Is Hisense a good brand? Discover the truth about Hisense TV quality, reliability (20% failure rate per Consumer Reports), value vs Samsung/LG, and whether it's worth buying in 2026.
Yes, Hisense is a good brand for budget-conscious buyers seeking premium TV features at 30-50% below Samsung and LG prices. However, Consumer Reports estimates 20% of Hisense TVs experience problems within five years - nearly double Sony's 11% failure rate. Best for buyers who prioritize value over reliability guarantees.
That single statistic captures the Hisense dilemma perfectly. You're essentially trading proven reliability for significant cost savings and feature-packed specifications. For four out of five buyers, this gamble pays off handsomely. The fifth buyer faces potential warranty headaches.
Hisense at a Glance:
Founded: 1969 in Qingdao, China
Global Position: World's #2 TV manufacturer by volume
Price Advantage: 30-50% below premium competitors
Reliability Rating: "Fair" (Consumer Reports)
Five-Year Failure Rate: Approximately 20%
Hisense is Right For You If:
Budget is your primary consideration and you want maximum features per dollar
You're buying a secondary TV for a bedroom, office, or guest room
Gaming performance matters - you want 144Hz-165Hz refresh rates without premium pricing
Your room has lots of natural light and you need bright Mini-LED performance
You're comfortable purchasing extended warranties for peace of mind
You're buying from Costco (90-day returns) or Best Buy (strong Geek Squad protection)
Hisense Isn't Right For You If:
Reliability and longevity are non-negotiable priorities
You need responsive, high-quality customer support when issues arise
This is your primary family TV that will see daily heavy use for 10+ years
You're wall-mounting without access to strong retailer warranty protection
The idea of a 20% failure probability causes genuine concern
Quick Category Ratings:
TVs: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Excellent picture quality and features for price
Refrigerators: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5) – Solid performance, particularly compact models
Customer Service: ★★½☆☆ (2.5/5) – Mixed experiences, challenging warranty process
Overall Value: ★★★★½☆ (4.5/5) – Outstanding when units work properly
If you're considering a Hisense TV, understanding whether is hisense tv reliable for your specific needs requires examining the complete picture - which is exactly what this guide delivers.
You've seen Hisense TVs everywhere - Best Buy endcaps, Walmart Black Friday deals, Amazon lightning sales. The prices seem almost impossibly good. A 65-inch Mini-LED TV with 165Hz gaming support for under $800? Premium 4K smart features at budget prices?
The natural question follows: is Hisense actually good, or too good to be true?
This skepticism makes sense. Most buyers have never heard of Hisense until recently, yet suddenly it's competing head-to-head with Samsung and LG on store shelves. The company's meteoric rise from relative obscurity to America's fastest-growing TV brand among top-tier manufacturers deserves honest scrutiny beyond marketing claims and cherry-picked reviews.
Here's what's actually happening. Hisense has grown from a small Chinese radio factory to become the world's second-largest TV manufacturer by units shipped, trailing only Samsung. In China, Hisense has dominated the TV market for over two decades, holding the number-one position since 2004. That domestic success funded aggressive international expansion.
The American market took notice around 2020 when Hisense TVs started appearing in expert "best budget TV" lists from RTINGS, TechRadar, and other trusted sources. Positive reviews praised picture quality, gaming features, and value. Sales followed.
But praise from tech reviewers and long-term owner satisfaction don't always align. A TV might test beautifully in a lab while experiencing reliability issues months later in real homes. That disconnect is precisely why this guide exists.
What you'll learn in this complete evaluation:
Who actually makes Hisense products and where they're manufactured
How TV quality varies across different Hisense series (U6, U7, U8, U9)
Whether Hisense appliances match their TV quality
What Consumer Reports reliability data actually reveals
How Hisense pricing compares to Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL
Honest assessment of customer service and warranty experiences
Specific recommendations for who should buy Hisense - and who shouldn't
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. We earn commissions from qualifying purchases, but this never influences our honest assessments. We recommend products based on merit, not commissions.
The question "who makes Hisense?" has a straightforward answer with interesting complexity beneath. Hisense TVs are manufactured by Hisense Group Co., Ltd., a Chinese multinational electronics company headquartered in Qingdao, Shandong Province. But the company's history and global reach extend far beyond a simple country-of-origin label.
Hisense began in September 1969 as the Qingdao No. 2 Radio Factory, producing radios under the "Red Lantern" brand for the Chinese domestic market. The company pivoted to television manufacturing in 1979 and began international trade by 1985. The name "Hisense" was officially adopted in 1993.
The 1990s brought rapid expansion. Competition and price wars in the Chinese electronics market actually benefited Hisense, which absorbed ten failing enterprises by 1998. The company went public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in April 1997 and began pursuing household appliances, computers, and communications alongside consumer electronics.
Hisense's most significant brand acquisition came in November 2017 when the company purchased 95% of Toshiba Visual Solutions Corporation for $113 million. Toshiba, struggling financially, retained just 5% ownership.
This deal delivered far more than manufacturing capacity. Hisense gained a 40-year license to use the Toshiba brand worldwide, access to Toshiba's TV patent portfolio, Japanese manufacturing facilities, and established distribution relationships in markets where Hisense lacked recognition.
The strategic brilliance is evident: consumers hesitant about Chinese brands often purchase Toshiba TVs without realizing they're buying Hisense-manufactured products. The Toshiba brand carries recognition and trust that Hisense couldn't build organically in Western markets within a reasonable timeframe.
Hisense operates manufacturing facilities across multiple continents. Primary production occurs in China (Qingdao, Shunde, and Huzhou), with additional plants in Mexico, South Africa, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. The company maintains 14 industrial parks globally and employs over 80,000 people.
