Hisense HS2100 or ULTIMEA M20 Pro: which soundbar is the smarter buy?

Display

This category doesn’t really apply to soundbars in the same way it would for TVs, so there’s no screen-quality advantage for either product. What matters instead is how well each unit integrates with your TV setup. Winner: tie. Neither product has a display-focused edge, so this decision comes down to sound and convenience.

Performance

The Hisense HS2100 has the stronger headline specs: 240W max audio power, Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, and a dedicated ultra-slim wireless subwoofer. That combination usually translates into fuller bass, better room-filling sound, and a more convincing cinematic effect, especially for films and sport. The ULTIMEA M20 Pro is rated at 132W peak power and uses a built-in subwoofer, which is simpler and more compact but typically won’t move as much air or deliver the same low-end punch. Winner: Hisense HS2100. If you want the better all-round audio performance, the extra power and separate wireless subwoofer give it the edge.

Build quality and design

The ULTIMEA is the more compact and flexible product on paper: it’s only 16 inches long, built as an all-in-one unit, and supports Bluetooth 5.4, app control, OPT/AUX, and wall mounting. That makes it attractive for smaller rooms, desks, or minimalist setups where you want fewer boxes and less cable clutter. The Hisense is less about compactness and more about a traditional 2.1 layout with a separate wireless subwoofer, which takes up more space but usually feels more premium in a home-cinema context. Winner: ULTIMEA M20 Pro for compactness and convenience; Hisense for a more traditional AV-style setup. Overall, if design means small footprint, ULTIMEA wins.

Battery life

Neither product is battery-powered, so battery life is not a meaningful comparison. Both are mains-powered soundbars designed to stay plugged in. Winner: tie.

Price and value for money

This is where the ULTIMEA makes its strongest case. At £49.99, it is £34.01 cheaper than the Hisense HS2100 at £84.00, yet it still carries the same 4.4/5 rating and a solid review base of 2,840 reviews. The Hisense counters with more power, Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, and a wireless subwoofer, which are real upgrades rather than marketing fluff. But if you’re watching the budget, the ULTIMEA gives you a lot of soundbar for the money and is easier to justify for a secondary TV, bedroom, or student setup. Winner: ULTIMEA M20 Pro for value. The price gap is big enough that the cheaper model is the better bargain unless you specifically want the extra audio muscle.

Game library/features

Neither product has a game library, so this is not a relevant category in the usual sense. For gaming features, the ULTIMEA has a slight practical advantage because its app control and compact all-in-one design may suit a desk or PC setup better, and it explicitly markets itself as suitable for game use. The Hisense is more focused on TV viewing and home cinema, with TV Mode and EzPlay making it especially easy to pair with compatible Hisense TVs. Winner: tie, with a slight lean to ULTIMEA for PC/desk use and Hisense for TV-centric use.

Overall user experience

The Hisense HS2100 is the more complete home-entertainment package. It has the higher power rating, a proper wireless subwoofer, and premium audio processing features that should produce a bigger, richer sound for movies, sport, and general TV. It also benefits from Hisense’s TV Mode and EzPlay, which should make setup and daily use especially smooth if you already own a Hisense TV. The ULTIMEA M20 Pro, though, is the easier recommendation for people who want a cheap, compact upgrade that still sounds good and adds modern conveniences like app control and Bluetooth 5.4. In real-world terms, the ULTIMEA is the smarter budget pick, while the Hisense is the better-sounding product.

Overall summary: if your priority is audio quality and you want the more convincing 2.1 experience, buy the Hisense HS2100. If your priority is saving money and getting a tidy, flexible soundbar that still has strong reviews, the ULTIMEA M20 Pro is the better value. The final call depends on whether you value better sound enough to justify the extra £34.01.