Monthly Archives: September 2021

The 5 Best Hisense TVs of 2023: Reviews and Smart Features

1. Table of Contents
2. Intro
3. Review Updates
4. Best TV
5. Best Upper Mid-Range
6. Best Mid-Range
7. Best Budget
8. Best Cheap
9. Comparison
10. Lineup
    1. 2023 Lineup
    2. Model names
11. Hisense Smart Features
    1. Interface
    2. Ad-free
    3. Apps & Features
    4. Voice Controls
    5. Remote
12. Page Updates
13. Conclusion
14. Discussions

Updated Feb 21, 2023 at 01:26 pm

By Adam Babcock

We’ve bought and tested more than 20 Hisense TVs. Hisense has been growing in popularity over the years, and even though they started as more of a budget company, they’re competing with bigger brands now. Hisense TVs tend to offer great value for their price, so you won’t break the bank buying one. They’ve recently started to add gaming features like variable refresh rate (VRR) support, so they compete with some other brands. However, their TVs can also suffer from quality problems like uniformity and motion issues.

Like most brands, Hisense has announced their 2023 lineup and will start releasing their new models soon, so make sure to vote on which ones you want us to buy and test first. If you want to find out more about what Hisense has planned for their 2023 models, check out our 2023 TV lineup page.

Updates

• 10/17/2022

  Hisense U7H reviewed

• 09/23/2022

  Hisense U8H reviewed

• 08/23/2022

  Hisense U6H reviewed

• 08/04/2022

  Hisense U7G updated

• 08/02/2022

  Hisense A6G updated

Best Hisense Smart TVs

1. Best Hisense TV

   Hisense U9DG

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   Mixed Usage

   8. 5

   Movies

   9.3

   TV Shows

   8.3

   Sports

   7.7

   Video Games

   8.3

   HDR Movies

   8.8

   HDR Gaming

   8.2

   PC Monitor

   8.0

   Type

   LED

   Sub-Type

   IPS

   Resolution

   4k

   Sizes
   75″

   See all our test results

   Hisense’s flagship ULED lineup consists of a few different TVs, with the top-end and best Hisense TV we’ve tested being the Hisense U9DG. It’s a unique LED TV that combines two separate LCD layers, one color and one grayscale, to achieve much deeper blacks than single-panel TVs are capable of. This results in deep, inky blacks close to an OLED, with nearly perfect uniformity and no blooming around bright objects. You get the best of both worlds with this TV, as it also has a wide viewing angle, making it a great choice for a wide seating arrangement as everyone sees a consistent image no matter where they sit.

   While it’s Hisense’s top-of-the-line TV, there are some drawbacks. It’s only available in a 75-inch size, and because this is Hisense’s only TV to use this dual-panel technology, you can’t find something smaller if you want it. It doesn’t get bright in HDR either, so bright highlights aren’t as bright as they should be, although they still stand out well thanks to the incredibly high contrast ratio. Unfortunately, this is also an older model, and it’s increasingly difficult to find. Hisense seems to have abandoned the dual-layer technology used in this TV, as all their new models use Mini LED backlights instead.

   See our review

2. Best Upper Mid-Range Hisense TV

   Hisense U8H

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   Mixed Usage

   8.7

   Movies

   9.0

   TV Shows

   8.3

   Sports

   8.3

   Video Games

   9.0

   HDR Movies

   8.9

   HDR Gaming

   9.0

   PC Monitor

   8. 3

   Type

   LED

   Sub-Type

   VA

   Resolution

   4k

   Sizes
   55″ 65″ 75″

   See all our test results

   If you don’t need the high-end Hisense U9DG and prefer something from their upper mid-range price category, you won’t lose much as they still make great TVs. The Hisense U8H is one of Hisense’s highest-end 4k TVs. While it doesn’t deliver the same black levels as the U9DG, its Mini LED backlight and great local dimming feature deliver a similarly impressive experience. It’s available in a range of sizes from 55 up to 75 inches, and all three sizes deliver a nearly identical experience, meaning you can find the perfect size for your needs. HDR content looks amazing thanks to its wide color gamut and amazing HDR color volume, delivering a fantastic wide range of colors, so your favorite content looks its best. It also has fantastic peak brightness in HDR, and thanks to its impressive local dimming feature, blacks look black and uniform in a dark room, and bright highlights stand out incredibly well.

   If you’re a gamer, it’s also one of the best Hisense TVs for gaming because it has much better motion handling than the U9DG, so there’s very little blur behind fast-moving objects, but there are issues with red ghosting in some games. It has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on two of its HDMI ports, meaning it can take full advantage of the Xbox Series X and PS5 consoles, including 4k @ 120Hz support. Finally, it has low input lag and supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology, ensuring a responsive, nearly tear-free gaming experience.

   See our review

3. Best Mid-Range Hisense TV

   Hisense U7H

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   Mixed Usage

   8.0

   Movies

   8. 6

   TV Shows

   7.6

   Sports

   7.4

   Video Games

   8.3

   HDR Movies

   8.3

   HDR Gaming

   8.3

   PC Monitor

   7.7

   Type

   LED

   Sub-Type

   VA

   Resolution

   4k

   Sizes
   55″ 65″ 75″ 85″

   See all our test results

   The best mid-range Hisense TV we’ve tested is the Hisense U7H. It’s a mid-range TV released as part of the 2022 lineup and delivers great picture quality. It offers many of the same features as the Hisense U8H, but it doesn’t perform quite as well. It has excellent contrast and a decent full array local dimming feature, but it’s not as good as the Mini LED backlight on the U8H. Still, it has good peak brightness that helps it deliver an impressive HDR experience.

   It’s great for gaming, thanks to its low input lag and great selection of gaming features. It’s a step up over the Hisense U6H in that regard, as it has a 120Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, meaning you can enjoy 4k @ 120Hz gaming from the Xbox Series S|X or PS5. It also supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology, which helps reduce tearing in games.

   See our review

4. Best Budget Hisense TV

   Hisense U6H

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   Mixed Usage

   7.4

   TV Shows

   7. 1

   Sports

   7.1

   Video Games

   7.8

   HDR Movies

   7.5

   HDR Gaming

   8.0

   PC Monitor

   7.7

   Type

   LED

   Sub-Type

   VA

   Resolution

   4k

   Sizes
   50″ 55″ 65″ 75″

   See all our test results

   If you’re on a tighter budget, Hisense has great low-cost TVs like the Hisense U6H that offer great value compared to similarly-priced models from other brands. Unlike the Hisense U7H and the Hisense U8H, you aren’t getting the same high-end features and performance, but it’s still very good. It uses the same quantum dot technology, which means it displays a wide range of colors and has remarkable out-of-the-box accuracy, so you won’t have to get it calibrated for accurate colors.

   Like other Hisense TVs, it comes with a VA panel with deep blacks, but its local dimming feature is just decent. Its HDR peak brightness is also just okay, so highlights don’t pop as much in HDR, but that’s what you have to expect for a budget-friendly model. As it’s a 2022 TV, it comes with the updated Google TV platform, which is an upgraded version of Android TV, but if you don’t like that, the Hisense U6GR is a similar model with Roku TV instead, but it’s also harder to find.

   See our review

5. Best Cheap Hisense TV

   Hisense A6H

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   Mixed Usage

   6. 9

   Movies

   6.8

   TV Shows

   7.3

   Sports

   6.9

   Video Games

   7.0

   HDR Movies

   6.3

   HDR Gaming

   7.2

   PC Monitor

   8.0

   Type

   LED

   Sub-Type

   IPS

   Resolution

   4k

   Sizes
   43″ 50″ 55″ 65″ 70″ 75″

   See all our test results

   While Hisense’s ULED lineup offers the best value for their cost, especially in comparison to other brands, they also have a cheaper entry-level lineup (simply titled their ‘UHD TV’ lineup) that includes the Hisense A6H. It’s different from the other TVs as it doesn’t use quantum dot technology to display a wide range of colors, so it’s limited in the colors it displays in HDR, but it still has excellent out-of-the-box accuracy in SDR. Another difference is that most of its sizes use an IPS panel, which has a wider viewing angle but a lower contrast ratio than the VA panels on the ULED models, so it’s better for wide seating areas and isn’t as good in dark rooms.

   It includes Google TV as its smart platform and comes with the same features as the more expensive TVs, like a remote with a mic for voice control, so you can ask it to search for content or open apps. It also supports eARC if you want to connect a soundbar or receiver, which helps enhance your sound experience. It doesn’t have any trouble upscaling lower-resolution content, which is good if you watch DVDs or cable TV.

   See our review

Compared to other brands

• Great value for their price.
  Whether you’re looking at Hisense’s flagship or budget-friendly models, they offer better value than similarly-priced options from competitors. Hisense TVs are often among our mid-range and budget-friendly recommended TVs.
• Good for bright and dark rooms.
  Hisense’s options tend to perform well in both bright and dark environments. They usually have VA panels that display deep blacks, and they get bright enough to fight glare in well-lit rooms.
• Starting to add gaming features.
  As of 2021, Hisense introduced gaming features like HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and variable refresh rate support to some of their higher-end TVs. Although their 120Hz TVs have some motion issues, most gamers will still enjoy their TVs.

• Narrow viewing angle.
  Their ULED TVs mostly use VA panels with a narrow viewing angle, so they aren’t good choices for wide seating arrangements. They don’t use viewing angle technology like Samsung, so the image looks inaccurate from the side.
• Quality control issues.
  The biggest downside to Hisense TVs compared to more expensive competitors is the quality control issues. There are often problems with uniformity and color accuracy, and one of the more common issues is red ghosting around moving objects.

