Hisense Ch Soundbar vs Ultimea Bar
Quick Verdict
The Hisense Ch Soundbar is the better choice for buyers who want Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, HDMI eARC, and a 3.1 channel layout with upward firing drivers. It scores higher overall, includes a remote and HDMI cable, and suits a modern TV upgrade. The Ultimea Bar is a more basic 2.1 system with Bluetooth 6.0, an optical input, and a capable app with a 10 band equalizer. Choose the Ultimea if you do not need Atmos or eARC and prefer app based EQ. Choose the Hisense for immersive formats and straightforward TV connectivity. Neither offers WiFi, voice assistants, or published dimensions, so check your TV and furniture first.
| Spec | Hisense Ch Soundbar | Ultimea Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 3.1 channel | 2.1 channel soundbar with wireless subwoofer |
| Drivers | 5 speakers in soundbar (left and right front, center, left and right overhead) plus wireless subwoofer | Mica-reinforced soundbar drivers; exact driver count and sizes not published in listing. Subwoofer has an 18 mm high-excursion driver. |
| Power | 380W max output | 240W peak power, 95 dB maximum SPL, 45 Hz to 18 kHz frequency response |
| Subwoofer | Wireless subwoofer included; requires power cable | Wireless subwoofer with an 18 mm high-excursion driver, 6.5 L tuned cabinet, high-density magnetic circuit, BassMX optimization from 45 to 150 Hz |
| Dolby Atmos and DTS | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X listed | No Dolby Atmos or DTS support stated in listing |
| HDMI eARC and inputs | HDMI eARC; HDMI cable included; Bluetooth; no other wired inputs listed | HDMI and optical inputs; HDMI ARC or eARC support not stated in listing |
| Wireless and streaming | Bluetooth only; no WiFi or streaming apps listed | Bluetooth 6.0, wireless subwoofer connection, Ultimea app control; no Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or AirPlay stated |
| Dimensions | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Remote and app | Remote included; no app support mentioned | Ultimea App with 10-band equalizer and 121 preset EQ matrices; physical remote not stated in listing |
| Included accessories | HDMI cable, remote; subwoofer requires power cable not confirmed as included | Not published in listing |
Sound Quality
The Hisense Ch Soundbar earns a higher sound quality score of 22 out of 30, while the Ultimea Bar scores 20 out of 30. The Hisense uses a 3.1 channel layout with five drivers in the bar, including left and right front, a center channel, and two upward firing overhead drivers. The listing does not publish the driver sizes or an overall frequency response for the soundbar, so the subjective character of its sound remains less defined. The 380 watt max output figure suggests strong headroom, but it is a peak marketing number rather than a continuous power rating.
The Ultimea Bar is a 2.1 channel system with mica-reinforced soundbar drivers, but the listing does not state the exact driver count or sizes. It publishes a 240 watt peak power figure, a 95 dB maximum SPL, and a frequency response of 45 Hz to 18 kHz, which gives buyers a clearer technical baseline. However, with only two main channels and no center channel, dialogue clarity may depend more on the bar's tuning. Neither listing provides enough standardized measurements to make a direct listening comparison, so the score difference mainly reflects channel count and published output.
Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats
The Hisense Ch Soundbar has a clear advantage in this category, scoring 10 out of 15 compared to 6 out of 15 for the Ultimea Bar. The Hisense listing states support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, two common object based surround formats found on many streaming and disc releases. Its bar includes upward firing drivers intended to bounce height effects off the ceiling, but it does not include physical rear surround speakers. This means the overhead effect depends on room geometry and ceiling height, so results may vary.
The Ultimea Bar listing does not state any Dolby Atmos or DTS support. It is a 2.1 channel system, so it cannot decode height channels or surround back channels. It will likely rely on standard stereo or downmixed audio from the TV, which is fine for basic listening but less immersive. If you watch a lot of Atmos content, the Hisense is the only model here that lists the necessary decoding, even though its reflection based approach is a compromise.
Subwoofer and Bass
Both soundbars include a wireless subwoofer, which helps keep cable clutter low and allows flexible placement in the room. The Hisense Ch Soundbar lists a wireless subwoofer as part of the system, but the listing does not publish the subwoofer driver size, cabinet volume, or bass tuning details. The whole system shares a 380 watt max output figure, but the listing does not separate the subwoofer's own amplifier power or frequency range.
The Ultimea Bar gives more specific subwoofer information. Its wireless subwoofer uses an 18 mm high excursion driver in a 6.5 liter tuned cabinet with a high density magnetic circuit. The listing also mentions BassMX optimization from 45 to 150 Hz, which suggests tuned low frequency performance for a small cabinet. Even so, the subwoofer driver diameter is not stated, and no independent measurements are provided. Buyers who prioritize documented bass tuning may find the Ultimea's published details more reassuring, but the Hisense's larger total power claim is a different type of number.
Connectivity and TV Setup
The Hisense Ch Soundbar lists HDMI eARC as its main wired connection, and it includes an HDMI cable in the box. This makes setup with a modern TV straightforward, as eARC can pass lossless and object based audio from the TV back to the soundbar. However, the listing does not mention any optical, coaxial, or auxiliary inputs, so older TVs without HDMI ARC or eARC would have no simple wired path. Bluetooth is available for wireless audio from phones or tablets, but there is no WiFi for network streaming.
