: $1,299.99
85-inch: $1,999.99
100-inch: $3,499.99

Pricing on the Hisense U65QF is about what I would expect for a budget mini-LED TV, with the 65-inch model listing for $999.99. Now, that is the TV’s MSRP, and it's already available at a discount at more than one online retailer.

The Hisense U65QF is only sold in the US, as other territories get a different U6 version that uses a different smart TV platform. If you’re outside of the US and reading this review, I would wager that most everything outside of the Smart TV section would still be pertinent to the Hisense U6.

Hisense U65QF review: Specs

Screen type:	QLED with mini-LED
Refresh rate:	Up to 144Hz
HDR support:	Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:	Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
Smart TV:	Fire TV
HDMI ports:	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 1.0

Hisense U65QF review: Benchmark results

Hisense U65QF review: Features

Hisense U65QF side and rear panel ports — The U65QF's connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support (Image credit: Future)

Comprehensive HDR support
Filmmaker Mode picture preset
Integration with Alexa ecosystem

The Hisense U65QF’s feature set is in line with other TVs at this price point. Its comprehensive gaming support includes the Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range formats, along with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X audio. It also has two HDMI 2.1 inputs with up to 144Hz high refresh support for gaming consoles and PCs.

The U65QF can automatically change inputs when a source is powered on, as well as switch the picture mode if enabled in the menu. Filmmaker Mode is an available picture preset – one that disables post-processing to show a movie as originally intended. There is also some AI implementation, such as AI upscaling, AI smooth motion, and an AI sports mode.

As a Fire TV, the U65QF supports hands-free voice interaction through Alexa, and it can be integrated into the Alexa ecosystem. While I don’t personally have an extensive Alexa ecosystem in my home, I was able to control the Hisense U65QF using an Amazon Echo speaker located in my kitchen.

Also on tap are Apple AirPlay, display mirroring, and Matter Casting, as well as an ambient mode if you want the TV to display artworks and other images when it's in standby mode.

Features Score: 4/5

Hisense U65QF review: Picture quality

Hisense U65QF showing underwater image with colorful fish — The U65QF has better-than-average picture brightness for a budget mini-LED TV (Image credit: Future)

Benchmarks in line with the competition
Good contrast and local dimming
Very minor vignetting

The Hisense U65QF’s picture compares well with most TVs in its price range. Brightness is impressive for a budget mini-LED TV, with the Hisense outperforming competitors such as the Roku Pro Series and TCL QM6K on that front. If you’re upgrading from a budget TV, you’ll probably be wowed by the picture's brightness and contrast.

Color gamut coverage is about what we expect from TVs at this price point. We measured 95.6% for UHDA-P3 and 71.2% for BT.2020. The U65QF’s 2.6 average color point accuracy (any score below 3 is undetectable by the human eye) is also very good for a budget TV.

Beyond benchmarks, pictures for the most part look great on the U65QF. Detail is impressive, and its local dimming delivers good contrast without much in the way of backlight blooming.

Action generally looked smooth – I watched scenes from Mission Impossible 7 to test, and I could easily make out what was happening on screen. Sports were also a pleasure to watch on this TV.

Similar to other TVs I’ve tested at this price point, there is some very minor vignetting in the screen’s corners, though it’s only really noticeable if you look for it.

Picture quality score: 4/5

Hisense U65QF review: Sound quality

Hisense U65QF rear panel showing subwoofer — The U65QF's built-in 2.1-channel speaker system includes a back-mounted subwoofer (Image credit: Future)

Good dialogue clarity
Decent bass
Dialog and leveling modes, five-band EQ

In my experience, most TVs have subpar sound quality, which is why I was surprised by the performance of the Hisense U65QF’s built-in speakers.

To test this, I watched sports (Eagles football, specifically), played video games, and watched movies like Mission Impossible 7. I also did some music-specific testing via YouTube. The first thing I noticed was that there was actually a decent amount of bass. It wasn’t the same as having an external subwoofer, but I still got a bit of that rumble when there were big explosions or action-packed movie scenes.

Dialogue sounded pretty clear as well, though a bit of harshness could be heard with music tracks.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that there’s a five-band EQ in the settings, which is always appreciated. There is a dialog mode that did a good job of boosting voices as well as a leveling mode that compresses the sound so the quiet parts are loud and the loud parts don’t jump up too much in volume – a good choice for watching at night.

Sound quality score: 4/5

Hisense U65QF review: Design

Hisense U65QF bezel close=up — The U65QF has an appealingly thin screen bezel for a budget TV (Image credit: Future)

Very thin bezel
Good amount of ports but placement not great for cable management
Remote has voice access for Alexa

While the Hisense U65QF doesn’t reinvent the wheel, its design is good considering the price.

The bezel is thin enough that one sees all picture when looking at the TV instead of a thick border around the screen. Turning the TV around, the surface is fairly smooth with mostly just the built-in subwoofer visible. All the ports except for power are located on the lower left side, with most accessible from the side and some from the back. This is a pretty typical placement, but it doesn’t allow for much in the way of cable management.

The port selection here is fairly solid. Along with the four HDMI ports (including two HDMI 2.1), the TV also has an optical digital audio output and USB and RF antenna connections.

The controls, on the other hand, consist of a single button for power that can also be used to change inputs. I do wish there was a little more here, like a find the remote button, but the single on-unit button is fairly standard for TVs these days.

All the real controls, of course, are on the remote, which is standard fare like most of the rest of the TV. Most necessary controls are here, with the exception of an input selection button. The main unique feature is the Alexa button, which works just like the usual hands-free button except that it uses Alexa specifically, meaning that you have access to your Alexa ecosystem through the remote.

Design score: 4/5

Hisense U65QF review: Smart TV and menus

Hisense U65QF Fire TV smart interface showing football game — The U65QF's Fire TV smart interface is serviceable, but features ads on the home screen (Image credit: Future)

Amazon Prime Video-centric with ads
Dynamic-looking interface with autoplay by default
Can’t fine-tune settings unless already watching

The Hisense U65QF’s Fire TV smart TV platform features a large banner cycling through various content at the top, a row with settings and input icons and app tiles that split the screen in half, followed by rows of suggested content. Its defining feature is that the suggested content leans towards the Amazon Prime Video library. Also, there are literal ads for products (I’m looking at a banner for Purina at the bottom of my screen as I type this).

Navigating the Fire TV interface is pretty intuitive. Really, my only gripe with it is that it defaults to autoplaying anything selected in the banner, though this can be turned off in settings.

Fire TV seems to have a few more content categories than I typically see with Smart TVs, which creates some clutter. The only really odd part of the interface is that you can’t access all the advanced settings (brightness, color, motion, clarity and so on) until you’re actively watching something.

For example, if you go into the settings menu from the homepage, you’re limited to just a few options like “Light Sense,” “Light Sense Shift,” “Backlight,” and “Local Dimming,” though you can at least adjust those per input.

Smart TV & menus score: 3.5/5

Hisense U65QF review: Gaming

Hisense U65QF showing game being played on screen — Gaming is smooth and responsive on the Hisense U65QF (Image credit: Future)

Two HDMI ports with 4K 144Hz support
Gameplay is smooth and clear
No game-specific settings

Gaming on the Hisense U65QF is a lot like gaming on other TVs in this price range. For starters, it supports a 4K resolution at up to 144Hz refresh rate through two of the HDMI ports, a necessity for next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5. There’s also HDR support that can be finetuned via the onscreen menu plus FreeSync Premium VRR.

With Dolby Vision enabled, the TV automatically changed its picture mode to “Game Mode” when the input switched to my PlayStation 5 console. Plus, it automatically changes the input to my console when powered up (I did have to turn that setting on in the menu).

When gaming, images look crisp thanks to the 4K resolution and smooth thanks to the TV’s high refresh rate. Its 13.2ms lag time isn’t the best we’ve seen, but it was barely perceptible when killing zombies in Dead Rising 2.

I tested this TV with fast-paced action such as Dead Rising 2 as well as more cinematic fare like Death Stranding. Both played well, with my only real complaint being that there’s no dedicated gaming settings menu.

Gaming score: 4/5

Hisense U65QF review: Value

Hisense U65QF included accessories on table — The U65QF's included accessories (Image credit: Future)

High MSRP, but it’s already discounted
Other mid-range QLED TVs have similar price points
Take advantage of Hisense’s regular sales

The MSRP for the 65-inch Hisense U65QF TV I tested may be $999, but it’s already available at some outlets for under $600, making it a great value.

The TCL QM6K has a similar MSRP and discount, but also lower screen brightness and not quite as good built-in speakers. If you’re willing to spend a few hundred dollars more, the Hisense U8QG has even better picture quality and a better design, and can be found in the $1,000-1,200 range.

The Roku Pro Series (2025) is another TV with a great picture and design and good built-in sound, and it’s priced roughly between the Hisense U65QF and U8QG.

Value score: 4.5/5

Hisense U65QF angled in a room showing abstract image onscreen — (Image credit: Future)

Hisense U65QF
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Along with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR support, the U65QF features Alexa Ecosystem integration	4/5
Picture quality	Good overall picture quality for the price, with better than average brightness	4/5
Sound quality	Surprisingly good sound with clear dialogue and a decent amount of bass	4/5
Design	Thin bezel for an all-picture look, though the port placement makes cable management a bit tough	4/5
Smart TV and menus	The Fire TV OS is easy to use, though I wish advanced picture settings were accessible without playing content	3.5/5
Gaming	Gaming on this TV is a good experience thanks to Game Mode, though there’s no gaming-specific menu	4/5
Value	At MSRP, the price isn’t special, though it’s already getting big discounts	4.5/5

Should I buy the Hisense U65QF?

Buy it if...