Hisense vs TCL

TCL is Hisense’s main competitor. They each offer good value in their TVs, so you can’t go wrong with either. Hisense TVs tend to get brighter, and they have more 4k options. TCL is a better company if you need smaller TVs with a low resolution.

Hisense vs Vizio

Like Hisense, Vizio TVs are inexpensive. However, they still tend to cost a bit more than Hisense. Each company offers gaming features with its models, and they deliver deep blacks. Vizios usually have better black uniformity, but Hisense TVs have better smart features.

Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with a Hisense TV. They offer the best value of any TV brand, and they perform well in both dark and bright environments. There are extra features for gamers, and the smart platform is great. However, they aren’t a good choice for wide seating areas, and you might run into some quality control issues after buying your Hisense TV.

Lineup

2023 Lineup

Hisense has announced an impressive lineup for 2023, refreshing all of their premium ULED models, starting with the U6K. The U7K and U8K both offer a higher 144Hz refresh rate for PC gamers, except the 100-inch U8K, which is still limited to a 120Hz refresh rate. They’ve also announced a new flagship model, the UX, which is only available in an 85-inch size. Advertised to produce 2,500 cd/m² peak brightness with a Mini LED backlight with more than 5,000 dimming zones, their new flagship should deliver an impressive HDR experience. Like most brands, Hisense is moving further away from the budget market, with many of their entry-level models carrying over from 2022.

Learn more about the 2023 Hisense lineup here.

Model names

Hisense uses a simple naming scheme. Starting with their 2021 TVs, the flagship ULED lineup has a U in front of the model names, while the entry-level models have an A. The first letter is followed by a number to indicate where in the lineup it stands, and the last letter represents the year; Hisense uses G for 2021, H for 2022, and K for 2023. For example, the Hisense U8H is a high-end 2022 model, while the Hisense A6H is an entry-level 2022 model. If there’s an R in the model code, it means it uses Roku TV instead of Android TV.

Hisense has completely different lineups outside of North America. Some of their naming conventions stay the same; the Hisense U8G is also available in the UK but uses a different smart system. Our results for Hisense TVs are only valid for the American models.

Hisense Smart Features

For the most part, Hisense uses Google TV as their smart platform in North America, but there are a handful of models with Roku TV instead, and they’ve even started selling some with Fire TV. Along with Sony, Hisense has been using Android TV for a few years and eventually transitioned their TVs to Google TV in 2022. It’s great, as you can access many apps through the Google Play Store, and the menu navigation feels smooth.

Interface

Hisense’s 2022 models use Google TV 11, and the interface is clean and pretty simple to navigate. It’s divided into multiple rows, and each row presents content from different apps. These rows can be customized to your liking, as you can choose which apps are disabled and where. However, because there are so many rows, it can feel overwhelming, and it may take some time before you can fully navigate the interface if you’re not used to it.

Ad-free

Past editions of Android TV were generally ad-free, but like other smart platforms, we’re starting to see more ads throughout the interface with Google TV. There are often large ads right on the home page, and you’ll see suggested content. You can opt out of suggested content, but that just means you’ll see untargeted ads instead.

Apps & Features

As the name suggests, Google TV has access to the Google Play Store, which offers a massive selection of apps to download, even more so than competing brands. You won’t have any issues finding your favorite streaming apps, and most of the common ones come pre-installed.

Voice Controls

The voice control gives you access to Google Assistant and Alexa, which is great. Some of the higher-end and newer Hisense models have mics built-in, so you can use the voice control by speaking directly to the TV or the remote. Don’t worry; you can disable the mic on the TV if you’re concerned about privacy. You can ask it to open apps, search for content, and change inputs, but you can’t ask it to change some settings.

Remote

Hisense has redesigned their remote a few times over the past few years, with a major overhaul in 2021. It’s small as it lacks a Numpad, and there are shortcut buttons to popular streaming services. You also get quick-access buttons to the Google Assistant, the home page, and the settings menu.

Recent Updates

1. Feb 21, 2023:
   Verified our picks for accuracy, and refreshed the text. Updated the lineup section to include the 2023 lineup.

2. Oct 24, 2022:
   Replaced the Hisense U7G with the upgraded 2022 model, the Hisense U7H.

3. Sep 26, 2022:
   Replaced the Hisense U8G with the new model, the Hisense U8H, as it’s a noticeable upgrade over last year’s model.

4. Aug 25, 2022:
   Restructured article to recommend TVs based on their placement in Hisense’s lineup; renamed the U8G to ‘Best Upper-Mid Range’; added the U7G and the A6H to their respective categories; replaced the U6G with the newer U6H because it’s easier to find; updated the Smart Features section.

5. Mar 25, 2022:
   Updated text for accuracy and updated the lineup section to reflect 2022 models.

Conclusion

Overall, Hisense offers something for everybody and generally at a low cost. Their ULED TVs are versatile for any use and have features like HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and variable refresh rate support. They generally perform well in dark rooms thanks to their VA panels, and they get bright enough to fight glare in well-lit rooms. However, no company is perfect, and Hisense’s TVs can suffer from quality control problems like uniformity issues and motion artifacts. If you don’t think that will bother you, you can’t go wrong with a Hisense.

Test results

Should I buy a Hisense TV? A look at the budget smart TV brand

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(Image credit: hisense)

The latest Hisense TVs demonstrate how far the company has come as a TV brand in just a few short years. Hisense now claims to be the number two TV maker in the world in terms of units shipped, which would put it ahead of key budget competitors such as TCL, Vizio, and Amazon.

Not only do some of Hisense’s affordable sets rank among the best 4K TVs, but the company has also successfully expanded into the projector market, with certain models in its Laser TV lineup, such as the PX1 Pro, counting among the best 4K projectors.  

As a TV brand with broad market coverage, the company offers an impressive range of models, with everything from premium 8K and OLED sets (both not available in the US) to ultra-affordable basic LED ones with 4K or regular HD resolution screens. The bulk of its offerings are at the budget end of the Smart TV spectrum, however, with the Google, Roku, Android, and Fire TV platforms all represented.

Given this budget focus, Hisense is a name you’ll regularly come across when shopping for an inexpensive TV, especially one with screen smaller than 55 inches. But you’ll also find plenty of feature-packed options in the company’s TV lineup, including models with quantum dots and even mini-LED backlights.

We’re going to cover the more premium Hisense options here, since they’re the ones with performance-related features that we believe readers will be most interested in. If you’re keen on just finding a good cheap TV, check out our guide to the best TVs under $500, which happens to be topped by a Hisense 4K model.

Should I buy a Hisense TV?

The best Hisense TVs are proving to be serious competitors, and not just among budget TV brands, but among TVs in general. In our U8H series review, for example, we found it had a measured peak brightness closely matching what we normally see in models priced twice as much, and its other performance-related features were similarly impressive.

That’s not to say all Hisense TVs will look as good as the U8H series, which are the company’s current flagship TVs in the US, but it’s a good indication that the company takes performance seriously. (Specs for the UK U8H model, which has significantly fewer backlight local dimming zones and uses an IPS LCD panel with poorer contrast, are different than those for the US one, however.)

So, despite the brand’s budget prices, you should be in no doubt that Hisense is a major player with a solid presence in the competitive television market.

Which Hisense TVs are best? 

The top Hisense TVs in the US for 2022 are the U8H, U7H, and U6H series sets. These all feature quantum dots for enhanced color and brightness, plus a full array LED backlight with local dimming. As noted above, the U8H series additionally features a mini-LED backlight. Other notable features include 4K 120Hz display on the U8H and U7H series TVs, along with an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving next-gen digital TV broadcasts in the US. All models support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range.

Another top Hisense TV in the US is the U9DG series, which uses a unique dual-layer LED backlight for enhanced contrast, with a claimed 2,000,000+ local dimming zones.

• U8H series: 55, 65, 75 inches
• U7H series: 55, 65, 75, 85 inches
• U6H series: 50, 55, 65, 75 inches
• U9DG series: 75 inches

The mini-LED-backlit U8H series models are Hisense’s top TVs for 2022. (Image credit: Hisense)

The top Hisense TVs in the UK for 2022 are the U8HQ and U7HQ series. These have similar specs as the US models, but use different LCD panel tech and have fewer local dimming zones.

• U8H series: 55, 65, 75 inches
• U7H series: 55, 65 inches

The A6H series is one of Hisense’s budget TV lines, but with 4K resolution, Dolby Vision HDR, and the Google TV smart interface.

Just below the options mentioned above are the company’s mid-range A7H and A6H series sets. These are regular 4K TVs that lack fancy performance-oriented features like quantum dots, a full array local dimming backlight, and 120Hz support. If you’re looking for a decent cheap TV with a Google TV interface and Dolby Vision, and one available in a wide range of screen sizes, however, these are the Hisense models to check out.

• A7H series: 85 inches
• A6H series: 43, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75 inches

Hisense smart TV reviews

The Hisense U8H’s Google TV interface. (Image credit: Future)

What did TechRadar make of Hisense’s latest TVs?

We’ve reviewed Hisense models of all sizes and price ranges – and you can check out our full thoughts with the links below:

US

Hisense U8H Series TV review: This flagship model is the first Hisense TV with a mini-LED backlight, a feature that delivers high brightness along with rich color courtesy of quantum dots. It’s also a fine match for next-gen gaming consoles, with 120Hz display, VRR, and ALLM all on tap.

Hisense U9DG Series TV review: The brand’s 2021 flagship model delivers brightness in spades and exceptional contrast thanks to its Dual Cell design. However, Issues with motion processing and color oversaturation were apparent in our tests.

