149

Taotronics TT-SK026 Review

Nathan Rizzuti Avatar
Updated Dec 14, 2023 8:30 PM

True Score

55
55
1

Experts

62
0

Consumers

Expert Rankings

Though it fulfills its budget-friendly purpose of beating out built-in TV speakers, audio-loving users may find the bar’s sound quality subpar. But, for its low price point, the TaoTronics TT-SK026 may suit those looking for an entry-level upgrade.

Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a 2020 model entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that features a built-in subwoofer module that produces enough extended low bass for a moderately sized living room.

Just like the highest-rated speakers available in the market, this model can get quite loud at the max volume (93.7 dB SPL) for house parties. But unlike other highly ranked soundbars, it does not have any separated wireless subwoofer for thumping bass.

If you need a soundbar that produces even more powerful bass from an integrated subwoofer module, do take a look at our Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar review.

Unfortunately, it does not support any Dolby or DTS audio codecs, including the more advanced and lossless Dolby Atmos or DTS: X for a wide soundstage, and it does not have any built-in microphone for voice assistants.

In terms of wireless connectivity, this soundbar only features Bluetooth and lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay. And when it comes to wired inputs, it only features a 3.5 mm auxiliary and an optical audio jack.

If you need a USB port to play audio files from thumb drives and external hard drives, make sure to check out our TCL Alto 3 review.

Consensus

our Verdict

The TaoTronics TT-SK026 soundbar offers interesting connectivity features, such as dialogue enhancement and Bluetooth streaming, but overall has limited connection options and doesn’t connect to Chromecast, Apple Airplay, or WiFi.

The sound bar also lacks an HDMi or ARC connection input.

Soudwise, it has good volume, and its tonal balance leans towards the bass, sacrificing depth and rumble, which can be disappointing for sweeping, thunderous movie scores and effects.

It also has a frail treble and mid-performance, which contributes to the overall sound imbalance. The plastic build, lack of HDMI In, and PCM-only support limit its potential.

The remote control and user-friendly interface are simple but functional. Despite promising initial punch in bass, distortion creeps in at higher volumes, compromising the experience. The soundstage is limited, lacking focus and spaciousness.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Convenient Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
  • Dialogue enhancement feature for improved vocal clarity
  • Decent volume level for larger rooms or parties
  • User-friendly text-display interface
  • Basic remote control with input and EQ options
  • Multiple connection options: 3.5mm AUX, optical, coaxial
  • Sturdy build and cloth grille exterior
  • Affordable budget option for better sound than TV speakers
  • Punchier bass response compared to built-in TV speakers

Reason to Avoid

  • Doesn’t connect to Chromecast, Apple Airplay, or WiFi
  • Tonal balance tilts towards bass, lacking depth
  • Subpar thump and rumble in bass-heavy content
  • Limited soundstage and lack of focus
  • Cheap plastic build quality
  • No HDMI In port for advanced sound formats
  • Only supports PCM-format content
  • Distortion at higher volumes
  • Bass punch compromised by distortion
  • Lack of HDMI (ARC) for automatic power control

Taotronics TT-SK026 Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCNo
HeightHeight2.6"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels2.1
SubwooferSubwooferBuild-in
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Digital
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WidthWidth4.3"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithBluetooth, Remote Control

All Specs

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Product Comparison

Taotronics TT-SK026 Review

True Score

55
61
74
76

Ranking

#

149

/

151

#

144

/

151

#

115

/

151

#

91

/

151

Market Context

The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a 2020 model entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that features a built-in subwoofer module that produces enough extended low bass for a moderately…

The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a 2020 model entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that features a built-in subwoofer module that produces enough extended low bass for a moderately sized living room.

Just like the highest-rated speakers available in the market, this model can get quite loud at the max volume (93.7 dB SPL) for house parties. But unlike other highly ranked soundbars, it does not have any separated wireless subwoofer for thumping bass.

If you need a soundbar that produces even more powerful bass from an integrated subwoofer module, do take a look at our Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar review.

Unfortunately, it does not support any Dolby or DTS audio codecs, including the more advanced and lossless Dolby Atmos or DTS: X for a wide soundstage, and it does not have any built-in microphone for voice assistants.

In terms of wireless connectivity, this soundbar only features Bluetooth and lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay. And when it comes to wired inputs, it only features a 3.5 mm auxiliary and an optical audio jack.

If you need a USB port to play audio files from thumb drives and external hard drives, make sure to check out our TCL Alto 3 review.

Thanks to its wider 2.1-channel speaker setup, the TaoTronics TT-SK026 has a slightly wider stereo soundstage than the 2.0-channel TaoTronics TT-SK023 soundbar. The TT-SK026 soundbar…

Thanks to its wider 2.1-channel speaker setup, the TaoTronics TT-SK026 has a slightly wider stereo soundstage than the 2.0-channel TaoTronics TT-SK023 soundbar. The TT-SK026 soundbar can also get much louder than the TT-SK023, and it doesn’t suffer from as much compression artifacts or audio distortion at the max volume. The SK026 also has a text display-based UI that the SK023 lacks. Learn more about the TT-SK023 soundbar in our TaoTronics TT-SK023 review today.

Despite both coming with a similarly specced 2.1 channel speaker setup, the Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar features a wider stereo soundstage than the TaoTronics…

Despite both coming with a similarly specced 2.1 channel speaker setup, the Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar features a wider stereo soundstage than the TaoTronics TT-SK026 with better audio localization. The Vmai soundbar also features an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port, but the SK026 doesn’t. In addition, the Vmai model features a lot more audio customization options (e.g., bass adjustment, treble adjustment, etc.) than the TaoTronics TT-SK026 and better build quality.

Although the Sony HT-S100F only features a meager 2.0 channel output, it delivers a wider stereo soundstage than the 2.1 channel TaoTronics TT-SK026 soundbar, as…

Although the Sony HT-S100F only features a meager 2.0 channel output, it delivers a wider stereo soundstage than the 2.1 channel TaoTronics TT-SK026 soundbar, as it features both Dolby Digital and virtual surround sound. At 95.9 dB SPL, the Sony soundbar can also get much louder than the TaoTronics model and has fewer compression artifacts at the max volume. On the other hand, the SK026 has EQ options which the HT-S100F lacks.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Depth

2.5"

4"

3.5"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

No

Yes

na, Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

No

HDMI ARC

No

No

Yes

Yes

Height

2.6"

2.5"

3"

2.5"

Number of Audio Channels

2.1

2.0

Subwoofer

Build-in

No

Build-in

na, No

Dig Deeper

Taotronics TT-SK023 Review →

Vmai 2.1 Soundbar Review →

Sony HT S100F Review →

Score Card

E

Expert Score

55

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

62

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

55

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    55
    The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is good for dialogue and TV shows. It has a News preset… Read More

    By:

    Jake Thauvette