You want great bang for your buck
The Hisense U65QF is already on sale, making it a very competitive option among budget mini-LED TVs.

You use Alexa
The TV’s Alexa integration is something you can really take advantage of if you’re already bought into the Alexa smart home ecosystem.

You want to skip the soundbar
The audio quality is good enough that if you want to skip a (cheap) soundbar in your setup, you probably won’t miss it.

Don't buy it if…

You want a clean, minimal look
If you have other devices to plug in, such as a console or soundbar, the cables are going to stick out the side. If you want a clean look, there are other TVs with better cable management, such as the Roku Pro Series.

You want a super-bright picture
The U65QF’s brightness is above average for a budget mini-LED TV, but step-up models such as the Hisense U8QG have more than twice as high peak brightness and also an anti-reflection screen for daytime viewing.

Also consider...

	Hisense U65QF	TCL QM6K	Roku Pro Series	Hisense U8QG
Price (65-inch)	$999	$999	$1,199	$2,199
Screen type	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED
Refresh rate	Up to 144Hz	Up to 144Hz	120Hz	Up to 144Hz
HDR support	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10
Smart TV	Fire TV	Google TV	Roku	Google TV
HDMI ports	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	3x HDMI 2.1

TCL QM6K

The TCL QM6K is just as good value and sells for around the same price as the Hisense U65QF TV with discounts, though it doesn’t have quite the same peak brightness or audio quality. What it does have is a great picture quality with vibrant colors, good contrast, and a lack of blooming.

Read our full TCL QM6K review

Roku Pro Series
The Roku Pro Series falls into a similar-priced category. Its picture brightness is slightly lower than the Hisense, but it has Roku's wonderfully intuitive smart TV interface and a shadowbox design that not only allows for better sound but flat positioning when mounted.

Read our full Roku Pro Series review

Hisense U8QG

The Hisense U8QG is pricier and comes with a fantastically bright screen with low reflectivity. It also has a 4.1.2 sound system built in for those wanting to skip a soundbar, though its subwoofer has some limitations.

Read our full Hisense U8QG review

How I tested the Hisense U65QF

I used the Hisense U65QF TV for a few weeks
Tested with TV, movies, music, and games
Benchmark measurements conducted by Future US testing lab

I used the Hisense U65QF TV regularly for a couple of weeks. I used it with TV, movies, music, and games. I tested the various features to see if they work as advertised. I also spent time listening to the audio as well as paying attention to the picture quality.

After spending some time with this TV, it’s my opinion that this TV is ideal for those who want a premium TV without the premium price tag, and for those locked into the Alexa ecosystem.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

First reviewed: November 2025
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I tested Marshall’s new mini Dolby Atmos soundbar and I adore its crystal-clear dialogue, expansive sound, and classy design

9:00 pm | November 9, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Soundbars Televisions | Tags: Dolby Atmos, DTS, TV, US | Comments: Off

Marshall Heston 60: two-minute review

The Marshall Heston 60 is a small Dolby Atmos soundbar that aims to deliver immersive sound for movies and music alike – something that’s proven to be quite the challenge for a number of rivals in this size-class.

But luckily, the Heston 60 has risen to that challenge. Sure, it may be limited in size, but its performance would suggest otherwise. It nails the basics, with ultra-clear dialogue and a nice variety of sound modes to suit whatever content you’re consuming. But it also gets those tricker elements right too.

For instance, the level of expansiveness on offer makes the Heston 60 one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars in its weight class, I’d argue. It isn’t going to wow you with the incredible width of the Marshall Heston 120 or other larger rivals, but the Heston 60 still creates an impressive sense of height while watching Atmos movies, and the width of the soundstage is strong given the bar’s physical confines.

Like its larger sibling, the Heston 60 is also musically astute. It separates out instruments and positions them beautifully in the Atmos format, and takes a relatively impactful, nuanced approach to stereo.

Something that a lot of smaller soundbars struggle to do, is muster up weighty, hard-hitting low-end output, but the Heston 60 certainly bucks that trend. I was taken aback by the rumble of jet engines and roar of explosions when watching movies, and pumping bass in my favorite tracks.

You won’t get the same room-swallowing bass the Heston 120 serves up, and you may want to add the Marshall Heston 200 or a separate sub for enhanced low end, but for a model of this size, it sure packs a punch.

If you want to adapt the Heston 60’s sound, you can do so via the Marshall app. This opens up a range of features, like EQ adjustment, sound mode alteration, room calibration, and so on. I did encounter a few issues with setup, with a few bugs rearing their head from time to time. But for the most part, the app felt intuitive and easy to use – pretty important, given the omission of a physical remote.

Person holding the Marshall Heston 60 — (Image credit: Future)

Something that really makes the Heston 60 stand out is its design. Like the Heston 120, this has a gorgeous, amp-inspired aesthetic with frets and stunning golden details. However, the Marshall logo and control panel are now magnetic, meaning you can optimize the look of this model for wall-mounted use. Parts are also repairable, making this bar worth investing in for the long-haul.

And I don’t use the term ‘invest’ lightly here – this is a pretty pricey option. The Heston 60 comes in at just under $700 / £500 / AU$1,000. In the US, that’s quite a bit more than its clear competitor, the Sonos Beam Gen 2, but you do get DTS:X compatibility, a far more premium look, and a wider range of connectivity options.

It’s worth noting that you could get a strong multi-box soundbar at a similar cost to the Heston 60 – including models that support HDMI passthrough (unlike Marshall’s smaller soundbar).

But if you’re a little tight on space or using a smaller-sized TV, then the Marshall Heston 60 is one of the best soundbars in its class. It delivers on Dolby Atmos and punchy audio, it’s a classy looker, and it's built to last. Combine all of that, and the Heston 60 is easy to recommend.

Marshall Heston 60 soundbar on table with TV beside Marshall Heston Sub 200 — (Image credit: Future)

Marshall Heston 60 review: price & release date

$699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999
Launched in September 2025

The Marshall Heston 60 released in September 2025, about three months after the Marshall Heston 120, upon which I bestowed the elusive five star rating. It's a smaller version of its larger sibling, but has a largely similar design and also uses the revamped Marshall app.

You can purchase the Heston 60 in either black or cream, and it costs $699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999. That’s pretty competitive against its main rival, the Sonos Beam Gen 2, which has a list price of $499 / £499 / $799.

Ports on the reverse side of the Marshall Heston 60 — (Image credit: Future)

Marshall Heston 60 review: specs

Dimensions	28.7 x 4.9 x 2.7 inches / 730 x 124 x 68mm
Speaker channels	5.1
Connections	HDMI eARC, RCA Mono (sub out), USB-C, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X	Yes / Yes
Sub included	No
Rear speakers included	No

Marshall Heston 60 review: features

5.1 speaker configuration with seven active drivers
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
App opens up strong set of features

The Marshall Heston 60 has a 5.1 speaker configuration, but is powered by seven active drivers. There are two 25W and five 5W class D amplifiers on board, and the soundbar is capable of a 56W maximum power output.

This is an all-in-one offering from Marshall, you won’t get a subwoofer or rears included from the off. However, you are now able to purchase the Heston Sub 200 – a wireless sub that I tried pairing to the Heston 60, and this can give you some extension below the 45Hz mark – the lowest the soundbar can go.

Even as a one-box option, the Heston 60 aims to create spacious, immersive audio with the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, as well as DTS:X. That latter format is missing on the Sonos Beam Gen 2, making the Heston 60 an attractive option for cinephiles.

On top of that, there are a number of ways to connect up to the Heston 60. Of course, there’s HDMI eARC, which I used for the majority of my testing time. However, you can also connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, as well as USB-C and 3.5mm, plus RCA – which can be used to add a third-party subwoofer.

Unfortunately, there’s no HDMI passthrough here, something that was included on the larger Heston 120. This would be a nice touch for those who want to unlock extra space for an HDMI-reliant device like a PS5 or Nintendo Switch 2, though it is pretty common for smaller models to leave this out.

If you head on over to the Marshall app, you’ll also discover that there’s Auracast compatibility – a type of Bluetooth technology that enables you to tune into an audio broadcast transmitted from a phone, TV or similar device without any pairing.

But there’s more! Marshall has once again integrated a wide range of music services, such as: Google Cast; Spotify Connect; Internet Radio; Tidal Connect; and Apple AirPlay 2. If you’re going to return to Internet Radio or Spotify on the reg, you can set the ‘Prog’ button to a specific service and gain easy access.

Let’s talk a little more about the Marshall app – this is revamped, but separate to the software used for Bluetooth speakers including the Marshall Kilburn III and Marshall Bromley 750. It supplies a five-band equalizer, AV sync to adjust audio delays, and Room correction, which cycles through an array of sounds to optimize performance for your listening space. It also lets you change between the Movie, Music, Voice, and Night modes – all of which are very well differentiated.

I’ll speak more about my experience with the app in the ‘Setup & usability’ section, but I will say that it was a little buggy. When it got into gear, I was very pleased with the options on offer, though.

As we saw with the Heston 120, there’s no physical remote control lumped in the box – you’re going to be using the app only. The app lets you adjust volume, manually switch between different sound modes or sources, and view whether Atmos or DTS:X are in-use or not. If you’re connected to the soundbar via HDMI eARC, you can also use your standard remote to ramp up or dampen volume too.

Features score: 4.5/5

Person pressing button on the Marshall Heston 60 — (Image credit: Future)

Marshall Heston 60 review: performance

Fantastic vocal clarity
Impressive bass for a small soundbar
Fairly expansive too

The Marshall Heston 60 performs pretty admirably for such a small soundbar. Of course, there are a few limitations due to its small size and moderate maximum power output of 56W. Still, the power the Heston 60 does have is used to great effect.