Hisense H9G Quantum Series TV review: This successor to the H8G offers an excellent 4K HDR picture, a solid OS, and a good selection of ports. Audio isn’t great, but otherwise this is a high-performing TV available at a surprisingly mid-range price.

Hisense H8G Quantum Series TV review: The Hisense H8G Quantum Series does so much at a price that will make you wonder why you’d even consider “premium” televisions. Overall this is an affordable, high-quality television and we highly recommend it.

Hisense R8F 4K ULED TV review: Hisense adds its proprietary ULED technology to a Roku TV, offering boosted brightness, contrast, color and motion handling. The only downside is that the bass response isn’t all that powerful, and might mean you need to invest in a soundbar.

UK

Hisense U7QF ULED TV review: The U7QF makes a great case as a mid-price LCD with exceptional brightness control, decent HDR, and a sleek TV stand solution. Notable motion problems are mainly what holds it back from greatness.

Hisense U7B ULED TV review: While the Hisense H55U7B ultimately comes up a bit short on the picture quality, mostly due to some backlight and motion problems, it’s ambitious and feature-rich enough to still add up to a potentially tempting package.

Hisense O8B OLED TV review: The cheapest OLED TV on the market inevitably comes with some compromises. At £1,399 for the 55-inch UK model, was it worth the trade off?

Hisense U8B ULED TV review: One for the UK only, but this high-spec TV comes in at only £999 for a 65-inch model, offering a big-impact screen at a pretty low price.

Hisense Roku TV (R50B7120UK) review: The Hisense Roku TV is a brilliant introduction of the Hisense-Roku collaboration for the UK. With a strong and vivid picture, great HDR for the price, and the Roku smart platform to sweeten the deal, this is undoubtedly one of the best televisions under £500 you can get right now.

AU

Hisense 65SX Dual Cell TV review: Hisense’s Dual Cell technology offers the best contrast levels of any LED/LCD television we’ve seen to date, achieving blacks approaching that of an OLED without sacrificing brightness. That said, the 65SX suffers somewhat from image processing issues.

Hisense U80G ULED 8K TV review: Leaving behind the image processing issues of previous TV models, Hisense knocks it out of the park with its first 8K television, achieving brilliant visuals and delivering the high-end features expected from flagship TV.

Today’s best Hisense TV deals

Hisense 55U6H

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Hisense H8G Quantum Series

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Hisense 55″” Class 4K UHD LED Roku

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• For our top TV picks, our guide to the best TVs 2022 is here to help
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Henry is a freelance technology journalist, and former News & Features Editor for TechRadar, where he specialized in home entertainment gadgets such as TVs, projectors, soundbars, and smart speakers. Other bylines include Edge, T3, iMore, GamesRadar, NBC News, Healthline, and The Times.

With contributions from

• Al GriffinSenior Editor Home Entertainment, US

Hisense A6BG – review of one of the cheapest Smart TVs with 4K

Hisense has released a series of A6BG TVs for those who need an inexpensive device for everyday use. At the moment, this is one of the cheapest SmartTVs with 4K resolution. At the same time, it is capable of playing HDR formats and has a good filling.

In Russia, the model range of the A6BG series is represented by five TVs with a diagonal range from 43 to 65 inches. For Europe, two additional models are provided – 75 and 85 inches. In this review, we will figure out how good the Hisense A6BG 4K HDR TV is on the example of a device with a diagonal of 55 inches.

Design

The appearance of the Hisense 55A6BG TV is quite good. The 55-inch screen looks great thanks to its almost bezel-less design and flat design. Compared to Hisense 55A6BG, even many models from LG and Samsung look “pot-bellied”. Despite the price, the image processing quality is also on top.

Due to the fact that the legs of the 55-inch model are quite wide apart (a little more than a meter between them), it is possible to place a small soundbar under the TV. Complete plastic stands, if desired, can be replaced with a wall mount using a VESA 200×300 bracket. There is no mount in the box with the TV, so you need to buy it separately.

VIDAAU 5 operating system

The 55A6BG can be used for more than just watching terrestrial television. Due to the fact that the device is positioned as “smart”, it can easily be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or using a wire. The operating system comes pre-installed with popular streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, AmazonPrimeVideo and Disney+.

The TV is equipped with the VIDAAU 5 operating system, which has a full browser for browsing the Internet. If desired, the device can be controlled by voice; for this, Hisense provides two voice assistants – AmazonAlexa and GoogleAssistant.

To receive satellite, cable and digital channels, the A6BG series TVs have all the necessary tuners. The channel switching speed is not particularly fast – almost 3 seconds – but still acceptable. Someone may be upset by the absence of the PVR (Private VideoRecorder) function in the device, its presence depends on the delivery region.

Sound quality

In terms of sound, the reviewed model is somewhat inferior to other devices in its price category. This is not surprising, because Hisense 55A6BG has only two 8W speakers. To watch terrestrial television in a small room, this sound may be enough.

If you decide to buy Hisense 55A6BG, then you should immediately take care of purchasing an external soundbar, especially if you want to watch music videos or get more impressions from watching movies. For these purposes, the Hisense HS312 soundbar with an external subwoofer and a total speaker power of 300 watts is quite suitable. At the same time, both devices are ideally combined and can be controlled from one remote control.

Image quality

For its price segment, the Hisense 55A6BG TV has decent image quality. The maximum brightness of the device is close to 300 candela per square meter, which is a very good result when playing SDR content. However, for HDR effects, this brightness is not enough.

Most likely because of this, only HDR10 and HLG standards are present on the TV. However, even for these standards, its brightness is a bit limited. In over-the-air TV and streaming services, the Hisense A6BG TV shows good performance. For high-definition HD channels, the device produces a clear picture with realistic colors.

With video streaming services such as Disney+ or AmazonPrimeVideo, the picture gets even better. The image here is bright and sharp. An inexpensive Hisense TV can even handle a fast-moving image with ease. The input lag of the device is less than 20ms even though the screen refresh rate is 50Hz.

This makes it ideal for watching sports

broadcasts and most video games. The A6BG TV is equipped with an IPS-matrix with a native contrast ratio of 1200:1. Because of this, it does not do a very good job with the black parts of the picture. This is also affected by the lack of local dimming technology. However, the cost of TVs with this technology can be three times more. On the other hand, the IPS-matrix gives the device the ability to boast wide viewing angles, which makes it suitable for collective movie viewing.

Connections

Unlike other models in its price segment, the Hisense 55A6BG TV has a large number of external interfaces. Three HDMI 2.0 digital inputs are available for external players and game consoles. These ports provide support for VRR and ALLM functions, and one of them also has an eARC return channel.

Includes two USB ports, one of which is USB 3.0, analog AV input, headphone miniJack, digital optical output for connecting audio systems, a pair of antenna inputs, an Ethernet jack for wired Internet access, and a CI+ slot. Wireless connections are organized through Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi.

Features A6BG

Energy efficiency
Power supply	100V-240V 50/60Hz
Standby power consumption	0. 5W

Review results A6BG

At the end of the review, it remains only to add that a potential buyer can get a good 4K TV for a very affordable price tag. For such a price segment, its picture is very decent. The TV captivates with its true-to-life colors and crisp, dynamic images.

Unfortunately, the sound leaves much to be desired, but all TVs in this price category suffer from this. In addition, you should not expect sky-high results from the image. Nevertheless, these TVs have excellent value for money.

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The standard for wireless data transmission LTE in Russia has been known for a long time. However, it is often referred to as 4G LTE. However, not everyone knows the new LTE-A (4G+) standard, which is several times faster than its predecessor.

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Is it worth buying Chinese Hisense TVs, their features, pros and cons

Going to the store for a new TV, most people first pay attention to Samsung, LG, Sony, Toshiba, Sharp, Philips and other well-known brands. In fact, the main trigger here is the good reputation of these manufacturers. They have been earning it for several decades, starting from the last century. Therefore, such interest on the part of customers is fully justified.

As for Chinese technology, many treat it with caution. This is also natural, because when South Korean and Japanese TVs were already at the peak of their fame, the Chinese made basically everything cheap and of poor quality. Now we can say without remorse that Chinese goods are far from the same as they were 15-20 years ago. In all respects, they adequately compete with the market leaders.

• Chinese TV manufacturer Hisense
• Features and benefits of Hisense brand TVs

Chinese TV manufacturer Hisense

Buying a Hisense TV is the right decision for those who are looking for good quality for reasonable money. Of course, this manufacturer cannot compete in the premium segment with such giants as Samsung or LG, but in the middle price category it is one of the favorites.

Hisense was founded in China in 1969 year. Under this brand, it produces washing machines, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, televisions and smartphones. And, despite the fact that all this technology has always been highly valued at home, little was known about it in the rest of the world. It entered the Ukrainian market only in 2017.

The peculiarity of the company is that it is a state-owned and controlled by the Chinese government. Hisense has repeatedly been recognized as one of the best in the country and has received many awards. Now it is one of the ten largest electronics manufacturers in China.

By the way, Toshiba and Sharp TVs are also made by Hisense.

Features and Benefits of Hisense TVs

In fact, there is nothing supernatural about them that would elevate them above the competition. These are ordinary good TVs, which are now full in hardware stores. But a few features should be highlighted:

• There are two options for operating systems: the common Android TV, which is used on TVs of different brands, and the proprietary Vidaa, developed by Hysens specifically for their devices.

Nobody knows about Sony’s 32-inch 4K TV – but they should

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If you’re looking at the best 32-inch TVs today, you’ll quickly notice something – they’re basically all HD or Full HD, with 4K 32-inch TVs pretty much non-existent from the big brands. 

