86

TCL Alto 6+ Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Feb 16, 2024 5:44 PM

True Score

76
77
2

Experts

84
6,511

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The TCL Alto 6+ offers clear dialog and booming bass at an affordable price. Its limitations, such as weak bass for certain content and occasional volume control issues, may not satisfy audiophiles but work for those seeking better TV sound quality at an affordable price.

$86.99

We’re reader-supported. Commissions finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. Learn more

Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

Announced in early 2021, the TCL Alto 6+ is an entry-level surround sound system that is made up of one soundbar and a subwoofer. Like most top tier speakers, the Alto 6+ is a wireless setup, so putting it together is pretty easy.

Its subwoofer delivers a satisfactory bass output but doesn’t match the rumble that more popular soundbars are capable of. In terms of wireless connectivity, the 6+ keeps things basic, only allowing for Bluetooth connectivity.

Buyers who would appreciate streaming options that include WiFi connectivity and the ability to stream audio content from services such as Apple AirPlay, Spotify, or Chromecast might want to consider other options from our list of the best soundbars.

Lastly, even though the Alto 6+ doesn’t support Dolby Atmos content, its soundstage is good enough for users to perceive object sounds as coming from specific locations.

Consensus

our Verdict

The TCL Alto 6+ offers seamless connectivity, especially with TCL Roku TVs, and boasts low latency so that audio remains synchronized with the video, which is excellent for movies and shows. However, the soundbar offers only three EQ presets, limiting the ability to fine-tune audio to personal preferences. It also doesn’t support Dolby Atmos.

In terms of sound, it delivers balanced mids for clear dialogue and produces impressive low bass. However, its treble range may sound flat and dark, and the subwoofer’s performance is inconsistent. The soundstage is also narrow, making it mediocre at best. The remote and controls are simple but lack dedicated input buttons, and the TCL Alto 6+ lacks a dedicated smartphone app. Build-wise, the soundbar is durable, but the fabric is prone to damage and dirt.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Clear dialog and impressive bass
  • Can get loud without distortion
  • Seamless setup with TCL Roku TVs
  • Three EQ presets for customization
  • Bluetooth support for wireless audio streaming
  • Good stereo dynamics for larger rooms
  • Low latency for synchronized audio and video

Reason to Avoid

  • Limited sound adjustment options
  • No dedicated app for additional control
  • Weak bass performance for some content
  • Limited input options and no RCA input
  • Lack of dedicated input buttons on the remote
  • Treble range can sound flat and dark
  • Lack of support for advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos

TCL Alto 6+ Review Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth4.2"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement Feature
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star Certified
HDMI ARCHDMI ARC
HeightHeight
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels
SubwooferSubwoofer
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound Supported
Voice AssistantVoice Assistant
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight4 lbs
WidthWidth31.5"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless Connectivityn/a
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer Connectivityna
Works WithWorks With

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)62.586
High End Roll Off (Hz)4,627.749
Max Volume Test (db)95.05
Latency (ms)37
THD @ 80dB0.39

Can You Trust What You Read Online?

Fake reviews are taking over tech journalism—45% of sites are faking product tests. Don’t be misled.

Sign up now for exclusive access to Gadget Review’s bombshell investigation and uncover the truth about tech journalism.

Plus, stay ahead with our daily newsletter, packed with insights you can trust.

    Product Comparison

    TCL Alto 6+ Review

    True Score

    76
    73
    77
    84

    Ranking

    #

    86

    /

    149

    #

    120

    /

    149

    #

    82

    /

    149

    #

    7

    /

    149

    Market Context

    Announced in early 2021, the TCL Alto 6+ is an entry-level surround sound system that is made up of one soundbar and a subwoofer. Like…

    Announced in early 2021, the TCL Alto 6+ is an entry-level surround sound system that is made up of one soundbar and a subwoofer. Like most top tier speakers, the Alto 6+ is a wireless setup, so putting it together is pretty easy.

    Its subwoofer delivers a satisfactory bass output but doesn’t match the rumble that more popular soundbars are capable of. In terms of wireless connectivity, the 6+ keeps things basic, only allowing for Bluetooth connectivity.

    Buyers who would appreciate streaming options that include WiFi connectivity and the ability to stream audio content from services such as Apple AirPlay, Spotify, or Chromecast might want to consider other options from our list of the best soundbars.

    Lastly, even though the Alto 6+ doesn’t support Dolby Atmos content, its soundstage is good enough for users to perceive object sounds as coming from specific locations.

    The TCL Alto 6+ is outmatched by the TCL Alto 8i in terms of surround sound performance since the 8i can render Dolby Atmos content,…

    The TCL Alto 6+ is outmatched by the TCL Alto 8i in terms of surround sound performance since the 8i can render Dolby Atmos content, which the 6+ cannot. However, the 6+ ships with a subwoofer, so it is more capable of a lower bass output compared to the 8i.

    The TCL Alto 6+ looks very similar to the TCL Alto 7+, with their only difference being that the Alto 7+ gets slightly louder than…

    The TCL Alto 6+ looks very similar to the TCL Alto 7+, with their only difference being that the Alto 7+ gets slightly louder than the Alto 6+. Also, with the Alto 7+ being a later model, it has better build quality. You can check out our TCL Alto 7+ review to find out what else it has to offer.

    The TCL Alto 6+ ships with a subwoofer that allows it to deliver a more profound bass output than the Sonos Arc, which does not…

    The TCL Alto 6+ ships with a subwoofer that allows it to deliver a more profound bass output than the Sonos Arc, which does not have one included. In contrast, the Sonos Arc boasts support for Dolby Atmos content (which is missing with the Alto 6+), and since it is a 5.0.2 channel setup, it delivers a more immersive surround sound experience.

    Bluetooth Enabled

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Depth

    4.2"

    5"

    3.9"

    4.56"

    Dialogue Enhancement Feature

    No

    Yes

    Yes

    Energy Star Certified

    No

    No

    No

    HDMI ARC

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Height

    2.6"

    2.5"

    3.43"

    Number of Audio Channels

    2.1

    2.1

    5.0.2

    Subwoofer

    Build-in

    Included

    Optional (sold separately)

    Dig Deeper

    TCL Alto 8i Review →

    TCL Alto 7+ Review →

    Sonos Arc Review →

    All Stores

    Updated every 24 hours

    • $86.99

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      No
    • Save $-9
      $129.99
      $138.64

      Availability

      Not available

      Free Shipping

      Yes

    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    77

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    84

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    76

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

    Expert Scores

    • Rtings
      101.4

      Category Trust Rating

      70
      The TCL Alto 6+ is okay for mixed usage. It’s a decent choice for dialogue-centric… Read More

      By:

    • Tom’s Guide
      77.58

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      For about $100, it’s hard to beat the Alto 6 Plus. It has a big… Read More

      By:

    Customer Scores