In the United States, Hisense operates a subsidiary in Georgia handling distribution and a research and development center in Illinois. Despite this American presence, most Hisense TVs sold in the U.S. are manufactured in China or Mexico.
One aspect that occasionally concerns Western buyers: Hisense has significant state ownership through the Qingdao municipal government. Both major Hisense subsidiaries - Hisense Visual Technology and Hisense H.A. - had state ownership exceeding 30% via Hisense's holding company before the end of 2020.
What does this mean practically for consumers? Stability and resources, primarily. State backing provides financial security that enabled Hisense's aggressive expansion and technology investments. The company operates with commercial autonomy in product development, pricing, and customer relationships.
Beyond Hisense-branded products, the company sells TVs and appliances under multiple names. Toshiba (television division), Gorenje (European appliances, acquired 2018), Sharp (Americas TV license, now expired), Kelon, Ronshen, and ASKO all fall under the Hisense umbrella. When you purchase a Toshiba TV today, you're buying a Hisense product manufactured in their facilities.
If you're curious about identifying specific Hisense products, learning how to find hisense model number helps verify exactly which product you're considering.
Hisense structures its TV lineup into distinct tiers, each targeting different buyer priorities and budgets. Understanding these differences prevents the common mistake of judging Hisense quality based on their entry-level models when premium options compete with TVs costing $1,000+ more.
Hisense's 2025/2026 lineup follows a clear hierarchy: A-Series (entry-level), QD Series (quantum dot mid-range), U6 (budget Mini-LED), U7 (value Mini-LED), U8 (premium Mini-LED), and U9 (flagship). Each step up brings improved processing, more local dimming zones, higher brightness, and better gaming specifications.
This tiered structure matters because reviewers praising "Hisense TVs" are typically testing U7 or U8 models, while frustrated customers sometimes purchased entry-level A-Series units expecting flagship performance.
The U8QG (2025 model) represents Hisense's best value proposition - premium specifications without premium pricing. Key specifications include Mini-LED backlighting with up to 5,000 local dimming zones on larger sizes, peak brightness reaching 5,000 nits, and the Hi-View AI Engine Pro processor.
Gaming features compete with TVs costing significantly more: native 165Hz refresh rate, Variable Refresh Rate support from 48Hz to 165Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Auto Low Latency Mode, and both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ gaming support. The enhanced Game Bar allows real-time performance adjustments without leaving your game.
TechRadar's testing found the U8QG delivers brighter and overall better picture quality than its predecessor, with improved measurements across brightness, color gamut coverage, and input lag. The built-in 4.1.2-channel speaker system provides surprisingly immersive sound, though the subwoofer can distort on heavy bass effects.
Current pricing positions the U8QG as exceptional value. The 65-inch model sells around $1,399 (often discounted from $2,200), the 75-inch around $1,899, and the 85-inch approximately $2,499. Compare this to Samsung's QN90F at $1,800+ for 65 inches with similar specifications.
For connectivity, many buyers wonder does hisense tv have bluetooth for wireless audio - the U8 series supports Bluetooth for headphones and soundbar connections.
The U7 series has consistently earned "best budget TV" recommendations from major reviewers, and the 2025 models continue that tradition. Hisense targets this series under $1,000 for most sizes while delivering Mini-LED performance that entry-level Samsung and LG models simply cannot match at this price.
Screen sizes range from 55 to 100 inches, all featuring Mini-LED backlighting. The AGLR (Anti-Glare Low Reflection) panel addresses a common LCD weakness - viewing in bright rooms. Gaming specifications mirror the higher-end U8: 165Hz refresh rate, Game Booster 288Hz, Dolby Vision gaming, and FreeSync Premium Pro support.
The built-in 2.1.2-channel, 60W speaker system handles most content adequately, though dedicated sound systems improve the experience for home theater enthusiasts.
Current U7 pricing shows 65-inch models around $799-$999, making it genuinely difficult to find comparable Mini-LED performance from Samsung, LG, or Sony at this price point. The closest Sony competitor, the Bravia 5, costs $899 for 55 inches on sale.
The U6N series occupies an interesting position: still Mini-LED backlighting at prices where competitors offer only basic LED. This makes it the entry point for buyers wanting improved contrast and local dimming without spending four figures.
A notable change for 2025: the U6 series switched from Google TV to Amazon's Fire TV platform. This provides Alexa voice control and a simplified interface, though some users prefer Google TV's organization and app selection.
Gaming specs remain solid despite the budget positioning: native 144Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium support, and the 2.1-channel audio system with built-in subwoofer handles gaming audio reasonably well.
Pricing puts 65-inch U6 models around $529-$649, directly competing with TCL's QM6K series. For secondary rooms, casual viewers, or budget-conscious buyers wanting more than basic LED, the U6 delivers surprising capability.
Hisense's "ULED" branding confuses some buyers expecting it to mean something fundamentally different from standard LED/LCD. In reality, ULED is Hisense's marketing term combining several technologies: quantum dot color enhancement, local dimming zones, and proprietary image processing through their Hi-View Engine chips.
This parallels Samsung's "QLED" branding - marketing terminology rather than a distinct display technology like OLED. Both ULED and QLED describe enhanced LED/LCD panels with quantum dot layers for improved color reproduction.
Across the lineup, Hisense TVs excel at brightness - the U8 series reaches peak brightness competing with TVs at twice the price. Color accuracy through quantum dot implementation delivers vibrant, saturated images that pop in any lighting condition. Mini-LED backlighting provides contrast improvements over traditional LED, with better black levels in dark scenes.
Areas where premium brands maintain advantages include image processing and upscaling (Sony's Cognitive Processor XR remains industry-leading for SDR content), viewing angles (some Hisense panels degrade noticeably off-center), and motion handling for the pickiest viewers.