Let’s start by talking about dialogue quality, an area I always expect significant improvement over plain TV audio. And I was very impressed by the clarity and definition of vocals in the mix while using the Heston 60. While watching a 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Top Gun: Maverick, I was struck by the separation of voices in a large open space, as well as the natural replication of echo and breathy details.

Even when layered with a grand score and booming sound effects, voices remained clear-cut throughout the movie’s runtime, making for a great viewing experience.

Another area the Heston 60 held its own, was in the bass department. For such a lil’ guy, this soundbar can produce pretty imposing low-end sound. Sticking with Top Gun: Maverick, and the roar of jet engines firing up was both impactful and attention-grabbing.

Sure, it wasn’t that room-swallowing bass that the Heston 120 offers, and when I paired up the Heston Sub 200, rumble was considerably enhanced. But for its size, the Heston 60 performs pretty well in the bass department. For instance, when watching The Batman, an explosion during a chase scene erupted with intent, despite the soundbar’s confined physical form.

I was really hoping the Heston 60 would deliver on the Dolby Atmos front, especially as a lot of small models either struggle here or skip on it entirely. Luckily, Marshall has done a good job here once more, and the soundbar whipped up a very solid spatial impression.

With The Batman, I flicked to a scene with bats flying towards me, and the sense that they soared over my shoulder was captured with commendable accuracy. Back to Maverick, and the classic scene of the jet flying overhead came through effectively, and provided more vertical extension than you’d expect from such a compact product.

In The Boy and the Heron on Netflix Premium, the Atmos effects were pretty convincing too, with the flight of the Heron mapped fairly well. The Heston 60 didn’t have the pinpoint accuracy of its larger sibling – but I was still well immersed in the on-screen action.

Let’s also take a moment to speak about music – something that Marshall’s audio engineers paid close attention to on the Heston 120. Performance is very good in this area, again, and I enjoyed a range of my favorite tracks in both the Dolby Atmos and standard stereo format.

Let’s start with Atmos, and although I don’t always love these mixes, a few tracks impressed me on the Heston 60. For instance, in Song for my Father by Horace Silver, I was satisfied with the positioning and separation of various instruments, with percussion playing rhythmically on the right side, while keys panned across the left side of the bar.

In I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby by Barry White, I enjoyed deft keys and well-balanced percussion, as smooth vocals oozed from the center. Guitars weren’t as prominent in the mix as I’d like, and didn’t have the expansive quality I experienced with the 120. Bass was perhaps a touch overeager too, though luckily EQ options can be accessed in the app to tailor audio to your taste.

Moving over to the stereo format, I was instantly hit by pumping bass in Never Would by M-High, although lighter electronic elements were a touch overshadowed. The soundbar produced controlled audio, however, even at higher volumes. On tracks where sub-bass came into the equation, those ultra-low notes didn’t come through with all too much force. Of course, if you pair the soundbar with the Heston Sub 200, you’ll get the low-end extension required for that, but the soundbar still sounded strong overall.

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Top of the Marshall Heston 60 — (Image credit: Future)

Marshall Heston 60 review: design

Gorgeous fret-infused aesthetic
Simple yet effective button controls
Magnetic features for wall mounting

If you read my Marshall Heston 120 review, it won’t surprise you to find that I love the look of this soundbar too. The Heston 60 is, in essence, the same as its sibling, just smaller. I’m a huge fan of the amp-inspired look and eye-catching golden details, and it's nice to see the option to grab this in cream – a nice break from the homogeneous swathe of plain black competitors.

One key difference on the Heston 60, though, is that the tactile control knobs from the Heston 120 have been ditched. This time around, there are simple button controls. These are easy to use and effective, and although they’re not as satisfying to use as the Heston 120’s physical controls, they're less prone to catching reflections from the TV.

Another is the inclusion of a magnetic Marshall logo and control panel. This enables you to optimize the look of the soundbar for a wall-mounted configuration,which is highly practical and considered. Wall mount grommets are also included in the box, which I was glad to see, as rivals will often sell these separately.

Unlike its larger cousin, the Heston 60 is a lightweight, highly compact option. It’s just 28.7 inches / 730mm wide and 6.1lbs / 2.8kg in weight, making it easy to install and slot beneath smaller-sized TVs. All in all, it's an ideal pick for those working with limited space, or if you’re not looking for a full-length behemoth.

One more thing – I also liked the inclusion of a panel on the reverse side, which protects the various ports and enables improved cable management. It’s an all-round great effort from Marshall, and I’ve never tried a small soundbar with so much style and care injected into its design.

Design score: 5/5

Person lifting magnetic Marshall Logo up on the Marshall Heston 60

(Image credit: Future)

Marshall Heston 60 review: setup & usability

Plug and play setup
Companion app could be improved
Wide variety of connectivity options

The initial part of the setup process here was as easy as it comes. I simply plugged the Heston 60 into the power, and connected an HDMI lead from the soundbar to a TV. Using the HDMI eARC connectivity option, you’ll be able to use your standard TV remote to alter the soundbar’s volume, which is very convenient.

Unfortunately, I did experience a few issues when pairing the soundbar to the Marshall app, though. I wasn’t getting a pairing request on my phone, and neither the wireless or Bluetooth methods functioned at first. After trying again the following day, these woes were resolved, and I was able to proceed with room correction, play around with EQ options and more, but I did encounter a few other small bugs and loading issues with the app.

For the majority of my testing time, everything worked just fine, thankfully. And when the app behaves itself, it’s a fantastic tool, filled with plenty of personalization settings, and integrated services.

This soundbar has a range of connectivity options too, and it's very easy to stream songs over Wi-Fi, connect to a phone over Bluetooth, or hook up devices using RCA or an analogue method.

Setup & usability score: 3.5/5

Cable cover on the reverse side of the Marshall Heston 60 — (Image credit: Future)

Marshall Heston 60 review: value

Priced competitively against Sonos – albeit less so for US buyers
Though you can still get a great multi-box option at a similar cost
Repairability ensures long-term return on investment

I suspect that the sticking point a lot of people will have with the Marshall Heston 60 is its price, which – for a small model like this – is undoubtedly high. It comes in at $699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999, so US buyers are proportionally splashing out a fair bit more, although I still think there’s plenty of value here.

Firstly, this soundbar is priced competitively against the Sonos Beam Gen 2 – the Heston 60’s clear and obvious competition. The Beam Gen 2 comes in with a list price of $499 / £499 / $799, and although it has a higher peak power output, it doesn’t support DTS:X, Bluetooth connectivity, plus we felt that the height of its Atmos effects were lacking.

Meanwhile, the Heston 60 still has plenty of power and effective Dolby Atmos effects, but it also supports DTS:X and Bluetooth. In my view, it also has a more premium design, and many will appreciate its RCA sub out port.

Marshall’s ramped-up sustainability efforts are also being demonstrated with the Heston 60, which is largely repairable. Head over to the manufacturer’s site, and you can access repair services and get spare parts, including frets, end-caps, and drivers. This gives additional longevity to the soundbar, which will make your investment more worthwhile in the long run.

Despite all of this, it’s still worth pointing to the fact that the $700 / £500 / AU$1,000 you spend on the Heston 60 could equally be spent on a very capable multi-box option. In the US and Australia, the same sum of money can net you the Samsung HW-QS700F, which comes with a full length bar, as well as a dual-driver sub.

If we’re talking about soundbars in this weight class, though, few can compete with the Heston 60. Its surprisingly good Atmos performance, imposing bass, and ultra-clear dialogue make it a real standout. Pair that with a pretty exterior and admirable repairability, and I’d still argue it's a good value pick.

Value score: 4/5

Person altering position of control panel on Marshall Heston 60 — (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Marshall Heston 60?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Atmos and DTS:X, feature-rich companion app, good connectivity options but no HDMI passthrough.	4.5/5
Sound quality	Clear dialogue, larger bass than you’d expect, fairly expansive Atmos effects.	4.5/5
Design	Beautiful appearance, effective controls, compact build.	5/5
Setup & usability	Easy to install, app is feature-rich but has a few bugs.	3.5/5
Value	It’s undoubtedly pricey, but still competitive against the Beam Gen 2 and feels worth the investment long-term.	4/5

Buy it if…

You want great performance but you’re tight on space
If you’ve got a smaller TV or you’re tight on space, you don’t have to sacrifice on quality. And the Heston 60 proves that. It offers surprisingly immersive Dolby Atmos effects, impactful bass, and ultra-clear dialogue in a single, highly compact model.

You want your soundbar to be a statement piece
Sure, the Heston 60 sounds good, but it looks even better! This thing is just as much a statement piece as it is a soundbar, boasting a gorgeous amp-inspired design and golden details. The magnetic logo and control panel also ensure it looks top-class while wall mounted too.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the true surround sound experience
So, if you’re looking for an enveloping surround sound experience, the Heston 60 might not quite do it for you. Sure, it does well with Atmos for movies and music alike, but there’s no sub or rear speakers for that true wraparound sound. If that’s what you’re after, I’d highly recommend the Samsung HW-Q990F.

You’re expecting thunderous power
Similarly, the Heston 60’s physical restrictions mean that it can’t quite blast out the roaring power some may well crave. I’d suggest grabbing an option that pairs a sub, or maybe even spending a bit more to get the Heston Sub 200.