The Ultimea Bar lists HDMI and optical inputs, which is a practical combination for both new and older TVs. The optical input allows connection to TVs that lack HDMI ARC or eARC, giving it broader compatibility with legacy sets. However, the listing does not state whether the HDMI port supports ARC or eARC, so it is unclear if it can receive audio from a TV over HDMI. Bluetooth 6.0 is listed for wireless streaming, which is a newer Bluetooth version than what is mentioned for the Hisense, though both should handle basic music playback.
Features, Apps and Voice Control
The Hisense Ch Soundbar includes a physical remote control and lists seven EQ presets for quick sound changes, such as movie, music, news, or night modes. There is no mention of an app, WiFi, or voice assistant support, so all control appears to be through the remote and the soundbar's own buttons if any. The score for features and apps is 10 out of 15, reflecting a simple approach with no smart features.
The Ultimea Bar takes a different approach. Its listing highlights the Ultimea App, which offers a 10 band equalizer and 121 preset EQ matrices, giving users more detailed control over the sound signature. It also mentions dedicated voice and bass modes, likely for dialogue clarity and low end boost. However, the listing does not mention a physical remote, which could be a drawback for users who prefer a traditional controller. Neither model supports voice assistants or WiFi based streaming, so app control is the main differentiator.
Design and Fit Under a TV
Both products score the same for design and TV fit at 7 out of 15, largely because neither listing publishes the soundbar's physical dimensions, weight, or exact shape. The Hisense Ch Soundbar is a 3.1 channel unit with five drivers in the bar, which may make it wider or taller than a basic 2.0 bar, but without dimensions it is impossible to know if it will fit under a specific TV stand or block the TV's remote sensor.
The Ultimea Bar also does not publish its dimensions, though the subwoofer's 6.5 liter cabinet volume gives a small hint about that component's size. The soundbar itself is a 2.1 channel unit, so it might be more compact, but that is speculation. Buyers with tight furniture spaces should measure their shelf or stand and check the manufacturer's site for more complete specifications before purchasing either model. The lack of published dimensions is a shared weakness.
Who Should Buy It
The Hisense Ch Soundbar is best for buyers who want a budget friendly 3.1 channel system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, HDMI eARC, and a wireless subwoofer. It suits a straightforward TV upgrade where the user has a modern TV with eARC and does not need WiFi streaming, app control, or voice assistants. The included remote and seven EQ presets cover everyday adjustments without requiring a phone.
The Ultimea Bar is best for buyers who want a simple 2.1 channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth 6.0, and app based EQ but do not need Dolby Atmos, DTS, or confirmed HDMI eARC. It may appeal to those with older TVs because of the optical input, and to users who like deep equalizer control from a phone. It is not for buyers who want immersive height effects or a physical remote.
The Deciding Question
When comparing these two bars, the deciding question is whether you need Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding with HDMI eARC. The Hisense Ch Soundbar explicitly lists those formats and includes the eARC connection and an HDMI cable, making it a clear choice for modern TV owners who want object based audio without adding rear speakers.
If you do not need Atmos or DTS and would rather have an optical input for an older TV plus a detailed app equalizer, the Ultimea Bar is worth considering. It offers a published frequency response and subwoofer tuning details that the Hisense lacks. Your answer to that format and connectivity question will push you toward one model or the other.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy the Hisense Ch Soundbar if you have a recent TV with HDMI eARC, watch a lot of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X content, and want a physical remote with simple EQ presets. It is the stronger overall package for immersive formats and future proof connectivity, even though its physical dimensions and some audio specs are not published.
Buy the Ultimea Bar if your priority is a low cost 2.1 system with an optical input, a wireless subwoofer with published bass tuning, and app based 10 band EQ. It is a better fit for older TVs that lack eARC, and for users who prefer to control sound from a phone rather than a remote. Just confirm that its HDMI port meets your needs before buying.
Hisense Ch Soundbar
Pros
- Full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding at a budget price
- 380W max output with wireless subwoofer
- Five-speaker bar array includes upward-firing overhead channels
- HDMI eARC with included cable simplifies TV connection
- Seven EQ presets for quick sound changes
Cons
- No published driver sizes or frequency response
- No WiFi, app control, or voice assistant support listed
- No optical or auxiliary input for older TVs
- Soundbar dimensions and weight not provided
- Overhead effect limited by bar reflection, not physical rear speakers
Ultimea Bar
Pros
- Wireless subwoofer eases placement
- App has a 10-band EQ and many presets
- Bluetooth 6.0 promises stable streaming
- Dedicated voice and bass modes
- Budget price includes subwoofer
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS support stated
- HDMI ARC and eARC are not specified
- Soundbar driver sizes are not published
- No Wi-Fi or voice assistant support stated
- No physical remote mentioned in listing
Who Should Buy Each
Hisense Ch Soundbar
- Budget buyers who want more than stereo TV sound without running rear speaker wires
- Viewers who want to try Dolby Atmos height effects from a single bar
- People with HDMI eARC TVs and limited space for a subwoofer
- Music and movie listeners who appreciate quick EQ presets
Ultimea Bar
- Buyers who want a budget 2.1 channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer
- Viewers who want clear dialogue through VoiceMX processing
- People who like app based EQ and preset sound modes
- Small to medium rooms where a subwoofer adds impact without taking up wiring
Quick Decision Guide
| If you need Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding and HDMI eARC | Choose Hisense Ch Soundbar |
| If you need an optical input for an older TV without ARC | Choose Ultimea Bar |
| If you want a physical remote and simple EQ presets | Choose Hisense Ch Soundbar |
| If you want app based 10 band EQ and 121 presets | Choose Ultimea Bar |
| If you value published frequency response and subwoofer tuning details | Choose Ultimea Bar |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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