There’s a reason for this, and we’ve gone in-depth on why 32-inch 4K TVs aren’t really thing before, but it largely boils down to the costs: 4K screens that small (like the ones used in 4K monitors) are expensive to produce, meaning that the end result costs as much as a 55-inch 4K TV. Most people would rather have the cheaper and lower-res version.

But not everyone. For some viewers who want a bedroom or office TV where they won’t sit too far away, a 32-inch 4K TV would be the dream… and there actually is an ideal model, from Sony. It’s just that even I – a professional whose job is to know about TV models – didn’t know it existed until stumbling on it at a custom installer show.

It’s called the Sony FW-32BZ30J, and it was released last year. The reason it hasn’t had much attention is that it’s technically part of Sony’s ‘Pro’ display line-up. But the tech in here is all from Sony’s regular TV for normal people, and that’s what makes it so exciting – and what makes it look so good.

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Let’s start with the specs, which are way beyond what you get from other 32-inch TVs, even beyond the 4K resolution. As well as being Ultra HD, it supports Dolby Vision HDR, and the picture is powered by Sony’s X1 image processor, which is what’s used in the brand-new Sony X85K 4K TV, so you’re not getting cut-back tech here.

You also get four HDMI ports, which is basically unheard of on 32-inch TVs, plus there’s HDMI eARC support on one of them, for high-quality sound output to a soundbar (the Sonos Beam 2nd Gen would be the perfect match).

Look at all these ports! You don’t get these on most 32-inch TVs. (Image credit: Sony)

And the images look fantastic! It’s only an edge-lit panel, so don’t expect the deepest of contrasts, but that’s never stopped sets like the Samsung BU8500 from shining anyway. The colors are punchy and rich – I saw it next to the 42-inch Sony A90K OLED TV, and the difference between the premium new tech and this one really wasn’t that big. 

That’s partly thanks to this TV using Sony’s Triluminos Pro tech, which features quantum dots for wider color reproduction – it’s basically Sony’s version of QLED.

And obviously the 4K screen at this size is incredibly sharp. Sony’s image processing helps with everything, but if you want ultra-crisp images at this size, then I don’t think anything else matches this – a 4K monitor lacks the image processing to help make sure compressed video looks its best, for example.

The downside? Well, there’s not much in the way of audio support – there’s no built-in Dolby Atmos decoding, for example, and you’ll want to use that HDMI ARC port to get detailed, powerful sound. It also doesn’t run Google TV like Sony’s other TVs, and so isn’t equipped with smart TV features, or a tuner – you’d want to add an Apple TV 4K or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max or something. But that’s fine, because you’ve got loads of HDMI ports!

It’s also not really equipped for gaming – it’s a 60Hz screen, with no HDMI 2.1 features, and not even a gaming mode, so latency will be high.

And it’s not cheap. You could get a much, much bigger TV from our list of the best TVs under $1000 or best TVs under £1000 for the roughly £700/$700 that it’ll set you back. It’s not widely available, either, but equally it’s not hard to find online.

But if you don’t have space for a bigger TV, that won’t help you. If you’re a picture-quality fiend (like me) who’d love to get premium images in a space where larger TVs literally won’t fit, then this could be the mini movie marvel you’re looking for. It seriously impressed me, and I wish it were more widely known, so I’m doing my part to help with that.

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Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Entertainment, meaning he’s in charge of persuading our team of writers and reviewers to watch the latest TVs and movies on gorgeous TVs and listen to fantastic speakers and headphones. It’s a tough task, as you can imagine. Matt has over a decade of experience in tech publishing, and previously ran the TV & audio coverage for our colleagues at T3.com, and before that he edited T3 magazine. During his career, he’s also contributed to places as varied as Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, PetsRadar, MacLife, and Edge. TV and movie nerdism is his speciality, and he goes to the cinema three times a week. He’s always happy to explain the virtues of Dolby Vision over a drink, but he might need to use props, like he’s explaining the offside rule.

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Sony KDL-32RE303 | 32″ TVs

Clear Resolution Enhancer: Impeccable detail



Appreciate the smallest details and natural textures of any image, even if at first glance it seems to you inexpressive and monotonous. Move from “noisy” images to subtle nuances. Clear Resolution Enhancer technology upscales low-quality images to Full HD resolution without increasing image distortion. This is achieved by reducing the level of distortion before scaling the image to fit the TV’s screen resolution. The result is a sharp image with increased contrast, depth and more detail.

X-Protection PRO: Reliable protection.





X-Protection PRO technology protects your TV in four ways. Firstly, there are no ventilation holes on it, which prevents dust from entering inside. Secondly, the primary capacitor protects the TV from unexpected power surges. Thirdly, the moisture-proof coating of the board will help prevent short circuits in high humidity. And finally, protection against power surges up to 9000 volts during a thunderstorm.

Motionflow™ XR keeps motion scenes smooth.


Experience the smoothness and rich detail of even the most dynamic scenes with fast-paced scenes thanks to Motionflow™ XR. This innovative technology creates and adds additional frames between the original video frames. A special algorithm compares the key components of the image in successive frames and calculates the missing phases of motion in the existing sequence. In addition, some models support the black frame insertion function, which allows you to achieve true cinematic quality and completely eliminate blur.

Wide USB playback format support

Access your favorite digital content from a USB stick. Listen to music, videos and photos on your big screen TV with a wide range of USB playback formats. With wide support for a wide variety of codecs, you get a versatile playback experience – all you need to do is simply plug in the media.

Smooth sound and balanced frequencies thanks to Clear Phase

BRAVIA TVs use a powerful algorithm to analyze and compensate for inaccuracies in sound reproduction through the TV’s speakers. This happens by creating a highly accurate graph of the frequency response of the speaker system. This information is sent back to the device to compensate for peaks or dips in the speaker’s original frequency range, resulting in clear, natural, and even sound throughout the entire frequency range.

Full HD TVs Sony 2016. Overview of models.

Material Information

Igor Rybachuk

Sony TVs

This year, Sony, like all other manufacturers, has significantly reduced the range of FullHD TVs. Sony’s 2016 Full HD TV models have a D instead of last year’s C: 43WD752(2016) and 43W807C(2015).

Sony 2016 Full HD TV Features.

All models have lost the android and the system for improving the processing of dynamics, also known as the “floater”. At Sony, this technology is called Motion Flow, with full functionality it only works in TVs with 100/120 Hz matrices, which in 2016 are not among the FullHd LCD segment from any manufacturer.

Smart models got a simplified interface even compared to last year’s 40W705C. However, there are still plenty of applications, and IPTV lovers, as before, can install the free Fork Player. Out of the box, smart TVs do not have a browser available – you can access it (if necessary) after updating the TV.

The built-in satellite tuners were also removed, the number of connectors was reduced.

Learn more about Sony’s 2016 Full HD and HD-Ready TVs.

The oldest series with smart TV has the letters WD75 in its name and comes in diagonals of 32, 43, 49 inches.

32″:

KDL-32WD752, KDL-32WD756

43″:

KDL-43WD752, KDL-43WD753, KDL-43WD756,

49″:

KDL-49WD755, KDL-49WD757, KDL-49WD759

The last digit of the article indicates minor design changes (frame color or leg shape).

The feature of these Sony FullHD TV models is Edge backlight, like the best in 2015 FullHD LCD TV series W755C-W808C, metal body, 60Hz -VA matrix. -VA matrix has several times higher contrast than IPS, which makes dark scenes more voluminous and detailed while maintaining relatively deep blacks. The main disadvantage of this type of matrices is the distortion of shades when watching TV not strictly in the center. However, the sensitivity to color distortion is different for everyone (as well as the points from which they watch TV), so it’s better to find out the moment on the spot in the store individually.

Compared to the W755C / 808C (2015 models), the TV has lost both proprietary dynamics processing and android. However, the backlight uniformity has been improved, making this TV a great option as a monitor if 4k resolution support (3840×2160) is not required. Input lag for a more comfortable game on TV has been reduced from 38 to 27 ms. The pixel response remained at a very good level. The model received the same margin of brightness, if we compare specimens in 43-inch diagonals, while, against the background of competitors in 2016, it automatically looks brighter.

That is, we got something in between the W755C/808C series on the one hand and the 705C series on the other. The price tag on TV was also in the middle.

However, Sony is rumored to have no plans to stop producing the 755C/808C series, so those who want to get the most out of a Full HD LCD TV for movies and sports still have that option.

The next TV series is WD6. Available in 32″, 40″, 48″ and 55″ sizes.

32″:

KDL-32WD603

40″:

KDL-40WD653

48″:

KDL-48WD653

55″:

KDL-55WD655

The body of the TV is no longer metal, but plastic. The backlight is not Edge, but a more inexpensive Direct (LEDs are not located below, but behind). For models from 40 inches inclusive, a VA matrix is ​​​​used, for 32 – IPS, while its resolution is 1366×768 (HD-Ready).

Smart platform is the same. The input lag has increased to 44ms, which used to be typical for the budget R series. What is sad, because the -VA matrix itself is good in terms of response.

As for the other two series – RD4 and RD3 – these are the most affordable Sony TVs of 2016. The only difference between them is that the RD3 comes in a 2015 case.

RD4:

RD3:

These are non-smart TVs with basic functionality – a built-in digital tuner for watching free air from an antenna and a USB port for viewing photos and videos.

For 40″ models – VA matrix, for 32″ models – IPS with HD-Ready resolution (1366×768). Backlight Direct. Input lag within 43-44 ms.