Smart TV functionality uses Google TV on premium models (U7, U8, U9), providing access to all major streaming services, Google Assistant voice control, Chromecast built-in, and personalized recommendations. Users who want to share content from their phones can easily airplay to hisense smart tv using AirPlay 2 support on compatible models.
Series | Technology | Best For | Gaming | Price (65") | Comparable To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U9 | Mini-LED Flagship | Enthusiasts | 165Hz, VRR | $2,500+ | Samsung QN90F |
U8 | Mini-LED Premium | Movies, HDR, Gaming | 165Hz, VRR | $1,399 | Samsung QN85F, Sony Bravia 7 |
U7 | Mini-LED Value | Gaming, Sports | 165Hz, VRR | $799 | TCL QM7K, Samsung Q7F |
U6 | Mini-LED Budget | Secondary Rooms | 144Hz, FreeSync | $529 | TCL QM6K, Vizio M-Series |
QD7 | QLED | Casual Use | 120Hz | $449 | Entry Samsung, Vizio |
While Hisense built its American reputation on televisions, the company produces a full range of home appliances including refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, dishwashers, and dehumidifiers. Appliance quality varies significantly by category - some represent excellent value while others warrant caution.
Hisense refrigerators generally receive positive reviews, particularly compact models and freezers. In fact, Reviewed.com named the Hisense HRM260N6TSE French-door refrigerator as their "Best Overall" pick in their 2026 refrigerator buying guide, praising consistent temperatures, usable storage, and smart features at an impressive price point.
Testing by Reviewed found the HRM260N6TSE among the best mid-range French-door refrigerators they've evaluated, with temperature consistency as a particular standout - arguably the most important refrigerator function. At $1,599, it competes with models costing $500-$1,000 more from established appliance brands.
Compact fridges and chest freezers represent Hisense's most reliable appliance segment. Reddit discussions reveal numerous owners reporting 4-6+ years of trouble-free operation from Hisense mini fridges, particularly models used in uninsulated garages where temperature swings test cooling systems.
On Lowe's, many Hisense compact refrigerators and freezers carry 4.0+ star ratings. Customer feedback consistently praises quiet operation, consistent cooling, and value pricing. The company offers a 2-year warranty on refrigerators over 10 cubic feet - longer than the industry-standard one year - covering parts and labor, plus 5-year coverage on sealed systems (compressor, evaporator, condenser, tubing).
Large French-door and side-by-side models receive more varied feedback. While professional testing results are strong, long-term user reviews are less consistent than compact models. Some owners report years of perfect operation; others encounter issues with ice makers, temperature fluctuations, or premature component failures.
The Hisense HRF266N6CSE (now HRF266N6CSE1 following a door hinge recall and fix) impressed Newsweek's testing with its interior water dispenser, organizational features, and modern design. However, the recall itself illustrates quality control variability that doesn't inspire complete confidence.
Hisense portable and window air conditioners compete well against Frigidaire and LG equivalents at lower prices. The ConnectLife app integration enables smart control via smartphone, scheduling, and energy monitoring.
Window units receive generally positive reviews for cooling performance and reasonable noise levels. Portable units face the challenges inherent to that category - less efficient than window units, requiring proper ventilation setup - but perform comparably to competitors within their class.
Washing machines and dishwashers represent Hisense's newest appliance entries, and feedback suggests these categories need maturation. Reports of spin-cycle leaks, error codes, and premature failures appear with concerning frequency for products with limited track records.
The pattern makes sense: Hisense has decades of experience with cooling technology (refrigerators, freezers, ACs) through their massive Chinese domestic appliance business. Washing machines and dishwashers entered their portfolio more recently, and design/manufacturing refinement takes time.
For buyers considering Hisense appliances, cooling products represent the safest choices. Compact refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners deliver genuine value with reasonable reliability expectations. Full-size refrigerators offer excellent features at competitive prices but warrant extended warranty consideration.
For washing machines and dishwashers, established brands like LG, Samsung, or Whirlpool remain safer choices until Hisense builds a longer track record in these categories.
Reliability represents Hisense's most significant weakness - and the single most important factor for many buyers. Let's examine what the data actually reveals rather than relying on anecdotes or marketing claims.
Consumer Reports surveyed members who purchased over 97,500 new TVs between 2010 and 2024. Based on owner-reported problems, CR estimates that 20% of Hisense TVs experience issues within the first five years of ownership. This earned Hisense a "Fair" reliability rating.
For comparison, Sony TVs have an estimated 11% five-year failure rate - earning a "Very Good" rating. Samsung and LG fall roughly in the 15% range. Hisense's 20% sits notably higher than premium brands but not dramatically worse than some competitors.
What does 20% actually mean for you? Roughly 1 in 5 Hisense TVs may develop problems within five years, compared to about 1 in 10 Sony TVs. In practical terms:
80% probability: Your Hisense works perfectly for years, you saved $500-$1,000 compared to premium brands, and you're completely satisfied
20% probability: You experience issues requiring warranty service, troubleshooting frustration, or replacement
This reliability concern led Consumer Reports to remove "recommended" designations from several Hisense TV models that otherwise scored well in performance testing. Strong picture quality means little if the TV stops working.
Hisense publicly disputed Consumer Reports' findings, stating they maintain "defective rates of less than 4 percent." This apparent contradiction stems from different measurements: Hisense likely references units defective at purchase or returned quickly, while Consumer Reports tracks problems developing over five years of ownership.
Both figures can be accurate simultaneously. A TV might test perfectly during manufacturing quality control, leave the factory without defects, and still develop issues after months or years of daily use.