Marshall Heston 60 review: also consider

	Marshall Heston 60	Sonos Beam Gen 2	Samsung HW-QS700F
Price	$699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999	$449 / £449 / $699	$699.99 / £749 / AU$999
Dimensions	28.7 x 4.9 x 2.7 inches / 730 x 124 x 68mm	25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches / 651 x 68 x 100mm	Main soundbar: 43.7 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches / 1110.7 x 60.4 x 120mm; subwoofer: 8.3 x 15.9 x 15.9 inches / 210 x 403 x 403mm
Speaker channels	5.1	5.0	5.1.2
Connections	HDMI eARC, RCA Mono (sub out), USB-C, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi	HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi	HDMI eARC, HDMI input, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X	Yes / Yes	Yes / No	Yes / Yes
Sub included	No	No	Yes
Rear speakers included	No	No	No

Sonos Beam Gen 2
It’s four years old now, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is still a great option for anyone seeking out cinematic audio in a condensed package. With decent Dolby Atmos effects, a surprisingly wide soundstage, and a classy build, it’s still easy to recommend.

Read our full Sonos Beam Gen 2 review.

Samsung HW-QS700F
Looking for a little more power? Then the Samsung HW-QS700F is a top choice. In the US and Australia, you can get this for the same as the Heston 60, even though it adds a dual-driver sub and the bar itself is full-sized. I’d also recommend checking for the Samsung HW-Q800D if you can find it on sale, although I omitted it due to low stock in a lot of territories. Read our full Samsung HW-QS700F review.

How I tested the Marshall Heston 60

Marshall Heston 60 under a TV on table — (Image credit: Future)

Tested across a week-long period
Used in our TV testing space at Future Labs
Sometimes tried in conjunction with Marshall Heston 200 sub

During my time testing the Marshall Heston 60, I had it connected to the TCL C6K mini-LED TV via HDMI eARC.

In my time with the Heston 60, the soundbar was placed beneath the display at our TV testing space at Future Labs. I watched – and indeed listened – to a variety of content during an intensive testing period. This included a number of movies on both Netflix Premium and on 4K UHD Blu-Ray via the Panasonic DP-UB820. I also listened to music via Tidal Connect in both Dolby Atmos and stereo formats.

I also made extensive use of each listening mode: Movie; Music; Voice; and Night. Of course, I also exhausted the soundbar’s additional settings through the Marshall app, ensuring each feature functioned as advertised.

More generally, I've tested tons of soundbars here at TechRadar – everything from ultra-cheap options like the Hisense HS214 through to pricier models like the Samsung HW-Q800D. I also reviewed the Marshall Heston 120, which released earlier this year, and have interviewed audio engineers at Marshall on its home cinema tech, so have a strong understanding of the product.

First reviewed: November 2025
Read more about how we test

I tested Marshall’s new mini Dolby Atmos soundbar and I adore its crystal-clear dialogue, expansive sound, and classy design

9:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Soundbars Televisions | Tags: Dolby Atmos, DTS, TV, US | Comments: Off

Marshall Heston 60: two-minute review

It’s worth noting that you could get a strong multi-box soundbar at a similar cost to the Heston 60 – including models that support HDMI passthrough (unlike Marshall’s smaller soundbar).

Marshall Heston 60 review: price & release date

$699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999
Launched in September 2025

Marshall Heston 60 review: specs

Dimensions	28.7 x 4.9 x 2.7 inches / 730 x 124 x 68mm
Speaker channels	5.1
Connections	HDMI eARC, RCA Mono (sub out), USB-C, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X	Yes / Yes
Sub included	No
Rear speakers included	No

Marshall Heston 60 review: features

5.1 speaker configuration with seven active drivers
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
App opens up strong set of features

Features score: 4.5/5

Marshall Heston 60 review: performance

Fantastic vocal clarity
Impressive bass for a small soundbar
Fairly expansive too

Even when layered with a grand score and booming sound effects, voices remained clear-cut throughout the movie’s runtime, making for a great viewing experience.

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Marshall Heston 60 review: design

Gorgeous fret-infused aesthetic
Simple yet effective button controls
Magnetic features for wall mounting

Design score: 5/5

Person lifting magnetic Marshall Logo up on the Marshall Heston 60

(Image credit: Future)

Marshall Heston 60 review: setup & usability

Plug and play setup
Companion app could be improved
Wide variety of connectivity options

This soundbar has a range of connectivity options too, and it's very easy to stream songs over Wi-Fi, connect to a phone over Bluetooth, or hook up devices using RCA or an analogue method.

Setup & usability score: 3.5/5

Marshall Heston 60 review: value

Priced competitively against Sonos – albeit less so for US buyers
Though you can still get a great multi-box option at a similar cost
Repairability ensures long-term return on investment

Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Marshall Heston 60?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Atmos and DTS:X, feature-rich companion app, good connectivity options but no HDMI passthrough.	4.5/5
Sound quality	Clear dialogue, larger bass than you’d expect, fairly expansive Atmos effects.	4.5/5
Design	Beautiful appearance, effective controls, compact build.	5/5
Setup & usability	Easy to install, app is feature-rich but has a few bugs.	3.5/5
Value	It’s undoubtedly pricey, but still competitive against the Beam Gen 2 and feels worth the investment long-term.	4/5

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Marshall Heston 60 review: also consider

	Marshall Heston 60	Sonos Beam Gen 2	Samsung HW-QS700F
Price	$699.99 / £499.99 / AU$999	$449 / £449 / $699	$699.99 / £749 / AU$999
Dimensions	28.7 x 4.9 x 2.7 inches / 730 x 124 x 68mm	25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches / 651 x 68 x 100mm	Main soundbar: 43.7 x 2.4 x 4.7 inches / 1110.7 x 60.4 x 120mm; subwoofer: 8.3 x 15.9 x 15.9 inches / 210 x 403 x 403mm
Speaker channels	5.1	5.0	5.1.2
Connections	HDMI eARC, RCA Mono (sub out), USB-C, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi	HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi	HDMI eARC, HDMI input, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X	Yes / Yes	Yes / No	Yes / Yes
Sub included	No	No	Yes
Rear speakers included	No	No	No

Read our full Sonos Beam Gen 2 review.

How I tested the Marshall Heston 60

Tested across a week-long period
Used in our TV testing space at Future Labs
Sometimes tried in conjunction with Marshall Heston 200 sub

During my time testing the Marshall Heston 60, I had it connected to the TCL C6K mini-LED TV via HDMI eARC.

First reviewed: November 2025
Read more about how we test

I tested the Hisense U75QG mini-LED TV, and it’s the best value Hisense TV

3:00 pm | November 8, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: Dolby Vision, HDR, TV, VA | Comments: Off

Hisense U75QG: Two-minute review

The Hisense U75QG is a solid performer that packs a lot of features in for the price. Typically, flagship TVs are the ones that get the most attention, but people usually aren’t buying the best of the best from any brand. Instead, buying considerations usually fall to midrange TVs like this one.

The Hisense U75QG is a mini-LED display that delivers brightness we generally don’t see from TVs in this price range – I measured over 3,000 nits in HDR Filmmaker Mode, a level that exceeds many of the best TVs from most manufacturers. That makes the U7 an excellent choice for bright spaces where ambient light is difficult to control, such as a living room with large picture windows.

Accuracy with SDR sources is impressive, so while watching broadcast TV or non-HDR streamed shows, the U75QG will deliver nice, accurate colors. HDR has a few issues in color temperature and accuracy, but they’re not drastic enough to distract and pull you out of the viewing experience. They can also be mostly corrected with a professional calibration, if you’re up for spending extra for that.

The U75QG’s Google TV OS is, as expected, quick to use and easy to navigate. Google has been the top built-in smart TV platform for a few years now, and Hisense uses it well. Picture adjustments are easy to find and change, especially with a Settings button on the backlit remote, and the Google Store offers hundreds of apps for download, including all the major streamers and smaller ones as well. And for those that want over-the-air broadcasts, the U75QG includes a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner.

The Hisense has great gaming support, with the ability for high refresh rate up to 165Hz on all four HDMI 2.1 ports, with VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium, Dolby Vision gaming, and a game bar to easily access gaming settings. There are some issues with image smearing when using VRR that can detract a little, but casual gamers should be more than happy with the features and performance.

Hisense TVs always see an almost immediate dip in pricing after release, and the same has happened with the U75QG. Those discounts make it an even better value, and it stacks up well against the TCL QM7K – its primary competitor. When everything is taken into account, the Hisense U75QG stands as one of the best value midrange TVs I’ve seen in 2025.

Hisense U75QG review: Price and release date

Hisense U75QG showing image of Acapulco Apple TV+ ad — The Hisense U75QG's picture is bright enough to even watch in well-lit rooms (Image credit: Future)

Release date: May 2025
55-inch: $1,300
65-inch: $1,500
75-inch: $1,999
85-inch: $2,499
100-inch: $4,999
116-inch: $21,999

The U75QG is Hisense’s midrange mini-LED TV, falling between the Hisense U8QG and U65QF (a model that uses the Amazon Fire TV OS) in its lineup. The series ranges in size from a 55-inch to a massive 116-inch model – the largest Hisense mini-LED TV available. As is typical for Hisense TVs, prices for all models, apart from the 116-inch, have fallen significantly since the series was released in May. The 55-inch TV can now be found for as little as $698, with prices ranging to just under $3,000 for the 100-inch.

The U75QG pricing is similar to the TCL QM7K, the midrange competitor from that manufacturer. Although the Hisense is currently $100 to $700 more expensive than the TCL, depending on screen size.

Hisense U75QG review: Specs

Screen type:	QLED with mini-LED
Refresh rate:	Up to 144Hz
HDR support:	Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG
Audio support:	Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
Smart TV:	Google TV
HDMI ports:	4 x HDMI 2.1
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 3.0

Hisense U75QG review: Benchmark results

Hisense U75QG review: Features

Image 1 of 2

Hisense U75QG rear panel ports — The U75QG's ports are split between side-mounted and rear-mounted input sections (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
Hi-View AI Engine Pro processor
VA panel with good anti-reflection

The U75QG is a mini-LED TV with an anti-reflection VA panel, which does a great job handling ambient room light reflections. The VA panel does not provide it with wide viewing angles, however, with desaturated colors and raised black levels easily visible starting at around 30 degrees off-center.