Models shown in diagonals:

32″: KDL-32RD433, KDL-32RD303

40″: KDL-40RD453, KDL-40RD353

Yandex market prices at the time of publication of the article:

KDL-43WD752 – from 40,000

For comparison, on KDL-43W755C – from 43,000

KDL-40WD653 – from 30,000.

KDL-40RD453 – from 27,000

KDL-40RD353 – from 26,000.

Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: What to Know

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Are you or a loved one having a hard time hearing? Perhaps you considered getting a hearing aid in the past?

Hearing aid technology keeps evolving, which means there’s a growing variety of styles and features to consider.

“People who already use a hearing aid know that selecting one is not a simple decision,” says Eric Mann, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Advisor in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration office responsible for hearing aids. “Hearing loss affects people in different ways. So, it’s important to choose a hearing aid that’s appropriate for your condition and fits your lifestyle.”

The FDA regulates hearing aids to make sure they provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. If you’re considering hearing aids, this article highlights some common technologies and terms you may encounter, including information about the FDA’s requirements for hearing aids sold over-the-counter (OTC), which are intended for people 18 years of age and older who have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.

Hearing Aids and How They Work

People may be born with hearing loss. Or they may develop it later in life — often because the inner ear can wear out as we age or be damaged by years of exposure to loud sounds.

In some cases, hearing loss is temporary and can be restored with medical help. In other cases, it’s permanent but can be improved with hearing aids.

Hearing aids are medical devices worn behind or in the ear. They can improve hearing by making sounds louder. However, hearing aids usually won’t restore your hearing to normal levels or quality in the way that eyeglasses can often restore vision to 20/20.

Air-Conduction vs. Bone-Conduction Hearing Aids

Most hearing aids work through air conduction. They bring amplified sound into the ear canal. Sound then moves through the eardrum and three tiny bones in the middle ear to reach the inner ear, where it’s processed and sent to the brain.

For people who have problems with their outer or middle ear, those areas can be bypassed with bone-conduction hearing aids. They send sound through the skull to reach the inner ear. 

Styles of Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids: BTE hearing aids are generally the largest hearing aid style. A plastic case containing most of the electronics sits behind the ear and is connected to an earmold that fits in the ear canal. BTE hearing aids can be used by people of all ages. The style is often chosen for young children because it can be adapted as they grow.

Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) aids: RIC (or mini receiver-in-the-ear; mini RITE) hearing aids sit behind the ear but are typically smaller than a BTE. The RIC hearing aid is attached to a tube housing a small wire with a dome-shaped tip at the end that rests in the ear canal (in some cases, earmolds are used). The RIC design allows more of the ear canal to remain open and is less visible than the BTE style.

In-the-ear (ITE) aids: This hearing aid sits completely in the outer ear (the “bowl” of the ear). All the hearing aid electronics are housed in a custom-fit shell. 

In-the-canal (ITC) aids and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) aids: These are the smallest hearing aids currently available. The electronics are contained in a small custom-fit shell that fits partly or completely into the ear canal.  Some people may like them because they are less noticeable while other people may find them harder to handle.

For more information, please see the FDA webpage, Types of Hearing Aids

Getting Hearing Aids

Medical Evaluation for Children (Younger Than 18 Years of Age)

While hearing loss in adults is often caused by aging or noise exposure, the reasons for hearing loss in children are more varied and may be associated with other medical conditions that should be medically evaluated before prescribing hearing aids. OTC hearing aids are not intended for and must not be sold to people younger than 18 years of age. Hearing aids intended for people younger than 18 years of age are prescription hearing aids. 

Prescription hearing aids are sold by audiologists; ear, nose, and throat doctors; or sellers licensed to dispense hearing aids, such as instrument specialists.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

To broaden access to hearing aids, the FDA established a new category of OTC hearing aids so you will be able to buy one in the store or online without seeing a physician for an exam or an audiologist for help with fitting. The new FDA regulation, which implements a law from Congress, also aims to stimulate competition, providing consumers with improved access to devices that meet their needs and are less expensive than current options. 

The OTC final rule applies to certain air-conduction hearing aids intended for people 18 years of age and older who have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. A person with mild hearing loss may have difficulty hearing some speech sounds but not others. A person with moderate hearing loss may have increased difficulty hearing some speech sounds, even in a quiet room with someone talking at a normal level.

“We want hearing aids to be more readily available and accessible, especially as our population ages,” Mann explains. “It’s also important for people to recognize that hearing loss could be a sign of an easily treatable problem like built-up earwax or a more serious problem like a benign tumor on the hearing nerve. See a doctor when things don’t feel right, when your hearing loss is progressing, or if you are having associated symptoms like dizziness, ear pain, or drainage from the ear canal.”

For more information on OTC hearing aids, please see the FDA webpage, OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know.

Hearing Aids vs. Personal Sound Amplification Products

You may have seen products in stores or online that are known as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). These are not alternatives to hearing aids.

While hearing aids and PSAPs both amplify sound for the user, the products have different intended uses. Hearing aids are intended to make up for impaired hearing. PSAPs, in contrast, are intended for people with normal hearing to amplify sounds in certain situations, such as recreational activities like birdwatching or hunting.

Because such PSAPs are regulated as consumer electronics and not medical devices, they may be more variable in terms of product quality compared to hearing aids. 

Reporting Problems with Hearing Aids

To report a problem involving your hearing aid, submit information to the FDA as soon as possible after the problem. The FDA calls them “adverse events,” and they might include: skin irritation in your ear, injury from the device (like cuts or scratches, or burns from an overheated battery), pieces of the device getting stuck in your ear, suddenly worsening hearing loss from the device, etc. Reports can be made voluntarily to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program online or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088

Additional Resources

• Hearing Aids, FDA
• Cochlear Implants: A Different Kind of ‘Hearing’, FDA Consumer Update
• Hearing, Ear Infections and Deafness, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders
• Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids – Final Rule
• Regulatory Requirements for Hearing Aid Devices and Personal Sound Amplification Products – Final Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff

Hearing aids vs hearing amplifiers

Contributed by Debbie Clason, staff writer, Healthy Hearing, and Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing
Last updated December 28, 20222022-12-28T00:00:00-06:00

For people who are budget-conscious, it’s tempting to overlook hearing aids and instead buy what’s commonly known as a “hearing amplifier. “

However, these hearing devices are not intended for people with hearing loss.

Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are sold online under many different names, including hearing aid amplifier, hearing amplifier aid, sound amplifier, digital sound amplifier and voice amplifier. 

The word “amplifier” is generally the clue that they are not hearing aids. Designs vary, but some models look nearly exactly like hearing aids.

What’s the difference?

Both hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers amplify sound; however, there are major differences between the two products:

• Professionally fit hearing aids are Class 1 medical devices regulated by the FDA. They are customized to a person’s hearing loss and are available from hearing healthcare professionals, such as a hearing aid clinic. OTC hearing aids are also an option.
  
   
• Hearing amplifiers (PSAPs) can be purchased online or over-the-counter. These are not the same at OTC hearing aids. They’re not adjustable to a person’s unique hearing loss pattern. All sounds are amplified, instead of the precise frequencies a person with hearing loss needs to hear, as shown on their audiogram.

Then who should use a hearing amplifier (PSAP)?

PSAPs are electronic devices designed for people with normal ability to hear, for when they want to amplify sounds for recreational purposes. They are not meant to be worn all the time.

Examples include hunters who are listening for prey, birders or attendees at a lecture or performance when distance to the speaker or stage makes it hard to hear. (People with hearing loss who are birders can still wear hearing aids.) Prices range anywhere from $15 to $500. 

Dr. Melissa Danchak

Dr. Melissa Danchak, AuD, of Kos/Danchak Audiology and Hearing Aids in Arlington, Texas, said these devices amplify sound in the way drugstore reading glasses enlarge print—but are even more “one size fits all. ” They sometimes include low- and high-mode amplification options, volume levels, noise reduction capabilities and multiple settings for various listening environments. Some models include a telecoil, which allows the user to connect to a room loop system. 

They are not meant to be used for hearing loss, but many people try them for that purpose regardless. They may help to an extent, but don’t be surprised if you’re not 100% pleased with your purchase. Hearing aids—fit by a professional audiologist or hearing instrument specialist—tend to have the highest consumer satisfaction rates, a study shows. A lot of this has to do with how hearing aids are programmable in a way that sound amplifiers aren’t.

“People have different degrees of hearing loss at different frequencies, or pitches, so the sound really needs to be shaped and fine-tuned for their loss,” Dr. Danchak explained. “Ears can also be very sensitive to loud sounds while not hearing soft sounds so simply making everything louder doesn’t work well for most people. Making everything louder just makes everything louder—all the things you do and do not want to hear.”

Bottom line: Hearing amplifiers are affordable, and can help in very mild cases. But you’re left on your own to figure out if you’re amplifying sounds sufficiently and not damaging your hearing from unnecessary amplification of sounds that you can still hear. They also lack many of the advanced technological features found in hearing aids. 

Hearing amplifiers are easy to find on online 

shopping sites. These devices are not the same

as hearing aids. 

Professionally fit premium hearing aids are highly customizable

Hearing aids are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are sold by hearing healthcare professionals or available over-the-counter.

Do hearing aids amplify all sounds?

No. Unlike personal sound amplifiers, hearing aids are programmed for a person’s individual hearing loss. Only the frequencies a person struggles to hear will be amplified, and those frequencies will be amplified at the correct volume for optimal hearing. Most people who wear them are older and have mild or moderate hearing loss, but special hearing aids are also available for kids and people with severe or profound hearing loss.

