Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.
Winner
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a premium soundbar designed to bring rich, surround sound to your TCL TV with its powerful 9.1.4 channel setup and Dolby Atmos support. It creates immersive audio that feels like it’s coming from all around the room, making movies, games, and music more engaging. Dialogue is very clear, thanks to AI-powered Speech Enhancement, so you won’t miss important lines during shows. Setup is straightforward with a single HDMI eARC connection and helpful app guidance. Connectivity is strong, offering WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, which means you can easily stream music from various devices. The sleek, modern design is low-profile and fits well in most living spaces without distracting from the TV.
You can control it with your TV remote, voice commands, or the Sonos app, adding convenience. One downside is that the subwoofer isn’t built-in; you need to buy the Sonos Sub separately to get deep bass, which adds to the overall cost. Also, at over 46 inches wide, it might be too large for smaller TV setups.
The Arc Ultra excels in sound quality and smart features, making it an excellent choice for users willing to invest in a higher-end system and who want flexibility to expand with rear speakers for a full surround experience.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar stands out with its impressive 13-speaker setup, providing an immersive cinema-like surround sound experience, bolstered by technologies like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. This means you'll get clear, detailed audio that fills the room, ideal for both movies and music. The soundbar supports room optimization, adjusting the sound to fit your specific living room for the best possible experience every time you use it.
Connectivity options are extensive with HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2, providing flexibility for various devices and streaming needs. However, while the soundbar itself is quite powerful, boasting a maximum output of 585 watts, it’s worth noting that the subwoofer is not included and is wired, which might limit placement options and require an additional purchase for deep bass lovers.
The soundbar's design is sleek and relatively long at 51.2 inches, which can fit well with larger TVs but might overwhelm smaller setups. Compatibility with TCL TVs, or any brand for that matter, is assured thanks to the versatile connectivity options and included HDMI cable. For users looking for a high-end, expandable home theater audio solution with cutting-edge sound technologies and multiple streaming options, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is a great choice. Its size, need for additional components (like a subwoofer), and premium price point might be considerations for those with smaller spaces or tighter budgets.
The TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar is designed to elevate your home theater experience, particularly if you own a TCL TV. One of its standout features is the 7.1.4 channel system, which promises a rich, immersive sound that fills the room, making it ideal for movie lovers and gamers alike. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies enhances the audio experience by delivering spatial sound that surrounds you from all directions, effectively putting you in the middle of action scenes. With a total power output of up to 860 watts, you can expect booming bass and loud, clear audio that can easily fill larger spaces.
In terms of design, the sound bar is sleek and can fit comfortably under most TVs, while the wireless subwoofer and surround speakers eliminate clutter and provide flexibility in your setup. The up-firing speakers are particularly impressive as they reflect sound off the ceiling, adding depth to your audio experience.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The sound bar is relatively heavy at 39.5 pounds, which might make installation or movement a bit cumbersome. Additionally, while the wireless capabilities are a huge plus, some users might experience latency issues with Bluetooth, especially when streaming music. Moreover, while the sound quality is generally lauded, the lack of water resistance means it’s not the best choice for outdoor use or in areas prone to moisture. On the connectivity front, it offers multiple options including HDMI, optical, and USB, making it versatile for various devices. The TCL Q85H is a powerful sound bar that provides excellent audio quality for home theater setups, particularly for those who prioritize cinematic sound experiences.