5 Alternatives to the Hisense HS2100 Soundbar (Including Better Value Picks)

The Hisense HS2100 is a budget 2.1 soundbar package with a wireless subwoofer, Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X, and at £84.00 it sits in that sweet spot where many UK buyers expect a noticeable upgrade over built-in TV speakers without spending cinema money. But alternatives can be smarter depending on what you actually need: better value, a different feature set, or money saved for other parts of your setup. Here’s how the main options compare in practical terms.

1) ULTIMEA 2.2ch Sound Bars for TV, Apollo S40 Pro — £75.99

This is the closest direct alternative on the list and, at £75.99, it undercuts the Hisense by about £8. That doesn’t sound like a huge saving, but it matters if you’re shopping on a tight budget. On paper, the ULTIMEA offers 2.2 channels rather than 2.1, a claimed 100W peak power, Bluetooth 5.3, app control, detachable design, BassMX, three EQ modes, and VoiceMX for clearer dialogue.

The practical difference is that ULTIMEA is more about flexibility and tuning than outright power. The Hisense HS2100’s 240W max audio power is likely to deliver a bigger, fuller room-filling sound, especially with the dedicated subwoofer. The ULTIMEA may be easier to tailor to your room and content, and the detachable design can be handy if you want a more modular setup. But if you’re after the stronger “wow” factor for films and sport, the Hisense probably has the edge in sheer output and bass authority.

Build quality is likely to be broadly similar: both are budget-friendly, plastic-heavy soundbar systems aimed at everyday TV use rather than premium hi-fi. The ULTIMEA’s advantage is feature density, while the Hisense likely feels simpler and more straightforward. Choose the ULTIMEA if you want to save a few quid and like extra control over sound modes and app features. Choose the Hisense if you care more about a more powerful, traditional 2.1 setup with a wireless subwoofer and less faff.

2) Indoor TV Aerial – Freeview Digital Antenna with Built-In 4G-Filter Signal Booster — £33.25

This isn’t a soundbar alternative in the audio sense, but it is a very relevant alternative if your real problem is that you’re buying accessories to improve TV viewing and you want better live channels without paying for Sky or Virgin. At £33.25, it’s £50.75 cheaper than the Hisense, which is a big difference. It’s a portable indoor aerial with a 4G filter, signal booster, magnetic base and USB power, designed for Freeview reception.

The key feature difference is obvious: this improves your channel reception rather than your sound. If you’re frustrated by pixelated BBC, ITV or Channel 4 reception, or you want access to Freeview in a second room, this is a much more useful purchase than a soundbar. For many UK households, a decent aerial can be the difference between reliable free TV and constant signal dropouts. In that sense, the practical impact is bigger than buying better speakers if your current audio isn’t the main issue.

Build quality is typically lightweight and functional rather than premium, but that’s normal for indoor aerials. The magnetic base and plug-in USB power make it easy to position, and the built-in booster is useful in stronger signal areas. However, indoor aerials are always dependent on local reception, so results vary by postcode and building layout. Choose this if your TV sound is acceptable but your Freeview reception is poor, or if you’re trying to avoid a monthly TV bill altogether. It’s not a substitute for a soundbar, but it may be the more cost-effective upgrade for your actual problem.

3) Indoor TV Aerial - Freeview Antenna with Signal Booster — £29.75

At £29.75, this is the cheapest option here and comes in £54.25 below the Hisense HS2100. It’s another indoor Freeview aerial, this time with a magnetic base and portable design, and it’s rated slightly higher at 4.8★. The lower price makes it a very attractive buy if you’re trying to keep your TV setup lean and low-cost.

Feature-wise, it’s a simpler version of the aerial above. You still get signal boosting and support for 4K/1080p HD channels, but you’re not paying for extras like the 4G filter or USB-powered convenience in the same way. In practical terms, that means it may be a little less robust in areas with interference, but it could still be perfectly adequate if you’re in a strong signal location. For many people, that’s all they need.

Build quality should be considered basic but serviceable. These are small, lightweight accessories, not heavy-duty electronics. The big appeal is value: if your goal is simply to get Freeview channels on a spare TV, in a bedroom, or in a rental where you can’t fit a rooftop aerial, this is a sensible low-risk spend. Choose this if you want the cheapest possible route to better TV reception. Don’t choose it if your main issue is weak dialogue or flat sound — it won’t help with audio at all.

4) Amazon Basics TV Wall Bracket for 26-55 inch TVs — £19.93

This is a very different alternative, but it can be a smarter buy than a soundbar if your TV setup is the real problem. At £19.93, it costs £64.07 less than the Hisense HS2100. It’s a swivelling, tilting wall mount for 26-55 inch TVs, with VESA support from 100x100mm to 400x400mm and a 36kg load capacity.

The key feature difference is that this doesn’t improve sound or channels — it improves viewing position and frees up space. If your TV sits too low, reflects light badly, or dominates a small room, wall mounting can make the whole setup feel more expensive and tidy. A better viewing angle can also improve perceived picture quality, which is a real-world benefit many buyers overlook.

Build quality from Amazon Basics is usually dependable rather than fancy. You’re not buying premium styling, but you are getting a practical, well-known budget bracket that should do the job for most mid-sized TVs. The swivel and tilt functions add genuine value because they let you reduce glare and aim the screen toward the sofa. Choose this if you’ve already got acceptable sound and want to improve your room layout. It’s especially good if you’re trying to create a cleaner, more cinema-like setup without spending much. It’s not a replacement for the Hisense soundbar, but it may be a better first upgrade.

5) VonHaus TV Wall Bracket for 37-85" Screens — £18.99

At £18.99, this is the cheapest TV mount here and £65.01 less than the Hisense HS2100. It supports larger screens from 37 to 85 inches, has an ultra-slim profile, includes a spirit level, and boasts a 70kg capacity with VESA support up to 600x400mm. If you have a bigger TV, this is the more suitable wall-mount option.

Compared with the Amazon Basics bracket, the VonHaus is less about movement and more about a neat, flush-to-wall look. That matters if you want your living room to feel tidier and more modern. The trade-off is obvious: ultra-slim mounts are usually less adjustable than tilt-and-swivel designs, so you lose some flexibility in exchange for a cleaner finish. If your TV is already at a good height, that’s a worthwhile trade.

Build quality looks strong for the price, especially with the higher weight rating and larger VESA range. The included spirit level is a nice touch that makes installation easier for DIYers. Choose the VonHaus if you have a bigger TV and want the cheapest route to a sleek wall-mounted setup. If you need angle adjustment to fight glare or awkward seating, the Amazon Basics bracket is the better practical choice.

Verdict: which alternative is best?

If you’re comparing directly against the Hisense HS2100, the ULTIMEA Apollo S40 Pro is the nearest like-for-like alternative and the best option if you want to spend slightly less while getting extra app and EQ features. But the most useful alternative depends on your real-world problem. If you want better sound, stick with the soundbar options. If you want better TV reception or a cleaner setup, the aerials and wall brackets may actually be the smarter purchase.

For pure value, the £29.75 indoor aerial is the cheapest and most sensible choice for Freeview users. For improving room layout, the VonHaus bracket is excellent value. And if you want a soundbar but don’t want to pay the Hisense price, the ULTIMEA is the one to shortlist first.