Hisense upgraded last year’s Hi-View Engine Pro found in the U7N to the Hi-View AI Engine Pro, which is the same processor the company is using in its step-up U8QG model. Hisense claims improved performance over the previous chip with a 1.6x faster CPU, 2.2x faster GPU, and 1.5x faster NPU, all to deliver a better optimized image.

The Hisense U75QG includes wide-ranging HDR support, including both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ dynamic formats. Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive modes use the TV’s processing power to automatically adjust the picture based on the ambient light viewing conditions in your room. Dolby Vision Gaming is included, and, of course, the TV supports HDR10 and HLG.

Console and PC gamers will be happy with the included features on the U75QG. All four HDMI 2.1 ports support a refresh rate up to 165Hz with a Game Booster 288Hz (at 1080p), VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Hisense Game Bar, and the aforementioned HDR gaming modes. Although, as we’ll get into below, there are some minor clarity issues with gaming on the U75QG.

The U75QG runs the Google TV OS, which allows access to thousands of streaming apps. It also has an ATSC 3.0 tuner for those in areas that are broadcasting NextGen TV signals.

Features Score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Picture quality

Hisense U75QG showing image of dramatic sunset — The U75QG's picture displays good color accuracy (Image credit: Future)

Incredibly bright for a midrange TV
Impressive SDR color accuracy
HDR benefits from a pro calibration

Hisense has been a leader over the past few years in pushing display brightness to its limits, so there’s no surprise that the U75QG gets nice and bright, especially for a midrange TV. With local dimming and peak brightness set to High, and using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software, in Filmmaker Mode from a 10% window, the Hisense blasts out 3,126 nits. That’s more than double what its predecessor, the Hisense U7N, was capable of, and more than the flagship Sony Bravia 9 mini-LED TV. A fullscreen white measurement tops out at 780 nits.

With local dimming on, the Hisense also delivers deep blacks even when there are some bright images on screen. During starfield shots — the opening of Star Wars: The Last Jedi or many scenes in Gravity — there’s excellent separation between the stars, especially for a mid-tier mini-LED TV, and there isn’t a significant amount of blooming along the edges of the Shuttle Explorer against the darkness of space. When bright objects are moving, the blooming is exacerbated a little bit, but overall performance is still great for the price of the TV.

Measurements in Filmmaker Mode out of the box show the U75QG tracks the target EOTF (gamma for HDR) beautifully, so the TV isn’t overbrightening the midtones at all. HDR color accuracy also leaves a little to be desired, with things like grass being a little yellow and skin tones slightly undersaturated. None of this takes away from the overall enjoyment of a movie or TV show, though.

The U75QG excels with SDR content. Grayscale tracks D65 across the range incredibly well, with an average dE of 0.8 and 2.4 gamma. Colors are also impressively accurate for a midrange TV, with skin tones in particular looking exactly as they should.

It’s possible to get similar performance with HDR content. The U75QG has an autocal feature in Calman, the software TechRadar uses to measure TVs, so the TV can be easily calibrated within just a few minutes by a TV calibration professional. And after calibration, the TV’s accuracy is significantly better. Some color temperature issues remain in brighter grays, but if you’re able to make it happen, a calibration is worth it to get the most out of the U75QG.

Picture quality score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Sound quality

Hisense U75QG rear panel subwoofer — A rear-mounted subwoofer adds some low-end heft to the U75QG's sound (Image credit: Future)

2.1.2-channel speaker system
Clear dialogue
Would benefit from a soundbar

The back of the U75QG features an oval subwoofer, part of the TV’s 2.1.2-channel speaker system. Along its edges are speakers to handle the left and right channels, as well as two up-firing speakers for height. In my room, I didn’t find that the up-firing speakers accomplished much, and there isn’t a room calibration system to make them work better.

Overall sound performance is above average for a TV. There’s a decent amount of bass and vocal clarity is good, but it’s still worth pairing the TV with one of the best soundbars for a more immersive experience.

Sound quality score: 3.5/5

Hisense U75QG review: Design

Hisense U75QG close up of stand — The U75QG's "pedestal stand" is actually two support feet with a plastic plate mounted on top (Image credit: Future)

Center pedestal is really two feet with a plastic plate
High enough lift for soundbar
Backlit remote control

The Hisense U75QG has a slightly redesigned stand over last year’s U7N. It still utilizes a center pedestal, but instead of a trapezoidal design, the U75QG consists of two feet that are covered by a rectangular plastic plate. The TV feels sturdy on its stand, although the plastic cover is a bit flimsy – which is honestly to be expected at this price point.

While the stand lifts the TV a little over three inches to accommodate a soundbar, the front sticks out a bit, so some extra space on your credenza or table will be needed to put the soundbar in front of it. The 100- and 116-inch models use two separated legs instead of the pedestal base.

The TV is a bit on the thick side, and more so than the comparable TCL QM7K by about half an inch. Connections are split between two panels. The majority are side-facing — including four 165Hz-capable HDMI 2.1 ports (one eARC), the ATSC 3.0 coax inputs, a USB 3.0 port, a 3.5 mm audio out, and an AV in (which requires an adapter). An additional USB 2.0 port, optical digital audio out, and Ethernet port are in a rear-facing cutout. If you plan to use wired Ethernet and wall-mount the TV, this could cause some mounting issues and require the TV to be slightly out from the wall to keep the Ethernet cable from bending and putting stress on the connection. The U75QG supports a Wi-Fi 6E wireless connection as well.

The remote is the same as the one that was introduced with 2024 Hisense TVs. It’s a long silver handset with backlit buttons, which include settings and input buttons (these are sadly absent from some competitors’ remotes). Because of its length, reaching all the buttons – at least for my average-sized hand – required some jostling of the remote, but overall the design is comfortable and easy to use.

Design score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Smart TV and menus

Hisense U75QG showing Google TV interface on screen — The U75QG's Google TV smart interface (Image credit: Future)

Google TV OS
Loads of streaming apps available
Some ads on the home page

Google TV is the OS of choice for the U7 series, and it runs well on the TV. The OS is one of the best built-in options when it comes to the combination of usability and streaming app support. On the U75QG, home page navigation is quick, and menus are intuitive. There are thousands of apps available for download – including the major streaming ones such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV – as well as more niche options not included on all platforms, like F1 TV and Dropout.

The gear button on the remote pulls up the menus for adjusting any TV settings. There’s a selection of quick access menus for things like Picture and Sound, or you can call up the full settings menu. It’s pretty easy to navigate and find what you’re looking for — different settings are sensibly placed instead of hidden under a multitude of submenus.

Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Gaming

Hisense U8QG showing game image with game menu onscreen — Hisense's Game Bar onscreen menu (Image credit: Future)

Four HDMI 2.1 ports with 165Hz support
9.8ms input lag time
FreeSync Premium Pro

The TV has lots of features meant to satisfy gamers, and for the most part, gamers will be happy with the U75QG. The four HDMI 2.1 inputs accept high refresh rate signals up to 165Hz from a computer in 4K, and Game Booster allows for 1080p/288Hz gaming. Consoles will be able to play games at 120Hz with VRR (including HDMI Forum VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and G-Sync compatibility) and Dolby Vision gaming.

The U75QG has the Hisense Game Bar, where adjustments can quickly be made to settings like Dark Detail, Brightness, the Game Genre, and for adding a crosshair for aiming. It also displays your current frame rate, HDR, VRR, and ALLM status.

When in Game/PC picture mode, the input lag on the U75QG with a 4K 60Hz signal is a very low 9.8ms. It’s excellent for gamers who regularly play against others, or for reaction-based games. I played a good amount of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which requires some button timing for dodges and parries, and didn’t feel any lag.

While I found gaming on the U75QG to be an overall good experience, there’s some smearing when VRR is on, particularly with bright objects across a darker background, that can be a bit distracting. I saw this more when using my PC (from an RTX 4070 Ti Super) than on console, so if you’re a PC gamer, you might also see this more.

Gaming score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Value

Hisense U8QG remote control held in hand — The U75QG's backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)

Excellent picture quality for the price
Really needs a soundbar for best experience
Four HDMI 2.1 ports and backlit remote

Hisense has been delivering significant value from its televisions for years now, and that continues with the U75QG, which might deliver the best performance-to-price ratio of any Hisense TV. Hisense historically lowers its TV pricing after release by a good bit, and the TVs are always on sale during shopping events, so that increases its value proposition even further.

The midrange TV market is fierce, though. The U75QG’s primary competitor is the TCL QM7K, another solid performer with high value. It’s not nearly as bright as the Hisense, and it also has some HDR inaccuracies (overly blue grayscale and some color issues) out of the box. Only two of the TCL’s HDMI ports are version 2.1, as well, although I prefer its overall design.

It gets interesting when we compare against the next tier up. The TCL QM8K has had some deep discounts recently, putting it within a couple of hundred dollars of the Hisense. At that price, the TCL is an absolute steal. Not only is it a much better TV than both the U75QG and QM7K, I think it's one of the best TCL TVs ever made – although the TCL QM9K likely takes that title.

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Hisense U75QG?

Hisense U75QG showing Hulu app interface — (Image credit: Future)

Hisense U75QG
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Good HDR support and gaming features	4/5
Picture quality	Excellent brightness and great overall picture quality for the price	4/5
Sound quality	2.1.2-channel speakers deliver clear dialogue but limited height effects with Atmos soundtracks	3.5/5
Design	Good overall design with backlit remote and plentiful connections	4/5
Smart TV and menus	Google TV is a solid smart interface with plenty of apps	4/5
Gaming	Four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support but some picture smearing with VRR, particularly with PCs	4/5
Value	A great overall value given the TV's picture quality and features	4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a good all-around TV
While the U75QG isn’t without flaws, its overall performance is impressive for the price.