Common Hisense problems reported by owners include:
Streaming apps freezing or crashing requiring restarts
Slow or inconsistent WiFi connectivity
Backlight uniformity issues (some models)
Firmware/software bugs persisting through updates
Power cycling or random shutdowns
HDMI port or connectivity failures
Many issues fall into "annoying but livable" territory - app crashes requiring occasional restarts rather than complete TV failures. However, some owners report catastrophic failures: screens developing lines, complete power failures, or backlight sections dying.
When issues occur, understanding why does hisense keep restarting or why wont hisense turn on helps troubleshoot before calling support.
Not all data points toward problems. Reddit discussions and Best Buy reviews reveal many owners reporting 5-7+ years of flawless Hisense operation. Users mention TVs purchased in 2015-2018 still working perfectly, some purchasing additional Hisense units based on positive experiences.
Best Buy reviews include comments like "Great quality tv for streaming movies" and customers comparing favorably to previous Sony ownership. These experiences are real and valid - but so are the failure reports.
Assuming you receive a unit without defects, Hisense TVs typically last 5-7 years with normal use. Some owners report 7-10 years with proper care, though this pushes beyond what most would consider reasonable lifespan expectations for modern electronics.
Factors affecting longevity include usage intensity (hours per day), environmental conditions (heat, humidity), power quality (surge protection), and firmware maintenance (keeping software updated).
The honest assessment: Hisense TV reliability is a legitimate concern supported by data, not unfounded skepticism. The 20% five-year problem rate is meaningfully worse than premium brands. However, 80% of buyers have positive experiences, and proper precautions - buying from retailers with strong return policies, purchasing extended warranties - can mitigate risk significantly.
If reliability ranks as your top priority and you're buying a TV expected to last 10+ years, premium brands like Sony justify their higher prices through proven durability. If you're comfortable with calculated risk for significant savings, Hisense delivers excellent value when units work properly.
Understanding how Hisense achieves its aggressive pricing explains why the value proposition is real rather than "too good to be true." This isn't magic - it's calculated business strategy.
Hisense TVs typically cost 30-50% less than Samsung, LG, and Sony models with comparable specifications. Specific examples illustrate this gap:
65" Hisense U8QG: ~$1,399 | 65" Samsung QN90F: ~$1,800+ (Similar Mini-LED, similar specs)
65" Hisense U7: ~$799 | 65" Sony Bravia 5: ~$899 (Hisense has better gaming specs)
75" Hisense U7: ~$1,000 | 75" Samsung equivalent: ~$1,500+
85" Hisense U8QG: ~$2,499 | 85" Sony Bravia 7: ~$3,500+
These savings compound at larger screen sizes. Premium brands charge massive premiums for 75"+ TVs; Hisense's pricing scales more reasonably.
Several factors enable Hisense's price advantage without necessarily indicating inferior quality:
Vertical Integration: Hisense manufactures its own LCD panels in China rather than purchasing from Samsung, LG Display, or other suppliers. This eliminates middle-man margins and gives direct control over production costs.
Lower Marketing Budgets: Samsung spends billions annually on global marketing. Hisense invests significantly less, relying more heavily on word-of-mouth, retailer partnerships, and price-driven appeal.
Efficient Chinese Manufacturing: Lower labor costs, established supply chains, and government-supported industrial infrastructure reduce production expenses.
Smaller Profit Margins: Hisense prioritizes market share growth over profit maximization, accepting thinner margins to compete on price.
Reduced R&D Expenditure: Premium brands invest heavily in proprietary image processing, unique panel technologies, and software development. Hisense spends less, sometimes licensing technology or adopting industry-standard approaches rather than developing proprietary solutions.
The value proposition peaks in specific scenarios:
Mid-Range Mini-LED TVs: The U7 and U8 series deliver Mini-LED performance at prices where competitors offer only basic LED backlighting. Getting local dimming, improved contrast, and HDR capability at these prices represents genuine value.
Large Screen Sizes: Premium brands charge steep premiums for 75"+ screens. Hisense maintains more reasonable scaling, making big-screen living room setups far more accessible.
Gaming-Focused Buyers: 165Hz refresh rates, VRR, and low input lag typically appear in expensive gaming monitors or premium TVs. Hisense delivers these specifications at mid-range prices.
Bright Room Use: High peak brightness (U8 hits 5,000 nits) combined with anti-glare treatments means Hisense handles bright viewing environments exceptionally well - often better than more expensive OLEDs that struggle in sunlight.
Fair analysis requires acknowledging where competitors earn their premiums:
Image Processing: Sony's Cognitive Processor XR remains unmatched for upscaling lower-resolution content and optimizing SDR material. If you watch lots of cable TV or older content, Sony's processing makes everything look better.
Reliability and Longevity: Sony's 11% failure rate versus Hisense's 20% represents meaningful peace of mind, especially for primary family TVs expected to last a decade.
Customer Support: Premium brands generally deliver better service experiences when problems arise - faster responses, more knowledgeable representatives, smoother warranty processes.
Resale Value: Samsung and Sony TVs retain value better on the secondary market, partially offsetting higher purchase prices for buyers who upgrade frequently.
Risk-Adjusted Value Calculation
Thinking probabilistically about Hisense value:
Scenario A (80% probability): Your Hisense works perfectly. You saved $500-$1,000 compared to equivalent Samsung/Sony models. Effective value: Excellent.
Scenario B (20% probability): Problems develop within five years. You face warranty hassles, potential repair costs, or early replacement. Effective value: Depends on warranty protection and replacement costs.
Expected value favors Hisense for most buyers, especially with extended warranty protection. But risk tolerance varies - some buyers prefer certainty even at higher cost.
Customer service represents Hisense's weakest area - consistently cited as problematic across multiple review platforms. Understanding the warranty landscape and preparing for potential issues helps buyers make informed decisions.
