71

TCL Alto 7+ Review

True Score

70
69
4

Experts

20
182

Consumers

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.

SAVE $70
$249.99
$179.99

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.

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

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.

True Score

70

Reasons to Buy

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

Reasons to Avoid

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

Specifications

Bluetooth EnabledYes
Depth3.9"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCYes
Height2.5"
Number of Channels2.1
SubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedDolby Digital
Voice AssistantNo
Wall MountableYes
Weight13.4 lbs
Width36"
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithBluetooth, Remote Control

All Specs

Test Results

Minimum Freq Response (Hz)33.6
Maximum Freq Response (Hz)19,900
Max Volume Test (db)83.9
Latency (ms)-41

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Product Comparison

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Yamaha YAS-108 Review

True Score

70
66
68
NR

Ranking

#

71

/

153

#

98

/

153

#

82

/

153

#

/

153

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"

Dig Deeper

Read review →: TCL Alto 8+ Review Read review →: Polk Audio Signa S2 Review

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    Availability

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    Free Shipping

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  • Availability

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

69

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

20

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

70

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

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    A

    Trust Score

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

    By:

    Jean-Simon Bonneterre
  • PC Mag
    D

    Trust Score

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

    By:

    Tim Gideon
  • Digital Trends
    D

    Trust Score

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

    By:

    Parker Hall
  • Techhive
    F

    Trust Score

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

    By:

    Jonathan Takiff

Customer Score Breakdown

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