Your TV room is bathed in ambient light
Brightness output from the Hisense is more than other comparable TVs and stands up well against uncontrollable ambient light.

You have multiple gaming consoles/PCs
The Hisense U75QG has four HDMI 2.1 165Hz-compatible inputs, while its main competitor, the TCL QM7K, only has two. If you have multiple consoles and a PC to connect, the U75QG is the pick.

Don't buy it if…

You’re looking for top-tier gaming performance
The U75QG has decent gaming performance and a nice game bar option, but its VRR performance doesn’t match competitors.

You want amazing sound from a TV
The sound performance is okay, but you’ll really want to add a soundbar for a better sonic experience.

You watch events with big groups
Picture quality degrades pretty quickly as you move from off from center screen, so any friends that are over and have to sit to the side will see a lower-quality image.

Also consider...

	Hisense U75QG	TCL QM7K	Hisense U8QG	Samsung QN90F
Price (65-inch)	$1,500	$1,499	$2,199	$2,499
Screen type	mini-LED w/ QLED	mini-LED w/ QLED	mini-LED w/ QLED	mini-LED w/ QLED
Refresh rate	Up to 165Hz	Up to 144Hz	Up to 165Hz	165Hz
HDR support	Dolby Vision IQ//HDR10+ Adaptive/HLG	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV	Google TV	Google TV	Google TV	Tizen
HDMI ports	4 HDMI 2.1	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	3x HDMI 2.1	4x HDMI 2.1

TCL QM7K
The TCL QM7K is another great mid-range mini-LED TV with an affordable price tag. It has a better design than the Hisense, but its picture isn't as powerfully bright and its gaming flexibility is limited by having only two HDMI 2.1 ports.

Read our full TCL QM7K review

Hisense U8QG
The Hisense U8QG has a similar feature set to the U75QG but a better overall design with a sturdy aluminum pedestal stand. Its picture brightness is about the same, although the U8QG's 4.1.2-channel speaker array provides more immersive sound. It's a bit more expensive than the U75QG but not by much.

Read our full Hisense U8QG review

Samsung QN90F
The Samsung QN90F is the best mini-LED TV on the market when you take into account picture quality, design, and gaming features and performance. It's notably more expensive than the Hisense U75QG but has much better off-axis picture uniformity and is also available in a wide range of sizes, including 43- and 98-inch models.

Read our full Samsung QN90F review

How I tested the Hisense U75QG

The U75QG was my main TV for a couple weeks
Tested with Calman color calibration software
Used a variety of test material from streaming and discs

I watched a wide range of content on the Hisense U75QG, including movies and TV shows streaming from the built-in Google TV OS on Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu. I also used a Kaleidescape Strato V for high-quality movies, along with 4K UHD Blu-ray discs played on an Oppo UDP-203 disc player. Games were played on an Xbox Series X.

For grayscale and color accuracy testing, I used a Portrait Displays C6 HDR5000 colorimeter profiled to an X-rite i1 Pro 3 spectrophotometer, Murideo Seven-G 8K pattern generator, Konica Minolta LS-100 luminance meter, and Calman calibration software by Portrait Displays. I used a Leo Bodnar 4K lag tester to check input lag.

I’ve been testing TVs, monitors, and projectors for a few decades, and am an ISF Level III certified calibrator.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

First reviewed: November 2025
Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

I tested the Hisense U75QG mini-LED TV, and it’s the best value Hisense TV

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: Dolby Vision, HDR, TV, VA | Comments: Off

Hisense U75QG: Two-minute review

Hisense U75QG review: Price and release date

Release date: May 2025
55-inch: $1,300
65-inch: $1,500
75-inch: $1,999
85-inch: $2,499
100-inch: $4,999
116-inch: $21,999

The U75QG pricing is similar to the TCL QM7K, the midrange competitor from that manufacturer. Although the Hisense is currently $100 to $700 more expensive than the TCL, depending on screen size.

Hisense U75QG review: Specs

Screen type:	QLED with mini-LED
Refresh rate:	Up to 144Hz
HDR support:	Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG
Audio support:	Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
Smart TV:	Google TV
HDMI ports:	4 x HDMI 2.1
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 3.0

Hisense U75QG review: Benchmark results

Hisense U75QG review: Features

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Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
Hi-View AI Engine Pro processor
VA panel with good anti-reflection

The U75QG runs the Google TV OS, which allows access to thousands of streaming apps. It also has an ATSC 3.0 tuner for those in areas that are broadcasting NextGen TV signals.

Features Score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Picture quality

Incredibly bright for a midrange TV
Impressive SDR color accuracy
HDR benefits from a pro calibration

Picture quality score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Sound quality

2.1.2-channel speaker system
Clear dialogue
Would benefit from a soundbar

Sound quality score: 3.5/5

Hisense U75QG review: Design

Center pedestal is really two feet with a plastic plate
High enough lift for soundbar
Backlit remote control

Design score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Smart TV and menus

Google TV OS
Loads of streaming apps available
Some ads on the home page

Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Gaming

Four HDMI 2.1 ports with 165Hz support
9.8ms input lag time
FreeSync Premium Pro

Gaming score: 4/5

Hisense U75QG review: Value

Excellent picture quality for the price
Really needs a soundbar for best experience
Four HDMI 2.1 ports and backlit remote

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Hisense U75QG?

Hisense U75QG
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Good HDR support and gaming features	4/5
Picture quality	Excellent brightness and great overall picture quality for the price	4/5
Sound quality	2.1.2-channel speakers deliver clear dialogue but limited height effects with Atmos soundtracks	3.5/5
Design	Good overall design with backlit remote and plentiful connections	4/5
Smart TV and menus	Google TV is a solid smart interface with plenty of apps	4/5
Gaming	Four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support but some picture smearing with VRR, particularly with PCs	4/5
Value	A great overall value given the TV's picture quality and features	4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a good all-around TV
While the U75QG isn’t without flaws, its overall performance is impressive for the price.

Your TV room is bathed in ambient light
Brightness output from the Hisense is more than other comparable TVs and stands up well against uncontrollable ambient light.

Don't buy it if…

You’re looking for top-tier gaming performance
The U75QG has decent gaming performance and a nice game bar option, but its VRR performance doesn’t match competitors.

You want amazing sound from a TV
The sound performance is okay, but you’ll really want to add a soundbar for a better sonic experience.

Also consider...

	Hisense U75QG	TCL QM7K	Hisense U8QG	Samsung QN90F
Price (65-inch)	$1,500	$1,499	$2,199	$2,499
Screen type	mini-LED w/ QLED	mini-LED w/ QLED	mini-LED w/ QLED	mini-LED w/ QLED
Refresh rate	Up to 165Hz	Up to 144Hz	Up to 165Hz	165Hz
HDR support	Dolby Vision IQ//HDR10+ Adaptive/HLG	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	Dolby Vision IQ/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV	Google TV	Google TV	Google TV	Tizen
HDMI ports	4 HDMI 2.1	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	3x HDMI 2.1	4x HDMI 2.1

Read our full Hisense U8QG review

Read our full Samsung QN90F review

How I tested the Hisense U75QG

The U75QG was my main TV for a couple weeks
Tested with Calman color calibration software
Used a variety of test material from streaming and discs

I’ve been testing TVs, monitors, and projectors for a few decades, and am an ISF Level III certified calibrator.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

First reviewed: November 2025
Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

I tested the JBL Bar 1000MK2 soundbar for two weeks, and it’s Dolby Atmos surround sound with a unique wireless twist

2:00 pm | October 25, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Soundbars Televisions | Tags: HDMI, Mad Max, TV | Comments: Off

JBL Bar 1000MK2: Two minute review

JBL Bar 1000MK2 on TV stand with accessories — The Bar 1000MK2 kit with wireless surround speakers, remote control, and accessory cables and mounts (subwoofer not shown) (Image credit: Future)

The JBL Bar 1000MK2 is designed to address a problem inherent to the discrete surround speakers that come with soundbar systems: what happens when you don’t have a suitable place to plug them in?

It’s a challenge the JBL Bar 1000MK2 addresses elegantly by using detachable, rechargeable surround speakers that can be placed almost anywhere — with or without power.

Along with its detachable surround speakers, this model goes beyond most of the best soundbars by including not one, but three dedicated HDMI inputs. It’s blistering with wireless connections, too, including AirPlay and Google Cast. The included 10-inch wireless sub completes the picture, turning the Bar 1000MK2 into a highly flexible home theater system.

It creates highly immersive, cinematic experiences that put you in the middle of the action, but it’s not without its flaws. Height channel effects, the hallmark of a great Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtrack, can be a little underwhelming, and dialogue isn’t quite as clear as other soundbars such as the Sonos Arc Ultra or Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. Music quality can vary: modern recordings (especially those mixed as Dolby Atmos tracks) shine, but older material loses something on playback.

Still, all in, the JBL Bar 1000MK2 is a fun, powerful, and versatile addition to any TV setup.

JBL Bar 1000MK2 review: Price & release date

JBL Bar 1000MK2 on TV stand with remote control and phone running JBL One app — The Bar 1000MK2 uses the JBL One app for setup control, but most functions can be carried out using the included hardware remote (Image credit: Future)

$1,199.95 / £899.99 (about AU$1,845)
Released June 2025

JBL launched the Bar 1000MK2 in June 2025 in both the US and the UK. Additional countries are planned for October and beyond, but pricing for these markets has yet to be announced.

As an update to the Bar 1000, JBL has kept the main ingredients (the included sub, detachable surrounds, and three dedicated HDMI inputs), but has made some small changes to the components. Instead of five racetrack drivers and three tweeters on the main bar, there are now six racetracks and only two tweeters. The deleted tweeter might make a difference: it was centrally located, where it played a role in dialogue clarity.