Trustpilot reviews describe Hisense customer service as "very bad." ConsumerAffairs shows a pattern of complaints about response times, technical knowledge gaps, and frustrating warranty claim processes. BBB complaints reveal recurring issues: service partners refusing to handle wall-mounted TVs, weeks-long delays finding authorized repair technicians, and warranty claim denials for issues that owners believe should be covered.
Common customer service frustrations include:
Response Delays: Days or weeks waiting for replies to warranty claims, multiple follow-up calls required to get status updates, and frequent "escalations" that restart the process rather than advancing it.
Technical Knowledge Gaps: Representatives sometimes provide generic troubleshooting steps already attempted, struggle with model-specific questions, or give contradictory information.
Parts Availability: Repair technicians sometimes cannot obtain replacement parts, leading to extended wait times or refund processes rather than repairs.
Wall-Mount Complications: Some service partners refuse to dismount wall-mounted TVs for repair, requiring customers to pay $500+ for professional dismounting/remounting - effectively adding significant cost to warranty service.
Hisense USA maintains an A+ BBB rating, which might seem contradictory given customer complaints. The BBB rating primarily reflects whether a company responds to complaints and attempts resolution - not whether customers are ultimately satisfied.
Hisense does respond to BBB complaints and attempts resolution, earning the A+ rating. However, the content of those complaints and customer satisfaction with resolutions tells a different story than the letter grade suggests.
Hisense offers standard warranty coverage:
TVs: 1-2 year manufacturer warranty (varies by product)
Registration Required: Full warranty coverage often requires product registration
Extended Warranty Options: Available through Hisense and retailers
The warranty looks decent on paper, but execution determines actual value. Having warranty coverage and successfully using it are different experiences entirely for some customers.
Given the customer service reality, smart buying strategies reduce risk:
Buy from Strong Retailers: Costco offers 90-day return windows and excellent concierge service for electronics issues. Best Buy's Geek Squad protection provides an alternative support path. Amazon's return policies offer flexibility for quick exchanges.
Consider Extended Warranty: Given the 20% failure rate and service challenges, extended warranty makes financial sense for Hisense purchases - especially from retailers who handle claims themselves rather than routing through Hisense.
Test Thoroughly Within Return Windows: Don't wait months to fully test your TV. Check all inputs, streaming apps, and features within the retailer's return period. Issues discovered early allow simple exchanges rather than warranty claims.
Document Everything: If warranty service becomes necessary, photograph issues, save correspondence, and track all communications. Documentation strengthens your position if escalation becomes necessary.
Use Social Media for Escalation: Companies often respond faster to public social media complaints than private support channels. Twitter/X complaints can accelerate responses when normal channels fail.
Direct competitor comparisons help contextualize where Hisense fits in the market. Each brand brings different strengths and trade-offs.
Samsung dominates the TV market with strong brand recognition, extensive retail presence, and competitive products across all price points.
Picture Quality: Samsung leads in image processing, particularly on Neo QLED and QD-OLED models. The S95F OLED earned widespread acclaim as 2025's best TV. However, at similar price points, Hisense often matches or exceeds Samsung's brightness and feature specifications.
Reliability: Samsung maintains better reliability ratings than Hisense, with approximately 15% five-year failure rates compared to Hisense's 20%.
Gaming: Both brands deliver excellent gaming performance on premium models. Samsung's response times edge ahead on OLED models, while Hisense often matches specifications at lower prices on Mini-LED.
Customer Service: Samsung's larger service network and established support infrastructure generally provide better experiences than Hisense.
Price: Hisense costs 30-40% less for comparable specifications.
Verdict: Samsung wins on reliability and support; Hisense wins on features per dollar. Budget-conscious buyers find better value with Hisense; those prioritizing long-term reliability should consider Samsung.
LG's OLED technology represents the gold standard for picture quality, though they compete across all TV categories.
Picture Quality: LG OLED delivers unmatched contrast with perfect blacks that Mini-LED cannot replicate. However, Hisense Mini-LED models often exceed LG OLED brightness in well-lit rooms.
Reliability: LG maintains better reliability than Hisense, with established longevity expectations for their OLED and LED lineups.
Smart Platform: LG's webOS is widely praised for intuitive navigation and smart home integration. Hisense uses Google TV (premium models) or Fire TV (budget models) - both functional but less polished than webOS.
Price: Significant gap, especially at larger sizes. A 65" LG C5 OLED costs $1,700+, while Hisense U8QG costs $1,399 with different but competitive capabilities.
Verdict: LG for premium OLED experience and reliability; Hisense for Mini-LED brightness and value. OLED-seekers should choose LG; budget-conscious bright-room users may prefer Hisense.
Sony represents the reliability and image processing benchmark against which all brands are measured.
Picture Quality: Sony's Cognitive Processor XR remains unmatched for upscaling and SDR content optimization. Sony makes everything - including lower-quality sources - look better than competitors. Hisense can match or exceed Sony brightness specs but cannot match processing sophistication.
Reliability: Sony's 11% failure rate (Consumer Reports "Very Good") is the best among major brands - nearly half of Hisense's 20%.
Gaming: Both offer strong gaming features on premium models. Hisense delivers comparable specifications at lower prices; Sony processing handles games beautifully.
Customer Service: Sony's support significantly exceeds Hisense in responsiveness and resolution quality.
Price: The largest gap among major competitors. Sony Bravia 7 (65") costs ~$2,000+; comparable Hisense U8QG costs $1,399.
Verdict: Sony for perfectionists prioritizing picture processing and reliability; Hisense for value-seekers willing to trade processing refinement for significant savings.
TCL represents Hisense's most direct competitor - both are Chinese manufacturers pursuing aggressive value positioning in Western markets.
