138

TCL Alto 9+ Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Dec 14, 2023 8:25 PM

True Score

66
66
2

Experts

73
30

Consumers

Expert Rankings

Overall, the TCL Alto 9+ will satisfy most budget-conscious buyers, as it offers good sound performance and widespread wireless connectivity for a pocket-friendly price. However, for more immersive audio and in-depth sound customization, consider other higher-end options

$180.99

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The TCL Alto 9+ is an entry-level 3.1-channel sound system first made available in late 2020. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer that is capable of a low bass depth but does not deliver the kind of rumble that movie fans would appreciate.

Its soundstage is not as wide, so its sound projection is hard to pinpoint. The best speakers have a wide soundstage, making it very easy to pick up where the sound is coming from.

Still, the Alto 9+ redeems itself with its support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus content through its HDMI ARC port. In total, the system also boasts an Optical Audio In port, three HDMI ports, and a single AUX port.

Like most highly ranked soundbars, it has impressive wireless connectivity, as owners will be able to stream audio content through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay.

Consensus

our Verdict

The TCL Alto 9+’s sound output lacks a strong bass response, but the vocals are very clear thanks to its center channel, and because it downmixes surround sound into stereo, its surround sound isn’t as immersive.

The soundbar allows for sound customization through 4 Eq presets, but it doesn’t get as loud. Still, its wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay, are impressive, and its remote is pretty easy to use.

Its input options also include an Optical Audio in, a HDMI ARC, a HDMI Out, and a Full HDMI in.

It has a tested latency of 136ms over ARC, 134ms over Optical, and 83ms over Full HDMI In, which isn’t the lowest, but there won’t be any obvious lags.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Offers good capabilities for its price range
  • Allows for sound customization through its Eq
  • Enhances sound quality compared to built-in TV speakers
  • Provides a decent simulated surround sound experience
  • Good port selection
  • Many different wireless connectivity options
  • TV remote can control soundbar volume
  • Offers various sound modes for different experiences

Reason to Avoid

  • Does not get as loud
  • Lacking in low-range bass output
  • Lack of an on-screen menu and limited remote functionality
  • Sound quality decreases at lower volume levels
  • Some users reported overheating problems

TCL Alto 9+ Review Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth4.3"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight2.3"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels3.1
SubwooferSubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight6.6 lbs
WidthWidth41.3"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wireless
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithAmazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, Remote Control, Wi-Fi

All Specs

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Product Comparison

TCL Alto 9+ Review

True Score

66
76
77
86

Ranking

#

138

/

149

#

104

/

149

#

92

/

149

#

5

/

149

Market Context

The TCL Alto 9+ is an entry-level 3.1-channel sound system first made available in late 2020. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer that is…

The TCL Alto 9+ is an entry-level 3.1-channel sound system first made available in late 2020. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer that is capable of a low bass depth but does not deliver the kind of rumble that movie fans would appreciate.

Its soundstage is not as wide, so its sound projection is hard to pinpoint. The best speakers have a wide soundstage, making it very easy to pick up where the sound is coming from.

Still, the Alto 9+ redeems itself with its support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus content through its HDMI ARC port. In total, the system also boasts an Optical Audio In port, three HDMI ports, and a single AUX port.

Like most highly ranked soundbars, it has impressive wireless connectivity, as owners will be able to stream audio content through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay.

The TCL Alto 9+ is superior to the TCL Alto 8+ in terms of surround sound performance since it has a 3.1 channel setup, while…

The TCL Alto 9+ is superior to the TCL Alto 8+ in terms of surround sound performance since it has a 3.1 channel setup, while the 8+ is a 2.1 channel sound system. Also worth noting is that the 9+ ships with a subwoofer, while the 8+ does not include one. However, the 8+ gets slightly louder than the 9+, but in contrast, the 9+ has more HDMI ports than the 8+.

The TCL Alto 9+ has support for Dolby Atmos content while the Alto 7+ does not, however, the 7+ gets significantly louder than the 9+….

The TCL Alto 9+ has support for Dolby Atmos content while the Alto 7+ does not, however, the 7+ gets significantly louder than the 9+. The 9+ also allows for bass and treble adjustment, two settings that are not available with the 7+. Make sure to check out our TCL Alto 7+ review to see what else it has to offer.

The Alto 9+ has a better bass output than the Sonos Arc because it ships with a subwoofer, which the Sonos Arc does not include….

The Alto 9+ has a better bass output than the Sonos Arc because it ships with a subwoofer, which the Sonos Arc does not include. Still, the Sonos Arc can be used with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and in this aspect, it is better than the 9+. The Sonos Arc also offers app support, unlike the 9+.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Depth

4.3"

4.8"

3.9"

4.56"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

No

No

HDMI ARC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Height

2.3"

2.6"

2.5"

3.43"

Number of Audio Channels

3.1

2.1

2.1

5.0.2

Subwoofer

Included

Included

Included

Optional (sold separately)

Dig Deeper

TCL Alto 8+ Review →

TCL Alto 7+ Review →

Sonos Arc Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

66

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

73

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

66

Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    65
    The TCL Alto 9+ is alright for mixed usage. Its sound profile is a bit… Read More

    By:

    John Panoryios
  • What Hifi
    36.05

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    You get what you pay for as the old adage goes and we would be… Read More

    By:

    What Hi-Fi?

Customer Scores