Why does customization matter?

Even if you just have a “little bit of hearing loss,” your hearing loss is unique, which is measured during a hearing test. After your hearing test, you’ll pick out hearing aids, and during the fitting process, the devices are calibrated to amplify specifically the sounds you no longer hear. 

For this reason, a pair of hearing aids can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000. Sadly, they are typically not covered by private insurance even though hearing aids can improve your overall health. 

“Premium hearing aids are very sophisticated devices with sound processing strategies that have been researched and tested to give people with hearing loss the best quality of sound,” Dr. Danchak said. “They use extremely fast computer chips capable of doing millions of calculations per second and provide advanced digital signal processing that not only amplifies sound but analyzes the environment to determine what kind of setting you are in. This gives you the best and most automatic adjustments so that speech can be heard more clearly.” 

They also ensure “loud sound doesn’t become too loud and noisy sounds don’t overwhelm the voice you might be trying to hear.” Top-of-the-line hearing aids also use artificial intelligence.

Hearing aid technology can be either basic or advanced, depending on the brand and model. But even “basic” hearing aids are far more customizable than they were in past years. 

Hearing care provider can help with either

A hearing care professional can help you

find the best solution to your hearing loss.

While you might be tempted to opt for a cheaper piece of equipment when your hearing begins to fail, experts caution against making that decision without the help of a qualified hearing healthcare professional.  

“There’s a difference between the cost of something and the value,” Dr. Danchak said. “What concerns me the most about PSAPs is that they may give people the false notion that hearing devices really don’t help when in fact, professionally fit and customized premium devices can help in a wide variety of settings.”

“[Hearing amplifiers] may give people the false notion that hearing devices really don’t help when in fact, professionally fit and customized premium devices can help in a wide variety of settings.”

She said hearing aid costs are due to the years of research and equipment needed “to meet FDA requirements and to make a product that can withstand years of use in a waxy, moist environment” along with the service the hearing care professional provides over the life of the hearing aid, which is generally around five years.

“PSAPs do not have to deal with any of this because they are not Class 1 medical devices,” she added. “They truly don’t address or help the consumer hear better or understand more clearly in all their daily environments.”

Next steps

If you aren’t hearing your best, it’s time to find out what’s causing the hearing loss. You may have a simple problem, such as a build-up of wax in your ears or swelling from sinus or infection that is easy to treat. A hearing healthcare professional can evaluate your hearing and recommend the best course of treatment. Visit our directory of consumer-reviewed hearing clinics to find a provider near you. 

Related Help Pages:
Hearing aids Types and styles Technology Bluetooth Prices Repairs Used hearing aids

Hearing amplifiers or hearing aids – what is the difference? Consider – why overpay? Here are some cheap devices.

But in this case, exactly what the proverb says “the miser pays twice” is happening. After all, cheap hearing amplifiers are not only useless, but also very harmful devices.

1. The Hearing Amplifier will completely destroy your hearing.

Hearing Amplifier

Imagine having a loudspeaker in your ear at all times. You equally loudly hear the conversations of all the people nearby, the roar of cars, the barking of dogs, the wind seems to fly right into your head and seethe there like a tornado. And all this at the same time. Very loud, harsh and painful for the ear and brain.

This is how a hearing amplifier works, because it is a very simple household device, not a medical one. Constantly attacking the auditory system with too harsh sounds, it will quickly destroy your remnants of hearing.

Unlike hearing amplifiers, hearing aids are medical devices that are registered with the Ministry of Health and must meet strict technical and hygienic standards.

Their tiny cases house a powerful computer that scans the environment more than 100 times per second, adjusting the hearing aids to the individual’s hearing. Protects his auditory system from harsh sounds, distinguishes speech from other sounds, improving its intelligibility, amplifies quiet sounds and suppresses loud ones.

In addition, modern Oticon hearing aids have an external microphone and can connect to various devices – phones, tablets, computers, etc.

Hearing aid line

2. It is dangerous to use hearing amplifiers without consulting a doctor!

Hearing solutions that are used without a doctor’s prescription can not only cause irreparable damage to hearing, but also to the brain, because we do not hear with our ears, but with our brain. Harsh loud noises also lead to headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure and stroke.

It is not known what materials the amplifiers are made of. They are in contact with the skin, but are not medically certified. That is, they can cause dermatitis, allergies, fungus, etc.

Only properly fitted and individually adjusted hearing aids will not adversely affect the wearer’s hearing, brain and skin. On the contrary, they can even prevent a condition such as dementia.

3. The money spent on hearing amplifiers is the lack of warranty and service.

No one knows who made these cheap household appliances. That is, you will not have a guarantee, you will not be able to return or exchange them. Moreover, if something happens to your health, no one will be held responsible for it.
Think for yourself: these amplifiers were produced, imported into our country, added their profit. And they cost only 500-600 UAH.? They are produced according to the principle of “one dollar per kilogram”! And you can get whistling in your ears, rupture of the eardrum, headache, hypertension and stroke for this.

It’s better not to save on your health and life. Buy quality hearing aids from a reputable manufacturer whose products have stood the test of time. So you get hearing correction, health protection, warranty and service, support of a specialist doctor who will adjust hearing aids individually to your needs.

Yes, quality hearing aids are much more expensive than amplifiers. And this is due to hundreds of thousands of euros that manufacturers have invested in the development of smart technologies, their medical testing and the production of very complex electronic products, where the most complex computer is placed in a tiny case.

Manufacturers are responsible for each of their devices with money and name. Therefore, this high-quality medical product will serve you for several years and give you a full life and the opportunity to hear everything.

You can undergo a complete audiological examination and choose a high-quality hearing aid from the Danish company Oticon at the AURORA Hearing Rehabilitation Center, which has been operating in Kyiv since 1991.

Sound Amplifier or Hearing Aid

Hearing impaired people often look for ways to buy a hearing aid without consulting a doctor and find products, so-called sound amplifiers or hearing amplifiers, that are actively sold on Internet sites and in TV stores. What is the difference between sound amplifiers and hearing aids and what is the risk of buying a sound amplifying device on your own without the participation of a doctor.

The sound amplifier does not distinguish between sounds by type

This device cannot be adjusted to suit the individual hearing loss. It cannot distinguish between a voice signal and background noise. You can use this personal amplifier to watch TV, but it won’t help in more difficult listening situations.

Sound amplifier makes all sounds loud at the same time

If you change its volume, all sounds will be either quieter or louder. Digital hearing aids focus on our voice and conversation, which is basically what the patient needs. The personal audio amplification device has only one size. Therefore, if it does not sit well in the ear, then irritation will soon appear in the ear. Then you just put it in a drawer and forget about it. Poor “fitting” also negatively affects the sound quality. Therefore, what at first turned out to be a profitable acquisition may turn out to be a waste of money.

You can buy an audio amplifier in Minsk without consulting a specialist, for example, by ordering it by mail. BUT!

Mail order is limited. It is not possible to try a personal sound device before ordering. In the Centers for Good Hearing, you can try on and listen to all the selected models of devices, which the audiologist will adjust according to the individual characteristics of your hearing. The audiologist at the appointment performs a hearing test and, based on the received audiogram, selects hearing aid options, from which you can choose the best option in terms of sound and comfort.

Nothing can replace an individual consultation with an audiologist

The specialist to whom the patient has contacted guides him through the entire process of getting used to the hearing aid. In the process of getting used to the device, the patient can use two free settings for six months, which will make the process of wearing the device as comfortable as possible.

HyperX Cloud II Over-Ear Gaming Headset – Red/Black

Model Number: 4P5M0AA

Web Code: 11800872

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Overview

Get the drop on your competition and always come out on top with this HyperX Cloud II over-ear PC gaming headset. It’s equipped with a USB sound card audio control box that delivers virtual 7.1 surround sound when used on PCs or Macs with a USB 7.1 sound card. The noise-cancelling microphone is Teamspeak Certified, so your in-game chat with your squad is crystal-clear.

GeneralInterface-Warranty

Check with the manufacturer for details or purchase Best Buy Protection on the next step.

30 days to return or exchange

Condition: Unopened, No signs of use

Read return policy

What’s included:

• USB Audio Control Box
• Airplane Plug
• Detachable Microphone
• Velour Ear Cushion
• Quick Start Guide
• Technical Support Insert
• Cloud II Red Headset

Headphone Style

Over-Ear

Primary Headset Usage

PC Gaming

Band Style

Over-the-Head

Sports & Fitness Ear Clip

No

Sound Isolating

Yes

Noise Cancelling

No

Echo Reduction

Yes

Truly Wireless

No

Wireless

No

Bluetooth

No

RF Wireless

No

Designed For Gaming

Yes

Designed for Sports

No

DJ Style

No

Professional Grade

Yes

Water/Sweat Resistant

No

Inline Volume Control

Yes

iPod/iPhone Control

No

Built-in Mic

Yes

Android Control

No

Fitness Tracking

No

Heart Rate Monitor

No

Folding

No

Step Tracking

No

Cord Length

1 m; 2 m Extension

Plug Size

3. 5 mm

Plug Shape

Straight

Ear Cushion Material

Leatherette; Velour

Driver Unit Size

53 mm

Power Source

System

Frequency Response

15 – 25 khz

Impedance

60 Ohm

Colour

Black; Red

Colour Family

Black

Weight

459 g

If you find a lower price with another retailer before you buy (or within 30 days of purchase), we’ll gladly match that price. If our own price is reduced within 30 days of purchase, we’ll match it and refund you the difference. Conditions and exclusions apply.