Picture Quality: Nearly equivalent across comparable product tiers. Both brands use Mini-LED backlighting, quantum dot color, and similar panel technologies.
Reliability: Consumer Reports rates both brands similarly ("Fair"), with comparable failure rate estimates. Neither has reliability advantages over the other.
Gaming: Both deliver strong gaming specifications across premium and mid-range models. Feature parity is high.
Smart Platform: TCL primarily uses Roku or Google TV; Hisense uses Google TV or Fire TV. Platform preference is subjective.
Customer Service: Both brands face similar customer service criticisms, though TCL has a slightly longer U.S. market presence.
Price: Nearly identical at comparable tiers. Selection often comes down to specific model deals, retailer preferences, or minor specification differences.
Verdict: Virtually interchangeable for most buyers. Choose based on specific model availability, current pricing, and platform preference. Neither brand has significant advantages over the other.
Factor | Hisense | Samsung | LG | Sony | TCL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Picture Quality | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | 8/10 |
Reliability | 6/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Value | 9.5/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | 9/10 |
Gaming | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Customer Service | 5/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 |
Understanding common issues and solutions helps distinguish between normal troubleshooting and defective units requiring warranty service.
The most common Hisense complaints involve software behavior rather than hardware failure.
Symptoms: Streaming apps freezing mid-playback, slow menu navigation, settings not saving correctly, TV becoming unresponsive to remote commands.
Solutions:
Soft Reset: Unplug TV for 60 seconds, then plug back in. This clears temporary memory issues.
App Cache Clearing: Navigate to Settings → Apps → Select problematic app → Clear Cache/Clear Data
Factory Reset: Settings → System → Reset → Factory Reset (note: you'll need to reconfigure everything)
Firmware Update: Settings → System → About → System Update. Install any available updates.
When to Claim Warranty: If issues persist after factory reset and firmware is current, contact support. Persistent software problems on a properly updated TV may indicate deeper issues.
WiFi and Bluetooth problems frustrate many Hisense owners.
WiFi Symptoms: Frequent disconnections, slow streaming buffering, inability to connect to network.
Solutions:
Router Positioning: Move router closer to TV or remove obstructions
Band Selection: Try 5GHz for speed or 2.4GHz for range/wall penetration
Network Reset: Forget network, then reconnect with fresh credentials
DNS Settings: Try manual DNS (8.8.8.8 for Google DNS)
For persistent connectivity issues, our guide on how to connect hisense wifi provides detailed troubleshooting steps.
HDMI connectivity issues can affect gaming consoles, streaming devices, and cable boxes.
Symptoms: No signal from connected devices, flickering display, inconsistent handshake.
Solutions:
Cable Swap: Try a different HDMI cable - damaged cables cause many issues
Port Testing: Try different HDMI ports on the TV
Device Power Cycle: Fully restart the connected device
HDMI Format Settings: Some devices require specific HDMI format settings (Standard vs Enhanced)
If HDMI ports stop working entirely, our troubleshooting guide for why is hdmi not working covers additional diagnostic steps.
Some picture issues are fixable; others indicate defective panels.
Fixable Issues:
Incorrect Picture Mode: Switch from Vivid to Filmmaker Mode or Movie Mode for more accurate colors
Motion Smoothing: Disable motion enhancement if images look artificially smooth
Backlight Settings: Adjust backlight intensity for your room lighting
Local Dimming: Enable or adjust local dimming for better contrast
Potentially Defective:
Dead Pixels: Small permanently lit or unlit spots
Backlight Bleed: Excessive light leakage around edges in dark scenes
Horizontal or Vertical Lines: Lines appearing across the screen indicate panel damage
For display defects like fix horizontal lines hisense or fix hisense green screen, contact support immediately - these typically require warranty service.
Audio problems range from simple settings adjustments to hardware failure.
Software Fixes:
Check mute status and volume levels
Verify correct audio output is selected (TV speakers vs external)
Disable audio enhancement features if causing problems
Reset audio settings to default
When sound disappears entirely, why no sound on hisense troubleshooting helps identify whether the issue is settings-related or hardware failure.
Remote problems often have simple solutions.
Basic Troubleshooting:
Battery Replacement: Fresh batteries solve most remote issues
Re-Pairing: For Bluetooth remotes, unpair and re-pair to the TV
Line of Sight: Ensure nothing blocks IR sensor (for IR remotes)
Remote Reset: Remove batteries, press all buttons for 10 seconds, reinstall batteries
For specific remote pairing issues, our guide on how to sync hisense remote covers the process step-by-step.
Certain symptoms suggest you received a defective unit requiring return or warranty service:
Persistent issues after factory reset and firmware update
Hardware symptoms: Lines on screen, dead zones, backlight failure sections
Power cycling: TV randomly turns on/off without input
No image but sound (or vice versa)
Overheating or unusual sounds from the TV
Critical Advice: Test your TV thoroughly within the retailer's return window. Exchange for a new unit is far easier than warranty repair. Most retailers offer 15-30 day return windows; Costco provides 90 days. Use this time to verify everything works properly.
Clear buyer profile guidance prevents mismatched expectations.
Budget-Conscious Feature Seekers: If maximizing specifications per dollar is your priority, Hisense delivers unmatched value. Getting Mini-LED backlighting, 165Hz gaming support, and Dolby Vision at prices where competitors offer basic LED represents genuine opportunity.
Gamers Wanting High Refresh Rates: The combination of 144Hz-165Hz panels, VRR support, low input lag, and FreeSync Premium Pro at mid-range prices makes Hisense compelling for console and PC gaming. Premium gaming features without premium gaming prices.
