92

TCL Alto 7+ Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Dec 20, 2023 11:31 AM

True Score

77
76
4

Experts

85
2,878

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The TCL Alto 7+’s clear vocals, reliable connectivity, low latency, and adequate loudness will satisfy budget-conscious individuals seeking to enjoy dialogue-intensive TV shows and movies. However, its limited soundstage, below-par surround quality, and lack of deep rumbles create a subpar immersive viewing experience.

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$249.99
$179.99

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The TCL Alto 7+ is a 2019 model entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that offers a minimalistic design and a pretty loud output for TVs and movie lovers.

This system doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and has a poor surround soundstage, so it’s not the best choice for movies. You can find more immersive soundbars for movies among the highest-rated speakers today.

Although it comes with a dedicated wireless subwoofer, it doesn’t reproduce that deep extended low bass that is needed for EDM music and action movies.

However, users will love its incredible selection of wired connectivity options that include optical, HDMI ARC, 3.5 mm, and USB. This system also streams via Bluetooth but doesn’t have any Wi-Fi-related streaming options.

It gets loud enough to fill huge rooms, reaching the top SPL of 99.6 dB, and has a decent overall sound profile. Learn more about the TCL Alto 7+ below and check out our best soundbars list today.

Consensus

our Verdict

Although lacking Full HDMI, the TCL Alto 7+ soundbar connects securely via HDMI ARC and Optical, while its subwoofer connects wirelessly.

Its audio remains crackle-free, and the tested latency is good for video streaming (tested at 62ms via ARC and 76 via Optical).

The somewhat narrow soundstage and poorly downmixed surround content create a front-oriented sound perception, hampering immersion for action scenes, and there’s no Dolby Atmos.

The sounds are pretty neutral for music listening, the vocals are well-reproduced, and the volume reaches satisfying loudness. Yet, the absence of meaningful sub-bass reduces deep thumps.

There’s an EQ-enabled remote, and the bar’s rugged construction can endure a few knocks. Despite responsive input commands, you can toggle between only three EQ presets, and there is no app compatibility for simplified soundbar operation.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Secure wired connection
  • Audio is free of unwanted sounds
  • Good latency performance
  • Neutral sound signature
  • Good vocal reproduction
  • Durable construction

Reason to Avoid

  • Relatively narrow soundstage
  • Poor surround performance
  • No Dolby Atmos
  • Lacks sub-bass
  • Limited EQ presets
  • No app compatibility

TCL Alto 7+ Review Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth3.9"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight2.5"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels2.1
SubwooferSubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Digital
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight13.4 lbs
WidthWidth36"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithBluetooth, Remote Control

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)63.496
High End Roll Off (Hz)13,089.25
Max Volume Test (db)99.6
Latency (ms)62
THD @ 80dB0.31

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Product Comparison

TCL Alto 7+ Review

Yamaha YAS-108 Review

Yamaha YAS-108 Review

True Score

77
76
82
NR

Ranking

#

92

/

149

#

104

/

149

#

34

/

149

#

/

149

Market Context

The TCL Alto 7+ is a 2019 model entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that offers a minimalistic design and a pretty loud output for TVs and movie…

The TCL Alto 7+ is a 2019 model entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that offers a minimalistic design and a pretty loud output for TVs and movie lovers.

This system doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and has a poor surround soundstage, so it’s not the best choice for movies. You can find more immersive soundbars for movies among the highest-rated speakers today.

Although it comes with a dedicated wireless subwoofer, it doesn’t reproduce that deep extended low bass that is needed for EDM music and action movies.

However, users will love its incredible selection of wired connectivity options that include optical, HDMI ARC, 3.5 mm, and USB. This system also streams via Bluetooth but doesn’t have any Wi-Fi-related streaming options.

It gets loud enough to fill huge rooms, reaching the top SPL of 99.6 dB, and has a decent overall sound profile. Learn more about the TCL Alto 7+ below and check out our best soundbars list today.

Featuring a dedicated wireless subwoofer, the TCL Alto 7+ produces deeper extended low-bass than the TCL Alto 8+, which has a built-in subwoofer. The TCL…

Featuring a dedicated wireless subwoofer, the TCL Alto 7+ produces deeper extended low-bass than the TCL Alto 8+, which has a built-in subwoofer. The TCL Alto 7+ also boasts a better center channel and a more immersive surround soundstage. On the other hand, the TCL Alto 8+ has an auto volume mode and the built-in Amazon Fire TV 4k media streamer, unlike the Alto 7+. Learn more in our TCL Alto 8+ review today.

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 has a more balanced sound profile and a wider stereo soundstage than the TCL Alto 7+. That said, the TCL…

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 has a more balanced sound profile and a wider stereo soundstage than the TCL Alto 7+. That said, the TCL Alto 7+ has a better center channel performance, producing clearer dialogue.

The TCL Alto 7+ gets louder, making it a better choice for larger rooms Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080. However, the Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080 supports DTS and has a…

The TCL Alto 7+ gets louder, making it a better choice for larger rooms Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080. However, the Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080 supports DTS and has a full HDMI input, unlike the TCL Alto 7+.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

Depth

3.9"

4.8"

40.25"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

Yes

Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

No

HDMI ARC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Height

2.5"

2.6"

16"

Number of Audio Channels

2.1

2.1

2.1

Subwoofer

Included

Included

Included

Dig Deeper

TCL Alto 8+ Review →

Polk Audio Signa S2 Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

76

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

85

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

77

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    64
    Okay for mixed usage. This soundbar will perform better with stereo content like audiobooks, podcasts,… Read More

    By:

    Jean-Simon Bonneterre
  • PC Mag
    51.6

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    The TCL Alto 7+ soundbar and subwoofer deliver bass depth and crisp treble edge we… Read More

    By:

    Tim Gideon
  • Digital Trends
    48.7

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    “A great starter soundbar for those who are tired of tinny TV speakers.” Read More

    By:

    Parker Hall
  • Techhive
    27.5

    Category Trust Rating

    60
    TCL’s super-affordable Alto 7+ soundbar is easy on the ears and wallet and slugs well… Read More

    By:

    Jonathan Takiff

Customer Scores