TCL is a well-known brand in the world of consumer electronics, offering a wide range of products that cater to different needs and preferences. The brand’s soundbars have gained popularity in recent years for their high-quality audio and user-friendly features.
In this article, HookeAudio will take a closer look at the best TCL soundbars available in the market and explore their unique features and specifications. From compact and affordable models to high-end soundbars that deliver immersive audio, TCL has a range of options that cater to different budgets and preferences.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| TCL Alto 6 2.0 Channel Home... | 2,942 Reviews |
$79.99
$69.99 | View on Amazon |
| 2 |
| TCL Alto R1 Wireless 2.0... | 1,214 Reviews |
$199.99
$99.99 | View on Amazon |
| 3 |
| TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Dolby... | 4,660 Reviews |
$129.99 | View on Amazon |
| 4 |
| TCL 5.1ch Sound Bar with... | 7 Reviews |
$249.99 | View on Amazon |
| 5 |
| TCL Alto 8 Plus 3.1.2 Channel... | 118 Reviews |
$189.99 | View on Amazon |
| 6 |
| TCL 5.1ch Sound Bar with... | 6 Reviews |
$249.99
$199.99 | View on Amazon |
| 7 |
| TCL 3.1ch Sound Bar with... | 5 Reviews |
$249.99
$199.99 | View on Amazon |
| 8 |
| TCL Alto 8 2.1 Channel Dolby... | 75 Reviews |
$220.72
$198.74 | View on Amazon |
| 9 |
| TCL 2.1ch Sound Bar with... | 8 Reviews |
$149.99
$119.99 | View on Amazon |
| 10 |
| TCL Alto 8i 2.1 Channel Dolby... |
$179.99 | View on Amazon |
Contents
The Best TCL Soundbars: TOP-Picked For You
TCL Alto R1
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 35.4″ x 2.6″ x 3.2″
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Power output: 120 watts (RMS)
- Drivers: 2 x 2.5″ full-range drivers; 2 x 1″ tweeters
- Subwoofer driver: N/A
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, optical input, 3.5mm auxiliary input, USB (for firmware updates)
- Supported audio formats: Dolby Digital, PCM
- Voice control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant (via external device)
- EQ presets: Music, Movie, News, and Game
- Remote control: Yes
- Wall-mountable: Yes
TCL was the leading company that Roku used to market its wireless audio platform. However, Roku Tv’s built-in speakers (the Roku TV Wireless subwoofer and the Roku TV Wireless Speakers) were the only products launched in the first few years. The $179.99 TCL Alto R1, TCL’s Roku TV soundbar, is finally available.
It can be connected quickly to any Roku TV, such as the TCL Alto 6 series and the Hisense R7G. Although it doesn’t support spatial audio or any other type of simulated surround sound for that matter, the audio quality is excellent for the price.
If you need deep rumble, you can pair it with a Roku wireless subwoofer. This is an excellent alternative to Roku’s speakers, especially if your goal is an all-in-one solution.
TCL does not specify the drivers of the TCL Alto R1 soundbar, but it has two 30W drivers and two 25W drivers to produce stereo sound for 2.0 channels. The R1 can play Dolby Atmos audio but not Dolby Atmos sound.
The Alto R1’s audio range is impressive, even without sub-bass frequencies. The Matrix voices sound full and clear, and the industrial soundtrack with its low sweeps, high stings, and creepy atmosphere comes across clearly. The stereo mix is limited, so subtle left-right pans are the best form of directional imaging.
Pros
- A powerful, balanced sound
- It is easy to set up.
- Roku Wireless can be used to augment the sound system
Cons
- Roku TV required
- To use the speaker, the TV must be turned on
TCL Alto 6+
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 35.4″ x 2.6″ x 3.1″
- Weight: 3.9 lbs
- Power output: 120 watts (RMS)
- Drivers: 2 x 2.5″ full range drivers; 2 x 1.25″ tweeters
- Subwoofer driver: Wireless, 5.25″ down-firing driver
- Frequency response: 30Hz – 20kHz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, optical input, 3.5mm auxiliary input, USB (for firmware updates)
- Supported audio formats: Dolby Digital
- Voice control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- EQ presets: Normal, Music, Movie, News, and Bass
- Remote control: Yes
- Wall-mountable: Yes
TCL Alto 6+ features three sound modes that allow you to quickly adjust the sound of your home theater to various types of programming.
There are three modes: TV mode, Movie mode, and Music mode. TCL does not tell you what each mode is supposed to deliver, nor what it adjusts or does differently. There is no discernible difference between modes. Some presets will cause a shift to one end or the other, but this bar is all I hear.
This wireless soundbar has a good sound quality but is not exceptional. This sound bar is undoubtedly an entry-level option.
Overall, it is a little thin with a smaller soundstage. The Alto 6+ is good at amplifying the sound and improving the quality of the TV’s speakers.
Although voices sound better and seem more natural, some nuances to communicate are still missing. The soundstage is more minor and louder than the overall music, but it is clear that the music sound coming from the soundbar. It doesn’t feel like it is filling the room with sound.
Also, the bass is a little too soft. The bass is not loud enough to make the floor shake, and there’s a tiny thump.