Bright Room Users: Hisense's high brightness (U8 hits 5,000 nits peak) combined with anti-glare treatments handles sunny living rooms and open floor plans better than many expensive OLEDs that struggle in daylight.
Secondary TV Buyers: For bedrooms, home offices, guest rooms, or kids' rooms, Hisense delivers excellent capability at prices making multiple-TV households affordable. Lower reliability concerns matter less when it's not your primary viewing screen.
Large Screen Seekers: Premium brands charge massive premiums for 75"+ TVs. Hisense maintains more reasonable price scaling, putting 85" and even 100" screens within reach for buyers who otherwise couldn't afford them.
Tech-Savvy Users: Buyers comfortable with occasional troubleshooting, settings optimization, and potential firmware updates maximize Hisense value. If you'll tweak picture settings rather than accepting defaults, you'll extract more from the hardware.
Extended Warranty Purchasers: Those buying from Costco (with its exceptional return policy and concierge service) or purchasing Best Buy Geek Squad protection significantly mitigate Hisense's reliability concerns.
Reliability Prioritizers: If long-term durability and "set it and forget it" operation matter most, Sony's 11% failure rate justifies premium pricing. The peace of mind has real value.
Premium Customer Service Expectations: Buyers who expect responsive, helpful support when issues arise will likely be frustrated with Hisense. Premium brands deliver better service experiences.
Primary Family TV (10+ Year Horizon): The main living room TV getting daily multi-person use for a decade or more deserves reliability investment. Hisense is better suited for shorter ownership periods or secondary use.
Wall-Mount Installations Without Strong Warranty: Given service complications around wall-mounted TVs, buyers planning permanent wall installation without robust retailer protection should consider alternatives.
Risk-Averse Buyers: If a 20% five-year failure probability causes genuine anxiety regardless of extended warranty protection, the psychological cost exceeds the financial savings. Peace of mind matters.
Professional/Commercial Use: Business settings requiring consistent operation, minimal downtime, and predictable performance should invest in proven commercial-grade equipment rather than consumer-focused value brands.
Ask yourself:
Is saving $500-$1,000 worth accepting higher failure probability?
Will you purchase from a retailer with strong return/warranty protection?
Are you comfortable with basic troubleshooting if issues arise?
Is this your primary TV or a secondary screen?
What's your expected ownership timeline - 3 years or 10 years?
If your answers favor Hisense, proceed with confidence. If they favor alternatives, the premium is worth paying.
Based on current market positioning, these specific Hisense products deliver the best value in their categories.
The U8QG represents Hisense's sweet spot - premium performance without truly premium pricing. RTINGS lists it among the best Hisense TVs they've tested, and TechRadar awarded it high marks for brightness improvements and gaming features.
Why It's Best: Up to 5,000 nits peak brightness, Mini-LED Pro backlighting with thousands of local dimming zones, native 165Hz panel with Game Booster 288Hz, and 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound system. It competes with TVs costing $500-$1,000 more.
Current Pricing: 55" ~$999, 65" ~$1,399, 75" ~$1,899, 85" ~$2,499
Best For: Movie enthusiasts, HDR content, gaming, bright rooms, buyers wanting near-flagship performance without flagship prices.
The U7 series has earned consistent "best budget TV" recommendations because it delivers Mini-LED performance where competitors offer only basic LED backlighting at this price.
Why It's Best: 165Hz native refresh rate, Game Booster 288Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, anti-glare low reflection panel, Mini-LED backlighting - all under $1,000 for most sizes.
Current Pricing: 55" ~$650, 65" ~$799, 75" ~$1,000, 85" ~$1,399
Best For: Gamers, sports fans, bright rooms, buyers wanting maximum gaming performance without overspending.
Smart features on U7 models include access to the download apps on hisense app store and streaming service integration.
The U6 series brings Mini-LED backlighting to genuinely budget prices - an impressive achievement that competitors struggle to match.
Why It's Best: Mini-LED at prices where competitors offer edge-lit LED, 144Hz refresh rate for gaming, Fire TV platform with Alexa integration.
Current Pricing: 55" ~$449, 65" ~$529, 75" ~$699
Best For: Secondary rooms, casual viewers, budget-conscious buyers wanting more than basic LED, first-time buyers testing the Hisense waters.
Premium brands charge extraordinary prices for 100" TVs. Hisense makes ultra-large screens accessible.
Why It's Best: 100-inch Mini-LED display at a fraction of competing 100" TV prices, same gaming features as smaller U7 models.
Current Pricing: ~$2,500-$3,000
Best For: Home theater enthusiasts, dedicated media rooms, buyers wanting immersive cinema experiences at home.
For mounting large Hisense screens, understanding what size mount for hisense ensures proper installation.
Reviewed.com named this French-door refrigerator their "Best Overall" pick, praising temperature consistency and features at a competitive price point.
Why It's Best: Excellent temperature consistency (the most important refrigerator function), smart features, ample storage, and strong build quality at mid-range pricing.
Current Pricing: ~$1,599
Best For: Buyers wanting a capable French-door refrigerator without spending $2,000+.
Entry-Level A-Series TVs: While inexpensive, they lack the features that earn Hisense positive reviews. The value proposition weakens significantly at the bottom of the lineup.
Newer Appliance Categories: Washing machines and dishwashers lack Hisense's established track record. Consider proven brands for these categories until Hisense builds longer reliability history.
After examining TVs, appliances, reliability data, customer service, and competitive positioning, here's the comprehensive verdict.
Yes, Hisense is a good brand - with important caveats that informed buyers must understand.
What Hisense Does Well:
Hisense delivers exceptional value when units work properly. The combination of Mini-LED backlighting, quantum dot color, high refresh rate gaming features, and impressive brightness at 30-50% below premium competitors represents genuine opportunity for budget-conscious buyers.
