Nikshep Myle, a dedicated contributor to Gadget Review for over 2 years, is a prominent figure in the consumer tech space. Outside the digital realm, Nikshep is an enthusiast of optimizing health and well-being, engaging in activities such as research, experimentation, and meditation. He finds joy in gaming, exploring new music, and embarking on travel adventures. In Nikshep’s world, technology seamlessly intertwines with personal well-being and a vibrant array of interests.
The budget TCL 8+ boasts clear dialogue delivery, reliable connectivity, sufficient loudness, and voice control access, making it fairly suitable for dialogue-heavy TV shows and movies. But the relatively flat soundstage, unconvincing surround sound, and similar-sounding EQ presets make it subpar for immersive viewing.
We’re reader-supported. Commissions finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. Learn more
Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The TCL Alto 8+ is an entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar released back in 2020, offering built-in Amazon Fire TV for television lovers. Unlike most of the best speakers, it offers access to Amazon Fire TV streaming media.
A well-balanced sound profile is great for all content types. However, this system doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and downmixes surround sound to stereo, so the narrow 3D soundstage will disappoint some movie enthusiasts.
Sound enhancement features like equalizer presets and the dialogue enhancement feature optimize music and movie content.
This system has a rich range of connectivity options that include optical, combined HDMI ARC+Out, full HDMI in, and USB. It streams via Bluetooth, but doesn’t have Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay.
Like most soundbars in its price range, you don’t get advanced features like a mobile app and built-in voice assistants with this model. The integrated subwoofer lacks that deep, extended low bass that many music and movie enthusiasts crave.
However, it gets really loud, achieving a top SPL of 90.6 dB. Explore more about the TCL Alto 8+ below, and see how it compares with the best-rated soundbars on the market today.
Consensus
our Verdict
The TCL Alto 8+ has a built-in subwoofer and connects reliably via HDMI ARC, optical cable, and Bluetooth, but it misses out on full HDMI In input.
Audio delivery is without disturbances, and the tested latency is excellent (43ms through ARC and 52ms through Optical).
The slightly wide soundstage and downmixed stereo surround present mediocre immersion, and the sound lacks low bass for action scenes.
However, it can get loud, and dialogue is accurately reproduced, thanks to the well-balanced mid and treble frequencies.
The voice remote eliminates taxing menu-hopping, and though boasting a sturdy build, the soundbar’s glossy coating makes fingerprints visible, and the outer fabric feels flimsy.
You get responsive input commands, but the three EQ presets sound similar, and there’s no app for accessing controls.
ReasonS to Buy
Reliable wired and Bluetooth connectivity
Crackle-free audio
Clear dialogues
Gets fairly loud
Voice-control-enabled remote
Sturdy build
Reason to Avoid
Fairly flat soundstage
Inaccurate surround sound
Lacks low-bass
Glossy finish causes fingerprints
EQ presets sound similar
Lacks app compatibility
TCL Alto 8+ Review Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
4.8"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
No
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
2.6"
Number of Audio Channels
2.1
Subwoofer
Included
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Atmos
Voice Assistant
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Yes
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
7 lbs
Width
39.4"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth, HDMI, Wireless
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, Remote Control, Wi-Fi
All Specs
Like what you’re reading? Get trustworthy, transparent product reviews and the latest tech news delivered to your inbox every morning.
The TCL Alto 8+ is an entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar released back in 2020, offering built-in Amazon Fire TV for television lovers. Unlike most of the…
The TCL Alto 8+ is an entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar released back in 2020, offering built-in Amazon Fire TV for television lovers. Unlike most of the best speakers, it offers access to Amazon Fire TV streaming media.
A well-balanced sound profile is great for all content types. However, this system doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and downmixes surround sound to stereo, so the narrow 3D soundstage will disappoint some movie enthusiasts.
Sound enhancement features like equalizer presets and the dialogue enhancement feature optimize music and movie content.
This system has a rich range of connectivity options that include optical, combined HDMI ARC+Out, full HDMI in, and USB. It streams via Bluetooth, but doesn’t have Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay.
Like most soundbars in its price range, you don’t get advanced features like a mobile app and built-in voice assistants with this model. The integrated subwoofer lacks that deep, extended low bass that many music and movie enthusiasts crave.
However, it gets really loud, achieving a top SPL of 90.6 dB. Explore more about the TCL Alto 8+ below, and see how it compares with the best-rated soundbars on the market today.
Equipped with a dedicated subwoofer, the TCL Alto 7+ produces deeper bass, making it a better choice for movies and music than the TCL Alto…
Equipped with a dedicated subwoofer, the TCL Alto 7+ produces deeper bass, making it a better choice for movies and music than the TCL Alto 8+, which doesn’t have the sub. It also has a better center channel and surround performance. That said, the TCL Alto 8+ has built-in Amazon Fire TV and supports the Dolby Digital Plus, unlike the TCL Alto 7+. Check out our TCL Alto 7+ review to learn more.
While the Roku Smart Soundbar has a built-in Roku media player, the TCL Alto 8+ has a built-in Amazon Fire TV 4K. It also features…
While the Roku Smart Soundbar has a built-in Roku media player, the TCL Alto 8+ has a built-in Amazon Fire TV 4K. It also features built-in Wi-Fi and a mobile app, unlike the TCL Alto 8+.
With the 3.1.2 setup, the Samsung HW-Q70R supports Dolby Atmos and offers a more immersive 3D soundstage than the TCL Alto 8+. It also has…
With the 3.1.2 setup, the Samsung HW-Q70R supports Dolby Atmos and offers a more immersive 3D soundstage than the TCL Alto 8+. It also has a more neutral sound profile out of the box and produces deeper extended low bass than the TCL Alto 8+. However, the TCL Alto 8+ has a built-in an Amazon Fire TV player, unlike Samsung HW-Q70R.
