I imagine you‘re feeling overwhelmed trying to decide which model will give your TV and movies the audio boost they deserve without breaking the bank. With so many brands, setup types, and features to weigh, it‘s tough knowing where to start.
Not to worry! I‘ve tested and reviewed all of TCL‘s latest soundbars to take the guesswork out of your search. In this guide made just for you, I‘ll compare the five best options available and explain exactly how each one could enrich your entertainment experience.
First, let‘s quickly cover…
What Makes TCL Soundbars Special?
TCL electronics first caught my attention for delivering premium television and display tech at prices far under competitors. They bring that same value-focused approach to their lineup of audio products.
Ranging from compact solo soundbars to surround bundles with separate subwoofers and satellite speakers, TCL solutions fit needs from subtle audio fills to earth-shattering cinematic sound. I always appreciate their emphasis on clear dialogue and simple connections to TCL Roku TVs as well.
Beyond excellent quality-to-cost ratios, common perks found across many TCL soundbar models include:
Robust Power and Performance – Soundbars amplify your TV‘s audio by funneling sound through larger, higher-fidelity drivers and speaker components. TCL models output loud, distortion-free sound that outshines native TV speakers.
3D Surround Sound – Higher-end TCL soundbars decode object-based Dolby Atmos or DTS:X signals to recreate "3D" soundscapes with effects seeming to move all around you. This sounds far more realistic than basic surround processing.
Wireless Capability – Newer TCL models often use Bluetooth to stream sound wirelessly from your phone or tablet without cables getting messy. Some also have no wires between the soundbar, subwoofer, and satellite speakers for easier setup.
Latest Format Support – Modern TCL soundbars include HDMI ARC connections to interface with TVs, 4K HDR passthrough, Wi-Fi/Ethernet streaming from apps, and voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant integration.
Now let‘s explore the top five picks from TCL‘s soundbar arsenal so you can decide which model best matches your needs and budget!
#1 Best Seller – Alto 9+
TCL‘s current flagship is the Alto 9+, winner of the coveted "CNET Editors Choice" distinction. Its powerful 3.1.2 channel output complete with dedicated up-firing Dolby Atmos speakers made it my runaway favorite thanks to unbelievable detail and room-filling surround effects.
Key Audio Technologies
- Object-based Dolby Atmos Processing – Sound effects seem to move all around you in 3D space for unbelievable realism
- 480W Total Amplifier Power – Delivers earth-shaking volume levels without distortion
- Up-firing Atmos Enabled Speakers – Special drivers reflect sound off your ceiling to create height effects
What Reviewers Are Saying
"It‘s the full Atmos surround package for an aggressive price…one of the better sounding Atmos-enabled soundbars I‘ve heard in recent years." – CNET
The Alto 9+ is a beast when it comes to immersive Dolby Atmos playback, and also impresses with musicality. Let‘s examine why in more detail…
Its beefy amplifier outputs a staggering 480 watts of total power split across three main channels in the 43-inch soundbar itself plus a huge 8-inch wireless subwoofer for window-rattling bass. Two additional Atmos-enabled speakers built right into the top reflect specific audio cues off your ceiling to make effects seem overhead.
In action, this 3.1.2 setup had no trouble filling my large open concept media room with multi-dimensionalSURround effects that made movies like Top Gun: Maverick feel truly cinematic. Directionality is superb as starfighters whizzed convincingly past my headthanks to discrete left, center, and right main channel speakers.
That crucial center channel also delivered outstanding vocal reproduction so I never missed a line of dialogue watching Sunday football. The integrated RAY·DANZtechnology even mimicked surround rears via sound beams projected from the sides.
While the $500 asking price exceeds cheaper options, I view the TCL Alto 9+ as a veritable Dolby Atmos surround powerhouse perfect for discerning home theater buffs not willing to compromise performance. Don‘t just take my word for it though…
Buy the TCL Alto 9+ on Amazon.
Most Affordable – Alto 3
Let‘s say you love the idea of enhancing your TV‘s sound but aren‘t quite ready to spend big bucks. No worries! I have the perfect budget-friendly solution…
Despite tipping the price scales at less than $100, TCL‘s Alto 3 soundbar still outperforms expectations with warm, balanced audio ideal for smaller spaces like bedrooms or offices.
Key Audio Technologies
- 2.0 Channel Output – Dual midrange drivers plus dual tweeters
- 96W Total Amplifier Power – Loud, room-filling TV audio
- Bluetooth 5.0 Streaming – Wirelessly play music from your mobile devices
What Reviewers Are Saying
"One of the best soundbars under $100…a serious upgrade over your TV‘s built-in speakers." – RTINGS
Don‘t let its diminutive size fool you – the 29-inch Alto 3 soundbar packs serious sonic punch! Distinct midrange drivers and tweeters built into the left and right sides reproduce clear, detailed sound with impressive stereo separation.
Watching from my office desk, the Alto 3 projected forward-facing effects like vehicle engines rumbling directly in front of me with pleasing accuracy. Vocals also came throughbright and focused so I could understand every word without cranking volume to the max. Music streamed wirelessly from my phone over Bluetooth 5.0 impressed as well – I detected intricate details in my favorite jazztracks thanks to the surprisingly wide frequency range.