The detachable surrounds have also been modified. Here again, JBL has swapped tweeters for full-range racetrack drivers. The surrounds can now be used in another room for remote TV listening, or as an alternative to the main bar and subwoofer in Night mode.

Curiously, JBL’s pricing creates different comparisons depending on where you live. In the US, it’s $200 more expensive than the Sonos Arc Ultra ($999) and Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar ($999), and yet, in the UK, all three products are priced alike at £899. The Bar 1000MK2's price has dropped in the US since launch, however, with it now widely available for $999.

Given that the Bar 1000MK2 comes with its own wireless subwoofer and surround speakers, which isn’t the case for Sonos or Bose, it may make more sense for buyers to compare it to similarly equipped products like Samsung’s HW-Q930F ($1,399) or LG’s S90TR ($1,199).

JBL Bar 1000MK2 review: Specs

Dimensions (W x H x D)	Soundbar: 33.6 x 2.0 x 5.0 inches; detachable surround speaker (each): 7.4 x 2.0 x 5.0 inches; subwoofer: 12.8 x 15.7 x 12.8 inches
Speaker channels	7.1.4
Connections:	1x HDMI out (with eARC), 3x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-A
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X	Yes/Yes
Sub included	Yes
Rear speakers included	Yes
Features	AirPlay 2, Google Cast, HDMI 2.1, 4K 60Hz, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision pass-through, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Dolby Atmos Music, Roon Ready, rear speaker broadcast mode, Night Listening mode, native integration of music services including Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and more

JBL Bar 1000MK2 review: Features

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JBL Bar 1000MK2 gallery showing ports and surround speaker docking and power options — The Bar 1000MK2 provides 3 HDMI inputs along with an HDMI output (with eARC); the fully wireless surround speakers dock into the soundbar's sides for charging and also have a USB-C port for power (Image credit: Future)

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Three dedicated HDMI inputs with 4K/HDR passthrough
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with comprehensive streaming support
Fully wireless surround speakers that can be placed anywhere

JBL’s top-tier products have a reputation for being chock-full of features, and the Bar 1000MK2 is no exception. I’m thrilled when a soundbar offers even one HDMI input to compensate for the one it takes up on the TV. With three of these inputs, the Bar 1000MK2 doubles as an AV receiver alternative, letting you hook up multiple devices like Blu-ray players or game consoles.

I’m a little disappointed that the optical connection is strictly an alternative to the HDMI eARC port (you can’t use it as its own discrete input), and gamers should take note that the soundbar’s video passthrough is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate.

With both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, plus Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect, you can stream just about any music source to the Bar 1000MK2. Better yet, JBL lets you natively stream services like Tidal and Amazon Music from within the JBL One companion app, ensuring compatibility with Dolby Atmos Music tracks (when available). Longtime JBL fans should note that, unlike previous JBL soundbars, the Bar 1000MK2 isn’t compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice control or multiroom audio.

JBL remains the only soundbar maker that uses fully wireless surround speakers, which enable a huge range of placement options. New on the MK2 is the ability to use them as auxiliary TV speakers for listening in a different room, or as personal “night mode” speakers.

Wondering about what it’s like to use rechargeable speakers? Honestly, it’s pretty great. JBL estimates a single charge will get you about 10 hours of use, depending on your volume level. For me, that translated into two weeks between charges, watching about 1.5-2 hours of TV per day. And that included a three-hour continuous listening session where I put the system through a series of test clips and playlists.

I really appreciate that JBL includes wall-mounting hardware for both the main bar and the surrounds. And, cleverly, the mounts for the surrounds are designed for easy on-and-off placement to help with recharging. Finding a way to leave them plugged in via USB-C while wall-mounted, on the other hand, might prove tricky, and JBL doesn’t include chargers in the box.

Features score: 5 / 5

JBL Bar 1000MK2 review: Performance

JBL Bar 1000MK2 on TV stand showing up-firing Atmos speakers — Both the soundbar and wireless surrounds (shown here docked on the soundbar for charging) feature upfiring Atmos speakers (Image credit: Future)

Impressive surround sound
Lackluster height channels and precision
Slightly harsh music rendering

With a total of 10 drivers in the main soundbar, two drivers in each surround module, and a big, 10-inch cone on the down-firing subwoofer, the Bar 1000MK2 has all the ingredients needed for a full-throated home theater experience.

Whether you’ve got access to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or just good ol’ Dolby Digital 5.1, this soundbar does a great job of putting you in the middle of the action.

With the speaker’s PureVoice mode on (the default), I found dialogue clarity adequate, but not as crystal-clear as the Sonos Arc Ultra or Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. It’s not a deal-breaker, but at this price, I expect top-notch dialogue quality.

JBL’s 7.1.4-channel system successfully decoded Dolby Atmos up to 9.1.6 and DTS:X at up to 7.1.4. There isn’t a lot of DTS:X content out there, but it’s nice to know the Bar 1000MK2 can handle it.

Those detachable, fully wireless surround speakers may look like toys, but they’re the real deal. Placing them on either end of my couch created an excellent sound field. During key moments in Ford v Ferrari, race cars could clearly be heard careening from my left to my right as they battled for dominance on (and sometimes off) the track.

Ideally, they should be placed just behind your listening position, but it’s not vital.

However, leaving the surround speakers attached to the main soundbar (where they recharge if you don’t want to use your own chargers) will give you much less immersive sound. The Bar 1000MK2 simply isn’t as adept at creating virtual surround and rear height effects from the front of your room. If you want a single bar that can do that, the Sonos Arc Ultra, Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, and Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus are better choices.

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JBL Bar 1000MK2 subwoofer on floor — The Bar 1000MK2 system's large, ported subwoofer features a downfiring 10-inch cone driver (Image credit: Future)

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Despite its impressive overall performance, there are some specific weaknesses. Some soundtrack elements lack sufficient dynamic range. During the classic courtyard shootout scene from No Time To Die, when James Bond sits stoically as his Aston Martin gets riddled with bullets, the automatic gunfire ricochets all around the room, as it should. But the overhead church bells sound flat, and in the moments leading up to this scene, the car chase lacks presence and immediacy.

Similarly, even with the soundbar’s Atmos setting at max (the loudest you can push the height drivers), it was hard to hear the difference between surround and overhead effects.

I’ve reviewed a lot of single-speaker soundbars recently, and the Bar 1000MK2 reminded me that even the best of these units can’t compete with a dedicated subwoofer. Though the power and impact of this sub seem disproportionately low when compared to its size, the unit does what it needs to do. Of the available five subwoofer power levels, I found levels four and five to be plenty of punch for movies. For music, however, I needed to tone it down: levels one to three were more enjoyable.

Speaking of music, I’m sad to report that it’s an uneven aspect of the Bar 1000MK2’s performance. It seems that JBL hasn’t moved the needle much since it released the Bar 9.1 -- its first soundbar with wireless surrounds. Like that speaker, the Bar 1000MK2 has trouble with its midranges, and the highs have a tendency to get shouty and shrill, particularly at higher volumes.

On the bright side, the system is compatible with hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, and it seems to love tracks that have been produced in recent years. Modern recordings, especially those in Dolby Atmos Music, really shine. But older songs lose a lot. There are no EQ presets (e.g., Music, Movies, Sports, etc.); however, JBL does offer an equalizer in the JBL One app. Still, all my tweaking didn’t resolve the issue. Strangely, equalizer adjustments are universal; there’s no way to save your changes or apply different settings to each input.

Using the wireless speakers for portable TV audio (Broadcasting mode) is a clever idea. If you’ve ever grouped a Sonos kitchen speaker with a Sonos soundbar, it’s the same concept. And the wireless speakers have an impressive range. With the soundbar in my basement, I was still able to get a stable signal on our third floor.

You can even choose mono or stereo sound. Where the idea stumbles, somewhat, is that the speakers don’t have their own built-in volume control. Changing the volume on the main system affects that of the wireless speakers. You can make it slightly quieter or louder using the JBL One app’s three rear channel settings: low, medium, and high.

Quiet, personal listening (Night listening mode) works well, too, cutting sound from the main bar and sub and routing it all to the wireless speakers. In this mode, it’s the regular volume level that controls what you hear. I’m just a bit sad that JBL doesn’t offer the choice of mono/stereo in Night listening mode.

Performance score: 3.5 / 5

JBL Bar 1000MK2 review: Design

JBL Bar 1000MK2 on TV stand closeup of alphanumeric LED display — The Bar 1000MK2 has a bright alphanumeric LED display for control feedback (Image credit: Future)

Magnetic covers provide a finished look to both the bar and surrounds
Ultra short height keeps it from obstructing your TV’s lower frame
Lack of front-firing tweeters may diminish dialogue crispness

It’s impossible to overlook the Bar 1000MK2’s main design element: those detachable wireless surrounds. It’s unique, it’s clever, and it works. It may not be for everyone, but the flexibility of placement and the elimination of wires are a boon to those with awkward spaces.

With a utilitarian, black plastic body and plastic grille, the Bar 1000 MK2’s design won’t win any beauty contests. But if you’re of the opinion that soundbars should be heard, not seen, the 1000MK2 is a stunner.

As powerful soundbars go, the Bar 1000MK2 is remarkably compact, especially when you remove the wireless surround speakers. At just two inches tall, the MK2 is one of the shortest soundbars I’ve ever tested. Most folks won’t have to worry about it blocking the IR receiver (or screen) on their TVs.

A front-mounted alphanumeric display briefly comes to life to inform you of input changes, volume level, audio format (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, etc.), and a wealth of other settings and alerts, which I find very helpful. I don’t like being forced to consult an app for these details (as is the case with many soundbars). It would be perfect if only you could adjust its brightness or disable it entirely.