See all the details

The 4 Best HyperX Headsets of 2023: Reviews

1. Table of Contents
2. Intro
3. Review Updates
4. Best Headset
5. Best Upper Mid-Range
6. Best Mid-Range
7. Best Budget
8. Comparison
9. Lineup
10. Page Updates
11. Conclusion
12. Discussions

Updated May 24, 2023 at 02:03 pm

By Vanessa McCuaig

We’ve tested 14 pairs of HyperX headphones. They make mostly mid-range gaming headsets with a couple of higher-end models. They’re known for their great microphones and good overall audio reproduction, but they’re generally somewhat lacking in active features and customization options.

Updates

• 12/08/2022

  HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 reviewed

• 05/09/2022

  HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless reviewed

• 02/10/2021

  HyperX Cloud Revolver + 7.1 reviewed

• 01/15/2021

  HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless reviewed

• 09/25/2020

  HyperX Cloud Stinger S reviewed

Best HyperX Headphones

1. Best HyperX Headset

   HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless

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   Neutral Sound

   7. 5

   Commute/Travel

   5.7

   Sports/Fitness

   6.0

   Office

   6.9

   Wireless Gaming

   7.6

   Wired Gaming

   5.9

   Phone Calls

   6.9

   Type

   Over-ear

   Enclosure

   Closed-Back

   Wireless

   Yes

   Transducer

   Dynamic

   Noise Cancelling

   No

   Mic

   Yes

   See all our test results

   The best HyperX headset we’ve tested is the ΗyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless. These sturdy headphones are the wireless version of the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II, which you’ll also find on our list. Although you can’t use them wired, they have over 30 hours of continuous playtime, and their wireless dongle ensures a low-latency gaming experience. If you like to game with others, the boom mic does a great job of capturing your voice so that you sound clear and understandable. It can also separate speech from background sound decently well, which is handy if you game in a noisy environment.

   They have a very comfortable fit with thick padding to keep fatigue at bay during long dungeon crawls. Their bass-heavy sound also ensures sound effects like footsteps pop into gameplay without drowning out dialogue and instruments. Unfortunately, the headphones are prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery, especially if you wear glasses or have thick hair, so it’s important to take the time to ensure a good fit each time you use them. Even though they have companion software, it lacks an EQ. You can access the 7.1 surround feature, which can help make your audio sound more immersive.

   See our review

2. Best Upper Mid-Range HyperX Headset

   HyperX Cloud Alpha S

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   Neutral Sound

   7. 2

   Commute/Travel

   4.9

   Sports/Fitness

   5.6

   Office

   6.2

   Wireless Gaming

   5.7

   Wired Gaming

   7.6

   Phone Calls

   6.8

   Type

   Over-ear

   Enclosure

   Closed-Back

   Wireless

   No

   Transducer

   Dynamic

   Noise Cancelling

   No

   Mic

   Yes

   See all our test results

   The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is the best HyperX headset with a wired connection we’ve tested. You might prefer a wired headset if you don’t want to worry about battery life or latency. Unlike the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless, these comfortable and sturdy headphones have bass sliders on either ear cup so that you can adjust the amount of bass in each ear cup separately. With the sliders turned all the way up, they have a warm, boomy sound profile that can help emphasize sound effects like footsteps and explosions in games. They also come with leather or cloth ear cup padding, so you can choose which is more comfortable.

   The boom mic has a good performance, so you’ll sound natural and easy to understand when gaming with friends, and moderate background noise won’t drown out your voice. They’re fully compatible with most consoles via analog connection but also come with a USB dongle that provides a low latency connection with PCs and PlayStation consoles. The dongle has physical buttons for volume control, channel mixing, mic mute, and surround sound, so you have some controls within easy reach when gaming. The headphones are compatible with HyperX NGENUITY software, which offers surround sound and microphone level controls but is otherwise simple in design.

   See our review

3. Best Mid-Range HyperX Headset

   HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II

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   Neutral Sound

   7.4

   Commute/Travel

   5.1

   Sports/Fitness

   5.6

   Office

   6.4

   Wireless Gaming

   5.6

   Wired Gaming

   7. 6

   Phone Calls

   7.4

   Type

   Over-ear

   Enclosure

   Closed-Back

   Wireless

   No

   Transducer

   Dynamic

   Noise Cancelling

   No

   Mic

   Yes

   See all our test results

   Check out the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II if you want something more affordable. These wired headphones were released in 2015 and are still among the brand’s better-known offerings. They’re just as comfortable and well-built as the HyperX Cloud Alpha S and offer a better microphone performance. Their boom mic makes your voice sound clear and natural and has better noise handling than our previous pick, so your voice won’t be drowned out by moderate noise like people talking in the same room or traffic outside your window.

   Their sound profile adds boom to your audio, which can help make action-packed games feel more immersive. Instruments and voices are present in the mix but lack some detail. Unlike the pricier headsets listed here, they don’t come with sound customization features like an EQ or onboard sliders and don’t have app support. However, the included USΒ dongle provides a low latency connection with PCs and PlayStation consoles. It includes controls for adjusting chat and game audio levels and activating a 7.1 virtual surround sound feature. These headphones are also compatible with most consoles via an analog connection.

   See our review

4. Best Budget HyperX Headset

   HyperX Cloud Stinger

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   Neutral Sound

   7.5

   Commute/Travel

   4. 8

   Sports/Fitness

   5.4

   Office

   6.1

   Wireless Gaming

   5.4

   Wired Gaming

   7.4

   Phone Calls

   7.3

   Type

   Over-ear

   Enclosure

   Closed-Back

   Wireless

   No

   Transducer

   Dynamic

   Noise Cancelling

   No

   Mic

   Yes

   See all our test results

   The HyperX Cloud Stinger are the best HyperX headphones in the budget category we’ve tested. These cheaper headphones aren’t as well-built or comfortable as the previous picks but offer a solid overall performance for gaming. Their boom mic makes your voice a little less bright and open than the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II’s mic but performs similarly overall, so they’re a good choice if you play many online games. The ear cup padding doesn’t feel as plush as some other headsets, but they still have a comfortable fit suitable for long gaming sessions. Their wired design makes them compatible with PCs and PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

   Their bass-heavy sound profile lends extra rumble, punch, and boom to your audio. They may sound a little muddy, but elements like voices are still clear and present. Like most ΗyperX headsets we’ve tested, their sound is dependent on the headphones’ fit and positioning on your head, so you need to adjust them to get the same sound every time you wear them. They don’t work with an app or have sound customization features, so you can’t tweak their sound to your preferences. If you’re looking for headphones that provide a more customizable listening experience, the HyperX Cloud Stinger S are slightly more expensive and support virtual surround sound. However, their mic has more trouble separating your voice from ambient sound.

   See our review

Compared to other brands

• Durable build quality.
  HyperX makes sturdy headphones durable enough to withstand constant and repeated use. Even their lower-end models feel like they’ll survive getting dropped a couple of times.
• Versatile gaming designs.
  HyperX headsets are good not only for gaming but most also have a detachable microphone for more casual use with your mobile devices on the go. None of the models we’ve tested have an in-line mic for taking calls on your phone, but some have a detachable cable, so any in-line remote will do.
• Great microphone quality.
  The microphone quality of most of the HyperX headphones we’ve tested is excellent. They reproduce your voice accurately and separate noise from speech well enough to use at competitions and in louder environments.

• Lack active features.
  Although HyperX has some wireless headsets and a couple of models that support extra features like surround sound or wireless charging, they don’t have headphones that do it all like some competing brands offer.
• Few customization options.
  Unfortunately, these headphones don’t have many customization options, especially compared to gaming headsets from other brands like SteelSeries, Razer, or Logitech.

HyperX vs Logitech

Logitech and HyperX make similarly priced gaming headsets, although HyperX generally produces better-built products. Some are even Xbox compatible, and their mics have better recording quality too. However, thanks to their companion software support, Logitech’s headsets are much more customizable. Some also support Bluetooth, which is uncommon in HyperX headsets, so it’s worth considering Logitech’s best headsets.

HyperX vs Razer

Razer offers a more diverse lineup of headphones than HyperX, and some of their products are even designed for hybrid casual and gaming use. Some of Razer’s best headsets also have features like noise cancelling, haptic bass, or customizable RGB lighting. You can generally expect robust sound customization features too. Conversely, HyperX may be more barebones regarding extra features, but they produce strictly gaming headphones that are more comfortable and have a better build quality.

HyperX vs Corsair

Corsair and HyperX make many similarly performing headsets at different price points. HyperX headsets tend to be more comfortable, and some of their headphones even come with a second pair of ear cup padding. In comparison, many Corsair headsets have companion app support, which makes them more customizable. A couple of models also support Bluetooth, which is good if you want to stay connected to your console and smartphone simultaneously.

Overall, HyperX makes durable and sturdy gaming headsets at an affordable price with excellent noise-filtering microphones. Most of their headsets are wired, which is great if you prefer to plug and play without worrying about latency. They lack features compared to popular headsets like the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, or the Logitech G933 Wireless Gaming Headset. Their lineup is worth looking at if you prefer simpler yet well-rounded designs.

Lineup

HyperX offers a few different lineups at different price points and with wired and wireless designs. It can be confusing to sort through all of their products, as they all start with ‘Cloud’, and many look nearly identical. There’s also a distinct ‘Cloud’ lineup:

• Cloud = A lineup of well-known gaming headsets at different price points. They have an aluminum hinge design and flexible boom mic. Some also come with a USB card.
• Stinger = Mid to budget-range headsets.
• Flight = Wireless upper mid-range headsets.
• Alpha = High-end headsets.