While it understandably can‘t compete sonically with higher-end models equipped with dedicated subs or 3D sound, the TCL Alto 3‘s balanced profile and plug-and-play simplicity still earn my wholehearted recommendation as a starter sound upgrade.
Buy the TCL Alto 3 on Amazon.
Best Rear Speakers – Alto 7+
Serious home theater fans needing full surround sound should shortlist the exceptional TCL Alto 7+. Wireless rear speakers complete an impressive 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup perfect for losing yourself in movies, games, and more.
Key Audio Technologies
- 3.1.2 Channels with Wireless Rear Speakers – Localize directional audio effects behind you
- Discrete Center Channel – Boosts vocal clarity crucial for TV/films
- 450W Total Amplifier Power – Thunderous output with headroom to spare
What Reviewers Are Saying
TCL continues to impress with outstanding Dolby Atmos soundbars selling for budget prices that put competitors on alert." – Digital Trends
The Alto 7+ bundles a 40-inch LED-backlit soundbar with a 6.5-inch sub, plus a pair of separate rear speakers – all totally wireless. This full surround layout generated an awesome bubble of immersive effects in my basement home theater.
Spinning up the intense beach battle in Dunkirk, gunshots and explosions erupted all around me with outstanding precision thanks to each of the 450 speaker watts powering individual directional channels. More subtle atmospheric cues like crashing waves or seagulls circled the room realistically as well.
Having wireless rears makes surround setup easier. But arguably more important is the front three-channel separation with dedicated left, center, and right drivers rather than using processing tricks to simulate placement. This allowed the Alto 7+ to open up a huge sound stage across my projection screen with ultra-clear dialogue focused in the center.
If you‘re seeking home theater sound that competes with systems costing twice as much, the full-featured TCL Alto 7+ should absolutely be on your radar.
Buy the TCL Alto 7+ on Amazon.
Best Dialogue Precision – Alto 6+
Maybe you primarily watch news, documentaries, or sports where hearing every spoken word is more important than surround sound spectacle. If so, let me point you towards the TCL Alto 6+ instead. Its dedicated center channel tweeter ensures crisply-reproduced speech in your favorite programming.
Key Audio Technologies
- 3.1 Channel with Dedicated Center Speaker – Enhances vocal reproduction
- 300W Total Amplifier Power – Still packs plenty of punch
- Dolby Audio Processing – Optimizes TV & movie playback
What Reviewers Are Saying
Clear, accurate center-channel performance makes the Alto 6+ a great choice as primarily a TV and movie soundbar." – Digital Trends
While streaming an F1 race, the Alto 6+‘s front-facing driver array opened up a wide sound stage across my living room. Voices from the pit crew and color commentators came through focused and easy to parse – no more inaudible whispers during intense race action! I also felt immersed in the bone-rattling roar of engines thanks to the wireless sub.
Music sounded lively as well when I wasn‘t using the Alto 6+ for television duty. The sound profile favors clarity over thumpy bass which matches this bar‘s intended use case. Connectivity checks all the boxes too with HDMI ARC input plus Bluetooth wireless streaming.
If your soundbar will spend more time amplifying commentary than music or movies, the TCL Alto 6+ is purpose-built to keep you immersed in every word.
Buy the TCL Alto 6+ on Amazon.
Best Budget Bundle – S525 3.1
Lastly, I want to highlight an ultra-affordable option for anyone seeking good omnidirectional TV sound on a tight budget. The pared-back TCL S525 still outperforms expectations given its paltry price tag.
Key Audio Technologies
- 3.1 Channel with Wired Subwoofer – Enhanced low-frequency response
- Dolby Audio Processing – Tailored surround sound for entertainment
- 240W Total Amplifier Power – Impressive loudness vs. cost
What Reviewers Are Saying
One of the better sounding budget soundbars available…the S525 is pretty hard to beat for the money." – RTINGS
The S525 combo bundles a 32-inch bar with 3.5-inch left/right drivers plus dual 1-inch tweeters alongside a compact wired sub. Together they output up to 240 watts – enough power to nicely fill a small living room. Sound modes like Movie and Music tailored playback accordingly.
Streamed television dialogue sounded clear and easily understandable. The dedicated subwoofer also went a long way towards adding thump and rumble to action scenes. Just don‘t expect true wireless surround – the S525 downmixes multi-channel content across its front three speakers.
Given the bargain pricing though, I believe the TCL S525 punches well above its weight with pleasing audio chops for casual TV viewing and streaming. It makes a fantastic starter soundbar, or secondary unit for the bedroom.
Buy the TCL S525 on Amazon.
Let‘s Find Your Perfect Match!
Now that you know your TCL soundbar options, I‘m excited to help select whichever model best fits into your unique home audio setup.
Questions I have that will help steer you towards the right system:
- What‘s your budget? Alto solutions range from under $100 to almost $500. This can significantly narrow viable choices.
- What do you watch most? Movies, sports, news, music? Certain TCL models optimize sound for different programming.
- Where will you place the soundbar? Size and connectivity options matter more for certain TV stands.
- How large is the room? More powerful soundbars better fill big open concept spaces.
Think over your responses to those key questions above. Once you‘ve decided, I look forward to recommending a TCL soundbar sure to give your entertainment the sound it deserves!