The TCL Alto soundbar and subwoofer combination is an excellent choice if you have a limited budget but still want superior sound quality than your flatscreen TV can provide. It is easy to set up and use, has many wall mounting and connecting options, and is simple to join.
Pros
- Clear dialogue and booming bass
- It’s easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Sound adjustment is minimal.
- No app
TCl 8i Soundbar
- Channel Configuration 2.1
- Dimensions of the product 39.0 x 2.5 x 5.2 inches
- Weight 2.90 kg
- Amplifier output NA
- Wireless Audio Protocol Bluetooth
- Dolby AtmosDolby digital Audio decoding codecs
- Dolby Digital Plus
- 5.1 PCM
- Satellites and Subwoofer Type None
- Connectivity 1x Optical In-Audio
- 1 x HDMI In
- 1 x HDMI Out/In – Audio/Video
- 1 x 1/8 inches / 3.5 mm – Audio
- 1 x USB Audio/Video
TCL Alto 8i is minimalistic in design. The bar’s exterior is made of plain, black plastic. It feels sturdy and has a thick fabric cover that is a dust magnet. Along with regular drivers, the bar has two subwoofers.
Alto 8i bars measure 39.0 x 2.5 x 5.2 inches and weigh 2.90 kg. It’s not too wide, so it should fit comfortably under 55-inch TVs. It’s also not very high, so your TV viewing experience won’t be affected if it’s on the table.
The bar’s back will have universal holes that can be used for wall mounting. There is also a cutout to accommodate power cables and ports.
TCL Alto 8i does not include a wireless subwoofer or satellite speaker. Instead, it opts to have two subwoofers directly in the bar.
The TCL Alto 8i is a budget offering with many input ports, unlike most. The TCL Alto 8i has a full HDMI In, HDMI Out/Out, ARC, Optical IN, USB, and a traditional 3,5mm jack slot. You can connect your phone, tablet, or other PDA device to the Aux port. The HDMI port allows the soundbar to connect the computer and TV conveniently.
Alto 8i has a 2.1Ch configuration and two subs. Roku TV compatibility means that you have more space for streaming. The sound quality is loud and bright, which can disappoint those who prefer neutral sounds. The mid-range is more balanced, and EQ presets allow you to tweak the output.
The overall sound profile is loud and punchy, emphasizing the treble. Subwoofers are not used as the low-bass is missing, which causes listeners to notice the lack of thump or rumble in their output. This is especially evident when you play bass-heavy content like EDM or action games.
TCL Alto 8i comes with a horrible selection of sound enhancement options. Three presets for EQ are available: Music, TV, and Movies. You can also adjust the sound output with the treble or bass controls.
To enhance your movie-watching experience, the bar includes Dolby Virtual Surround. It is the best soundbar to improve dialogue to improve the overall sound quality.
TCL Alto 8i soundbar performs well. Although it is acceptable for mixed usage, we wish the dialogue performance was better. You get what you pay, and there are very few complaints once you see the final product.
Pros
- It has a clean and straightforward design language
- There are three preset EQ settings.
- You can adjust most aspects to achieve the sound you want
Cons
- It can’t handle maximum volume well
- Low-bass is not a priority
FAQs
Are TCL soundbars any good?
TCL sound bars can be trusted. They have a sound mode that brings the content alive and are tuned to bare minimum harmonic distortion at all levels. A subwoofer can be paired with your soundbar to provide deep, rich bass.
Can I connect a soundbar to my Roku TV?
There are three sound modes options for connecting your Roku TV and Soundbar. You can either connect them using an HDMI or pair them wirelessly with a receiver. After joining, you can adjust the TV sound settings to enable the device and set it up as your preferred speaker.
How do I connect my TCL soundbar to my Samsung TV?
- For HDMI ARC setup, turn on your TV and soundbar.
- Next, connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI IN (HDMI ARC) port on your TV.
- Connect the other end to the HDMI OUT port (TV-ARC) on your soundbar.
- Next, change your soundbar’s source to the D.IN.
What is an 8i soundbar, and how do you define it?
TCL’s 2020 soundbar lineup includes the TCL Alto 8i, a 2.1 soundbar. It’s similar to other 2020 TCL soundbars, such as the TCL Alto 6 and TCL Alto 8; it is advertised as Roku TV Ready, which means that it can be connected to your Roku TV easily. It supports Bluetooth streaming and Dolby Atmos, but it also has two internal subwoofers.
Read more:
- Best Soundbar Under 200 In 2023: Top Brands Review
- Can You Use A Soundbar As A Center Speaker 2023? Top Full Guide
Conclusion
TCL has established itself as a leading brand in the world of soundbars, offering a range of products that deliver exceptional sound quality and user-friendly features. From the affordable TCL Alto 3 to the high-end TCL Alto 9+, TCL’s soundbars provide an immersive listening experience that is sure to enhance your home entertainment setup.
The brand’s commitment to innovation and seamless integration has made it a popular choice among consumers and critics alike. With the ability to connect to various music streaming services, voice assistants, and different devices, TCL has created a seamless and intuitive audio experience for its users. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality soundbar, TCL is definitely worth considering.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