Recent Updates

1. May 24, 2023:
   We’ve replaced the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless with the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless as the Alpha Wireless have higher latency. Several users have also experienced issues using the companion app.

2. Feb 17, 2023:
   We’ve added more information regarding HyperX’s lineup and brands that they’re often compared to.

3. Nov 21, 2022:
   Reorganized article to help you find the product you’re looking for. Added the Cloud II as the ‘Best Mid-Range’ headset.

4. Jun 09, 2022:
   Replaced the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless with the ΗyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless as the ‘Best HyperX Headphones’.

5. Mar 10, 2022:
   Checked our picks for accuracy and product availability. There hasn’t been a change in our recommendations.

Conclusion

HyperX makes mostly wired gaming headsets with excellent microphones and sturdy build quality. They’re affordable, tend to sound moderately well-balanced, and their wired models offer a great low-latency gaming experience. Not everyone finds a wired design as convenient, though. Their headsets also lack customization options compared to other brands.

What is the Best Cardio Machine?

As if getting yourself to the gym didn’t take enough mental power, once you get there you’re faced with a building full of equipment to navigate. You narrow down your workout plan to cardio, which helps, but then find yourself staring down a handful of machines that will all get the job done.

Should you hop on the treadmill? Maybe the elliptical or stationary bike is a better option. You have heard the StairMaster is a real calorie burner. Which workout is your best bet?

It turns out they all are — but for different reasons.

One piece of cardio equipment is not better than another, Amanda Katz, personal trainer and Equinox group fitness coach, told TODAY. “It depends on the individual’s goals and what they enjoy doing,” she said. “The best option is the one you can stick to over time and sustain.”

So ask yourself: Why I am exercising? Are you trying to improve your endurance? Do you want to work up a sweat or burn off stress? Do you want to lose weight?

Once you’ve narrowed down your specific goals, certain machines will rise to the top as the most effective for getting you there.

Treadmill

The best option if:

• You’re training for a race
• You’re trying to lose weight
• You need to de-stress

“Running is a total-body cardio workout,” said Katz. “I would recommend a treadmill workout as a great indoor option for those who enjoy both running and walking.”

How you use the treadmill will determine the type of workout you get. “A treadmill can be low impact or high impact. It’s low impact if you walk; it’s high impact and harsher on the joints, knees, hips and ankles when you run,” said personal trainer and TODAY fitness contributor Stephanie Mansour. For this reason, she only recommends running on a treadmill for those without joint issues who are close to their goal weight (so that they don’t have extra weight pounding on the joints with each step).

Both running and walking are calorie-burning exercises that can help you lose weight. If you’re looking to exercise for your mental health, Mansour encourages keeping a walking pace. “As a weight- loss coach, I incorporate cardio as a stress-relieving activity,” she said. “I encourage people to go on walks to clear their heads, reduce stress and feel more relaxed.”

Elliptical

Best option if:

• You want a full-body workout
• You have joint issues
• You want to offset running or HIIT with a lower-impact workout

“I recommend this as a cross-trainer for runners, as well as anyone who wants a lower-impact option for a great cardio workout,” said Katz.

If you want to work up a sweat or do some interval training, but aren’t able to run due to joint issues or other injuries, the elliptical is a great low-impact option. 

“This is a good cardio workout for someone who wants to go fast, but can’t run on the treadmill,” said Mansour. “It’s a low-impact way to go fast and you can do intervals — going fast or hard for a minute and then slowing it down for a minute.”

Mansour said that while “the elliptical is a form of low-impact exercise, you’re still standing up so there is some pressure on the knees. ” She also cautions that it can be a bit awkward at first for those who have not used the machine before, as it’s not a natural movement we use in our daily lives.

StairMaster

Best option if:

• You’re looking to build lower-body strength
• You’re trying to lose weight
• You want to challenge your core

The endless loop of stairs makes for a challenging workout. “It is both a great cardio and strength option, especially when you use your arms as opposed to holding on to the handlebars or leaning,” said Katz.

Not only does the StairMaster serve as a cardio workout that will get your heart rate up, but it tones the lower body. “A StairMaster is good for someone who wants to focus on building the butt. As you climb the stairs, you have to activate your quads and your glutes because you’re moving up and therefore engaging the back of the leg and glutes,” said Mansour. When you don’t lean on the handlebars, the machine also works your core.

Mansour does not recommend the StairMaster for those with joint issues or someone who already has a hard time going up the stairs.

Stationary bike

Best option if:

• You have back or lower-body injuries
• Your upper body is sore
• You’re looking to do some active recovery on a rest day

The “indoor bike is going to be lower-body centric in a seated position,” said Katz. “I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys outdoor biking and who wants a cardio workout without pounding on the joints. It also serves as a cross-training option for runners.”

“For anyone who is rehabbing or wants very, very low impact on the joints, the stationary bike is the way to go,” agreed Mansour. “You can literally sit like you would in a chair and pedal your feet. This is great for people who need to improve mobility and move more.” 

Katz warns that “if being in the sedentary position is painful for extended periods, it may be taxing on the low back. ”

Rowing machine

Best option if:

• You’re sore from yesterday’s workout
• You want a full-body workout, minus the impact of a treadmill
• You’re looking to increase your endurance

The rowing machine — or ergometer (erg, for short) — “is an all-encompassing machine, offering the caliber of endurance and stamina that the treadmill gives you, as well as providing a low-impact experience for your joints,” says Caley Crawford, personal trainer and Director of Education for Row House. “The amount of muscular activation (85 percent) in rowing is higher than other activities using machines like the treadmill or elliptical.”

It’s also a great option for people who may be sore or recovering from a tough workout the day before. “You can use the erg daily, without hindering your physical progress,” says Crawford. “Rowing is a low-impact movement, reducing the risk of injury. You can use the machine for aerobic training, anaerobic training or muscular recovery, depending on what your body needs that day. ”

One important note: You’ll need to know how to row correctly in order to gain the maximum benefits the machine can offer, says Crawford. So be sure to ask a trainer in the gym for a quick primer before hopping on — or check out a rowing class to learn the basics before incorporating it into workouts on your own. 

VersaClimber

Best option if:

• You want a cardio workout that also works the upper body
• You’re looking to work up a serious sweat 
• You want to maximize your calorie burn

Vertical climbing machines — like the VersaClimber — are designed to mimic a natural climbing motion. “This is another great ‘uphill’ or hiking style cardio and strength workout that engages your total body, actively using both upper and lower body,” said Katz. 

Because the machine engages the entire body, the workout is an intense calorie-burner — and best for those who are in healthy physical condition. “A vertical climbing machine is good for anyone without current joint issues — including shoulder joint issues. If you feel pretty good overall, then you can try out one of these machines for cardio,” said Mansour. “This is not good for people who can’t reach their arms up without pain or have knee/ankle issues.”

The Takeaway: Mix it up

The moral of the story? No one machine is better than the rest. Each one offers up specific benefits that will better serve you at different points in your fitness journey as your goals evolve and change. Instead of defaulting to the same machine when it’s time to log some cardio, take advantage of what each has to offer and incorporate them into your routine accordingly.

In general, Mansour recommends strength training three days a week and doing cardio two to three days a week. The best way to get that cardio in is specific to your body and goals — but mixing it up, say with a walk one day, hopping on a spin bike another, and doing a HIIT workout the next, will keep your workout routine interesting and your body guessing.

Which Cardio Machine at the Gym Is Best?

Are there benefits for choosing an elliptical over a treadmill if you’re getting your cardio at the gym?

When you’re working toward getting in the 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you might make a beeline for the cardio equipment at the gym.

And you might also be wondering, with all the options — treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical, stair climber, rower, and sometimes more — if you’re choosing the right one.

“Each piece of cardio equipment has its pros and cons,” says Greg Summerville, MD, a sports medicine physician at the UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. These pros and cons are, however, different for everyone.

Dr. Summerville works with patients to create exercise prescriptions for his patients, and takes a range of factors into account, such as age, function, and mobility, as well as existing health conditions or injuries. Those things all make a difference when it comes to which machine is best for you — as do your specific fitness goals.

All of these aforementioned cardio machines are designed to improve cardiovascular health, meaning it increases your heart and respiratory rate to strengthen your heart muscle and build endurance. But some also build strength, Summerville says. So, think about what you want out of your workout. Are you there for a strict cardio workout or one that combines cardio and strength, for instance?

Answering questions like that will help you pick the appropriate machine for you. Also, if you have any disability, injuries, or other health issues that could interfere with your ability to safely exercise — or use one of these machines — talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.

And finally, if you’re going to get your cardio in at the gym using one of these machines, pick one that you like using (so long as you can safely do so). Finding a workout you enjoy doing makes it that much easier to come back to and stick with. After all, the movement you do (whatever that looks like) is better than some “perfect” workout you don’t do.

Here’s a rundown of some common cardio machines and their specific pros and cons:

Treadmill

What It Is A machine with an endless moving belt for walking or running. “I’d call this the bread-and-butter of cardio machines,” says Araceli De Leon, an ACE-certified personal trainer and health coach.

Muscles Targeted The treadmill primarily helps build your cardiovascular endurance, says De Leon, but walking or running will also work the lower body muscles, including the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves, according to ACSM. It’s not the most effective way to build these muscles, but using the treadmill will help to maintain them, Summerville adds.

Perks You can adjust the speed and incline to increase intensity or perform an interval or HIIT workout, says De Leon. Compared with the elliptical and rower, a treadmill has been found to burn more fat, according to a study published in 2021 in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. (It’s worth noting that that study only included nine men and no women.)