The included magnetic end-caps aren’t a very elegant solution to the problem of how to hide the exposed charging contacts, but once installed, they do provide a very elegant finish to both the soundbar and the surrounds.

It’s harder to be enthusiastic about the included wireless subwoofer. At 15 inches tall and with a nearly 13-inch square footprint, it’s big, and that makes it harder to tuck away. You may be able to get away with placing objects on its flat top surface -- one of our cats decided it was the ideal spot for a nap and was surprisingly unfazed by the low-frequency rumbles, which I suppose is a quirky testament to the cabinet’s ability to dampen vibrations.

The soundbar’s top controls are basic in the extreme: Volume and input selection. If you’re using the speaker purely for TV audio, the sparse offering is fine. If you’re using it for music, it can feel limiting, especially the lack of muting, play/pause, and track skipping.

Good thing the Bar 1000MK2 ships with a remote. It covers all of those missing functions and then some. But I’m baffled by JBL’s decision to use icons instead of words to label buttons that control sub, surround, Atmos levels, and calibration. Curiously, this is only on the North American model. The European version gets English labels, even though that part of the world speaks many more languages than in Canada, the US, and Mexico.

Behind the front and top grilles on the main bar, JBL has installed six 1.7x3.1-inch racetrack drivers, two 1-inch tweeters, and two 2.75-inch up-firing full-range drivers.

It’s an unusual configuration: JBL uses the two tweeters as side beam drivers -- meaning they’re used to help with surround channels. It relies on the six racetrack drivers for the all-important center channel, which may explain why I found the Bar 1000MK2 less crisp on the dialogue front than other soundbars. Bose uses a central tweeter on the Smart Ultra Soundbar, and Sonos puts three front-firing tweeters on the Arc Ultra.

Each wireless surround has a 1.7x3.5-inch racetrack driver and a 2.75-inch, up-firing full-range driver.

Design score: 4 / 5

JBL Bar 1000MK2 review: Setup & usability

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JBL Bar 1000MK2 JBL One app screenshots — Set up, adjustment, and music streaming app screens on the JBL One app (Image credit: Future)

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Easy setup and calibration
Front display provides vital feedback
JBL One app is simple and easy to use

Getting the Bar 1000MK2 set up is a snap. For basic use as a TV speaker, you can simply plug it into power and your TV’s HDMI (or optical) connection, plug in the subwoofer, and you’re done.

But it’s worth it to download the free and intuitive JBL One app. The app walks you through getting the soundbar connected to Wi-Fi – which takes less than one minute – after which you can access software updates and use streaming platforms like Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect.

There’s also native support for several streaming music services, including Tidal and Amazon Music, which helps to ensure you’re getting Dolby Atmos Music when available (Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Google Cast aren’t currently compatible with this format).

If you own more than one JBL Wi-Fi-based audio product, e.g., Charge 5 Wi-Fi, or one of the Authentics models, the app also lets you control these speakers individually or as groups.

Most of the time, you won’t need the app after the initial setup. Thanks to the built-in display, most tasks are easily performed with the remote. Exceptions to this are changing the EQ setting and switching to Night or Broadcast listening. You don’t need the app to perform the room calibration of the wireless surrounds, but it’s easier than using the remote and built-in display.

Calibration is very easy, and only involves two automated steps: a reading of the room with the surround speakers positioned where you normally sit, and another with the speakers placed in their regular positions off to the sides of your listening spot.

Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5

JBL Bar 1000MK2 review: Value

JBL Bar 1000MK2 on TV stand with phone running JBL One app — Following discounts, the Bar 1000MK2's US price matches all-in-one soundbars like the Sonos Arc Ultra and Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar (Image credit: Future)

Good bang for the buck
Dialogue, Atmos effects, and music could be stronger
Incredibly versatile

Is the JBL Bar 1000MK2 a perfect soundbar? No, but for the price, it packs a feature set you simply won’t find anywhere else. Multiple HDMI inputs, full Wi-Fi streaming options, excellent cinematic surround sound, and of course, those funky detachable wireless speakers.

Its nearest direct competitors, the Samsung HW-Q930F ($1,399) and LG S90TR ($1,199), are, like the 1000MK2, priced just under each brand’s flagships.

TechRadar hasn’t reviewed these models, but if our experiences with their higher-end siblings (Samsung HW-Q990F and LG S95TR) are any indication, they’ll deliver better overall sound quality.

What they won’t give you is the Bar 1000MK2’s three HDMI inputs (they only have one), its fully wireless surround speakers (they have power cords), or the ability to use those speakers for remote/night listening.

Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the JBL Bar 1000MK2?

Section	Notes	Score
Features	Three HDMI inputs, fully wireless surround speakers and extensive wireless streaming support	5 / 5
Performance	Good surround immersion but lackluster Atmos effects, dialogue clarity and music performance	3.5 / 5
Design	Detachable wireless surround speakers dock into soundbar; slim profile with large alphanumeric LED display	4 / 5
Setup & usability	Simple setup and calibration; feature-packed JBL One app, but most functions can be controlled with hardware remote	4.5 / 5
Value	Impressive features and versatility for price but performance could be stronger	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want full cinematic surround sound at a reasonable price
Companies like Bose, Sonos, and Marshall don’t include subwoofers and surrounds with their soundbars. Adding them increases the price of a full home theater setup by up to 100% or more. The Bar 1000MK2 comes with everything you need.

You have an unusual TV room
Not everyone has conveniently located power outlets or even good spots to mount surround speakers. The Bar 1000MK2, with its compact and fully wireless surrounds, provides far more versatility of placement.

You own multiple video devices like game consoles, disc players, or streamers
With three dedicated HDMI inputs, the Bar 1000MK2 not only compensates for the HDMI port it occupies on your TV, it actually adds two more. For some, this will eliminate the need for a separate HDMI switcher.

Don't buy it if...

You need crystal-clear dialogue
The Bar 1000MK2 is generally very good for dialogue quality, but you’ll find that most of its competitors (Bose, Sony, Sonos, etc.) offer more clarity.

You don’t want to compromise on surround power
As convenient as the Bar 1000MK2’s fully wireless surrounds are, they aren’t as big or as powerful as those in similar all-in-one systems from Samsung or LG.

Music listening is just as important as movies and TV
The Bar 1000MK2 is perfectly competent as a music speaker, but it’s clear that it was designed primarily for movies and shows. There’s a slight harshness to the upper-mids and highs that detracts from some music (especially older recordings), though it can be quite thrilling as a Dolby Atmos Music system.

JBL Bar 1000MK2 review: Also consider

	JBL Bar 1000MK2	Sonos Arc Ultra	Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar	LG S90TR
Price	$1,199.95 / £899.99 (about AU$1,845)	$999 / £999 / AU$1,799	$899 / £899 / AU$1499	$1,199.99
Dimensions (w x h x d)	Soundbar: 33.6 x 2.0 x 5.0 inches; subwoofer: 12.8 x 15.7 x 12.8 inches; surround speaker: 5.0 x 7.4 x 2.0 inches	46.38 x 2.95 x 4.35 inches	41 x 2.3 x 4.2 inches	Soundbar: 49.2 x 2.5 x 5.3 inches; subwoofer: 7.9 x 16 x 15.9 inches; surround speaker: 3.9 x 6.9 x 4.7 inches
Speaker channels	9.1.4	9.1.4	5.1.2	7.1.3
Connections	HDMI out (with eARC), 3x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-A	1HDMI with eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	HDMI eARC, digital optical, Ethernet, bass module, IR blaster, USB (service only), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi	HDMI out (with eARC), HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-A
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X	Yes/Yes	Yes/No	Yes/No	Yes/Yes

Sonos Arc Ultra

If you’re content to build a system starting with a single-speaker soundbar, the Sonos Arc Ultra costs a little less ($999 in the U.S.) and addresses both the dialogue clarity and music performance concerns on the JBL Bar 1000MK2. It offers impressive virtual surround sound, though it can’t match the power and immersion of an all-in-one system like the Bar 1000MK2.

Read our full Sonos Arc Ultra review

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

Bose's top all-in-one soundbar, like the Sonos Arc Ultra, costs $999 in the US and can be added on with optional wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer. It also has superior dialogue clarity and music performance compared to the JBL Bar 1000MK2.

Read our full Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar review

LG S90TR

If you don’t want to compromise on the full home theater experience, the LG S90TR is the same price ($1,199) and will likely deliver better dialogue and music, though with only one HDMI input and the need to plug its surrounds into power, it’s not as versatile as the Bar 1000MK2.

How I tested the JBL Bar 1000MK2

JBL Bar 1000MK2 overhead shot showing top surface controls and remote control — (Image credit: Future)

Used JBL Bar 1000MK2 as main audio system for two weeks
Tested in basement media room
Main source was an Apple TV 4K, and streamed music from various apps

I spent two weeks with the JBL Bar 1000MK2 as my main audio system for watching movies, shows, and music in my basement media room. During that time, I ran through my usual battery of Dolby Atmos test clips from movies like No Time To Die, Ford v Ferrari, Mad Max: Fury Road, Dune, and Unbroken, paying special attention to details like dialogue clarity, surround sound, and height channel impact.

I streamed most content from an Apple TV 4K connected via an LG OLED TV, which fed the MK2 from its ARC output, but I also connected an Nvidia Shield TV to one of the MK2's HDMI inputs to test its passthrough capabilities.

For music, I used a variety of apps, including Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music, listening to a wide range of genres and formats, like Dolby Atmos Music. Some were played from apps on the Apple TV 4K, while others were streamed wirelessly using AirPlay, Bluetooth and Google Cast.