TV picture quality competes with models costing significantly more. The U7 and U8 series in particular punch above their weight class, earning recommendations from RTINGS, TechRadar, Tom's Guide, and other trusted sources.
Manufacturing quality has improved significantly. The company that builds 100-inch RGB Mini-LED flagship displays isn't the same as the budget brand of five years ago. Hisense invests in technology and capability.
What Hisense Does Poorly:
Reliability remains a legitimate concern. The 20% five-year failure rate (per Consumer Reports) means roughly one in five buyers will experience problems - nearly double Sony's 11% rate.
Customer service struggles with consistency. Response times, technical knowledge, and warranty claim experiences frustrate many customers. Strong retailer relationships mitigate this concern but don't eliminate it.
Quality control variability means your experience may differ significantly from others. Two identical Hisense TVs might deliver vastly different long-term reliability.
The Balanced Conclusion:
Hisense is a good brand for buyers who:
Prioritize features and value over guaranteed reliability
Buy from retailers with strong return policies and warranty options
Accept calculated risk for significant savings
Use TVs for secondary purposes or shorter ownership horizons
Hisense is not ideal for buyers who:
Prioritize absolute reliability and peace of mind
Expect premium customer service experiences
Plan 10+ year ownership of primary family TVs
Cannot tolerate potential troubleshooting or warranty hassles
Final Ratings:
Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
TV Picture Quality | 8/10 | Competitive with premium brands at lower prices |
TV Features | 9/10 | Often exceeds competitors at same price |
TV Reliability | 6/10 | 20% failure rate is concerning |
Appliances | 7/10 | Strong in cooling products, weaker in newer categories |
Customer Service | 5/10 | Inconsistent experiences, challenging warranty process |
Overall Value | 9/10 | Outstanding when units work properly |
Overall Rating | 7.5/10 | Good brand with specific strengths and weaknesses |
The Bottom Line:
Buy Hisense if you want maximum features per dollar, you're purchasing from Costco or with extended warranty protection, and you're comfortable with calculated risk. The 80% probability of excellent long-term operation combined with significant savings makes financial sense for many buyers.
Choose alternatives if reliability is non-negotiable, customer service quality matters significantly, or anxiety about potential problems outweighs financial savings. Premium brands earn their premiums through proven durability and support.
Yes, Hisense is a Chinese multinational corporation founded in 1969 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. The company is partially state-owned through the Qingdao municipal government and has grown to become the world's second-largest TV manufacturer by units shipped. Hisense operates manufacturing facilities globally, including in Mexico, South Africa, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic.
Hisense owns 95% of Toshiba's television business, acquired in November 2017 for $113 million. This includes a 40-year license to use the Toshiba brand worldwide and access to Toshiba's TV patent portfolio. Other Toshiba divisions - including computers, nuclear energy, and industrial equipment - remain separately owned and operated.
Hisense TVs typically last 5-7 years with normal use, with some users reporting 7-10+ years of operation. However, Consumer Reports estimates 20% experience problems within five years - nearly double Sony's 11% failure rate. Quality varies by unit, making extended warranties and strong retailer return policies advisable for mitigating risk.
Hisense offers better value (30-50% cheaper for comparable specifications) but Samsung leads in reliability, image processing sophistication, and customer service quality. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing features per dollar, Hisense wins. For those prioritizing long-term reliability, proven support, and processing refinement, Samsung justifies its premium pricing.
Hisense refrigerators, particularly compact fridges and freezers, are generally reliable with positive reviews for consistent cooling and quiet operation. Reviewed.com named a Hisense French-door model their "Best Overall" refrigerator pick. Full-size models have more varied feedback. Cooling products represent Hisense's strongest appliance category, though newer washing machine and dishwasher lines have limited track records.
Hisense customer service receives mixed to negative reviews, with common complaints about response times, technical knowledge gaps, and challenging warranty claim processes. The company maintains an A+ BBB rating (reflecting complaint response rates, not satisfaction levels), but individual experiences vary widely. Buying from retailers with strong support - like Costco or Best Buy with Geek Squad protection - provides alternative support paths.
ULED is Hisense's marketing term for their enhanced LED technology combining quantum dot color, local dimming zones, and proprietary Hi-View Engine image processing. It's comparable to Samsung's QLED branding and represents Hisense's premium TV tiers. ULED is not a fundamentally different display technology from LED/LCD - it's enhanced LED/LCD with additional features.
Hisense TVs are manufactured in multiple locations: primarily China (Qingdao, Shunde, Huzhou), with additional facilities in Mexico, South Africa, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. The company operates 14 industrial parks globally and produces its own LCD panels, enabling competitive pricing through vertical integration rather than purchasing panels from Samsung or LG Display.
Yes, extended warranty is recommended for Hisense products given the 20% five-year failure rate and customer service challenges. Purchasing from Costco (90-day returns, excellent concierge service) or Best Buy (Geek Squad protection) provides strong warranty alternatives that don't route through Hisense directly.
Hisense TVs are excellent for gaming, particularly the U7 and U8 series offering 144Hz-165Hz refresh rates, VRR support, Auto Low Latency Mode, FreeSync Premium Pro, and low input lag. These gaming features compete with TVs costing significantly more from Samsung and LG, making Hisense attractive for budget-conscious gamers.
For additional Hisense questions and troubleshooting, explore resources covering how to enable hisense captions, how to open hisense guide, how to exit hisense apps, or remote pairing for specific devices like pair roku remote to hisense tv and how to program xfinity remote.
Last Updated: January 20, 2026
Sources: Consumer Reports, RTINGS.com, TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Reviewed.com, Wikipedia, Hisense USA, Better Business Bureau, ConsumerAffairs, Trustpilot